Why are Accident (Incident) Investigations so important?
The purpose of an accident investigation is to determine the root causes of critical injuries/fatalities, disabling accidents or injuries, as well as any occupational illnesses or near miss events to ensure effective steps to prevent future recurrence. Establishing a consistent means of recording accident/incident investigation information, which will be used to prevent a recurrence of the same or similar accidents, is necessary to complying with The Occupational Health & Safety Act, Ministry of Labour and WSIB reporting procedures. It is not to find fault or lay blame but to improve health and safety in the workplace.

Why are Accident (Incident) Investigations so important?
The purpose of an accident investigation is to determine the root causes of critical injuries/fatalities, disabling accidents or injuries, as well as any occupational illnesses or near miss events to ensure effective steps to prevent future recurrence. Establishing a consistent means of recording accident/incident investigation information, which will be used to prevent a recurrence of the same or similar accidents, is necessary to complying with The Occupational Health & Safety Act, Ministry of Labour and WSIB reporting procedures. It is not to find fault or lay blame but to improve health and safety in the workplace.

What factors contribute to an accident/incident? There could be multiple factors:

• People - human error, or training issues, or inadequate supervision, or other factors.
• Equipment - the tools being used? Was it damaged or improperly used or did the equipment have a poor design or poorly maintained?
• Materials - was material labeled and clear? Stored properly and PPE used?
• Environmental - temperature, ventilation, or were housekeeping practices maintained?
• Process - did the work flow set up result in hazards or proper work procedures carried out? Administrative issues such as scheduling or timing the fault?

In case of an accident on the job, there are steps that you and your employer need to follow to ensure that:

• You receive proper and timely medical care,
• You are educated on what Accident/Incident reporting procedures you are responsible for,
• Proper preventative measures are taken to avoid recurrence of similar accidents/incidents in the future.

Detailed information may be found in the attached guide to Accident Prevention. Please take a few minutes to read and understand this important safety information.

The Early and Safe Return to Work procedure (ESRTW) ensures that the employer, the employee, and the WSIB perform their required duties to ensure that a worker who has been injured on the job can return to work in the most suitable capacity in a safe and efficient manner without causing undue hardship.

Most people who have a workplace injury or illness are able to return to some type of work even while they are still recovering, provided the work is medically suited to the injury or illness.

Returning to daily work and life activities can actually help an injured worker's recovery and reduce the chance of long-term disability. In fact, worldwide research shows that the longer you are off work due to injury or illness, the less likely it is that you will return to work.

You, The Bagg Group and the WSIB all have certain roles, responsibilities, and obligations that support early and safe return to work.

The attached guide to Early and Safe Return to Work provides detailed information on:

• Definitions of Suitable Employment, Light Duties, Modified Duties, Undue Hardship
• The applicable legislation from the Occupational Health & Safety Act
• Worker, Employer and the WSIB's Responsibilities in ESRTW
• The Bagg Group's Case Management Process in ESRTW

Please review the ESRTW and Case Management information in the attached guide.

At the Bagg Group, we take every precaution to ensure the health and safety of our employees. All Bagg Group employees should be fit and healthy to carry out their duties, which would include managing fatigue during both work and non-work time.

What is fatigue?

Fatigue is an acute or ongoing state of tiredness that affects employee's performance, safety and health, and requires rest or sleep for recovery.

Fatigue is a message to the body to rest. It is not a problem if the person can and does rest. However, if rest is not possible, fatigue can increase until it becomes distressing and eventually overwhelming.

How do you know when you are fatigue?

The symptoms of fatigue vary and do depend on the person and their degree of fatigue or sleep deprivation, some examples are:

• Weariness
• Sleepiness
• Irritability
• Reduced alertness, concentration and memory
• Lack of motivation
• Increased susceptibility to illness
• Depression
• Headache
• Giddiness
• Loss of appetite and digestive problems

What are the causes of fatigue?

