WORKPLACE HAZARDS

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A workplace hazard is any practice or condition that can result in injury or illness to people, or damage to property or the environment. Some hazards are visible (e.g. sharp edges, smoke or a spill) and other hazards may be invisible (e.g. laser beam, pathogen agents, chemical vapour, noise). Types of hazards will depend on your workplace, the materials and equipment present, and the activities conducted When controlling workplace hazards, the following HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS should be followed: – Elimination of hazard – Substitute (replace the hazard) – Engineering controls (e.g., ventilation, shielding) – Administrative controls (e.g., standard procedures, shift rotation and training) – Personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., lab coat, respirators, gloves, eye protection and face shields)

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In many cases, a combination of controls is required.

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Taken from: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/

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3 YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAZARDS Some people say that what you don’t know can’t hurt you. That’s not true at work. On some jobs, what you don’t know can kill you. A hazard is anything that could hurt you or hurt the people you work with. All of us have heard about a worker or group of workers who were killed on the job. We have heard of workers falling from heights, getting caught in equipment or being electrocuted and burned. Events like these send a shock wave through the workplace and the community, and it is tragic for the victim’s family and friends. Unfortunately, this kind of event happens not once or twice but dozens of times each year in Ontario.

There is a hazard at the root of almost every workplace death, injury or sickness. A hazard can take many forms. Sometimes more than one hazard can combine to make an even bigger hazard. You need to know about the hazards in your workplace before you start working. Always be on the lookout for hazards to yourself or others. Before you start your work day, ask yourself questions like:  Is any of the machinery broken?

 Are there warning labels or signs?  Is there any moving equipment I could get caught in?  Is there something I could slip or trip on?  Do I need protective equipment?  Do I know how to do this job safely?

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4 WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF HAZARDS? Workplace hazards can come from a wide range of sources. General examples include any substance, material, process, practice, etc. that has the ability to cause harm or adverse health effect to a person under certain conditions.

EXAMPLES OF HAZARDS AND THEIR EFFECTS WORKPLACE HAZARD

EXAMPLE OF HAZARD

EXAMPLE OF HARM CAUSED

THING

KNIFE

CUT

SUBSTANCE

BENZENE

LEUKEMIA

MATERIAL

ASBESTOS

MESOTHELIOMA

SOURCE OF ENERGY

ELECTRICITY

SHOCK, ELECTROCUTION

CONDITION

WET FLOOR

SLIPS, TRIPS, FALLS

PROCESS

WELDING

METAL FUME FEVER

PRACTICE

HARD ROCK MINING

SILICOSIS

Workplace hazards also include practices or conditions that release uncontrolled energy like: •

an object that could fall from a height (potential or gravitational energy),

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a run-away chemical reaction (chemical energy),

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the release of compressed gas or steam (pressure; high temperature),

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entanglement of hair or clothing in rotating equipment (kinetic energy), or

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contact with electrodes of a battery or capacitor (electrical energy).

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5 Recognizing, Assessing, Controlling and Evaluating Workplace Hazards

TYPICAL HAZARDS FOUND IN AN UNIVERISTY

Supervisors and managers are responsible for knowing how to identify and eliminate or control workplace hazards and to evaluate the controls.

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 Recognize the hazard  Observe the work, talk to workers, participate in workplace inspections, review reports and records and listen to concerns.  Assess the hazard  Understand the likelihood of a worker becoming injured or sick, the applicable legislation and standards and the seriousness of injury or illness.

 Control the hazard 

Apply the hierarchy of controls

 Evaluate the hazard  Understand how well the controls are working by talking and listening to workers and observing the work.

• •

Biological Hazards Chemical Hazards Ergonomic Hazards Physical Agent Hazards – Mechanical Hazards (working near machinery) – Electrical Hazards – Noise and Vibration – Temperature Extremes – Falling from Heights – Slips, Trips and Falls – Working near Motorized Vehicles Radiation Hazards Workplace Violence & Harassment

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Below is a list of the most common workplace hazards found in the University: – Biological – Chemical – Downtown Campus Environment – Hazardous Waste – Machine, Tools, Equipment (Using or working near machinery) – Musculoskeletal Disorders (Ergonomics) – Radiation – Slip, trips and falls The University is a diverse workplace, and some locations and/or types of work may involve particular hazards in addition to those listed. Your supervisor, manager, or department will provide you with guidance regarding other hazards that may arise in your particular workplace.

