TABLE OF CONTENTS

1.0 HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT POLICY. 6

1.1 Policy. 6

1.2 Responsibilities. 6

1.3 Commitment Statement. 7

2.0 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES POLICY. 7

2.1 Policy. 7

2.2 Employer Responsibilities. 7

2.3 Supervisor Responsibilities. 8

2.4 Worker Responsibilities. 8

2.5 Contractors Responsibilities. 9

2.6 Employee Rights. 9

2.7 Right to Refuse Unsafe Work. 10

2.8        Unsafe Work Refusal Procedures. 11

3.0 WORKPLACE INSPECTIONS POLICY. 11

3.1 Purpose. 11

3.2 Policy. 12

4.0 ACCIDENT – INCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS POLICY. 12

4.1 Purpose. 12

4.2 Definitions. 13

4.3 Policy. 13

4.4 Fatal Investigations. 14

5.0 EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM POLICY. 15

5.1 Policy. 15

5.2 Safety Bulletin Information Board. 15

5.3 Safety Meetings. 16

5.4 Crew Tool-Box Talks. 16

6.0 NO SMOKING POLICY. 16

6.1 Purpose. 16

6.2 Policy. 16

6.3 Designated Smoking Areas. 17

7.0 DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE POLICY. 19

7.1 Purpose. 19

7.2 Policy. 19

7.3 Medications. 19

7.4 Prohibitions. 20

8.0 WHMIS 2015 & GHS POLICY. 21

8.1 Purpose. 21

8.2 Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) 21

8.3 Labeling: Supplier Labels (1988) 21

8.4 Supplier Labels (2015) 23

8.5 Labeling: Workplace Label (1988 & 2015) 24

8.6 Hazard Symbols (1988) 25

8.7 Pictograms (2015) 27

8.8 Safety Data Sheets (1988) 28

8.9 Safety Data Sheets – SDS (2015) 29

8.10 Responsibilities. 31

8.11 Worker Training & Education. 32

8.2 Environmental Protection. 33

9.0 OCCUPATIONAL FIRST AID POLICY. 34

9.1 Purpose. 34

9.2 Requirements for Provision of First Aid. 34

9.3 Reporting Injuries. 34

9.4 Summoning First Aid in an Emergency. 34

9.5 Transporting Injured Persons. 35

9.6 “Insert Company Name Here” First Aid Kits. 36

9.7 “Insert Company Name Here” First Aid Record Form.. 36

9.8 “Insert Company Name Here” First Aid Records. 37

9.9 Ontario Ministry of Labour Employers Report of Injury or Occupational Disease. 37

9.10 Authority of First Aid Attendant. 37

9.11 Responsibilities. 37

9.12 Hepatitis B Vaccines. 38

9.13 Ontario First Aid Requirements. 39

9.14 First Aid Room.. 39

9.15 First Aid Kits. 40

9.16 Training. 42

10.0 WORKING ALONE OR IN ISOLATION POLICY. 43

10.1 Purpose. 43

10.2 Definition. 43

10.3 Policy. 43

11.0 DISCIPLINARY ACTION POLICY. 44

11.1 Purpose. 44

11.2 Responsibilities. 44

11.3 Policy. 44

12.0 BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY. 46

12.1 Purpose. 46

12.2 Definition. 46

12.3 Responsibilities. 46

12.4 Policy. 47

12.5 Reporting Procedures. 47

12.6 Investigation Procedures. 48

12.7 Follow Up. 49

12.8 Training. 49

12.9 Examples of Bullying and Harassment. 49

13.0 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE POLICY. 52

13.1 Purpose. 52

13.2 Definition. 52

13.3 Policy. 52

13.4 Risks from Robbery Assault or Confrontation. 52

13.5 Purpose. 52

13.6 Policy. 53

13.7 Abusive and Difficult Clients / Visitors. 53

13.8 Robbery and Assault. 53

13.9 Unwelcomed Members of the Public. 54

13.10 Risk Assessments. 54

13.11 Mutual Respect. 54

14.0 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) POLICY. 56

14.1 Purpose. 56

14.2 Definitions. 56

14.3 Policy. 56

14.4 Selection, Use and Maintenance. 57

14.5 Instruction and Training. 57

14.6 Supervisor Responsibilities. 57

14.7 Worker Responsibilities. 58

14.8 Foot Protection. 58

14.9 Eye Protection. 58

14.10 Respiratory Protection. 58

14.11 Fit Test. 59

14.12 Safety Headgear. 60

14.13 Hand and Body Protection. 60

14.14 Hearing Protection. 61

14.15 High Visibility Apparel. 62

15.0 ANNUAL PROGRAM REVIEW POLICY. 65

15.1 Purpose. 65

15.2 Policy. 65

15.3 Purpose of the Review.. 65

15.4 Focus of the Review.. 65

15.5 Safety Program Audit. 66

16.0 COVID-19 SAFETY POLICY. 68

16.1 Policy. 68

16.2 Cleaning and Sanitizing. 69

16.3 Disinfection Solution. 69

16.4 Handshaking. 69

16.5 Workplace Distancing. 70

16.6 Personal Protective Equipment. 70

16.7 Disposal of Contaminated PPE. 71

16.8 Face Touching. 72

16.9 Food and Beverage Sharing. 72

16.10 Sneezing and Coughing. 72

16.11 Travel. 72

16.12 Exposure or Symptom Reporting. 72

16.14 COVID-19 Six Step Process (Reducing Exposure) 74

17.0 WORKING FROM HOME POLICY. 77

17.1 Purpose. 77

17.2 Policy. 77

18.0 EMPLOYEE SAFETY ORIENTATION PACKAGE. 78

OHS Policy Statement. 82

Safety Representative. 82

Supervisor(s) Contact Information. 82

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System 2015 (WHMIS) 82

Safety Data Sheets. 83

First Aid Procedures. 83

Eye Wash Stations. 84

Emergency Evacuation Procedures. 84

Muster Station. 84

Emergency Contact Information. 85

Personal Protective Equipment. 85

Hazard Reporting. 85

Warning Signs. 85

Housekeeping. 86

Right to Refuse Unsafe Work. 86

Right to Refuse Unsafe Work Procedures. 86

Right to Participate. 86

Right to Know.. 86

No Smoking (Tobacco & E-Cigarette) 87

Drug and Alcohol Use. 87

Violence in the Workplace. 87

Bullying and Harassment. 87

Working Alone. 88

Horseplay. 88

Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI) 89

Back Safety – Heavy Lifting. 89

Safety Bulletin Board. 90




1.0 HEALTH, SAFETY & ENVIRONMENT POLICY

1.1 Policy


Stay Safe Contracting is committed to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of all their employees, contractors, customers, and visitors to the site. It is also committed to maintaining environmentally friendly operation practices and to comply with any relevant standards and guidelines. All levels of employees are to acquaint themselves fully with the contents of this policy statement to ensure compliance within their area of responsibility.


Stay Safe Contracting’s Occupational Health and Safety Program is the guide to safe operation for Stay Safe Contracting. This Occupational Health & Safety Program and applicable policies and procedures conform to the Ontario Ministry of Labour Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Workers Compensation Act, Ontario Ministry of Labour OHS Guidelines and the Canadian Environmental Protection Act.

 

1.2 Responsibilities

 

Stay Safe Contracting  intends to provide a safe workplace by:

  • Developing a comprehensive occupational health, safety, environment and welfare program;
  • Assigning responsibility to all levels of management for compliance with all aspects of this program;
  • Continuously identifying hazards in the workplace and either eliminating them or reducing the risk associated with them;
  • Providing appropriate training, instruction and education to all employees; and
  • Enforcing this policy equally among employees, contractors, customers and visitors.


Stay Safe Contracting Supervisors are responsible for:

  • Providing a health and safety orientation to new workers;
  • Providing ongoing training to workers;
  • Taking part in inspections and investigations;
  • Reporting any safety or health hazards; and
  • Correcting unsafe acts and conditions.


All employees have a duty to maintain vigilance and foresight in identifying and correcting hazards to health, safety or the environment. When necessary, they are to contact their Supervisor to take the appropriate steps to eliminate or reduce mitigate hazards at work.  Stay Safe Contracting, the Employee Safety Representative and Management will be contacted where doubt or uncertainty may exist with respect to appropriate actions to be taken.


1.3 Commitment Statement


By placing my signature below, I personally endorse this policy and expect that all employees have the same high level of commitment that I do to the health, safety and welfare of our employees, contractors, customers, visitors, clients and the general public at large.


Signature:     __________________________________                  Date: ____________________________

2.0 RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES POLICY

2.1 Policy


Stay Safe Contracting is committed to ensuring the health and safety of all their employees and visitors to their sites. All levels of employees have certain responsibilities when it comes to ensuring the health, safety and welfare of themselves and their fellow employees.


2.2 Employer Responsibilities


  • Provide a safe and healthy workplace;

  • Develop, initiate and maintain a comprehensive Occupational Health and Safety Program;

  • Appoint a company Safety Representative;

  • Ensure that regular safety inspections are conducted, and appropriate follow up action is taken as necessary to correct all unsafe conditions;

  • Ensure accident/incident investigations are conducted and appropriate follow up action is taken as necessary to correct all unsafe conditions;

  • Ensure all employees are adequately trained and educated in all company safe work procedures, safe operating procedures and policies;

  • Ensure that regular management and safety meetings are held;

  • Provide personal protective equipment and conduct training in the use and maintenance of such equipment;

  • Maintain safety records, documents and statistics; and

  • Provide First Aid and its facilities.


2.3 Supervisor Responsibilities 

 

Ensure that all new employees receive a safety orientation when they start employment with Stay Safe Contracting ;


Ensure compliance by all employees and outside contractors under their supervision with the company’s safe work procedures, safe operating procedures and policies;


Ensure that all employees under their supervision are adequately trained and are properly instructed in the safe performance of their tasks;





Conduct regular departmental safety inspections of their areas including both equipment and work practices;


Investigate all accidents and/or incidents involving their employees and complete the “Insert Company Name Here” Accident Investigation Report – taking whatever corrective action is necessary to prevent future similar accidents; and


Investigate and correct any alleged unsafe conditions in their area and ensure that proper follow-up action is taken.


2.4 Worker Responsibilities


Learn, follow and comply with all company safe work procedures, safe operating procedures and policies;


Comply with Ontario OHS Regulation, Ontario Workers Compensation Act and Environment Canada;


Report any unsafe conditions to their Supervisor immediately;


Participate and make recommendations in correcting unsafe conditions and the overall health and safety program;


Ensure personal protective equipment is properly used where required; and


Report any injury to the First Aid Department and/or their Supervisor immediately. 


2.5 Contractors Responsibilities

 

Each contractor shall take reasonable care to protect his worker’s health and safety as well as the health and safety of other workers who may be affected by his/her acts or omissions. The basic responsibilities include, but are not limited to, the following:


  • Planning work with health and safety considerations;

  • Following a health and safety program that is structured to meet the needs of the job site as well as the pertinent Legislation;

  • Participating in the site safety systems;

  • Co-operating with the site personnel and other contractors in all matters of health and safety;

  • Advising the appropriate site personnel of all health and safety matters which may impact on the operation of the site (includes incidents and hazards);

  • Conducting regular inspections of their work area while on site;


  • Conducting an investigation in the event of an incident and to provide site personnel with a copy of the investigation report;

  • Holding regular structured crew tool box talk meetings with workers on site in addition to pre-job meetings as needed;

  • Understanding and following the Emergency Response Plan;

  • Participating in site processes such as emergency drills;

  • Promoting health and safety at all times while on site;

  • Conducting safety orientations with company employees, subcontractors and suppliers; and

  • Maintain safety program certification requirements and audit standards required by industry or association.

 

2.6 Employee Rights


All Employees have the following three basic rights in Canada:


The Right to Know


All employees have a right to know what hazards are present on the job, and how these hazards

can affect them. You usually learn about the hazards during health and safety training sessions

and through on-the-job instructions. Learning about chemical safety through WHMIS - the

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System - is also part of the "right to know" system.


The Right to Participate


All employees have a right to take part in health and safety activities. For example, you can be

chosen to be a health and safety representative or a member of a committee. You also have a

right to report unsafe practices and conditions without worrying that you will lose your job or be

reprimanded (get in trouble).


Right to Refusal Unsafe Work


Every employee has the responsibility and right to refuse to any work or operate any tool, appliance or equipment where it is believed, based on reasonable and probable grounds, that there exists, or will cause to exist, an imminent danger to the health and safety of the worker or another worker present at the workplace.


2.7 Right to Refuse Unsafe Work

 

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that every Stay Safe Contracting employee has the right to refuse work if he or she feels it is unsafe.


Stay Safe Contracting will continue to maintain a safe work environment for its employees in order to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses.


All Stay Safe Contracting employees are responsible for complying with Stay Safe Contracting’s Occupational Health & Safety Program, OH&S Regulation, and Workers Compensation Act.


If the investigation and remedy procedure does not solve the matter and the worker continues to refuse to carry out the work process, the supervisor and/or management must investigate the matter in the presence of the worker who made the report and in the presence of the Supervisor and/or the members of the joint safety committee.


If this procedure is unsatisfactory and does not remedy the unsafe condition, then the final step is for Ontario Ministry of Labour to be contacted, without delay, to come to the facility and investigate the situation. The site Supervisor will be the person responsible for contacting Ontario the Ministry of Labour.


Under this policy, no employee will be subjected to disciplinary action.