Causes of fatigue can include but are not limited to:

• Time of Day
• Number of consecutive night shifts
• Shift rotation direction
• Type of work
• Environmental conditions
• Driving and daily commuting
• Family and personal life demands
• Sleeping disorders, poor health and illness

General Guidelines for Employees to Minimize Fatigue

• Ensure that you maximize your sleep, including power napping.
• Avoid drinks with high levels of caffeine before going to bed.
• Take regular breaks, whenever possible.
• Maintain hydration.
• Eat sensibly throughout the day with light, nutritious meals.
• Exercise regularly.

Are there workplace requirements for first aid?

Workplaces that are covered by the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997 are required by regulation to have adequate first aid equipment, facilities, and trained people.

Legislation

The following measures are set out under Regulation 1101of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act regarding First Aid Requirements.

(1) A first aid station shall contain,

1. a first aid box containing the items required by this Regulation; and
2. a notice board displaying,
   1. the Board's poster known as Form 82,
   2. the valid first aid certificates of qualification of the trained workers on duty, and
   3. an inspection card with spaces for recording the date of the most recent inspection of the first aid box and the signature of the person making the inspection. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 1101, s. 1 (1).

(2) A first aid station shall be in the charge of a worker who works in the immediate vicinity of the first aid station and who is qualified in first aid to the standards required by this Regulation. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 1101, s. 1 (2).

(3) First aid stations shall be so located as to be easily accessible for the prompt treatment of any worker at all times when work is in progress. R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 1101, s. 1 (3).

Guidelines for Contents of First Aid Boxes

All places of employment must have workers trained in first aid and first aid boxes with the equipment they need to offer first aid service quickly and safely. Sections 8, 9, 10, 11 and 16 of Regulation 1101 list the items that must be included in the first aid boxes in workplaces of different types and sizes. The quantities of any item specified may be increased to suit the needs of a particular workplace.

First Aid Tips

• Make sure you know the first aid attendant(s) in your workplace.
• Know where the first aid kit is located in your workplace.
• No individual should administer first aid treatment to himself or herself.
• All first aid supplies used should be noted in a first aid record book and the inventory level should be adjusted accordingly.

The Bagg Group's Health and Safety Orientation

The Bagg Group's Health and Safety Orientation is a process to ensure that all employees are provided with information on their health and safety rights and responsibilities as well as general health and safety rules.

Topics covered during orientation include, but are not limited to:

• Health and Safety Rights and Responsibilities
• WHMIS
• Early and Safe Return to Work
• Accident Reporting Procedures
• General Safety Rules.

Benefits of orientation training includes but is not limited to:

• Increased awareness of health and safety hazards of the job;
• Reduction of high risk potential injuries, especially to young employees, seasonal, new/transferred or re-hired employees;
• Helps to meet legislative requirements;
• Increased onboarding efficiency.

The type of training for occupational health & safety relies on the following criteria:

1. The nature of the job - does it require general training or is it job specific
   • General Training focuses on department functions, reporting structures, relationships with other departments, standard operating procedures and reporting of hazards
   • Specific Training focuses on the safety and health hazards of the job and safe working practices procedures and precautions, as well as the use, care and maintenance of personal protective equipment or PPE.
2. Previous work or job experience
3. Age (for example, young workers may require additional training)
4. Previous training within the company

How do I recognize a hazard in my workplace?

Hazards can result in the following injuries due to operator fatigue and/or discomfort (ergonomic issues) over time:

• Muscle strains, tears, and pulls of the back and or shoulder, arms, Inflamed/Irritated joints, Hernia/Rupture, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Herniated Disk Tendonitis.

Hazards can result in any of the following immediate injuries:

• Chemical Hazards: Skin irritation, Burns, Vomiting, Toxicity, Respiratory illness
• Biological Hazards: Viral infection, Bacterial infection, Dermatitis
• Traumatic Injuries: Contusion/Crushing/Bruise (intact skin), Cut/Laceration/Puncture (open wound), Fracture, Multiple Injuries
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Sprain/Strain, Cuts, Lacerations, Puncture fracture multiple injuries.

How do I report a hazard in the workplace?

• You must report any hazards that you feel may endanger yourself or others to your Staffing Manager and Onsite Supervisor.

How do I prevent/control a hazard?

