1. HEALTH & SAFETY INSPECTIONS OSSTF/FEESO - HS/WSIAC

2. 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)]

3. 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)]

4. 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)]

5. 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

6. 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

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

8. 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.

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

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

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

12. 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

13. 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

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

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

16. Mechanical Hazards
Guarding
Lock out procedure
Power sources

17. Stress Hazards
Violence
Isolation
Harassment
Work overload

18. Safety Devices

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

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

21. 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

22. 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.

23. 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

24. 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

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