  • An employee must not carry out or cause to be carried out any work process or operate or cause to be operated any tool, appliance, or equipment if that person has reasonable cause to believe that to do so would create an undue hazard to the health and safety of themselves and of any person.


  • An employee who refuses to carry out a work process due to unsafe conditions must immediately report the circumstances of the unsafe condition to their supervisor.


Unsafe Work Refusal Procedures


  • All workers must report the unsafe condition to their Supervisor immediately.

  • The Supervisor must investigate the matter and fix it if possible. If the Supervisor decides the worker’s concern s not valid, report back to the worker.

  • If a worker still views work as unsafe after a supervisor or employer has said it is safe to perform a job or task, the Supervisor must investigate the problem and ensure any unsafe condition is fixed. This investigation must take place in the presence of the worker and a worker representative of the joint health and safety committee or a worker chosen by the worker's trade union.

  • If a worker still views work as unsafe, notify Ontario Ministry of Labour. If the matter is not resolved, the worker and the supervisor or employer must contact Ontario Ministry of Labour. A prevention officer will then investigate and take steps to find a workable solution

  • Under this policy, no employee will be subjected to disciplinary action.


 

3.0 WORKPLACE INSPECTIONS POLICY

 

3.1 Purpose


Stay Safe Contracting shall ensure that regular safety inspections are conducted for all their retail outlets. Regular inspections of the workplace will include buildings, structures, grounds, tools, equipment, machinery, and work methods and practices; at intervals that will prevent the development of unsafe working conditions.


Regular safety inspections of the workplace are intended to:


  1. Identify conditions and unsafe acts with the potential to cause injury or disease;


  1. Determine necessary corrective measures; and


  1. Prevent unsafe work conditions from developing.


3.2 Policy


  • Any unsafe or harmful condition must be reported to the Supervisor immediately and remedied without delay.


  • A workplace safety inspection can be conducted by the Supervisor, Joint Health and Safety Committee members, Safety Representative and/or employees that are familiar with the work process.


  • Employees shall be adequately trained and educated to inspect their machinery, tools, and equipment regularly, following the manufacturer’s recommendations and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation of Ontario.


  • A visual workplace inspection of tools, machinery and equipment must be conducted on a daily basis depending on the work process and the type of hazard(s) involved and/or might develop.


  • A workplace inspection of buildings, structures and grounds must be conducted on a monthly basis depending on the work process and the type of hazard(s) involved and/or might develop. Findings of all inspections must be recorded on the Stay Safe Contracting Safety Inspection Checklist Form. The Safety Inspection Checklist forms must be kept and filed for due diligence purposes.


  • A copy of all safety inspection records shall be made available to Supervisor, Joint Health and Safety Committee members and as well as to all Stay Safe Contracting employees, where it is easily accessible, by posting the findings on the company safety bulletin board throughout the various sites.


  • Information obtained through inspections must be reviewed by Management and decisions shall be taken as soon as possible as to the corrective action required.




4.0 ACCIDENT – INCIDENT INVESTIGATIONS POLICY

 

4.1 Purpose


The purpose of this policy and investigating accidents and incidents is to prevent a recurrence of the hazardous condition causing the event. This policy presents a practicable approach to investigating workplace accidents and incidents by emphasizing how to find the root cause(s), conduct an investigation, and make effective recommendations to prevent similar occurrences from ever happening again.


Stay Safe Contracting will investigate serious accidents as well as any incidents that:


  • Result in an injury or illness to a worker requiring medical treatment;

  • Did not involve injury or illness to a worker, or involved only minor injury not requiring medical treatment, but had a potential for causing serious injury or illness to a worker;

  • Occur resulting in loss or damage sustained to material, equipment or property.


Accident and Incidents in the workplace will be investigated for the following purposes:


  • To fulfill legal requirements;

  • Determine the cause of accidents and incidents;

  • To ascertain compliance with applicable safety regulations;

  • To determine the cost of an accident, and

  • To determine what happened and why, so the steps can be taken to prevent a recurrence.


4.2 Definitions


“Accident” means an unplanned event that interrupts the completion of an activity, and that may (or may not) include injury or property damage.


“Incident” means an unexpected event that did not cause injury or damage this time but had the potential. “Near miss” and “dangerous occurrence” are also terms for an event that could have caused harm but did not.


4.3 Policy


  • The Supervisor, employees and/or the Safety Representative with appropriate training in conducting accident investigations must complete an accident / incident investigation.


  • The following steps shall be taken to adequately complete an incident investigation:


  1. Report the accident and/or incident occurrence to the Supervisor immediately;


  1. Provide first aid and medical care to injured person(s) and prevent further injuries or damage;


  1. Investigate the accident / incident;


  1. Identify the causes of the accident / incident;


  1. Report the findings of the investigation;


  1. Develop a plan and recommendations for corrective action;


  1. Implement the plan and recommendations for corrective action;


  1. Evaluate the effectiveness of the corrective action; and


  1. Make changes for continuous improvement.


  • The personnel conducting the investigation must prepare and complete a “Insert Company Name Here” Accident & Incident Investigation Report.


  • The incident report must include the following information:


  1. The place, date, and time of the accident/incident;


  1. The names and job titles of persons involved and/or injured in the accident/incident;


  1. The names of witnesses;


  1. A brief description of the accident/incident;


  1. A statement of the sequence of events that led up to the accident/incident;


  1. Identification of any unsafe conditions, acts, or procedures that contributed to the accident/incident;


  1. Recommended corrective actions to prevent similar accidents/incidents;


  1. The name of persons who investigated the accident/incident


  • The Supervisor, Management team and/or the Safety Representative shall implement recommendations for corrective action immediately.

Management and/or Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee shall review and evaluate the Stay Safe Contracting Incident Investigation Report.


When conducting an incident investigation, Stay Safe Contracting will ensure:


  1. A preliminary investigation and accompanying report are completed within 48 hours of an incident;


  • A full investigation and final investigation report are completed within 30 days of the incident; and


Management shall review and evaluate the Stay Safe Contracting Incident Investigation Report.

 

4.4 Fatal Investigations

 

In the event of a fatality of a company employee or worker of another employer where Stay Safe Contracting personnel have been involved in emergency response; the following action will be taken:


  • Ontario Ministry of Labour will be notified immediately as per the company Emergency Response Plan.

  • The incident employer will be responsible for contacting the family as soon as practicable following the incident.



















5.0 EMPLOYEE COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM POLICY


5.1 Policy

 

Stay Safe Contracting management recognizes that effective communication is an essential component of their health and safety management system. A variety of avenues will be used to ensure employees receive and understand critical information necessary to ensure their safety.

 

5.2 Safety Bulletin Information Board


  • Appropriate safety documents and information will be posted on a safety information board which will be easily accessible by employees and discussed in meetings.


  • Documents and information may include:


  • Emergency response information and call numbers
  • Safety meeting minutes
  • Current concerns or hazards arising from work
  • First aid procedures, updates and other safety stats
  • Evacuation procedures
  • Road information for personal travel
  • Summary information from incident investigations
  • Feedback and resolutions to reported hazards or near misses
  • Inspection reports
  • Relative industry information
  • Ontario Ministry of Labour inspection reports


5.3 Safety Meetings

 

Stay Safe Contracting is committed to mandatory monthly safety meetings with their employees to discuss any issues or concerns, near miss’s or experiences that the employees would like to share. As well there will be a monthly topic to be discussed and reviewed.


5.4 Crew Tool-Box Talks


  • Crew tool-box talk meetings will be held on a regular basis at project worksites to discuss scope of work, hazards associated with that work and control measures.


  • Records will be maintained of these meetings.


 






6.0 NO SMOKING POLICY

6.1 Purpose


Stay Safe Contracting is committed to providing a healthy, comfortable and productive work environment for our employees.


This policy is designed to prevent employee exposure to environmental tobacco and e-cigarette smoke/vapor and to provide a safe and healthy work environment by means of controlling and/or eliminating second-hand tobacco smoke.

 

6.2 Policy


Smoking of tobacco containing cigarettes is prohibited inside all Stay Safe Contracting company buildings, parts of buildings and inside company vehicles.


Smoking of e-cigarettes and/or vapor cigarettes is prohibited inside all Stay Safe Contracting company buildings, parts of buildings and inside company vehicles.


All indoor “No-Smoking” signs must be adhered to at all times, including various outdoor locations around the Stay Safe Contracting site(s).


All employees, contractors and visitors must comply with this policy.


6.3 Designated Smoking Areas

 

Smoking will only occur in the workplace at outdoor designated smoking areas located around various company sites. 


The following criteria will be followed in determining safe outdoor designated smoking areas:




Ensure cigarette butts are put out (extinguished) in a safe manner and discarded of in the ashtrays provided in each smoking area.







7.0 DRUG AND ALCOHOL USE POLICY

7.1 Purpose


Stay Safe Contracting will ensure to help provide a safe and drug-free work environment for their employees.


7.2 Policy


It is the policy of Stay Safe Contracting that employees do not consume illegal drugs or alcohol while on the company premises and before or during work hours where being under the influence of these substances could affect the safety of work being performed.


This policy also enforces and explains the circumstances of the consumption of drugs or alcohol may affect work performance and safety many hours after they were last consumed. This may mean that a worker may still be impaired in the morning following ingestion.


Stay Safe Contracting explicitly prohibits:


  1. The use, possession, solicitation for, or sale of narcotics or other illegal drugs, alcohol, or prescription medication without a prescription on Stay Safe Contracting premises.


  1. Being impaired or under the influence of legal or illegal drugs or alcohol at work or away from Stay Safe Contracting premises, if such impairment or influence adversely affects the employee's work performance or the safety of the employee or of others.


If there is a confirmation or a strong suspicion by a Supervisor that an employee is in violation of this policy - the employee will not be allowed to work and sent home via a taxi service only and paid for by Stay Safe Contracting


Such an incident will be subjected to appropriate disciplinary action, up to and possibly including discharge from employment.


In such a case, the employee will be given an opportunity to explain the circumstances prior to any final disciplinary or employment action becoming effective.


7.3 Medications


In the interest of health and safety, employees who require the use of a Medication that may result in their not being Fit for Duty shall:

  • Investigate, where appropriate, (through their medical professional) whether the Medication can negatively impact their ability to safely and acceptably perform assigned duties.




  • Advise the supervisor in all cases where the Medication could impact their ability to perform their duties safely.

  • Act responsibly and use a safe alternative Medication when available (e.g., non-drowsy).

7.4 Prohibitions


The following are prohibited while on company business or at company premises:

  • The use, possession, cultivation, manufacture, storage, distribution, offering or sale of Alcohol, Illicit Drugs or Drug Paraphernalia.

  • The possession, storage or use of prescription Medications prescribed for another individual or the possession, storage or use of prescription Medications without being able to produce a legally, medically obtained prescription.

  • The distribution, offering or sale of Medications.

  • Reporting to work or being at work while not Fit for Duty.

  • The consumption of Alcohol or Illicit Drugs or the consumption of any product containing Alcohol while on duty including during meals or breaks.

  • Use of cannabis or cannabis related products, regardless of its legalization in Ontario, is strictly prohibited in the workplace. The use of cannabis during employment hours is strictly prohibited at all Stay Safe Contracting locations.













8.0 WHMIS 2015 & GHS POLICY

8.1 Purpose

 

The purpose of this procedure is to outline the WHMIS 2015 & GHS System, which is a communication system on hazardous materials in the workplace from the suppliers of controlled products to employers and to workers through the three key elements of:


  1. WHMIS Labeling (Hazard Symbols),
  2. Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and
  3. WHMIS Worker Training and Education.


WHMIS legislation exists at both the federal and provincial levels. The goal of WHMIS is to reduce injury and disease by communicating specific health and safety information about controlled products so that the information can be used to reduce exposure to hazardous materials.


8.2 Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS)


Canada’s WHMIS standard came into effect in 1988. Since then, our trade with countries that don’t have systems like WHMIS has increased, and new products (and hazards) have been introduced. There are differences in how other countries classify chemicals, develop Safety Data Sheets (SDSs), and organize their labels. This can cause confusion and make it difficult to enforce and to comply with the WHMIS standard. Ultimately, this confusion threatens the health and safety of workers both here and abroad.

As a result, Canada has now aligned the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). The original WHMIS, developed in 1988, is not being replaced. Rather, it has been updated to reflect elements of the Globally Harmonized System. The Globally Harmonized System will now be legislated worldwide. Once updated, the system will continue to be called WHMIS in Canada (WHMIS 2015).

Once the 2015 WHMIS legislation is in-force, there will be approximately a three-year transition period during which suppliers can provide (material) safety data sheets and labels that comply with either system.

8.3 Labeling: Supplier Labels (1988)


All controlled products that will be sold or used on site will contain the following seven pieces of information on the supplier label:



Product Identifier

 

Often the chemical name of a product or the trade name, common name, code name, or code number.






Hazard Symbols 

 

One or more of the eight WHMIS hazard symbols indicating the hazard classes of the controlled product.


Risk Phrases

 

Phrases that alert workers to the specific hazard(s) of the product. There should be at least one risk phrase for each hazard symbol.


Precautionary Statements

 

Statements that describe essential precautions workers should take and specific personal protective clothing and equipment (PPE) they should wear when handling, using, storing and disposing of the product.


First Aid Measures

 

Statements that describe immediate required first aid measures.


Supplier Identification

 

The name of the supplier, manufacturer or distributor; preferably with the address and contact number.


Reference to SDS

 

A statement indicating that an SDS is available.













An example of a supplier label


8.4 Supplier Labels (2015)


The 1988 WHMIS legislation required a minimum of 7 pieces of information required on a supplier label. The new 2015 WHMIS legislation requires a minimum of 6 pieces of information.