• Ensure that you have received job specific training if needed. Inform your Staffing Manager if you have not been properly trained or require specific training.
• Always ask the onsite supervisor for clarification about assigned tasks if you are unsure or not comfortable performing the task.
• Take mini breaks for stretching to avoid potential ergonomic strain and injuries.
• Make sure you have received both the general and specific WHMIS training to ensure the safe handling of chemicals and materials according to the worksite training procedures.
• Employ good hygiene practices - hand washing, etc.
• Practice safe work procedures at all times while at the worksite.
• Always use personal protective equipment (PPE), which can include: gloves, goggles, masks and protective clothing.
• Report to supervisor or employer any missing equipment or damaged personal protective equipment.
• Do NOT remove personal protective equipment, if it is required by the employer or regulations.

How do I recognize a hazard in my workplace?

Hazards can result in the following injuries due to operator fatigue and/or discomfort (ergonomic issues) over time:

• Repetitive strain, inflamed joints, hernia, rupture, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, herniated disk, Tendonitis, sore & irritated eyes, headaches and experience of general fatigue.

Hazards can result in any of the other following injuries over time:

• Muscle strains, tears, and pulls of the back and or shoulder/arms.

Hazards can result in any of the following immediate injuries:

• Chemical Spills/Exposure: Burns, lacerations, chemical fumes, skin irritation/reaction.
• Slips, Trips, and Falls: Sprain/Strain, contusions/crushing injuries, bruising, Cuts, Lacerations, Puncture (open wound) or Fracture.

How do I report a hazard in the workplace?

• You must report any hazards that you feel may endanger yourself or others to your Staffing Manager and Onsite Supervisor.

How do I prevent/control a hazard?

• Ensure that you have received job specific training if needed. Inform your Staffing Manager if you have not been properly trained or require specific training.
• Make sure you have received both the general and specific WHMIS training.
• Perform ONLY those tasks assigned to you.
• Always ask the onsite supervisor for clarification about assigned tasks if you are unsure or not comfortable performing the task.
• Practice safe work procedures at all times while at the worksite.
• When lifting anything, use proper lifting techniques and only lift the weight allowance.
• When not in use, make sure any machinery is shut down and stored properly. Notify your onsite supervisor immediately if the equipment is left unattended.
• Take mini breaks for stretching to avoid potential ergonomic strain and injuries.
• Always use personal protective equipment (PPE), which can include: steel toed boots, gloves, protective goggles, masks, specialized clothing, hard hats or other personal protective equipment specific to the work site.

How do I recognize a hazard in my workplace?

Hazards can result in any of the following injuries over time:

• Muscle strains, tears, and pulls of the back and or shoulder, arms, inflamed/irritated joints, hernia/rupture, carpel tunnel syndrome, herniated disk tendonitis.

Hazards can result in any of the following immediate injuries:

• Contusions/crushing/bruising (intact skin), cuts or lacerations, fracture and multiple injuries. Critical and Fatal injuries resulting from improper use (e.g., pinned against wall or other immovable object).

How do I report a hazard in the workplace?

• You must report any hazards that may endanger yourself or others to your Staffing Manager and Onsite Supervisor immediately.

How do I prevent/control a hazard?

• You must ensure you are properly trained in order to operate a forklift under the rules of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Inform your Staffing Manager if you have not been properly trained or require specific training.
• Always use personal protective equipment (PPE), which can include: a hard hat, proper steel toed boots, gloves, seatbelts or safety harness if required.
• Perform ONLY those tasks assigned to you.
• Follow proper safety procedures.
• When not in use, make sure the forklift is shut down and stored properly. Notify your onsite supervisor immediately if the equipment is left unattended.
• Lift only the required weight allowance according to height and weight restrictions posted on the vehicle's load chart.
• Before operating the forklift, ensure area is clean of debris and spillage.

In busy work areas, use proper "Caution" signs to cordon off your working area.

Common Injuries
The most common injuries that come from typing are Repetitive Strain Injury, Inflamed / Irritated Joints (Wrists or Fingers), Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Musculoskeletal Disorder, Tendonitis, sore and irritated eyes, headaches and general fatigue.