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7 Any bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, prions, natural and/or recombinant DNA & RNA; pathogens of plants or animals; tissues, cells, blood and/or body fluids from humans or animals; any synthetic form of human pathogen or toxin; proteins or toxins produced by, or derived from, a micro-organism and able to cause disease in a human Biological Safety Program outlines the requirements and procedures Biosafety Permit required Additional training may be required For more information: •

Your supervisor; EHS (Valerie Phelan at 416-979-5000 x4212 or [email protected]); http://www.ryerson.ca/content/ryerson/irm/programs_policies/bio_safety.html

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8 WHAT ARE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS? Hazardous materials are chemicals or physical agents regulated under the provisions of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and the Transportation of Dangerous Goods and Regulations (TDG) legislation. These are dangerous products that may cause short- or long-term health problems or damage to the environment. WHAT IS WHMIS? The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) is a Canada-wide system designed to give employers and workers information about hazardous materials used in the workplace WHAT IS GHS? The Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an internationally consistent approach to classifying chemicals and communicating hazard information through labels and safety data sheets.

Canada is transitioning to the Globally Harmonized System which will be called WHMIS 2015.

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9 WHMIS 2015 includes new harmonized criteria for hazard classification and requirements for labels and safety data sheets (SDS). The roles and responsibilities for suppliers, employers and workers have not changed. Suppliers, defined as persons who, in the course of business, sell or import a hazardous product, will continue to: • identify whether their products are hazardous products; and, • prepare labels and SDSs and provide these to purchasers of hazardous products intended for use in a workplace. Employers will continue to: • • • •

educate and train workers on the hazards and safe use of hazardous products in the workplace; ensure that hazardous products are properly labelled; prepare workplace labels and SDSs (as necessary); and, ensure appropriate control measures are in place to protect the health and safety of workers.

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10 Workers will continue to: • participate in WHMIS and chemical safety training programs; • take necessary steps to protect themselves and their coworkers; and, • participate in identifying and controlling hazards.

Ryerson PPT course and quiz

Hazardous materials are a fact of life in many workplaces, and if handled incorrectly, could cause injuries, illnesses or fatalities. According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), 23,789 workers suffered lost-time injuries related to chemical exposure during 1999 to 2008. When employees and employers are aware of the hazards around them and know how to take necessary precautions, the risk of an injury, illness or fatality is significantly minimized. Fill container to line only WHAT THE LAW SAYS • •

WHMIS applies to all workplaces governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. There are also responsibilities under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods and Regulations for companies that ship, handle or receive dangerous goods. People who handle, ship, carry or receive dangerous goods must be fully qualified, trained and certified for their work.

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11 HOW HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CAN AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS Most workplaces use one or more hazardous materials and these materials have the capability of causing serious illness, potential death to your workers, and serious impact on the environment. Explosions, fires and spills may also occur resulting in catastrophic loss to buildings, equipment and supplies. The human and financial toll of improper handling, storage and disposal could be severe. WHAT YOU CAN DO Make sure that your workplace has a WHMIS program in place and that your employees have been properly trained on how to use and store these controlled substances. If your company ships, receives or carries dangerous goods, ensure that you are compliant with TDG and that your workers are fully qualified, trained and certified to do this work. Contact your health and safety provider for information about the WHMIS and/or TDG training they offer.

Waste must be labeled and in appropriate container to be picked up

For more information: •

Your supervisor; EHS (Valerie Phelan at 416-979-5000 x4212 or [email protected]); http://www.ryerson.ca/content/ryerson/irm/programs_policies/chemical.html

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12 Waste collection for CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICIAL AND RADIOACTIVE materials is coordinated through Integrated Risk Management

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This includes waste sharps collected in special containers and non-household batteries Proper waste labeling, packaging, and storage are the responsibility of the waste generator.