One new informational piece has been added to the 2015 WHMIS supplier label which is called “Signal Words”. Signal words indicates the relative level of hazard i.e. “DANGER is used for most severe instances. WARNING is less severe.”


A hatched border around the supplier label is no longer required. A solid-lined border will now replace the hatched border around supplier labels.



An example of a 2015 legislated supplier label

 

8.5 Labeling: Workplace Label (1988 & 2015)


Workplace labels are required on containers for each controlled product produced and used on-site, on secondary containers after a product has been transferred from the original container, and on containers where the supplier label is missing or not readable. The workplace label will provide a minimum of four types of information, which are:






Product Identifier


Often the chemical name of a product or the trade name, common name, code name, or code number.


Hazard Symbols


One or more of the eight WHMIS hazard symbols indicating the hazard classes of the controlled product.


Safe Handling Information


Information of how to safely handle the product


Reference to SDS

 

A statement indicating that an SDS is available.



An example of a workplace label

                                                             

8.6 Hazard Symbols (1988)


A controlled product is a product that falls into one or more of the hazard classes described below. Manufacturers and suppliers classify these products and assign one or more of the appropriate hazard symbols.


All Stay Safe Contracting employees must be educated and trained to recognize the eight hazard symbols and to know what they mean. WHMIS has developed a classification system of six hazard classes


These classes are depicted by eight hazard symbols that identify the specific hazards of controlled products. They are the following:  










CLASS A: Compressed Gas


This class includes compressed gases, dissolved gases, and gases liquefied by compression or refrigeration.





CLASS B: Flammable and Combustible Material


This class includes solids, liquids and gases capable of catching fire in the presence of a spark or open flame under normal working conditions.





CLASS C: Oxidizing Material


These materials increase the risk of fire if they come in contact with flammable or combustible materials.




CLASS D: Poisonous and Infectious Material

Division 1: Materials Causing and Immediate and Serious Toxic Effects


These materials can cause death or immediate injury when a person is exposed to small amounts. (i.e. sodium cyanide, H2S).




CLASS D: Poisonous and Infectious Material

Division 2: Materials Causing Other Toxic EFFECTS


These materials can cause life-threatening and serious long-term health problems as well as less severe but immediate reactions in a person who is repeatedly

exposed to small amounts.




CLASS D: Poisonous and Infectious Material

Division 3: Biohazardous Infectious Material


These materials contain harmful microorganisms that have been classified into Risk Groups 2, 3 and 4 as determined by the World Health Organization (WHO) or the Medical Research Council of Canada.





CLASS E: Corrosive Material


This class includes caustic and acid materials that can destroy the skin or eat through metals. (i.e. sodium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, nitric acid)











CLASS F: Dangerously Reactive Material


These products may self-react dangerously (i.e. explode) upon standing or when exposed to physical shock or to increased pressure or temperature, or they emit toxic gases when exposed to water.


8.7 Pictograms (2015)


Chemicals that fell under the 1988 WHMIS legislation were called “Controlled Products”. However, under the 2015 WHMIS legislation “Controlled Products” will now be called “Hazardous Products”. The 2015 hazard symbols are now called PICTOGRAMS and will be enclosed inside of a RED colored DIAMOND shape.

In 2015 three symbols have changed their representation/identity compared to the 1988 WHMIS legislation. These three symbols are “Exploding Bomb”, “Health Hazard” and “Exclamation Mark”. The “Biohazardous Infectious Materials” symbol will still remain the same and will still be enclosed inside of a BLACK colored CIRCLE shape.


The “Environment” symbol has been added to the 2015 WHMIS legislation which means the controlled product may cause damage to the aquatic environment (i.e. spray painting, accidental spill, etc.)




8.8 Safety Data Sheets (1988)


A Safety Data Sheet is a technical bulletin, which provides detailed hazard information, precautionary and safe handling information, and emergency procedures for a controlled product. All Safety Data Sheets will provide nine sections of content, which are:



Product Information


This section identifies the product, the manufacturer, and the supplier, and it describes the intended product use. It also provides information about where to contact the manufacturer and supplier for information and/or in case of emergency.


Hazardous Ingredients

 

This section lists the specific chemical names, percentages, and acute toxicity data for the individual chemical components.



Physical Data

 

This section contains general information on physical and chemical properties such as the specific gravity, boiling point, and evaporation rate.


Fire and Explosion Hazard

 

This section lists the conditions under which the product may catch fire or explode, as well as information for developing strategies and procedures to deal with fire and explosion hazards


Reactivity Data 

 

This section lists conditions and other substances that should be avoided to prevent dangerous reactions.


Toxicological Properties (Health Effects)

 

This section identifies how the substance enters the body and the possible health effects from single or repeated exposures. It also identifies if the product has known long-term health effects (i.e. liver or kidney damage, sensitization, cancer, or reproductive effects).


Preventative Measures

 

This section includes information on required personal protective equipment, as well as on how to safely clean up spills and how to safely use, handle, store, dispose of, and transport the product.


First Aid Measures

 

This section lists specific instructions for the immediate treatment of a worker who has inhaled or swallowed the controlled product or who as skin or eye contact with the product.


Preparation Information

 

This section lists the date the SDS was prepared and who prepared it.


8.9 Safety Data Sheets – SDS (2015)

 

Under the 2015 WHMIS legislation, Safety Data Sheets will NOT be required to be updated every 3 years. Instead, SDS’s will be updated when significant new data become available.


In the 1988 WHMIS legislation, the minimum sections required in a Safety Data Sheet were 9 sections. In the 2015 WHMIS legislation, the minimum sections required in a Safety Data Sheet will be 16 sections.


Identification (product and supplier)

Hazard identification

Composition/information on ingredients

First-aid measures

Fire-fighting measures

Accidental release measures

Handling and storage

Exposure controls/ personal protection

Physical and chemical properties

Stability and reactivity

Toxicological information

Ecological information*

Disposal considerations*

Transport information*

Regulatory information*

Other information

* Sections 12 to 15 require the headings to be present. The supplier has the option to not provide information in these sections.


The definition of each of the 16 sections are as follows:


  • Identification

Product identifier, recommended use and restrictions on use, supplier contact information, emergency phone number.

  • Hazard Identification

Classification (hazard class and category), label elements (including hazard pictogram, signal word, hazard statement and precautionary statements) and other hazards (e.g. thermal hazards).

  • Composition/Information on Ingredients

For a hazardous product that is a substance: the chemical name, synonyms, CAS No. and the chemical name of impurities, stabilizing solvents and stabilizing additives where classified and that contribute to the classification of the product. For a hazardous product that is a mixture: for ingredients that present a health hazard, the chemical name, synonyms, CAS No. and concentration. Note: Confidential Business Information Rules may apply.

  • First-aid Measures

First-aid measures by route of exposure as well as most important symptoms/effects.

  • Fire-fighting Measures

Suitable (and unsuitable) extinguishing media, specific hazards, special equipment and precautions for fire fighters.

  • Accidental Release Measures

Protective equipment, emergency procedures, methods and materials for containment and clean up.

  • Handling and Storage

Precautions for safe handling, conditions for storage, including any incompatibilities.

  • Exposure Controls and Personal Protection

Exposure limits, engineering controls, personal protective equipment.

  • Physical Properties

Appearance, odour, odour threshold, pH, melting/freezing point, boiling point and range, flash point, upper and lower flammable or explosive limits.

  • Stability and Reactivity

Reactivity, chemical stability, possible hazardous reactions, conditions to avoid, incompatible materials, hazardous decomposition products.

  • Toxicological Information

Description of various toxic effects by route of entry, including effects of acute or chronic exposure, carcinogenicity, reproductive effects, respiratory sensitization.

  • Ecological Information

Aquatic and terrestrial toxicity (if available), persistence and degradability, bio-accumulative potential, mobility in soil.

  • Disposal Information

Safe handling and methods of disposal, including contaminated packaging.

  • Transport Information

UN number and proper shipping name, hazard classes, packing group.

  • Regulatory Information

Safety, health and environmental regulations specific to the product.

  • Other Information

Other information, including date of the latest revision of the SDS.


8.10 Responsibilities


Suppliers

 

  1. Must provide up-to-date Safety Data Sheets (not more than 3 years old) for all controlled products they sell or produce.


  1. Must supply supplier labels on all containers of controlled products they sell or produce.



Employer


Ensure that workers understand information on Safety Data Sheets (SDS), supplier labels and workplace labels by providing effective worker education.


Must provide training in specific safe work procedures to workers who work with or near controlled products.


Ensure that all containers of controlled products in the workplace have Safety Data Sheets (SDS) and WHMIS labels on them.


Ensure that SDS are readily accessible to all workers and current to within three years.


Employees


  1. Know and understand the information on labels and Safety Data Sheets (SDS).


  1. Use the information they receive through education and training to handle controlled products safely.


  1. Inform the company if labels are eligible or missing.

 

8.11 Worker Training & Education


  • Stay Safe Contracting is responsible for educating and training workers about WHMIS and training workers in safe work procedures.

  • Stay Safe Contracting will educate and train staff who are working with and around Controlled Products such as those listed in Appendix A: SDS.  All staff who are in close proximity of the controlled products including management, supervisors and first responders will also be trained. 

  • All staff will receive their general WHMIS 2015 education on the tasks and hazards associated with those tasks when around those Controlled Products in the workplace.  Staff Rights and Responsibilities will also be discussed.  The WHMIS 2015 education will include the following Key Elements:

  • Classification System, including; hazards, symbols and exempt products,
  • Labels, supplier labels, workplace labels and identifiers,
  • Materials Data Safety Sheets (SDS), their use, content, format and examples.
  • WHMIS Education (i) General and (ii) Specific.

  • All staff required to take WHMIS 2015 training will be examined at the end of the generic training session and a minimum of an 80% pass mark will be required. Staff maybe required to take WHMIS again in the event their knowledge of WHMIS 2015 is not to standard which maybe be determined by the individual, Supervisor and/or the Health and Safety Committee.

  • Stay Safe Contracting will record and document all trained staff who take their WHMIS 2015 training on the individual’s worker trainer record. The person taking the training and the Supervisor will sign the training record once the training has been successfully delivered.

 





8.2 Environmental Protection


  • Stay Safe Contracting understands the potential hazards of workplace contaminants to workers, the public, and the environment. It is the policy of our company to show care in the safe handling, storage, and use of those products that may negatively affect people, or the surrounding land, air, or water.

  • Stay Safe Contracting will not knowingly expose workers or other persons to hazardous levels of workplace toxins; and will take steps to ensure that hazardous products or by-products are contained and not introduced to the environment.

  • Where contaminants may be released or present a hazard to workers or the environment, our company will take steps to confirm the safety of persons through the use of protective equipment, engineering controls, and environmental monitoring.

  • Where chemical overexposure to persons may occur, the company will make sure medical precautions are taken to reduce or eliminate any acute or chronic health effects.










 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.0 OCCUPATIONAL FIRST AID POLICY

9.1 Purpose


The purpose of this policy and procedure is to provide employees with prompt, easily accessible, and appropriate first aid treatment and to keep a record of each treatment. All of the following shall be required at Stay Safe Contracting to effectively provide first aid treatment:


  • Occupational Standard and/or Emergency First Aid Attendant(s) with appropriate level of training.


  • First Aid kits with appropriate level type and quantities of supplies.


  • First Aid record keeping system.


  • Appropriate means of transporting an injured worker to a first aid facility or a hospital.


  • Effective means of communication between First Aid Attendant(s) and workers who may need their help.


9.2 Requirements for Provision of First Aid

 

First aid equipment, supplies, and services shall be readily accessible to employees during working hours and to visitors, customers and contractors through Stay Safe Contracting first aid services.


Signs clearly indicating the location of and how to call for first aid shall be:


Posted conspicuously throughout the workplace, and


Effectively communicated and educated to all Stay Safe Contracting employees.


9.3 Reporting Injuries


All employees covered by WSIB insurance are required to report all work-related injuries or disabling occupational disease immediately to their Supervisor and/or First Aid Attendant.


All employees who are injured on the job must report all injuries on the day of the incident regardless of the severity, unless symptoms of injury or illness is delayed due to mechanism and cause of injury. 


9.4 Summoning First Aid in an Emergency

 

Ensure accident scene is safe to avoid further danger to injured person or self.







Do not move the injured person unless there is a high risk of further injury or death. Keep calm and do not leave the injured unattended.


First aid can be summoned by contacting the nearest Supervisor or self, where the supervisor and/or self will summon the First Aid Attendant(s).

 

First Aid can also be summoned by:

 

  • Verbally,
  • Hand-held Radio,
  • Intercom System, and/or
  • Cellular phone.


Ensure all above methods of summoning first aid are REPEATED until successful contact with the First Aid Attendant(s) has been established.


If a life-threatening condition is suspected, CONTACT 911 immediately and then inform Supervisor and/or First Aid Attendant(s).


Once a method of communication has been established and you have successfully contacted first aid you will be asked the following questions where a prompt specific answer is needed for the First Aid Attendant to assess the situation:


  1. Where is the emergency?
  2. What happened?
  3. How many injured?


Be prepared to assist when directed by the First Aid Attendant.


Situations which require Emergency Services and no First Aid Attendant is available by way of intercom, phone or otherwise shall immediately call 911 for assistance.


All injuries must be reported on the day of the injury regardless of the severity.


9.5 Transporting Injured Persons

               

The decision of how or whether to transport a patient/victim shall be the responsibility of the First Aid Attendant in charge.