Prevention Methods
Some prevention methods on typing include:

• Pay attention to posture and sit properly at desk.
• Staying in the same position for long periods of time is not healthy. Frequently change positions throughout the day such as; make small adjustments to chair and backrest, stretch fingers, wrists, arms, legs and torso, and lastly stand up and walk around.
• Look away from the screen for 1 – 2 minutes every 15 minutes. Blink eyes rapidly for a few seconds helps to refresh the tear film in eyes.
• Micro-break of less than 2 minutes every 12 – 20 minutes. This time allows you to stretch, stand up, move around and do a different work task.
• Don’t stretch for the hard-to-reach keys such as Backspace, Enter, Shift or Control – basically everything but the letters. Instead, move entire hand so that it’s possible to press desired key with ease.
• Let hands float above the keyboard when typing. Also, move entire arm when typing hard-to-reach keys, keeping the wrist joint straight at all times. This lets the big muscles in your arm, shoulder, and back do most of the work, instead of the smaller, weaker, and more vulnerable muscles in hand and wrist. If this is too difficult, then your shoulder and back muscles are probably too weak.
• Use a trackball mouse. It has extra buttons that can be programmed to double-click or drag with a single click. This allows more work to be evenly distributed among all the fingers. Learning keyboard short cuts will decrease the amount of time spent using a mouse and will help avoid those movements.

Types of Stretching

1. Wall Stretch – stretches out the shoulder, arm, wrist and hand all at once. Extend arm along a wall, with arm parallel to the ground and palm facing wall. Attempt to open chest so that shoulders are perpendicular to arm. Extend fingers and palm away from wall as much as possible. Hold for 30 – 60 seconds. Try this with your arm at different angles. Repeat this with the other arm.
2. Doorway – helps stretch pecs and shoulders. Hold elbow at a right angle and place forearm along door frame. Lunge forward, keeping chest and pelvis facing squarely forward. Hold for 30 – 60 seconds. Try holding arms at different angles. Repeat on the other side.
3. Wrist Stretching – Roll around wrists in a circular motion for about 20 seconds. Repeat going in the other direction.

How do I recognize a hazard in my workplace?

Hazards can result in the following injuries due to operator fatigue and/or discomfort (ergonomic issues) over time:

• Repetitive Strain, Inflamed Joints, Hernia, Rupture, Carpel Tunnel Syndrome, Herniated Disk Tendonitis, Sore & Irritated eyes, Headaches and experience of general fatigue.

How do I report a hazard in the workplace?

• You must report any hazards that you feel may endanger yourself or others to your Staffing Manager and Onsite Supervisor.

How do I prevent/control a hazard?

• Ensure that you have received job specific training if needed. Inform your Staffing Manager if you have not been properly trained or require specific training.
• Perform ONLY those tasks assigned to you.
• Always ask the onsite supervisor for clarification about assigned tasks if you are unsure or not comfortable performing the task.
• Be aware of the need for an adjustable workstation, chair and keyboard, and proper headset and equipment.
• If you become aware that the background noise level is too high causing you to turn up the volume of your headset, report this issue to your onsite supervisor.
• To prevent/manage stress or workplace violence or harassment, follow proper procedures and training when dealing with customer complaints.
• If you become aware of workplace violence or harassment, you must notify your onsite supervisor and Staffing Manager immediately.
• Take mini breaks for stretching to avoid potential ergonomic strain and injuries.
• If you are required to lift anything, use proper lifting techniques and only lift the weight allowance.

Workplace Violence & Harassment Bill 168

What is Bill 168?

Bill 168 is an Act to amend the Occupational Health and Safety Act with respect to violence and harassment in the workplace to take effect on June 15th, 2010.

Workplace Violence & Harassment

Workplace violence means:

• The exercise of physical force by a person against a worker, in a workplace, that causes or could cause physical injury to the worker.
  
  
• An attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker.
  
  
• A statement or behaviour that it is reasonable for a worker to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against the worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker.

Workplace harassment means:

• Engaging in a course of vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known to be unwelcome.