It is unlawful to dispose of hazardous waste down drains (even if neutralized) OR placed in regular garbage

THIS INCLUDES ANY SINK WITHIN A BUILDING OR AN OUTSIDE DRAIN

For more information: •

Your supervisor; EHS (Valerie Phelan at 416-979-5000 x4212 or [email protected]); http://www.ryerson.ca/content/ryerson/irm/programs_policies/chemical.html

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13 Employees work with machines, tools and equipment every day. Workplaces couldn't operate without them; however, interacting with them has potential for serious injuries or fatalities if they are not used and maintained properly. The potential hazards are numerous, and include: • Safety hazards • Contact with moving parts • Contact with electricity, heat, fire, cold, and other energies • Contact with pressurized gas or liquid • Health hazards • Contact with harmful chemicals or biological hazards • Contact with harmful noise, radiation, and/or vibration • Exposure to ergonomic or MSD hazards

HOW MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT SAFETY CAN AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS A safe environment is a productive workplace. Health and safety is not simply a legal obligation: it is a business opportunity. You can boost your bottom line by improving health and safety performance, which reduces the costs associated with avoidable losses and lost-time injuries, and leads to higher productivity. WHAT THE LAW SAYS

Workplace machine safety law in Ontario is based on the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Regulations specified under the Act that are applicable to specific workplaces. In the Act, the sections dealing with responsibilities of employers (s.25), supervisors (s.27) and workers (s.28) set out general duties with respect to machine safety.

WHAT YOU CAN DO Machinery and other workplace equipment can be dangerous if not used properly. Anyone using equipment in the workplace needs to be thoroughly trained in its operation and kept up to date.

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14 Here are other ways to help staff stay safe when using equipment.

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Keep the work area clean, tidy, well swept/washed, and well lit; floors should be level and have a non-slip surface. Do not remove any guarding devices; make sure that they are in position and in good working condition before operating. Follow lock-out procedures before measuring, cleaning or making any adjustments. Check and adjust all safety devices before each job. Wear appropriate personal protective gear as prescribed, including CSA-approved safety glasses with side shields (prescription eye wear is not a substitute). Ensure that all cutting tools and blades are clean and sharp; they should be able to cut freely without being forced. Ensure there is enough room around the machine. Ensure that all stationary equipment is anchored securely to the floor.

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• • • • •

Keep hands away from the cutting head and all moving parts. Avoid awkward operations and hand positions: sudden slips could cause the hand to move into the cutting tool or blade. Do not leave machines unattended: turn the power off. Avoid distracting an operator; horseplay can lead to injuries. Avoid wearing loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings, bracelets or other jewelry that can become entangled in moving parts; confine long hair; do not use rags near moving parts of the machine. Return all portable tooling to their proper storage place after use. Clean all tools after use. Do not use cutting fluids to clean hands. Use a vacuum, brush or rake to remove any cuttings. Do not use compressed air to blow debris from machines or from worker clothes.

For more information: Your supervisor; IRM-EHS Cate Drum at 416-979-5000 x 7086 or [email protected] | RYERSON UNIVERSITY | INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT | ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY | www.ryerson.ca/irm | [email protected] | @RyersonSafety |

15 WHAT ARE MSDs?

WHAT THE LAW SAYS

HOW MSDs CAN AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS

MSDs are injuries that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Injuries can develop when the same muscles are used repetitively, or for a long time without adequate rest. This type of injury increases if the force exerted is high and/or the job requires aw awkward posture. Some examples of MSDs include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and tenosynovitis. MSDs do not include musculoskeletal injuries or disorders that are the direct result of a traumatic event, such as a fall, being struck by or against an object, being caught in or on something, a vehicle collision, or workplace violence.

Employers are required by law to take every reasonable precaution to protect workers from hazards, including those that may result in MSD injuries. The MSD prevention guideline, announced in February 2007, is clear about employers’ obligations. Numerous sections under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and regulations relate to MSD prevention and ergonomics.

MSDs account for 43% of all work-related injuries, 43% of all lost-time claim costs, and 46% of all lost-time days. (Source: MOL: Prevention Workplace Pains and Strains! It’s time to take action!) Between 2003 and 2007, MSD claims resulted in 2.5 million days off work. During this same period, Ontario employers paid more than $1 billion in direct and indirect costs related to MSDs. Indirect costs include overtime, equipment modifications, administration, retraining and lost productivity. Employers can improve their bottom line and employee morale by fitting the work environment to the worker. Less strenuous tasks make it easier to train workers. Healthy workers, free from discomfort, are more efficient.

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What’s wrong with how this worker is sitting while working on the computer? Many workplaces have ergonomic-related safety hazards that can cause repetitive stress or musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). And although MSIs aren’t generally considered serious injuries under the OHS laws, they do account for a high percentage of workplace injuries overall—and workers’ comp claims. For example, the worker in this X-ray is hunched over in a posture that places stress on his back, neck and shoulders. Such poor posture and positioning while working on a computer can lead to carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and other MSIs.