Where possible the Supervisor and/or reception shall meet the ambulance at the entrance to the Stay Safe Contracting building or site and direct the ambulance (or other emergency services) personnel to the appropriate location and entrance.


If in the judgment of the First Aid Attendant in charge the ambulance service is not required, transport shall be arranged by the First Aid Attendant using a taxi service.



Procedures for transporting injured employees shall be posted conspicuously in the First Aid Room or in the vicinity where the first aid kits are located.


All occupational First Aid Attendants shall be informed of the procedures for transport. 


9.6 Stay Safe Contracting First Aid Kits


Responsibility for the maintenance of the first aid kits in vehicles shall rest with the Supervisor and/or the First Aid Attendant on shift. 


The Supervisor or First Aid Attendant shall be responsible for the locations first aid kits and/or first aid station/room. 


Periodic inspections shall be made to ensure that the first aid kits and first aid rooms are adequately stocked.


These items must be kept clean and dry and must be ready to take to the scene of an accident.

 

9.7 Stay Safe Contracting First Aid Record Form

 

  • First Aid Attendants are responsible for recording all injuries and manifestations of disease reported or treated on the “Insert Company Name Here” First Aid Record Form.


  • All Stay Safe Contracting First Aid Record Forms will be filed and kept on record for a minimum of 3 years.


  • The following information must be recorded on each Stay Safe Contracting First Aid Record Form:


  1. The full name of the injured worker.
  2. The date and time of injury or report of illness.
  3. The date and time the injury or illness was reported to the injured persons Supervisor or First Aid Attendant.
  4. Name of any witness.
  5. A description of how the injury occurred.
  6. A description of the nature of the injury or illness.
  7. A description of the treatment given, and any arrangements made relating to the injury.
  8. A description of any subsequent treatment given for the same injury or illness.
  9. The signature of the attendant or person giving first aid, and where possible, the signature of the employee, visitor, customer or contractor.







9.8 Stay Safe Contracting First Aid Records


Access to First Aid Records shall be restricted to individuals requiring access for reasons of medical treatment, workplace inspection, accident investigation, claims processing and appeals, and for reasons relevant to the workplace health and safety program, including gathering of statistics or as otherwise required by law.


Persons with access to first aid records must keep confidential the information contained in the records, except as required for the legitimate purpose of their access or as otherwise required by law.

 

9.9 Ontario Ministry of Labour Employers Report of Injury or Occupational Disease

 

  • If an injury or an accident has resulted in an employee to obtain medical aid or if time loss has occurred, the Supervisor shall be responsible to complete the Ontario Ministry of Labour Employers Report of Injury or Occupational Disease.


  • The completed form must be sent into Ontario Ministry of Labour within 72 hours of the worker’s injury.

 

9.10 Authority of First Aid Attendant

 

A First Aid Attendant is in complete charge of first aid treatment of the injured until place of medical treatment is reached, the injured is passed to an Ambulance Service, or responsibility for treatment

 is accepted by an attendant with a higher-level certificate, a Physician, a Registered Nurse or a person licensed as an Emergency Medical Assistant.


Any personnel shall not overrule the decision of a First Aid Attendant relating to treatment or transport, except by persons listed above.


When an employee reports to a First Aid Attendant with an occupational illness or injury requiring first aid treatment, the attendant shall not refer the worker back to work until the attendant is satisfied that the first aid treatment is complete and the worker is physically capable of returning to work to his/her normal duties.


The First Aid Attendant does not have the right to overrule the injured person’s decision to seek, refuse or choice of medical attention.


9.11 Responsibilities


Occupational First Aid Attendants are responsible for:


Providing a level of care within the scope of the attendants training and the regulations,


Objectively recording observed or reported signs and symptoms on injuries and illnesses as prescribed, and


Referring to medical attention injuries and illnesses recognized as being serious or beyond the scope of the attendant’s training.


Supervisors are responsible for:


  1. Ensuring that employees are aware of the procedures to summon first aid,


  1. Ensure that employees are aware of the location of the First Aid Room, and


  1. Ensure first aid supplies are available and accessible at all times.


Employees are responsible for:


  1. Utilizing the first aid procedures posted,


  1. Knowing the procedures of how to summon first aid,


  1. Reporting all occupational injuries and/or illnesses immediately to their Supervisor and/or First Aid Attendant, and


  1. Participating in first aid training when requested by their supervisor.


9.12 Hepatitis B Vaccines

 

  • Stay Safe Contracting employees whose work involves administering First Aid are at risk for occupational exposure to bloodborne pathogens including but not limited to Hepatitis B Virus, Hepatitis C Virus and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

  • In order to reduce or eliminate the risk of acquiring an infection, workers must follow safe work procedures and wear appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). It is also recommended by Stay Safe Contracting that all workers at risk for occupational exposure to blood and body fluids receive vaccination against Hepatitis B.

  • Hepatitis B immunization reduces the risk of contracting the virus. Hepatitis B is a virus that attacks the liver. It can cause serious diseases including permanent liver damage (cirrhosis) and is also the main cause of liver cancer, which can be fatal.

  • Direct contact with infected blood in the role as a first aid attendant can transmit the Hepatitis B Virus through:

  • Punctures of the skin with blood-contaminated needles, lancets, scalpels or other sharp objects.
  • Splashes to skin bearing minute scratches, abrasions, burns or even minor rashes.

  • Splashes to mucous membranes in the mouth, nose or eyes.

  • Ontario Ministry of Labour requires that the employer offer without cost to the worker, vaccination against Hepatitis B Virus to all workers who are at risk of occupational exposure to that virus. It is therefore required that all OFA 1, 2 or 3 Attendants reply to this offer of vaccination by completing the following form in its entirety.

9.13 Ontario First Aid Requirements




9.14 First Aid Room


First aid rooms are required when there are likely 200 or more workers on site. The room must be used exclusively to provide first aid, medical examinations and rest for injured workers. The room must:

  • Be clean, heated, well ventilated, and well lit
  • Have a permanent sink with hot and cold water
  • Have a cot
  • Have appropriate first aid supplies
  • Be under the control of a first aid attendant






9.15 First Aid Kits


  • Stay Safe Contracting will make sure that first aid kits are easily accessible so that people can reach or access a first aid kit quickly.

  • A first aid kit should be portable and should NOT be kept in a locked cabinet, drawer or room. It should be in an area where it is visible or marked with a sign identifying its location.



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    9.16 Training

    According to Regulation 1101, all workplaces in Ontario covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA) must provide first aid training to their employees. The required training depends on the number of people working per shift at a workplace:

    • For workplaces with five or fewer people working on any one shift, at least one must have an emergency first aid certificate. This program is 6.5 hours long and is offered by organizations across the province.

    • For workplaces with six or more people working on any shift, at least one must have a standard first aid certificate. This program is 13 hours long and is offered by organizations across the province.










  • 10.0 WORKING ALONE OR IN ISOLATION POLICY

    10.1 Purpose


    The purpose of this policy is to protect the health and safety of, and minimize risk to, all Stay Safe Contracting employees who are assigned to work alone or in isolation under conditions which present a risk of disabling injury and if the employee, contractor and/or sub-contractor might not be able to secure assistance in the event of an injury, ill health or emergency.

    10.2 Definition


    “Working Alone” A person is alone at work when they are on their own; when they cannot be seen or heard by another person; and when they cannot expect a visit from another employee, contractor and/or sub-contractor, customer or a member of the public.

    10.3 Policy


    • Supervisors must be aware of the area perimeter and location of where their employees are performing work at all times.

    • At no time shall any employee make the decision of working alone or in isolation, without the notification and consent of their Supervisor.

    • Management and/or supervisors shall review each worksite under their control to identify individuals who work alone and ensure all reasonably practicable steps are taken to protect the health and safety of those employees.

    • A hazard assessment must be conducted to identify existing or potential working alone hazards at Stay Safe Contracting The hazard assessment and applicable safe work procedures must be reviewed with all employees who are required to work alone.

    • Employees working alone shall be equipped with a cellular phone at all times. Employees are responsible for ensuring their cellular phones are fully charged before the start of every shift.

    • A record of checks shall be maintained by the Supervisor who will be responsible for checking on the well-being of the employees.

    • Employees working alone shall be adequately trained and educated in the contents of this policy and the following:

  • Working Alone Safe Work Procedure

    Emergency Contact Numbers

    Contacts for Local Emergency Rescue Authorities (i.e. 911, fire, police, etc.)




    11.0 DISCIPLINARY ACTION POLICY

    11.1 Purpose


    Stay Safe Contracting is committed to ensuring the health, safety and well-being of all their employees, contractors, clients and visitors and visitors to their sites.

    Stay Safe Contracting intends to provide a safe workplace for all its employees by:

    Developing a comprehensive occupational health, safety and welfare program;


    Assigning responsibility for compliance with all aspects of that program;


    Continuously identifying hazards in the workplace and either eliminating them or reducing the risk associated with them;


    Providing appropriate training, instruction and education;


    Enforcing this policy equally among employees, contractors, clients and visitors and visitors.


    11.2 Responsibilities


    Stay Safe Contracting will ensure that company employees receive adequate direction, instruction and training in carrying out their duties in a safe and effective manner. Employees will be held responsible for following company rules and safety procedures and taking direction from their supervisor.


    11.3 Policy


    All Stay Safe Contracting employees must follow all company health and safety rules, safe work procedures and safety policies at all times. No exceptions.


    Failure to follow company health and safety rules, safe work procedures and safety policies and any violation of these rules, procedures and policies may result in the following disciplinary action:


    1. First Offence: Will result in a verbal warning which still must be logged in the employee’s personal file.

    1. Second Offence: Will result in a written warning from the Supervisor. This letter (written warning) will be put into your employment file.

    1. Third Offence: Will result in suspension (without pay) from work. The amount of “days suspended” from work will depend on the nature of the safety infraction.

    1. Fourth Offence: Will result in immediate termination from employment.


  •  

    The level of disciplinary action to be taken by Stay Safe Contracting can be decided depending on the seriousness of the safety infraction.

     




     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     







    12.0 BULLYING AND HARASSMENT POLICY

    12.1 Purpose


    The purpose of this policy is to communicate Stay Safe Contracting approach to addressing workplace bullying and harassment and to establish a “zero tolerance” policy for such behavior. All Stay Safe Contracting employees will be treated in a fair and respectful manner. Bullying and harassment can include verbal aggression or yelling, humiliating initiation practices or hazing, spreading malicious rumours and/or calling someone derogatory names.

    12.2 Definition


    • “Bullying and Harassment” behaviour includes any inappropriate conduct or comment by a person towards a worker that the person knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause that worker to be humiliated or intimidated, but excludes any reasonable action taken by an employer or supervisor relating to the management and direction of workers or the place of employment.

    • “Bullying and Harassment” behavior does not include:

    • Expressing differences in opinion.
    • Offering constructive feedback, guidance or advice about work-related behavior.
    • Reasonable action taken by the Employer or Supervisor relating to the management and direction of workers or the place of employment (e.g. Managing a worker’s performance, taking reasonable disciplinary actions, assigning work).
  • 12.3 Responsibilities


    • Stay Safe Contracting has a duty to ensure the health and safety of its workers, and as a result, Stay Safe Contracting will take all reasonable steps to prevent to prevent where possible, or otherwise minimize, workplace bullying and harassment.

    • Stay Safe Contracting Employees have the duty to take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and other persons, and as a result, all Stay Safe Contracting employees will take all reasonable steps to prevent where possible, or otherwise minimize, workplace bullying and harassment.
    •  
    • Stay Safe Contracting Supervisors have the duty to take all reasonable steps to ensure the health and safety of Stay Safe Contracting employees under their supervision, and as a result, all supervisors will take all reasonable steps to prevent where possible, or otherwise minimize, workplace bullying and harassment.
  •  




    12.4 Policy


    • All Stay Safe Contracting employees will not engage in the bullying and harassment of other workers at any time and must comply with this written policy at all times.

    • Stay Safe Contracting employees will report to their Supervisor immediately either in person or in writing (i.e. hand-written notes or email) if bullying and harassment is observed or experienced in the workplace.  If the Supervisor is not available or is the perpetrator, the employee should report the incident to the owner of Stay Safe Contracting.

    • When reporting a bullying or harassment incident employees involved in the incident will be required to provide as much information as possible in the report, such as names of people involved, witnesses, where the events occurred, when they occurred, and what behaviour and/or words led to the complaint.

    • Supervisors will confidentially and immediately address and investigate any reported complaints of workplace bullying or harassment. During the initial stages of investigating reported complaints, supervisors must seek advice and assistance from owner of Stay Safe Contracting.

    • Supervisors will ensure that all initial reported complaints of bullying or harassment will be kept strictly confidential between the supervisor, the complainant party(s), and the alleged bully(s).

    • Most bullying or harassment investigations at Stay Safe Contracting will be conducted internally. However, in complex or sensitive situations Stay Safe Contracting may hire the services of a third-party external investigator.

    • All workers are notified and are expected to cooperate with investigators and provide any details of incidents they have experienced or witnessed.

    • Stay Safe Contracting management team will ensure this policy is reviewed annually to determine its effectiveness. All employees will be provided with a copy of this policy and any revisions will be communicated.

    • Any persons found to be guilty of bulling or harassment will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination of employment.
  • 12.5 Reporting Procedures


    • Employees at Stay Safe Contracting can report incidents or complaints of workplace bullying and harassment verbally or in writing.