Workplace harassment may include bullying, intimidating or offensive jokes or innuendos, displaying or circulating offensive pictures or materials, or offensive or intimidating phone calls.

Sexual harassment means:

• Any conduct or comment of a sexual nature that is likely to cause offence or humiliation to an employee, or that might be perceived as placing condition of a sexual nature on employment or on any employment opportunity.

Sexual harassment may include unwelcome physical contact, unwelcome sexual requests or remarks, jokes, or gestures, suggestive remarks, leering or whistling and sexual assault.

Workplace bullying means:

• Any behaviour that intimidates humiliates or demeans a person. It usually occurs as a pattern of aggressive behaviour or repeated incidents deliberately intended to humiliate or intimidate. It can be both verbal or physical. The deliberate, repeated and health-endangering mistreatment of one person by a perpetrator whose destructive actions are fueled by the bully's need to control the person targeted.

Higher Risk Jobs and Workplaces

Jobs that have a higher risk of Workplace Violence & Harassment include:

• Handling cash
  
  
• Working alone, or with a few people
  
  
• Working late nights or very early mornings
  
  
• Working in a high risk geographic location (crime)
  
  
• Working in a "toxic" workplace (a negative environment)
  
  
• Securing or protecting valuables
  
  
• Transporting goods and / or people
  
  
• A mobile workplace or vehicle

Workplaces that have a higher risk of Workplace Violence & Harassment include:

• Financial Institutions
  
  
• Retail
  
  
• Hospitality
  
  
• Education
  
  
• Transportation Police, Security and Corrections
  
  
• Healthcare
  
  
• Social Services

Prevention Methods - Tips

• If you handle cash, count cash out of public view. Reduce cash on premises to a workable minimum. Make sure emergency numbers area is easily accessible. Make sure you follow onsite security procedures at all times.
  
  
• If you work alone, or with few people, make sure someone knows you are in the building or attending work such as security personnel or a co-worker.
  
  
• If you work late nights or very early mornings, don't be afraid to ask security at the building to walk you to and from your vehicle. Or, ask a co-worker to meet you inside the building at the same time so you are not alone. Always use main entrances to enter and exit the building and never use any side or back doors.
  
  
• If you work in a high risk geographic location, make sure someone knows where you are. Make sure you know where the nearest phones are in case you need to make an emergency call. Also, have a whistle on you to call for help.
  
  
• If you work in a "toxic" workplace, let management and your staffing manager know how you feel. Keep a factual journal or diary of daily events that record the date, time and what happened with as much detail as possible. Also, the names of who was involved and the outcome of the event.
  
  
• If you secure or protect valuables and / or transport goods and people, make sure someone knows where you are and what you are doing. Make sure you have access to a phone or know where the nearest phone is. Make sure you follow security procedures at all times.
  
  
• If you work in a moible workplace or vehicle, make sure you prepare a daily work plan so that you and others know where and when you are expected somewhere. Be alert, and make mental notes of your surroundings when you arrive at a new or different location. Also, how long you will be there and when you will be back. Do not enter any situation or location where you feel threatened or unsafe. Make sure you have access to a cellular phone or similar means of communication. Always try to conduct meetings in a public place.

Reduce Risk of Workplace Violence

Workers shall follow the procedures to reduce the risk of violence and immediately report all incidents to their staffing manager/supervisor.

Dealing with clients:

• Keep active and alert at all times. Don't be a target.
  
  
• Greet everyone who enters the office.
  
  
• Be friendly and look directly in the person's eyes.

Dealing with suspicious persons:

• Notify security and / or management of suspicious persons on site immediately.
  
  
• If they do not leave, call the police and ask for a patrol check.

Dealing with irate customers:

• Focus on emotions first, try to remain calm, and try to calm the other person.
  
  
• Try to avoid escalating the situation. Find ways to help the irate customer save face.
  
  
• Listen carefully and try to put yourself in the other person's shoes so you can better understand how to solve the problem.
  
  
• If you cannot calm the person, ask for help.
  
  
• If you are alone and cannot calm the person, stop talking and wait until the person realizes you are not responding. When the person pauses, ask him or her to leave the office and come back when a manager is available. Give an exact time.
  