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17 Tips for Correct Posture The OHS laws in all Canadian jurisdictions—either expressly or implicitly—require employers to protect workers from ergonomics-related hazards, even in office spaces. So if your workers spend time at a desk or workstation or in front of a computer, make sure they maintain an ergonomically neutral posture, which is one in which: Hands, wrists and forearms are straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor; Head is level (or bent slightly forward), facing forward, balanced and in line with the torso; Shoulders are relaxed; Upper arms hang normally at the side of the worker’s body; Elbows stay close to the body and are bent between 90° and 120°; Feet are fully supported by the floor or a footrest if the desk height isn’t adjustable and are slightly forward; Back is fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when the worker is sitting vertically or leaning back slightly; Thighs and hips are supported by a well-padded seat that’s parallel to the floor; and Knees are about the same height as the hips. The positioning of the computer screen is also important for preventing MSIs: The worker shouldn’t be too close to or far from the computer screen—20 to 40 inches is optimal. The screen shouldn’t be tilted too far left or right. It should be tilted no more than 35° degrees to either side. The screen or keyboard also shouldn’t be too high or low to use in a neutral posture.

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18 SET UP OF WORKSTATION GUIDE FOR A HEALTHY WORK POSTURE http://www.humanscale.com/form_function/ErgoGearGuide.cfm

You may have the finest products on the market, but even the best of the best ergonomic tools need to be used properly to provide their full range of benefits. Use the following guidelines to maintain healthy work posture and get the most out of your ergonomic investment. Sit Raise or lower your seat so your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are flat on the floor or a footrest. Adjust the depth of your seat pan so you have at least 2” of clearance between the back of your knees and the front of the seat. Adjust the height of your backrest so it fits comfortably on the small of your back. Adjust your chair’s recline tension—if necessary—to support varying degrees of recline. Avoid using recline locks. Lean back and relax in your chair to allow the backrest to provide full support for your upper body. Type Position your keyboard support 1 – 1.5” above your thighs and angle the keyboard so it slopes slightly away from your body. Be sure to keep your wrists in a straight, neutral posture while typing, and rest the heels of your palms—not your wrists—on a palm support.

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19 Mouse Position your mouse close to the keyboard—preferably on a mousing platform—to minimize reaching. Avoid anchoring your wrist on the desk. Instead, glide the heel of your palm over the mousing surface and use your entire arm to mouse. View Position your monitor at least an arm’s length away with the top line of text at or just below eye level. Tilt the monitor away from you slightly, so your line of sight is perpendicular to the monitor.

Illuminate Position your task light to the side opposite your writing hand. Shine it on paper documents but away from your monitor to reduce glare. Align Align your monitor and the spacebar of your keyboard with the midline of your body. Arrange frequently used work materials within easy reach to minimize twisting and reaching. Rest Take two or three 30- to 60-second breaks each hour to allow your body to recover from periods of repetitive stress.

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20 Awkward Postures

Repetition

Force

Improper | Missing Equipment & Tools

Poorly Designed Work Spaces

WHAT YOU CAN DO

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE:

Handle MSD risk factors the way you would any other workplace hazard: identify where workers could sustain an MSD injury and eliminate or control it. Make MSD prevention a key element of your workplace health and safety program. Apply ergonomic principles early in the design phase of a new process or task to save money.

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Familiarize yourself with MSD hazards in your workplace Perform your own audit Establish controls to reduce worker exposure to MSD risk factors Have a well-documented MSD program visibly in place Implement MSD-specific strategies, tools and training Train workers about the MSD risk factors in their job and in the workplace Encourage workers to report MSD symptoms or concerns

For more information: • Your supervisor; IRM-EHS (Cate Drum at 416-979-5000 x7086 or [email protected] ); http://www.ryerson.ca/content/ryerson/irm/ergonomics/index.html

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PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AROUND CAMPUS Ryerson is in downtown Toronto. There are city streets criss-crossing the campus. That means sharing the campus with other people and various types of vehicles. VEHICLES THAT YOU WILL SEE ON AND AROUND THE CAMPUS • • • • • • •

Delivery trucks from various suppliers Ryerson trucks, vans & forklift trucks Various construction vehicles and equipment School buses, Commercial Coach Buses Emergency vehicles Cars, Motorcycles, e-Bikes, Mopeds, Scooters Cyclists, Skateboarders