    • When reporting verbally, please contact your Supervisor immediately. When reporting incidents or complaints, it should be reported as soon as possible after experiencing or witnessing an incident. This allows the incident to be investigated and addressed promptly.

    • Report any incidents or complaints to the Stay Safe Contracting Main Project Managers.

    • If the complainant’s Supervisor, or the reporting contact named above in these steps is the person engaging in bullying and harassing behaviour, contact the owner of the company.

    • Provide as much information as possible in the report, such as the names of people involved, witnesses, where the events occurred, when they occurred, and what behaviour and/or words led to the complaint. Attach any supporting documents, such as emails, handwritten notes, or photographs. Physical evidence, such as vandalized personal belongings, can also be submitted.
  • 12.6 Investigation Procedures


    • Most investigations at Stay Safe Contracting will be conducted internally. In complex or sensitive situations, an external investigator might be hired.

    • Investigations will:

    • be undertaken promptly and diligently, and be as thorough as necessary, given the circumstances;
    • be fair and impartial, providing both the complainant and respondent equal treatment in evaluating the allegations;
    • be sensitive to the interests of all parties involved, and maintain confidentiality;
    • be focused on finding facts and evidence, including interviews of the complainant, respondent, and any witnesses; and
    • incorporate, where appropriate, any need or request from the complainant or respondent for assistance during the investigation process.

    • Investigations will include interviews with the alleged target, the alleged bully, and any witnesses. If the alleged target and the alleged bully agree on what happened, then “Insert Company Name Here” will not investigate any further, and will determine what corrective action to take, if necessary.

    • The investigator will also review any evidence, such as emails, handwritten notes, photographs, or physical evidence like vandalized objects.
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    12.7 Follow Up


    • All investigations of alleged bullying and harassment will be followed up and documented.

    • Follow up will include a description of corrective actions, a time frame, and a means for dealing with adverse symptoms.

    • The complainant(s) will be advised of the outcomes and options available. These could include assistance programs, training and discipline.
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    12.8 Training


    • Training for supervisors and workers will include the following:

    • How to recognize bullying and harassment.
    • How staff who experience or witness bullying and harassment should respond.
    • Procedures for reporting, and how the employer follows up with incidents or complaints of bullying and harassment.
    • Documents/form review Training will occur as required and will be included in all new and young employee safety orientations.
  • 12.9 Examples of Bullying and Harassment


    • Bullying can involve negative physical contact and usually involves repeated incidents or a pattern of behaviour that is intended to intimidate, offend, degrade, or humiliate a particular person or group of people.

    • Personal harassment is a form of discrimination. Harassment occurs when a person or group is subjected (often repeatedly) to any unsolicited, unwelcome, disrespectful or offensive behaviour that has an underlying sexual, bigoted, ethnic or racial connotation and can be typified as:

    • Behaviour that is hostile in nature, and/or intends to degrade an individual based on personal attributes, including age, race, nationality, CLAIMS, family status, religion, gender, sexual orientation, and/or any other human rights protected grounds.

    • Sexual solicitation or advance made by a person in a position to confer, grant or deny a benefit or advancement to the person where the person making the solicitation or advance knows or ought reasonably to know that it is unwelcome.



    • Reprisal or a threat of reprisal for the rejection of a sexual solicitation or advance where the reprisal is made or threatened by a person in a position to confer, grant or deny a benefit or advancement to the person.

    • Unwelcome remarks, jokes, innuendoes, propositions, or taunting about a person’s body, attire, sex or sexual orientation and/or based on religion.

    • Suggestive or offensive remarks.

    • Bragging about sexual prowess.

    • Offensive jokes or comments of a sexual nature about an employee

    • Unwelcome language related to gender.

    • Displaying of pornographic or sexist pictures or materials.

    • Leering (suggestive persistent staring).

    • Physical contact such as touching, patting, or pinching, with an underlying sexual connotation.

    • Sexual assault; for the most part, victims of sexual harassment are female. However, conduct directed by female employees towards males and between persons of the same sex can also be held to constitute sexual harassment.

    • Any actions that create a hostile, intimidating or offensive workplace. This may include physical, verbal, written, graphic, or electronic means.

    • Any threats of physical violence that endangers the health and safety of the employee.

    • Racial/ethnic harassment can be conduct or comment which causes humiliation to an employee because of their racial or ethnic background, their color, place of birth, citizenship or ancestry. Examples of conduct which may be racial or ethnic harassment include:

    • Unwelcome remarks, jokes or innuendos about a person's racial or ethnic origin,

    • Color, place of birth, citizenship or ancestry,

    • Displaying racist or derogatory pictures or other offensive material,


    • Insulting gestures or practical jokes based on racial or ethnic grounds which create awkwardness or embarrassment,

    • Refusing to speak to or work with someone or treating someone differently because of their ethnic or racial background.

























  • 13.0 WORKPLACE VIOLENCE POLICY

    13.1 Purpose


    The purpose of this policy is to communicate Stay Safe Contracting approach to addressing workplace violence and to establish a “zero tolerance” policy for such behavior.

    This policy requires that individuals on company premises or while representing Stay Safe Contracting conduct themselves in a professional manner consistent with good business practices and in absolute conformity with non-violence principles and standards.

    13.2 Definition


    “Violence” means the attempted or actual exercise by a person, other than a worker, of any physical force so as to cause injury to a worker, and includes any threatening statement or behavior which gives a worker reasonable cause to believe that he or she is at risk of injury.


    13.3 Policy


    Stay Safe Contracting will not tolerate any form of intimidation, threats and acts of violence at any time and will make every effort to prevent violence and threats of violence from occurring.


    People who commit these acts outside the workplace but which impact the workplace are also violating this policy. The health, safety and wellbeing of our employees, is the company’s foremost concern.


    Any persons who do not comply with this policy will be subjected to disciplinary action.


    Any employee who has a reasonable cause to believe that he or she is at risk of injury from any form of intimidation, threat and/or act of violence will report to their supervisor immediately to resolve their concern.


    Management/supervisors (at all levels) will, in strict confidentiality, take immediate and appropriate action of all reports of intimidation, threats, and/or acts of violence.


    13.4 Risks from Robbery Assault or Confrontation


    13.5 Purpose


    • Stay Safe Contracting is aware that employees could be at risk from incidents in the workplace. This policy has been developed to warn employees on potential of violence and how to prevent and deal with incidents.

    • Some of these risks from incidents could be the following:

    1. Robbery and Assault
    2. Abusive and Difficult Clients and Visitors
    3. Unwelcome Members of the Public

  • 13.6 Policy


    Ensure you always DO the following:

    Be polite and friendly to all clients and visitors.

    Make eye contact and greet clients and visitors as they enter the building.

    Look for signs that clients and visitors are upset or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

    Encourage clients and visitors who are angry or upset to talk to the manager. If the manager is not available, give the clients and visitors a phone number to call.

    Stay Calm. Listen to clients and visitors and respond calmly. If the clients and visitors is still verbally abusive and irritated, and it is safe to do so, move to a quieter location possibly with the help of a co-worker.

    Make sure all important signs stay posted. (i.e. the front door might have signs that say: “Building has limited cash after dark”).

    Keep emergency numbers on hand. Post them on or beside each phone in the workplace.

    Report to you Supervisor immediately if the situation is escalating and you feel threatened in any shape, way or form.


    Ensure you NEVER DO the following:

    Trade insults with clients and visitors or react to their anger.

    Take clients and visitors complaints personally.

    Talk down to clients and visitors.

    Try and physically stop or hold someone (i.e. robber or shoplifter).

    Never deal with escalating violent situations alone. Always ask for assistance.


    13.7 Abusive and Difficult Clients / Visitors


    Encourage clients and visitors who are angry or upset to talk to the manager.

    If the manager is not available, give the clients and visitors a phone number to call

    Stay Calm. Listen to clients and visitors and respond calmly

    If the clients and visitors is still verbally abusive and irritated, and it is safe to do so, move to a quieter location possibly with the help of a co-worker.


    13.8 Robbery and Assault


    If someone tries to rob the building during working hours; don’t be a hero.


    Cooperate; give up the money and never resist.

    Try and physically stop or hold someone (i.e. robber)

    After the robber has left, lock the door and call the police (911) and report to your Supervisor immediately.


    13.9 Unwelcomed Members of the Public


    If unwelcomed members such as loiterers (i.e. youth, gangs, etc.), homeless people, addicts, etc. are seen entering the building or located in front of the building premises, you should:

    • Must never attempt to deal with these situations alone;
    • Stay a safe distance away from the individual(s);
    • Report your concerns to your Supervisor immediately or ask the police to come to the building.

  • 13.10 Risk Assessments


    • Stay Safe Contracting will conduct a risk assessment of the work environment to identify any issues related to potential violence that may impact the operation and will institute measures to control any identified risks to employee safety.

    • The risk assessment may include review of records and reports i.e., security reports, employee incident reports, staff perception surveys, health and safety inspection reports, first aid records or other related records.

    • Specific areas that may contribute to risk of violence may include: contact with public, exchange of money, receiving doors, working alone or at night etc. Research may also include a review of similar workplaces with respect to their history of violence. This information will be provided to the Joint Health & Safety Committee.
  • 13.11 Mutual Respect


    • Stay Safe Contracting recognizes that to achieve its vision, the environment it provides must be one that demonstrates respect, dignity, equity, and safety for all “Insert Company Name Here” employees.

    • Stay Safe Contracting promotes responsibility, respect, civility, and professional excellence in a safe work environment. Any form of discrimination or harassment is prohibited and “Insert Company Name Here” considers all complaints seriously.

    • All investigations will be timely, thorough, objective and fair to all affected parties. Every person has the right to report an incident or suspected incident without fear of reprisal.

    • For complaints and further information regarding harassment or discrimination, please refer to Stay Safe Contracting Bullying and Harassment Policy.

    • The purpose of the Mutual Respect Policy is to maintain a working environment that is amenable to all, and free from acts of harassment, discrimination, and undue distraction or hardship.

    • This policy shall outline appropriate workplace conduct, including:
    • Personal privacy
    • Language
    • Noise
    • Distraction
    • Workplace cleanliness
























  • 14.0 PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT (PPE) POLICY

    14.1 Purpose


    This policy is designed to outline the use and maintenance of personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect employees from exposure to workplace hazards and the risk of occupational injury and/or disease. Personal protective equipment (PPE) is not a substitute for more effective control methods and its use will be considered only when other means of protection against hazards are not adequate or feasible.


    PPE will be used in conjunction with other controls unless no other means of hazard control exist.


    14.2 Definitions

    “A.N.S.I.” American National Standards Institute

    “C.S.A.”  Canadian Standards Association

    “N.I.O.S.H.” National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health

    “Personal Protective Equipment” Any equipment or clothing worn that protects the employee from work related injuries, illnesses and fatalities.


    14.3 Policy


    • It is the policy of Stay Safe Contracting to provide and maintain safe and healthful working conditions and to follow operating practices that will safeguard all employees and result in efficient operations. It is Stay Safe Contracting policy to have all workers use the proper PPE when and where required.

    • Employees, guests, and visitor workers will wear CSA safety boots, long trousers, sleeved shirts, CSA or ANSI Standard hard hats, and any other specialty PPE required for the Stay Safe Contracting job sites. Stay Safe Contracting will provide all required PPE for employees, either directly or by providing an allowance for specific items.

    • Stay Safe Contracting will ensure that a worker who wears PPE is adequately instructed in the correct use, limitations and assigned maintenance duties for the equipment to be used.

    • PPE used by Stay Safe Contracting will be within the requirements of Ontario Ministry of Labour OHSR regulations. PPE must comply with CSA or ANSI standards. Only Stay Safe Contracting -approved PPE shall be worn.

    • All PPE will be maintained in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions and requirements. No piece of PPE will be modified or changed contrary to manufacturer’s instructions or specifications.

    • Employees are required to follow the rules concerning PPE at all times, without exception. Deliberately refusing to wear PPE or removing protective equipment, such as machine guards, will be considered an act of insubordination, and subject to corrective disciplinary action.

    • Stay Safe Contracting considers deliberate safety violations that put employees or co-workers at risk very serious and penalties may include suspension or termination.

    • Company employees will be responsible for providing proper clothing (offering protection against the natural elements) and appropriate footwear (including safety footwear).

  • 14.4 Selection, Use and Maintenance


    • Personal protective equipment must be:

    1. selected and used in accordance with recognized standards, and provide effective protection,
    2. not in itself create a hazard to the wearer,
    3. be compatible, so that one item of personal protective equipment does not make another item ineffective, and
    4. be maintained in good working order and in a sanitary condition.

    • If the use of personal protective equipment creates hazards equal to or greater than those it use is intended to prevent, alternative personal protective equipment must be used or other appropriate measures must be taken.

  • 14.5 Instruction and Training


    Stay Safe Contracting shall ensure that all workers who are required to wear personal protective equipment are adequately instructed and trained in the correct use, limitations and assigned maintenance duties for the equipment to be used.


    14.6 Supervisor Responsibilities


    The supervisor must ensure that appropriate personal protective equipment is:


    available to workers,

    • properly worn when required, and          
    • properly cleaned, inspected, maintained and stored.






  • 14.7 Worker Responsibilities


    A worker who is required to use personal protective equipment must:


    use the equipment in accordance with training and instruction,

    • inspect the equipment before use, and
    • report any equipment malfunction to the supervisor immediately.

    • A worker who is assigned responsibility for cleaning, maintaining, or storing personal protective equipment must do so in accordance with training and instruction provided.

  • 14.8 Foot Protection


    C.S.A approved steel-toed boots with the following symbol (Ω) are mandatory throughout the warehouse and outside locations throughout the site.