  
• If the person refuses to leave, becomes increasingly agitated or threatening and you are unable to use the phone to call security or the police, hit the page button and that will alert the rest of the office you are having a prolem.

Making deposits:

• Avoid making night deposits.
  
  
• Vary the time of deposits.
  
  
• Take someone with you when you make a deposit.
  
  
• Do not take deposits home.

If you are attacked:

• Run to the nearest location where help (people or phones) is available.
  
  
• Yell or scream as loudly and for as long as possible.
  
  
• If all else fails, fight to get away to the nearest location where help is available.
  
  
• Report all incidents to police, onsite supervisor and staffing manager.

If someone does grab your deposit bag, purse, wallet or other personal property - do not resist and do not chase the thief.

Working alone:

There may be times when you have to work alone and are unable to get help. The following procedures are in place to help you.

• Notices are displayed prominently in each branch indicating the emergency phone numbers to call for assistance.
  
  
• Always bring a cell phone, if possible with you and let others know if you are working alone or shift hours.

Violent Incident Report:

Any worker who has been the victim of violence in the workplace must report the incident to their manager. An Incident Report Form must be completed as soon as possible.

Record of Training and Instruction:

A record of training and instruction ensures that procedures for dealing with violent situations are clearly communicated and understood by all workers.

Employee Roles, Responsibilities & Procedures

• Know the Standard for the Prevention of Violence and Harassment in the Workplace;
  
  
• Ensure that the work environment is free from harassment and/or violence;
  
  
• Immediately report any incident of workplace violence or harassment issues to Management/Staffing Managers;
  
  
• Contact the police if there is an extreme or immediate threat of physical harm to you or any person from workplace violence;
  
  
• Participate in the Assessment for Workplace Violence Prevention as required;
  
  
• Participate in the related training to this standard;
  
  
• Cooperate fully in any investigation of complaints or incidents of workplace violence, harassment or non compliance with this standard

Immediate Assistance in the Event of Potential or Actual
Workplace Violence Incidents

• All Bagg Group employees must report any incident of violence in the workplace that presents an immediate danger of physical injury to Management/designate immediately;
  
  
• Under no circumstances should the complaints be dismissed or downplayed;
  
  
• Associates must report any incident of violence in the workplace that presents an immediate danger of physical injury to their onsite supervisor and Bagg Group Staffing Manager immediately;
  
  
• Report any circumstance of violence in the workplace that presents an immediate danger of physical injury to an employee immediately to the Police and Human Resources or designate; if circumstances where management/human resources are not available, the employee should contact the Police directly;
  
  
• Management will assist and support the employee until the police respond or other assistance is provided;
  
  
• In the event an incident of violence has the potential to pose a danger to the occupants within a workplace, the designate/senior management must be notified immediately and will consult with police in order to determine if "lock-down" or emergency evacuation should be carried out.

Employee Reporting Requirements

• All employees are tasked with reporting any concerns/complaints related to threats of workplace violence or harassment to their Manager/Staffing Manager and/or Onsite supervisor (associates) as appropriate;
  
  
• Employees subjected to workplace violence should, where appropriate, go to a safe location at the workplace and report the incident;
  
  
• All workplace violence and harassment will be dealt with using the Accident Investigation Policy/Incident Response or Investigation procedures.

Why it is Important to Preventing Workplace Injury and Illness?

Proper workplace lighting is essential to any good business:

• It allows employees to comfortably see what they're doing, without straining their eyes or their bodies.
• It makes work easier and more productive.
• It draws attention to hazardous operations and equipment.
• It helps prevent costly errors and accidents.

Factors that Affect Lighting for Task

The ability to "see" at work depends not only on lighting but also on:

1. The time to focus on an object. Fast moving objects are hard to see.
2. The size of an object. Very small objects are hard to see.
3. Brightness. Too much or too little reflected light makes objects hard to see.