Construction of the new Student Learning Centre at the corner of Yonge Street and Gould Street

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22 PEDESTRIAN SAFETY TIPS

Be Visible – Use/Wear Reflective Clothing/Tape

 Walk without distraction -- wait to text or talk on cell phones  Always follow the Walk/Don’t Walk Signals – use pedestrian push buttons at crossings  Look left, right and left again before crossing  Know your surroundings – slow down if the conditions are wet or icy  Wear bright colours – add reflective tape to your coat, knapsack, clothes -- be seen night and day  Impaired walking can be dangerous  Stay on sidewalks – walk facing traffic and use crosswalks  Expect the unexpected – walk defensively  Don’t dart out from between parked vehicles  Watch out for parked cars that may suddenly move out of a space  Keep your view of traffic clear at all times. Don’t block your view with packages, umbrellas or other objects. Be Patient – Be Considerate – Be Safe

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23 • • • •

Radiation Safety Program outlines the requirements and procedures for ionizing and non ionizing substances and devices Consolidated Licence for all ionizing radioactive materials Radiation Permit required Additional training is required

For more information: Your supervisor; IRM-EHS (Valerie Phelan at 416-979-5000 x4212 or [email protected]); http://www.ryerson.ca/content/ryerson/irm/programs_policies/radiation.html

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24 Slips, trips and falls are among the leading causes of injuries resulting in workers missing time at work in Ontario. Preventing such injuries is a key goal of every safe and healthy workplace. Employers must: •

Provide information and instruction to workers on slip, trip and fall hazards.

•

Encourage workers to report slip, trip and fall hazards.

•

Identify and assess the risk of jobspecific slip, trip and fall hazards.

•

Establish controls to eliminate or reduce workers’ exposure to slip, trip and fall hazards.

•

Ensure the control measures are working.

Common hazards Consider the following slip, trip and fall hazards in your workplace: • slippery surfaces (oily or greasy, etc.) • seasonal slip, trip and fall hazards (snow and ice) • spills of wet or dry substances • changes in walkway levels and slopes • unsecured mats • unsafe use of ladders • poor lighting • falls from beds of trucks, trailers or loads • debris and cables in walkways • smoke, steam or dust obscuring view • lack of guardrails on mezzanines and balconies • unsuitable footwear • poorly maintained equipment (ladders, fall arrest, etc.)

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25 Controlling Hazards When a hazard has been identified, the employer must take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers. Employers must provide information, instruction and supervision to workers to protect their health and safety. Consider the following when establishing safe work practices for your workplace: • characteristics of physical work area • weather conditions (snow, ice, rain, etc.) • tasks performed • workers’ work practices Engineering controls Control measures for slip, trip and fall hazards may include: • Engineering • Administrative • Safe Work Practices • Personal Protective Equipment

• • • • • • • •

slip-resistant flooring and slip-resistant mats slope of surface (ramps, handrails) surface free of obstructions/holes appropriate drainage adequate lighting (minimize glare and contrast) minimize environmental influences (blocking wind, preventing wet surfaces from icing, etc.) guardrails for raised floors, mezzanines and balconies sound footing for ladders and work platforms.

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26 Administrative Controls

• • • •

• •

• • • •

provide wet floor signage train workers to prevent slips, trips and falls establish safe work practices communicate a procedure for reporting hazards ensure prompt maintenance design jobs to minimize tasks requiring excessive pushing/pulling, line-of-sight obstruction and overreaching ensure shovels, mops and buckets are readily available correct poor work practices conduct Joint Health and Safety Committee monthly inspections review slips, trips and same-level fall incidents

Safe Work Practices • • • •

• • •

•

clean up spills promptly remove debris, snow and ice routinely clean floors with appropriate solutions use two hands to climb\descend ladders maintain three-point contact on ladders clean castors on wheeled carts remove clutter from walking surfaces clean grease build-up from slip resistant mats

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27 Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) • • •

Select appropriate footwear based on a risk assessment of the job task. Wear proper-fitting footwear that may include slip-resistant soles. Properly select, use and maintain fall protection equipment.

All workers have the right to work in a safe and healthy environment. A strong workplace health and safety culture requires all workplace parties to adhere to the OHSA and its regulations. This includes paying constant and appropriate attention to workplace health and safety issues. For more information: Your supervisor; IRM-EHS (Cate Drum at 416-979-5000 x7086 or [email protected])

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