HEALTH & SAFETY INSPECTIONS OSSTF/FEESO - HS/WSIAC

What does the Occupational Health & Safety Act say in regards to workplace inspections? “...the members of a committee who represent workers shall designate a member representing workers to inspect the physical conditions of the workplace.” [Sec. 9(23)] “If possible, the member designated under subsection (23) shall be a certified member.” [Sec. 9(24)]

What does the Act say in regards to Workplace Inspections? (Cont’d)‏ “...not required to designate the same member to perform all inspections or to perform all of a particular inspection.” [Sec. 9(25)] “...shall inspect the physical condition of the workplace at least once a month.” [Sec. 9(26)] “If it is not practical to inspect the workplace at least once a month, ...” [Sec. 9(27)]

What does the Act say in regards to Workplace Inspections? (Cont’d)‏ “...with a schedule established by the committee.” [Sec. 9(28)] “The constructor, employer and the workers shall provide a member designated...with such information and assistance as the member may require for the purpose of carrying out an inspection of the workplace.” [Sec. 9(29)] “The member shall inform the committee of situations that may be a source of danger or hazard...and the committee shall consider such information within a reasonable period...” [Sec. 9(30)]

Who does a workplace inspection? THE PERSON DESIGNATED BY THE WORKERS Management cannot appoint someone to do the inspections! JHSC members and representatives doing inspections represent ALL workers, regardless of bargaining unit. WHSC TRAINING IS RECOMMENDED

Inspection Equipment Prepare inspection kit: PPE (if necessary)‏ clip board writing tool hazard reporting form checklists floor plans/ asbestos/hazard maps MSDS sheets previous inspection report(s) PPE (if necessary)‏ electrical outlet tester digital camera “Do Not Use” tags

Preparing for an Inspection Arrange time coverage (How much?) Inform staff Borrow Master Key Directions/maps to site Photo ID badge, Sign-In

Spotting the hazards Use checklist to facilitate your search. Walk in each room and storage area. Look around the room, at ceiling level, at eye level, and at floor level in each room. Walk around the outside of the building.

What are the 6 types of hazards? Physical Hazards Chemical Hazards Biological Hazards Ergonomic Hazards Mechanical Hazards Psycho-social Hazards

Physical Hazards Noise Vibration Cold Heat Radiation Electrical Slips, Trips and Falls are the most prevalent injuries in our sector.

Electrical Hazards Frayed cords Missing ground pin GFCI near sinks Daisy-chaining power bars Extension cords should not be permanent

Slips, Trips and Fall Hazards wet floor: water, snow, spills parking lots: potholes, ice carpets: torn, raised corners, split seams uneven flooring, sidewalks, stairs backpacks left on classroom floor stepladders readily accessible

Chemical Hazards Proper storage Proper labels Ventilation Indoor Air Quality Synergistic effects Management plans for “Designated Substances” Gases Vapour Mists Fumes Liquids Dusts Solids Entry Routes Inhale Ingest Inject Absorb

Biological Hazards Bacteria Viruses Fungus Plants Animals Bacteria and virus can be found in bodily fluids: blood, mucus, sputum, saliva, feces

Ergonomic Hazards improper equipment design computer desks chairs keyboards/mice improper work methods repetitive movements vibration poor postures lifts

Mechanical Hazards Guarding Lock out procedure Power sources

Stress Hazards Violence Isolation Harassment Work overload

Safety Devices

Fire Code Hanging objects % flammable wall coverage Fire doors closed Fire exits clear No storage in electrical rooms

Portable Inspections Proper drainage Condition of skirting, etc Communication with office

Required Postings Three green books: Occupational Health and Safety Act with Industrial Regulations Occupational Health and Safety Act with WHMIS Asbestos Regulation WSIB Form 82C First Aid Regulation 1101 MOL orders Air Quality testing results H&S Policy Previous Workplace Inspections JHSC Minutes

The workers know their work areas best. Talk to the workers! Ask workers about specific concerns. Ask workers about procedures and training. The workers know their work areas best.

Notetaking Take copious notes! Don't trust your memory! Note if an item is repeated from a previous inspection. Be specific - for example: instead of saying “machine unguarded Rm 213” write “guard missing on band saw Northeast corner Rm 213” and include the serial number if possible

Writing the Report 1) Take the time to complete the employer's reporting mechanism 2) Be concise and thorough 3) Do not report cosmetic issues 4) Suggest possible remedies (if possible)‏ 5) Take a copy for your records and insure that copies are sent to the appropriate members of the Joint H&S Committee

Follow up Check with the Joint Health & Safety Committee members regarding items of concerns that were noted on the report.