    14.9 Eye Protection

    A worker must wear properly fitting safety eyewear appropriate to the conditions of the workplace if handling or exposed to materials, which are likely to injure or irritate the eyes. Use the correct safety eyewear for the task being performed.

    Proper C.S.A approved safety glasses and face-shield must be worn when exposed to chipping, working with compressed air, grinding, hammering and/or when exposed to excessive amounts of dust in the air.

    C.S.A approved safety goggles must be worn when:

    Cleaning up spills.

    • When working with dusty materials.
    • When working with any chemically based liquid material.
    • Anytime there is visible dust in the air.

  • Proper C.S.A approved welding helmet must be worn when welding or gouging in conjunction with adequate protective lenses for protection from ultra-violet rays and splatter.


    Proper C.S.A approved burning glasses must be worn when burning or cutting. Worker working with or in close proximity must wear burning glasses as well or other adequately shaded lenses to prevent arc flash.


    14.10 Respiratory Protection


    All workers who are exposed to unhealthy air contaminants must wear proper C.S.A. or N.I.O.S.H. approved protective respiratory equipment. Respiratory protection must be worn when exposed to the following air contaminants and/or breathing hazards:



    Particulate contaminants (dusts, fibers, mists, fumes, and airborne biological contaminants).

    Gas and vapour contaminants (i.e. fuel or paint).

    Oxygen deficiency (air low in oxygen).

    Any of the above hazards in combination.


    Workers required to wear respiratory equipment must be clean-shaven where the respirator seals with the face.


    The company will issue the proper respiratory protection for the task being performed and will provide each worker with a fit test.


    Respiratory Protection Examples


    Particulate Filter Cartridge Respirator

     



    Half Mask & Full Face Cartridge Respirators

    (Air Purifying)

     




    14.11 Fit Test

    Check for appropriate size of half-mask or full-face respirator (i.e. small, medium, large, x-large).


    • Respirator mask should be adjusted to a comfortable fit that seals with the face.

    • Use the appropriate filter cartridges for the task being performed.

    • Check positive pressure – by holding hand on the exhalation valve and asking the worker to exhale as they normally do and ask if they can fell any air leaking where the respirator seals with the face.

    • Check negative pressure – by holding hand on the inhalation valves and asking the worker to inhale as they normally do and ask if they can fell any air leaking where the respirator seals with the face.

    • Smoke Test – having the worker rotate their head in a circular motion while counting aloud to ten as the tester applies irritant smoke from a smoke tube in their breathing zone.

    • Any air leaks or detection of the irritant smoke will result in adjusting the respirator and repeating the step over until a proper seal has been achieved.

    • All fit tests must be recorded on the Stay Safe Contracting Fit Test Record Form.

  • 14.12 Safety Headgear

    Proper C.S.A or A.N.S.I. approved hard hats must be worn in any work area where there is a danger of head injury from falling, flying or thrown objects or other harmful contacts.

    According to ANSI/ISEA Z89.1-2009 and Canadian CSA Z94.1-2005 standards, hard hat electrical performance is divided into three categories: Class E, Electrical; Class G, General, and; Class C, Conductive:


    • Class E (Electrical) Hard Hats are designed to reduce exposure to high voltage conductors, and offer dielectric protection up to 20,000 volts (phase to ground). This amount of voltage protection, however, is designated to the head only, and is not an indication of voltage protection allocated to the user as a whole.

    • Class G (General) Hard Hats are designed to reduce exposure to low voltage conductors, and offer dielectric protection up to 2,200 volts (phase to ground). As is the case with Class E hard hats, this amount of voltage protection is designated to the head only, and does not account for voltage protection allocated to the user as a whole.

    • Class C (Conductive) Hard Hats differ from their counterparts in that they are not intended to provide protection against contact with electrical conductors. On the contrary, Class C hard hats may include vented options, such as the MSA V-Gard 500 Hard Hat , which not only protect the wearer from impact, but also provide increased breathability through their conductive material (such as aluminum) or added ventilation.

  • 14.13 Hand and Body Protection

                                            

    All employees must wear appropriate skin, hand, foot or body protection if he/she is exposed to a substance or condition which is likely to puncture, abrade or otherwise adversely affect the skin, or be absorbed through it.


    If there is danger of injury, contamination or infection to a worker’s hands, arms, legs, or torso, the worker must wear properly fitting protective equipment appropriate to the work being done and the hazards involved.



    If a glove, apron, or other protective equipment used to protect the skin against contact with a hazardous substance is rendered ineffective due to contamination with the substance; the protective equipment must be promptly replaced with clean or decontaminated equipment to maintain the required protection.


    Choosing protective gloves and body protection that adequately protects from the hazard(s) of a specific job and adequately meets the specific tasks involved in the job, can be done by the following chart:


    Hazard

     

    Type of Protective Material

    Abrasion

    Reinforced heavy rubber, staple-reinforced heavy leather, rubber, plastic, leather, polyester, nylon, cotton


    Sharp Edges

    Metal mesh, staple-reinforced heavy leather, Kevlar, aramid-steel mesh, leather, terry cloth (aramid fiber), polyester, nylon, cotton


    Chemicals and Fluids

    Depending on chemical: natural rubber, neoprene, nitrile rubber, butyl rubber, Teflon, polyetrafluoroethylene


    Cold

    Leather, insulated plastic or rubber, wool, cotton


    Electricity

    Rubber-insulated gloves tested to appropriate voltage (CSA standard Z259.4-M1979) with leather outer glove


    Heat

    Asbestos, neoprene-coated asbestos, heat-resistant leather with lining


    General Duty

    Cotton, terry cloth, leather


    Product Contamination

     

    Thin-film plastic, lightweight leather, cotton, polyester, nylon


    Radiation

    Lead-lined rubber, plastic or leather




    14.14 Hearing Protection


    Workers must wear hearing protection if the noise or sound level in the workplace exceeds 85 decibels (A-weighted) or dB(A). Many work processes will damage hearing in the long term despite no immediate symptoms.


    A good indication that noise levels may affect your hearing is if a worker is three feet from someone and has to raise his/her voice to talk to them.



    Workers in a posted noise hazard area must wear hearing protection.


    The simplest form of hearing protection can be C.S.A. approved ear muffs and/or ear plugs.


     

    14.15 High Visibility Apparel


    High-visibility safety apparel (HVSA) is clothing (e.g., vests, bibs, or coveralls) that workers can wear to improve how well other people "see" them (their visibility). Most often, high-visibility clothing is worn to alert drivers and other vehicle operators of a worker's presence, especially in low light and dark conditions.


    Requirements for high-visibility safety clothing for Canadian workers are found in the CSA Standard Z96-15 High-Visibility Safety Apparel.


    CSA approved high visibility apparel must be worn by employees and contractors when working on roads or highways (i.e. traffic control).


    High Risk: Class 2 for daytime, Class 3 for low-light conditions. Examples of situations that may be high risk:


    Vehicle speeds exceeding 80 km/h (50 mph).

    Workers on foot and vehicle operators with high task loads that clearly place the worker in danger.

    When the wearer must be conspicuous through the full range of body motions at a minimum of 390 m (1,280 ft).

    Work activities taking place in low light or at nighttime.


    Examples of jobs include:


    Roadway construction workers.

    Utility workers.

    Survey crews.

    Emergency responders.

    Road assistance/courtesy patrols.

    Flagging crews.

    Towing operators.
















    15.0 ANNUAL PROGRAM REVIEW POLICY

    15.1 Purpose


    To ensure that this occupational health and safety program meets the evolving health and safety needs of the employees and contractors, Stay Safe Contracting will conduct a review of their occupational health and safety program annually. This review will include all aspects of the programs and will be done with the full support of management. Health and Safety statistical reports will be completed and reviewed at monthly joint health and safety committee meetings and at the annual review.

    15.2 Policy


    • Stay Safe Contracting will conduct an annual review of their occupational health and safety program.

    • A report will be written which will include specific recommended actions and an action plan to achieve the objectives. A senior management representative who will review the report with the Health & Safety Committee will administer this process impartially.
  • 15.3 Purpose of the Review


    • Provide evaluation of Programs

    • Suggest corrections and additions as needed

    • Assess accident trends – types and root causes

    • Maintain and improve workers' awareness of the Health & Safety Programs

    • Review close calls, first aid, medical aid, and LTA

    • Reduce accidents and Ontario Ministry of Labour claims.
  •  

    15.4 Focus of the Review


    The reviews will focus on the elements of the Programs contained in this Manual, namely:

    • Policies and Administration

    • Health & Safety Education and Training

    • Supplementary Instructions


    • Supervision of Workers

    • Workplace Inspections

    • Monitoring of Plant and Hazardous Conditions

    • Accident Investigation and Follow-up

    • First Aid Services and Equipment

    • Joint OH&S Committees

    • Traffic Control Program

    • Emergency Preparedness & Evacuation

    • PPE

    • Records and Statistics

    • Maintenance Programs

    • Additional Systems and Programs

    • Health & Safety Program Regular Reviews

  • 15.5 Safety Program Audit


    • The Health and Safety Program shall be audited and evaluated annually. The purpose of the audit is to ensure the program is being utilized and is effective and to investigate the safety activities and performance during the previous year within the context of the Program Manual. The audit will also be used to set measurable objectives and to outline specific safety activities, focal points, and revisions to procedures for the coming year.

    • The annual review will be based on an acceptable format to Certificate of Recognition requirements (COR) and Ontario Ministry of Labour standards. A written report, including unbiased evaluations, will be produced.




    • Upon completion of the written report Stay Safe Contracting will:
  • Develop an action plan to implement practicable recommended revisions.

    Monitor the implementation of the action plan.












































    16.0 COVID-19 SAFETY POLICY

    16.1 Policy


    Any Stay Safe Contracting employee who is ill and/or showing flu like symptoms will remain at home and not come into work as there is a high risk of infecting other. It is recommended to also contact their local health care provider immediately.


    If an employee falls into one of the categories below, the employee will follow the advice from the Canada Centre of Disease Control and Public Health Authorities across Canada:


    1. If you have COVID-19. If you are sick with COVID-19, you need to stay home. Contact your local health care provider to get advice immediately.

    1. If you have traveled internationally. The Public Health Agency of Canada advises that if you have travelled to Hubei Province, China, Iran, or Italy, you are asked to self-isolate for 14 days after the day you left the area. If you are returning from an affected area, stay home and limit contact with others for a total of 14 days. Monitor yourself daily for symptoms like fever, cough or difficulty breathing for these 14 days. If you develop symptoms speak with your health care provider to discuss any need for testing and follow up.

  • The Canada Centre for Disease Control is asking people arriving anywhere from outside of Canada to self-isolate, and monitor for symptoms for 14 days after arrival in Canada. People arriving from Hubei Province, Italy or Iran are asked to take extra measures to limit their contact.


    If you have travelled outside Canada, monitor yourself and your family closely for symptoms like fever, cough, and difficulty breathing for a total of 14 days from your return. If any symptoms arise, limit contact with others and speak with your health care provider.


    1. If you have been in contact with a person infected with COVID-19.  If you have had close contact with an infected person you are at high risk of exposure. The Public Health Agency of Canada recommends that in these circumstances, you voluntarily home quarantine (self-isolation), with mandatory quarantine depending on circumstances, and practice hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, cleaning, and self-monitoring.

  • Employees are to be advised to not mask any symptoms of exposure even if they are mild symptoms or have had to take simple medications such as Tylenol. Workers showing any COVID-19 symptoms are not to come into work under any circumstances.


    If an employee is confirmed to have COVID-19, Stay Safe Contracting will inform the other employees of their possible exposure to COVID-19, without disclosing names or details of the infected worker(s). All potentially exposed workers will be notified to contact their local public healthcare provider.

     

    16.2 Cleaning and Sanitizing

     

    Stay Safe Contracting will ensure during high risk COVID-19 exposure risk (pandemic) as advised by the CDC; areas such as washrooms and lunchrooms will be cleaned and sanitized frequently.


    Stay Safe Contracting will ensure during high risk COVID-19 exposure risk (pandemic) as advised by the CDC; high risk touch spots will be cleaned and sanitized frequently, such as:


    Doorknobs, light switches, handrails, computer keyboards, desks, computer mouse, lunchrooms, sink taps, lunch tables, fridge handles, cellular phones etc.


    Sanitizing chemicals will be purchased by the company.


    Example of developing our own sanitizing solution: 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water.


    16.3 Disinfection Solution

     

    You may use a chemical disinfection solution containing a bleach solution or at least 70% Alcohol. Follow manufacturer specifications for proper application and safety requirements (i.e. ppe and ventilation).


    You may also create your own workplace diluted bleach solution (i.e. spray bottle):


    5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water.

    Ensure the spray bottle is adequately labeled for identification purposes.


    16.4 Handshaking

     

    During high risk COVID-19 exposure risk (pandemic) as advised by the CDC; it is advised to all employees to not conduct in handshakes until further notice.

     

     

    16.5 Workplace Distancing

     

    During high risk COVID-19 exposure risk (pandemic) as advised by the CDC, all workers will keep a minimum of distance of 6 feet from each other.


    Avoid close contact with any other worker if they are showing any symptoms of COVID-19 infection.


    During high risk COVID-19 exposure risk (pandemic) as advised by the CDC, “Insert Company Name Here” will limit the number of group gatherings such as office meetings and training sessions. An electronic means of communication such as cellular phone or webinar meetings will be proposed.