Examples of work-related risk factors that contribute to eye discomfort are:

• Maintaining a fixed and close visual distance for a long time;
• Glare from the unshaded or un-diffused lighting fixtures;
• Poor lighting, involving unchanged (and unchangeable) levels of illumination;
• Unsuitable workstations (dimensions and arrangement);
• Low ambient humidity;
• Uncorrected vision problems, and lack of colour variety in one's surroundings.

Bright light sources behind the display screen can create contrast problems, making it difficult to clearly see your work. Some possible solutions for this hazard are to:

• Use blinds or drapes on windows to eliminate bright light. Blinds and furniture placement should be adjusted to allow light into the room, but not directly into your field of view.
• Use indirect or shielded lighting where possible and avoid intense or uneven lighting in your field of vision. Ensure that lamps have glare shields or shades to direct light away from your line of sight.

Glare can also cause many problems. Direct light sources (for example, windows, overhead lights) that cause reflected light to show up on the monitor make images more difficult to see, resulting in eye strain and fatigue. To prevent this, one possibly could:

• Place the face of the display screen at right angles to windows and light sources. Position task lighting (for example, a desk lamp) so the light does not reflect on the screen.
• Clean the monitor frequently. A layer of dust can contribute to glare.
• Use blinds or drapes on windows to help reduce glare.
• Use glare filters that attach directly to the surface of the monitor to reduce glare. Glare filters, when used, should not significantly decrease screen visibility.

Additional tips to help protect your eyes

1. Uncorrected vision may be an additional source of eye discomfort. It may have further consequences resulting in aches and pains because of awkward postures or positions "see better".
2. Check your vision every one or two years, as recommended by your eye specialist.
3. Provide your eye examiner with information about your job.
4. Consider using task-specific computer glasses.
5. Focusing your eyes on objects at the same distance and angle for prolonged periods of time can contribute to eyestrain.
6. Every few minutes look away from the screen for a few seconds.
7. Look around.
8. Focus your vision on distant objects.
9. Blink several times.
10. Frequently "stretching" your eyes like this will prevent feelings of fatigue from accumulating.

How do falls happen?

Falls are usually the results from slips and trips. Falls also occur without slipping and/or tripping. Common causes of falls are:

• improper use of ladders and scaffolding;
• not using proper fall protection equipment; and
• taking shortcuts when climbing

Slips

Slips happen where there is too little friction or traction between the footwear and the walking surface. Common causes of slips are:

• Wet or oily surfaces,
• Occasional spills,
• Weather hazards,
• Loose, unanchored rugs or mats, and
• Flooring or other walking surfaces that do not have same degree of traction in all areas.

Trips

Trips happen when your foot collides (strikes, hits) an object causing you to lose the balance and, eventually fall. Common causes of tripping are:

• Obstructed view,
• Poor lighting,
• Clutter in your way,
• Wrinkled carpeting,
• Uncovered cables,
• Bottom drawers not being closed, and
• Uneven (steps, thresholds) walking surfaces.

How to prevent falls due to slips and trips?

• Cleaning all spills immediately,
• Marking spills and wet areas,
• Mopping or sweeping debris from floors,
• Removing obstacles from walkways and always keeping them free of clutter,
• Securing (tacking, taping, etc.) mats, rugs and carpets that do not lay flat,
• Always closing file cabinet or storage drawers,
• Covering cables that cross walkways,
• Keeping working areas and walkways well lit,
• Replacing used light bulbs and faulty switches.

You can reduce the risk of slipping on wet flooring by:

• Taking your time and paying attention to where you are going;
• Adjusting your stride to a pace that is suitable for the walking surface and the tasks you are doing;
• Walking with the feet pointed slightly outward; and
• Making wide turns at corners.

You can reduce the risk of tripping by:

• Always using installed light sources that provide sufficient light for your tasks or;
• Using a flashlight if you enter a dark room where there is no light; and
• Ensuring that things you are carrying or pushing do not prevent you from seeing any obstructions, spills, etc.

What is WHMIS?

