So, you’re getting a job….

Approximately 15,000 young workers aged 15 to 19 are injured on the job in Canada each year. That’s too high a price to pay!

The level of risk that is acceptable on the job is lower than what you might decide to accept in personal activities.

Occupational Health & Safety The number of people who have died or become ill as a result of illnesses related to their work is greater than in sudden accidents. We have programs such as WHMIS and rules for handling hazardous materials and requirements for personal protective equipment (ear plugs)

If you drive a car … You follow rules of the road and laws and police to enforce the laws. NS has a law called “Occupational Health & Safety Act” – specific regulations for safety in the workplace. Supervisors have legal responsibilities for safety. Inspectors visit workplaces.

Your rights & responsibilities… You have the right to know what you are dealing with. You have a legal duty to report any hazard to your boss. You have a duty to use any personal protective equipment. You have a duty to use equipment safely. You have a duty to not remove any safety device, such as guards, warning signs.

What is Workers’ Comp? It is an insurance plan. You have the duty to report accidents immediately. You may need first aid. Your supervisor needs to know so that they can do something about it.

PPE – Personal Protective Equipment

Every controlled substance has a WHMIS label that identifies the material. A “material safety data sheet’ is available at your job so you know what protective measures to take and what to do in an emergency. Your employer has a legal duty to train you in WHMIS if you work around hazardous materials.

Hazardous Products Compressed gasses in cylinders Flammable & combustible materials Poisonous and infectious materials Corrosive materials such as acids Dangerously reactive materials Oxidizing materials that can promote fire

Summer Jobs Summer jobs often mean odd jobs. Hazardous are usually so obvious to experienced workers that they may not think to mention them.

Confined Spaces Any space not designed for human occupancy where there may be life threatening hazards –Sewers, tunnels, pipelines –Mines, caves, excavations –Vats, drums, silos –Tanks, tank cars Dangers: –Ignition of flammable gas –

Confined Spaces Gas meters must be used No one can do a job alone, someone must be at the entrance If there is trouble – don’t go in – go for help.

Entrainment

Lockout / Tag Out No one works on equipment until the machine is shut off and moving parts stopped. You actually put a lock on power switches so that no one can turn on the power until you finish.

Ladders & Elevations If you work more than 3 meters above the ground you have to have fall protection equipment.

Heavy Equipment Watch out!!!Watch out!!!

Trenching and Shoring There are laws for trenches over 4 feet deep. They must be: – supported by walls inside – sides sloped back – you work in a trench box

If you perform a certain set of motions over and over again enough times, the affected part of your body could suffer. –Carpal tunnel syndrome

One quarter of all compensation claims arise from falls. Report ice, oil spills…. Don’t block walkways or leave equipment on the floor. Lace up boots/shoes.

Lifting and Carrying One in four injuries involve lifting and carrying. Your job is not an athletic competition! Do not twist while lifting.

Protect Yourself!!