     

    16.6 Personal Protective Equipment

     

    The following PPE will be provided to employees by Stay Safe Contracting This PPE is to be worn and used if exposed to or near an infected worker.


    Employees are recommended to wear respirators and gloves while preforming work.



    Gloves




    Masks and Respirators


    Face Shield


    16.7 Disposal of Contaminated PPE

     

    All contaminated PPE such as masks, respirators, gloves and Tyvek suits must be disposed of in a labeled biohazardous container bin.


    Face shields can be cleaned with a disinfectant solution.


    Example of a disinfectant solution can be 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water.

    16.8 Face Touching

     

    It is advised to all employees to refrain from touching their face, eyes or mouth prior to washing their hands with soap and water.

    16.9 Food and Beverage Sharing

     

    At no time shall any employee share their food or beverage containers with another employees. Please bring your own water bottle and do not share you water bottle with anyone.

    16.10 Sneezing and Coughing

     

    Do not sneeze or cough into the air or towards another worker at anytime.


    Sneeze or cough into a tissue or into your elbow. DO NOT USE YOUR HANDS.


    After coughing or sneezing, put your used tissue into a garbage bin and immediately wash your hands with soap and water (or disinfect with 70% or more alcohol-based hand sanitizer).


    Employees are welcome to wear medical masks or N95 Respirators during their shift if they feel more comfortable in regards to their personal health.

    16.11 Travel

     

    The Government of Canada has issued a Global Travel Advisory. They are advising Canadians to avoid non-essential travel outside of Canada until further notice.


    If an employee is planning to travel they must inform Stay Safe Contracting prior to any travel plans.

    16.12 Exposure or Symptom Reporting

     

    1. If you believe you have been exposed to a confirmed infected COVID-19 employee, report to your Supervisor immediately. You will be required to leave the site, isolate yourself, and contact your local health care provider.

    1. If you are showing any of the following symptoms, report to your Supervisor immediately. You will be required to leave the site, isolate yourself, and contact your local health care provider:

  • Similar to a cold or flu and include fever, fatigue, cough and difficulty breathing.

     

    16.13 Contact with a Confirmed Case of COVID-19

     

    If a confirmed case is identified in your workplace, the designated public health services will provide advice to:


    1. Any employee that has been in close face-to-face or touching contact

    1. Anyone talking with or being coughed on for any length of time while the employee was symptomatic

    1. Anyone who has cleaned up any bodily fluids

    1. Close friendship groups or workgroups

    1. Any employee living in the same household as a confirmed case

  • Contacts are not considered cases and if they are feeling well, they are very unlikely to have spread the infection to others:


    1. Those who have had close contact will be asked to self-isolate at home for 14 days from the last time they had contact with the confirmed case and follow the advice they will be actively followed up by the designated public health services

    1. If they develop new symptoms or their existing symptoms worsen within their 14-day observation period they should call the designated public health services for reassessment

    1. If they become unwell with cough, fever or shortness of breath they will be tested for COVID-19

    1. If they are unwell at any time within their 14-day observation period and they test positive for COVID-19 they will become a confirmed case and will be treated for the infection

    1. Staff who have not had close contact with the original confirmed case do not need to take any precautions other than monitoring their health for flu-like symptoms and can continue to attend work.

  • A confirmed case of COVID-19 in the workplace will cause anxiety among co-workers and some may become stressed. Clear communication is important, directing workers to reliable sources of information about COVID-19. Managers should be supportive and understanding and as far as possible flexible on working arrangements.







    16.14 COVID-19 Six Step Process (Reducing Exposure)

     

    Stay Safe Contracting will ensure the following six steps will be implemented in the workplace to reduce the risk of COVID-19 exposure.

     

    Step 1: Assessing Risks

    Stay Safe Contracting will assess their workplace in order to identify places where the risk of transmission is introduced. This process must involve frontline workers, supervisors, and joint health and safety committees and/or worker representatives. You should continue to assess the workplace after operations resume to ensure risks are identified and managed.


    The virus that causes COVID-19 spreads in several ways, including through droplets when a person coughs or sneezes, or from touching a contaminated surface before touching the face. To understand the risk at your workplace, consider the following questions:


    Where do people congregate, such as break rooms, production lines, or meeting rooms?


    What job tasks or processes require workers to come into close proximity with one another or members of the public?


    What tools, machinery, and equipment do people come into contact with in the course of their work?


    What surfaces are touched often, such as doorknobs, elevator buttons, light switches, equipment, and shared tools?

     

    Step 2: Implementing Protocol to Reduce Risk

    Stay Safe Contracting will select and put measures in place to minimize the risk of transmission:

     

    Maintaining physical distance

    Consider reducing the overall number of workers at the workplace at one time. This may be done by implementing work-from-home schedules or rescheduling some work tasks.


    Ensure that the appropriate number of people are in each area of a workplace to prevent workers from coming too close to one another or members of the public. This may be done by posting occupancy limits (e.g., on elevators, washrooms, and other small spaces), and limiting the number of workers at one time in break locations.


    Maintain a distance of 2 metres (6 feet) between workers and others wherever possible, by revising work schedules, organizing work tasks, and employing the use of dollies or other aids for work tasks that would typically be done by more than one person.


    Consider creating pods of workers who work together exclusively to minimize the risk of broad transmission throughout the workplace.


    Implement measures to ensure workers can maintain a distance of two metres when serving or working with or near members of the public.

     

    Where physical distance cannot be maintained

    Where distance cannot be maintained, consider separating people with partitions or plexiglass barriers.


    Where other measures are not sufficient, consider the use of masks, understanding that these have limitations.

     

    Cleaning and hygiene

    Provide adequate hand-washing facilities on site for all workers and ensure the location is visible and easily accessed. Develop policies around when workers must wash their hands, including upon arriving for work, before and after breaks, after handling cash or other materials, before and after handling common tools and equipment.


    Implement a cleaning protocol for all common areas and surfaces, including washrooms, equipment, tools, common tables, desks, light switches, and door handles. Ensure those engaged in cleaning have adequate training and materials.


    Remove any unnecessary tools or equipment that may elevate the risk of transmission, including items like coffee makers and shared utensils and plates.

     

    Step 3: Development of Policies

    Stay Safe Contracting will develop the necessary policies to manage their workplace, including policies around who can be at the workplace, how to address illness that arises at the workplace, and how workers can be kept safe in adjusted working conditions. Stay Safe Contracting will communicate policies clearly to workers through training, signage, and reminders as required.

     

     

     

    Step 4: Communication Plans and Training

    Stay Safe Contracting will ensure that everyone entering the workplace, including workers from other employers, knows how to keep themselves safe while at your workplace.


    Be sure everyone is trained on the measures you have put in place and the policies around staying home when sick.


    Post signage, including occupancy limits and effective handwashing practices. Signage should also be posted at the main entrance indicating who is restricted from entering the premises (including visitors and workers with symptoms).


    Ensure supervisors have been trained on monitoring workers and workplace to ensure policies and procedures are being followed.

     

    Step 5: Monitoring the Workplace

    Things may change as our business operates. If Stay Safe Contracting identifies a new area of concern, or if it seems like something isn’t working, Stay Safe Contracting will take steps to update their policies and procedures.


    Stay Safe Contracting will ensure that workers can raise safety concerns. This may be through a worker health and safety representative or a joint health and safety committee.

    Step 6: Assessing and Addressing Risk from Resuming Operations

    There may be risks arising from restarting our business that you need to manage. Stay Safe Contracting will consider the following:


    Have you had any staff turnover, or are workers being required to change or adapt job roles, or to use new equipment? Consider training or new employee orientation.


    Will workers need time or training to refresh their skills after having been out of the workplace?


    Have you changed anything about the way you operate, such as the equipment you use or the products you create?


    Are there any processes required for start-up that might introduce risks? Consider the impact of restarting machinery, tools and equipment, or clearing systems and lines of product that may have been left when your business was closed.




    17.0 WORKING FROM HOME POLICY

    17.1 Purpose


    To ensure the health and safety of Stay Safe Contracting employees who are required to work from home. This company work from home policy applies to all our employees who will be working from home.

    17.2 Policy

     

    Employees working from home must have the approval to do so from their Supervisor.


    The employee shall designate a workspace within the remote work location for placement and installation of equipment to be used while remote working. The employee shall maintain this workspace in a safe condition, free from hazards and other dangers to the employee and equipment. The company must approve the site chosen as the employee’s remote workspace.


    During work hours and while performing work functions in the designated remote work area, remote workers are covered by provincial worker’s compensation insurance.


    Employees must be available by phone and email during core hours. All client interactions will be conducted on a client or company site. Employees will still be available for staff meetings, and other meetings deemed necessary by management.


    Employees working from home must designate a muster station in case of emergency evacuation (i.e. fire). This muster station’s location must be clearly communicated to Stay Safe Contracting.


    If there is an emergency at your home immediately call 9-1-1. If you need to contact your Supervisor in case of an emergency, contact:


    _________________________________________________________________________________


    Ensure your home is free from slip, trip and fall hazards. Ensure you conduct a hazard assessment prior to starting your shift.


    If an employee is working alone at home (with no one else around), the company Working Alone Procedures will be followed. A check in procedure with your Supervisor will be established.






    18.0 EMPLOYEE SAFETY ORIENTATION PACKAGE

    18.1 Instruction and Supervision: Purpose


    Young workers need special attention because they are at more risk of injury than their older or more experienced counterparts.


    It is Stay Safe Contracting’s responsibility to ensure that every worker receives adequate education and training (instruction) to do their work safely.


    All employees must strictly adhere to the contents and provisions of Stay Safe Contracting’s Occupational Health & Safety Program, Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Workers Compensation Act and all other applicable regulations.


    18.2 Policy Instruction and Supervision


    Stay Safe Contracting shall provide training and orientation to all new and young workers (a worker 25 years old, or younger is considered a young worker):


    1. Before they start work; or

    1. When they come from another work location; or

    1. When there’s been a change in the workplace that could affect their wellbeing.

  • All Stay Safe Contracting employees, including new and young employees, will be given a safety orientation by their Supervisor immediately upon hiring.


    Stay Safe Contracting will make sure the new or young worker understands the training by asking questions about specific procedures or general requirements and by constant observation.


    All new and young worker education, training and orientations must be recorded on the Stay Safe Contracting Training Record Form and the New & Young Worker Orientation Form.


    All education, training and orientation records shall be maintained for each worker, listing topics covered and date of education or training


    18.3 Employee Rights


    All Employees have the following three basic rights in Canada:


    The Right to Know


    All employees have a right to know what hazards are present on the job, and how these hazards

    can affect them. You usually learn about the hazards during health and safety training sessions

    and through on-the-job instructions. Learning about chemical safety through WHMIS - the

    Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System - is also part of the "right to know" system.

     

    The Right to Participate


    All employees have a right to take part in health and safety activities. For example, you can be

    chosen to be a health and safety representative or a member of a committee. You also have a

    right to report unsafe practices and conditions without worrying that you will lose your job or be

    reprimanded (get in trouble).

     

    Right to Refusal Unsafe Work


    Every employee has the responsibility and right to refuse to any work or operate any tool, appliance or equipment where it is believed, based on reasonable and probable grounds, that there exists, or will cause to exist, an imminent danger to the health and safety of the worker or another worker present at the workplace.


    18.4 Right to Refuse Unsafe Work

     

    The purpose of this policy is to ensure that every Stay Safe Contracting employee has the right to refuse work if he or she feels it is unsafe.


    Stay Safe Contracting will continue to maintain a safe work environment for its employees in order to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses.


    All Stay Safe Contracting employees are responsible for complying with Stay Safe Contracting’s Occupational Health & Safety Program, Ontario OH&S Regulation, and Workers Compensation Act.


    If the investigation and remedy procedure does not solve the matter and the worker continues to refuse to carry out the work process, the supervisor and/or management must investigate the matter in the presence of the worker who made the report and in the presence of the Supervisor and/or the members of the joint safety committee.


    If this procedure is unsatisfactory and does not remedy the unsafe condition, then the final step is for WSIB to be contacted, without delay, to come to the facility and investigate the situation. The site Supervisor will be the person responsible for contacting WSIB.


    Under this policy, no employee will be subjected to disciplinary action.


    An employee must not carry out or cause to be carried out any work process or operate or cause to be operated any tool, appliance, or equipment if that person has reasonable cause to believe that to do so would create an undue hazard to the health and safety of themselves and of any person.


    An employee who refuses to carry out a work process due to unsafe conditions must immediately report the circumstances of the unsafe condition to their supervisor.

     

    18.5 Unsafe Work Refusal Procedures


    All workers must report the unsafe condition to their Supervisor immediately.


    The Supervisor must investigate the matter and fix it if possible. If the Supervisor decides the worker’s concern s not valid, report back to the worker.


    If a worker still views work as unsafe after a supervisor or employer has said it is safe to perform a job or task, the Supervisor must investigate the problem and ensure any unsafe condition is fixed. This investigation must take place in the presence of the worker and a worker representative of the joint health and safety committee or a worker chosen by the worker's trade union.


    If a worker still views work as unsafe, notify WSIB. If the matter is not resolved, the worker and the supervisor or employer must contact WSIB. A prevention officer will then investigate and take steps to find a workable solution


    Under this policy, no employee will be subjected to disciplinary action.

     

    18.6 Hazard Reporting: Purpose


    The purpose of this policy is to ensure that Stay Safe Contracting has established procedures for reporting potential or actual hazards and/or unsafe conditions and behaviors throughout the work site.


    18.7 Definitions


    “Hazard” A thing or condition that may expose a person to a risk of injury or occupational disease.