WHMIS stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System. WHMIS is a Canada-wide system designed to give employers and workers information about hazardous materials used in the workplace. It is a system designed to provide workplace standards for the control, handling, storage, and disposal of "controlled products." Controlled products are hazardous materials that can impact the health & safety of the workplace and its employees.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act Regulation 36/93 requires that all workers who work with, or are likely to handle, or be exposed to hazardous materials in their workplace, receive training and education about WHMIS. It also requires employers to obtain health and safety information about hazardous materials in their workplaces and to pass it on to their workers.

Do you know.

• What methods Employers need to use to communicate information about hazardous materials to their Employees?
• If Your Workplace requires a WHMIS program?
• How WHMIS allows you to identify different classes of Hazardous Materials?

The answers to each of these questions - and more - may be found in the attached WHMIS guide. Please take a few minutes to read and understand this important safety information.

What are Workplace Inspections?

Workplace inspections are formal inspections that determine and record hazards and potential hazards in your work environment. Inspections identify what controls are in place. The inspection includes equipment, machinery, work areas, processes and procedures.

Who is responsible for conducting them?

Workplace inspections are typically conducted by your Health and Safety Committee. Two or more designated people who have had some training in doing inspections should be appointed.

Legislation

The following measures are set out under Section 9 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act regarding Workplace Inspections:

Inspections

(23) Subject to subsection (24), the members of a committee who represent workers shall designate a member representing workers to inspect the physical condition of the workplace.
(24) If possible, the member designated under subsection (23) shall be a certified member.
(25) The members of a committee are not required to designate the same member to perform all inspections or to perform all of a particular inspection.
(26) Unless otherwise required by the regulations or by an order by an inspector, a member designated under subsection (23) shall inspect the physical condition of the workplace at least once a month.
(27) If it is not practical to inspect the workplace at least once a month, the member designated under subsection (23) shall inspect the physical condition of the workplace at least once a year, inspecting at least a part of the workplace in each month.

Schedule of inspections

(28) The inspection required by subsection (27) shall be undertaken in accordance with a schedule established by the committee.

Inspections

(29) The constructor, employer and the workers shall provide a member designated under subsection(23) with such information and assistance as the member may require for the purpose of carrying out an inspection of the workplace.

Where do they need to be done?

All areas of the workplace should be inspected including offices, kitchens, restrooms, warehouses, garages and main operational areas.

When should they be done?

Typically inspections should be done every month (dependent on the work site size), one or two weeks before the Health and Safety Committee meeting. This gives time for corrections to be made before the meeting. Also, when changes are made in the worksite, inspections are very valuable to identify new hazards.

What are YOUR responsibilities?

First, talk to the supervisor of the area to be inspected. Report any hazards to the designated Joint Health & Safety Committee member or Health & Safety Coordinator. You should report any unsafe conditions, unsafe behaviour, and hazards to the health of workers. If you join a JHSC make sure you are trained to recognize various hazards and using the proper checklist and documentation procedure. Ensure any follow-up recommendations are completed or resolved. Serious concerns should be addressed quickly and put on the meeting agenda.

Why do workplace inspections?

Any unsafe conditions and acts are not always recognized by the people who are involved with them every day.

Workplace Wellness programs attempt to reduce injuries, decrease human error, and promote general health and well-being.

Benefits of Balanced Workplace Health

Employees

• More job satisfaction
• Healthier behaviours
• Less illness and fewer injuries
• Better work/life balance
• Better morale
• Improved work environment

Employers

• Less absenteeism
• Lower health benefit costs
• Greater productivity
• Attract and retain the best employees
• Increase profits
• Improved work environment

Poor Workplace Wellness can lead to physical symptoms and complaints, which include, but are not limited to:

• Not wanting to go to work;
• Lack of concentration;
• Difficulty performing what needs to be done;
• Lateness;
• Anxiety;
• Irritability;
• Messy workspace;
• Emotional.

Employee Duties

• Employees and associates should educate themselves on the selected wellness topic selected by the JHSC.
• Employee participation in wellness programs will be voluntary, except as otherwise directed by management policy or procedure.
• It is the employee and associate's responsibility to notify any designated health and safety representative of any topics of interest or if they have a question regarding information presented for wellness.
• If employees feel that the Workplace Wellness program is not effective or could be improved they should contact a designated health and safety member and suggest alternatives or improvements.