     

    “IDLH” Immediately Dangerous to Life or Health.


    18.8 Policy Hazard Reporting


    If safe to do so rectify or remove any hazard(s) or unsafe condition(s) immediately. Examples of these hazards can be from tripping, slipping, and/or blocked access or egress. Ensure the hazard being rectified can be done so in a safe manner, where the health and safety of an employee(s) is not at risk.


    If the hazard, unsafe condition and/or unsafe behavior is not rectifiable in a safe manner, the hazard should be reported to their Supervisor immediately and/or the site Joint Safety Committee.


    If a hazard is IDLH (immediately dangerous to life or health) ensure your own safety and secure the area until the Supervisor has been contacted and measures have been taken to rectify the hazard.


    Hazards, unsafe conditions and/or unsafe behaviors can be reported to the Supervisor verbally or by filling out the “Insert Company Name Here” Incident Investigation Report form and forwarding to the Supervisor.


    This policy does not preclude employees from exercising their right to refuse unsafe work as mentioned in ‘right to refuse unsafe work’ Stay Safe Contracting policy and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and Workers Compensation Act.


    18.9 Supervisor Responsibility


    The Supervisor must ensure that all hazard reports are responded to and investigated immediately.


    Ensure work does not resume until the hazard is controlled and rectified and no longer presents an unacceptable risk to the health and safety of employees.


    Ensure all applicable sections of the Stay Safe Contracting Incident Investigation Form are filled out.


    All hazard reports and incident investigation reports will be reviewed and discussed on a monthly basis by the Supervisor and the Joint Safety Committee.

     

    18.10 Purpose

     

    The purpose of this policy is to ensure that every Stay Safe Contracting employee has the right to refuse work if he or she feels it is unsafe.


    Stay Safe Contracting will continue to maintain a safe work environment for its employees in order to prevent occupational injuries and illnesses.


    All Stay Safe Contracting employees are responsible for complying with Stay Safe Contracting’s Occupational Health & Safety Program, OH&S Regulation, and Workers Compensation Act.


    18.11 Policy


    1. An employee must not carry out or cause to be carried out any work process or operate or cause to be operated any tool, appliance, or equipment if that person has reasonable cause to believe that to do so would create an undue hazard to the health and safety of themselves and of any person.

    1. An employee who refuses to carry out a work process due to unsafe conditions must immediately report the circumstances of the unsafe condition to their supervisor.

    1. The supervisor and/or management must immediately investigate the matter and ensure that any unsafe condition is remedied without delay.

    1. If the investigation and remedy procedure does not solve the matter and the worker continues to refuse to carry out the work process, the supervisor and/or management must investigate the matter  in the presence of the worker who made the report and in the presence of the Supervisor and/or the Joint Safety Committee.

    1. If this procedure is unsatisfactory and does not remedy the unsafe condition, then the final step is for WSIB to be contacted, without delay, to come to the facility and investigate the situation. The Sites Manager will be the person responsible for contacting WSIB.

    1. Under this policy, no employee will be subjected to disciplinary action.
  •  

    18.12 General Site Safety Rules

     

    OHS Policy Statement


    1. All employees must familiarize themselves with the contents of this policy and acknowledge receipt of this policy prior to starting their employment. This policy is located on our safety bulletin board inside the main lunchroom.

    1. Violating safety laws and/or guidelines will be considered a major rule violation and can result in disciplinary action, up to and including discharge.

    1. If you are unsure of the proper procedure or the safety hazards, please ask for assistance and/or instructions from your Supervisor.

    1. You have the right to review Stay Safe Contracting’s written occupational health and safety program. A copy of this program is located inside your company vehicle or ask your Supervisor at any time.

  • Safety Representative

     

    The safety rep plays an important role in Stay Safe Contracting’s OHS program, giving workers a voice in matters relating to workplace health and safety issues.


    You have the right to access your safety representative member on health and safety related issues, concerns or questions.

     

    Supervisor(s) Contact Information

     

    Your supervisors name and contact information will be given to you during your initial orientation session.


    Please keep this contact information with you at all times.


    Please ask your Supervisor if you are unsure or don’t understand any of the written rules or other OHS related policies and procedures as per the Stay Safe Contracting Occupational Health and Safety program.

     

    Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System 2015 (WHMIS)


    Do not use or work in the near vicinity of any chemicals (controlled products) on site, unless you have been trained in WHMIS 2015.



     

    Safety Data Sheets

     

    The locations of the SDS binder will be shown to you during the orientation. The SDS Binder will be located inside the main office.


    Please ask your Supervisor for assistance if not sure on how to find the correct SDS for your assigned task or the chemical you will be working with (ensuring you have already been trained in WHMIS 2015).

     

    First Aid Procedures


    All employees must report all work-related injuries, regardless of their severity, immediately to their Supervisor and/or first aid attendant.


    Employees who are injured on the job must report all injuries on the day of the incident regardless of the severity.


    Location of first aid facilities and how to summon first aid procedures will be educated to you during the orientation session.


    First Aid can be contacted by listening to the building Site Air Horn, PA System or your cellular phone.


    In the event of an EMERGENCY, all employees will adhere to the following procedure. AIR HORN 3 LOUD BLASTS. THIS IS AN EMERGENCY. THE BUILDING OR SITE MUST BE IMMEDIATELY EVACUATED. IMMEDIATELY HEAD TO THE NEAREST MUSTER STATION (REPEAT).

    Eye Wash Stations


    You will be educated in the use and location of each eye wash station & safety shower in the workplace.


    Emergency eyewash stations provide on-the-spot decontamination. They allow workers to flush away hazardous substances that can cause injury.


    Ask for assistance at all times.


    Emergency Evacuation Procedures


    In the event of an EMERGENCY, all employees will adhere to the following procedure:


    Do not stop for valuables or to get a coat.


    If safe to do so, shut off all electrical tools or machinery.


    If safe to do so, alert others around you.


    Leave the building using the nearest EXIT point closest to you.


    When evacuating always WALK; never run.


    Once outside, move away from the building and head directly towards the muster station (assembly point). The muster station is located outside of Bay 7 of the building (West Side).Your Supervisor will show you the location of the Muster Station during the orientation.


    DO NOT LEAVE the muster station (assembly area) and DO NOT ENTER back into the building for any reason.


    Once at the muster station, the Emergency Response Coordinator (ERC) will count heads and account for all employees including any customers or visitors. All head counts will be reported to the local fire department Supervisor on site.


    The Operations Manager will advise if and when it is safe to re-enter any of the buildings.


    The local fire department Supervisor will advise the Operations Manager and the site Manager if and when it is safe to enter the building(s).

     

    Muster Station

     

    It is the site and office Supervisors responsibility to ensure all employees are educated on the location of the muster station during the safety orientation process.


    The location of the muster station will vary depending on the worksite.


    Please ensure you have been educated by the Supervisor as to where the location of each Muster Station is.


    Emergency Contact Information

     

    1. Fire Station: 911
    1. Canadian Coast Guard: 1-800-567-5111
    1. Police: 911
    2. Emergency: 911
    1. Poison Control Center:

    (416) 813-5900

    Note: Site emergency management has its own protocol that might be a subject to change and described in separate Site Specific Emergency Response Plan. Any person coming to any Stay Safe Contracting sites will receive the emergency response instructions at the site orientation training.


    Personal Protective Equipment


    All PPE being worn must be Canadian Standard Association Approved (CSA).


    The following PPE maybe required and must be worn at all times when entering Stay Safe Contracting’s moderate to high hazard areas:


    1. Safety apparel (safety vest). Clothing must be of high visibility material and
  • suitable to the work environment.


    1. CSA certified safety glasses in some designated areas.

    1. Hearing protection in some designated areas.

    1. CSA Approved Hard hat.

    1. Respiratory Protection (as required)

    1. Safety footwear CSA certified grade 1 (green triangular CSA patch on the
  • outside).


    The location of all PPE equipment will be shown to you during the orientation session.


    Ensure you are trained in the safe usage of PPE prior to using. Ask your Supervisor if you are unsure on how to use or when to wear PPE.


    Hazard Reporting


    Hazards, unsafe conditions, near misses and/or unsafe behaviors must be reported to your Supervisor immediately, and prior to leaving work.


    Warning Signs

     

    Warning signs that identify potential injury hazards must be adhered at all times. No exceptions.


    The Supervisor will go over all warning signs within the site at the time of the orientation.


    If you do not understand the meaning of warning sign please ask your Supervisor immediately.

     

    Housekeeping


    Always maintain good housekeeping in your work area to avoid slips, trips and falls.

     

    Right to Refuse Unsafe Work


    Under legislation you have the right to refuse unsafe work if you have reasonable cause to believe that to do so would create an undue hazard to the health and safety of themselves and of any person.


    An employee who refuses to carry out a work process due to unsafe conditions must immediately report the circumstances of the unsafe condition to their supervisor.


    Right to Refuse Unsafe Work Procedures


    All workers must report the unsafe condition to their Supervisor immediately.


    The Supervisor must investigate the matter and fix it if possible. If the Supervisor decides the worker’s concern s not valid, report back to the worker.


    If a worker still views work as unsafe after a supervisor or employer has said it is safe to perform a job or task, the Supervisor must investigate the problem and ensure any unsafe condition is fixed. This investigation must take place in the presence of the worker and a worker representative of the joint health and safety committee or a worker chosen by the worker's trade union.


    If a worker still views work as unsafe, notify WSIB. If the matter is not resolved, the worker and the supervisor or employer must contact WSIB. A prevention officer will then investigate and take steps to find a workable solution


    Under this policy, no employee will be subjected to disciplinary action.

     

    Right to Participate


    All employees have a right to take part in health and safety activities. For example, you can be chosen to be a safety representative.


    You also have a right to report unsafe practices and conditions without worrying that you will be reprimanded (get in trouble).




    Right to Know


    All employees have a right to know what hazards are present on the job, and how these hazards can affect them.


    No Smoking (Tobacco & E-Cigarette)


    Smoking is NOT prohibited inside any Stay Safe Contracting buildings, parts of buildings and/or company vehicles.


    All “No-Smoking” signs must be adhered to at all times, including various out-door locations around the site.


    Tobacco and E-cigarette smoking will only be allowed in designated smoking areas off of company property.

     

    Drug and Alcohol Use


    Non-prescription drugs, illegal drugs or alcohol will not be allowed on the job.


    Any employee found to be in possession of, or under the influence of, drugs or alcohol will not be allowed to work and is liable to be subjected to immediate disciplinary action.


    Use of marijuana/cannabis or being under the influence of marijuana/cannabis is strictly prohibited during work hours regardless of its legalization.


    Violence in the Workplace

     

    Stay Safe Contracting is aware that employees could be at risk from incidents in the workplace. This policy has been developed to warn employees on potential of violence and how to prevent and deal with incidents.


    Some of these risks from incidents could be the following:


    1. Robbery and Assault
    2. Unwelcome Members of the Public

  • Any employee who has a reasonable cause to believe that he or she is at risk of injury from any form of intimidation, threat and/or act of violence will report to their supervisor immediately to resolve their concern.


    Stay Safe Contracting will not tolerate any form of intimidation, threats and acts of violence at any time and will make every effort to prevent violence and threats of violence from occurring.




    Bullying and Harassment

     

    All Stay Safe Contracting employees will not engage in the bullying and harassment of other workers at anytime and must comply with this written policy at all times.


    Stay Safe Contracting employees will report to their Supervisor immediately either in person or in writing (i.e. hand-written notes or email) if bullying and harassment is observed or experienced in the workplace.


    If your Supervisor is the alleged bully or harasser contact:


    _________________________________________________________________________________


    An internal investigation will be started immediately by Stay Safe Contracting for all reports of bullying and harassment.

     

    Working Alone

     

    Written procedures are to be present for checking the well-being of an employee working alone or in isolation.


    A person must be designated to establish contact with the employee at predetermined intervals and the results must be recorded by the person. Method of contact, either verbal check-in or visual check must be determined.


    In addition to checks at regular intervals, a check at the end of the work shift must be done.


    The procedure for checking an employee's well-being, including time intervals between the checks, are to be developed in consultation with the joint committee or the worker health and safety representative, as applicable.


    Identify one main person to be the contact, plus a backup.


    Define under what circumstances the lone employee will check in and how often.


    Stick to visual or call-in scheduled. Note contact in a log book.


    Pick out a word to be used to identify or confirm that help is needed.


    Develop an emergency action checklist to be followed if the lone employee does not check-on when he or she is supposed to.


    Time intervals for checking an employee's well-being are to be developed in consultation with the worker assigned to work alone or in isolation.


    Employees are to be trained in the written procedures.

    Horseplay


    1. Employees must not engage in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct.

    1. Running is not permitted anywhere, except in the case of extreme emergency.
  •  

    Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI)


    MSI are defined as soft tissue injuries include muscles, tendons, and ligaments. It is important to recognize early signs or symptoms of MSI so treatment can be started right away.


    A sign can be observed, such as swelling, redness or difficulty moving.


    A symptom can be felt but cannot be observed, such as numbness, tingling or pain. Report these symptoms to your supervisor and first aid attendant.



    Back Safety – Heavy Lifting

     

    Always seek assistance or use mechanical lifting devices when attempting to lift heavy material or objects.


    Avoid awkward positions and always lift with the legs, not your back. Your back is very susceptible to injury in a bent position.



     

    Safety Bulletin Board


    The safety bulletin board will provide with information on our occupational health and safety program and emergency contact information


    The company safety bulletin board is located inside the office trailer.