Module 2 - Workplace hazards

Module 2.1 - You need to know about hazards

You’ve heard the expression “what you don’t know can’t hurt you”? Well, that’s not true in the workplace. In some places, what you don’t know can hurt you. If you don’t know about hazards, you cannot be adequately protected against them. A hazard is anything in the workplace that could hurt you or the people you work with.

All of us have heard news stories about a worker or group of workers who were injured or killed on the job. This may include workplace incidents such as falling from heights, getting caught in equipment or being electrocuted or burned. Events like these send a shock wave through the workplace and the community, and cause a tragic loss for the victim’s family and friends. Unfortunately, this kind of event happens not once, not twice, but dozens of times each year in Ontario.

There is a hazard at the root of every work-related death, injury or sickness. A hazard can take many forms. Sometimes more than one hazard can combine to make an even larger hazard. You need to know about the hazards in your workplace before you start working. Ensure that you speak with your supervisor about hazards you may encounter during your work at uOttawa.

Module 2.2 - Common workplace hazards

Here are some of the most common hazards in Ontario workplaces:

• Repeating the same movements over and over, especially those performed from an awkward position or requiring force. Think of someone who bends down all day, or someone who lifts heavy objects over and over again, especially above the shoulders or below the knees. Additionally, think of someone who continually picks up the phone or continually types at a keyboard.

• Slipping, tripping or falling. Think of something as simple as spilled coffee on the floor, a cluttered work area, a raised platform with no guardrails or even walking outside in winter weather.
• Working near motorized vehicles. Think of being hit by a vehicle that is backing up on campus, or someone getting hit by a lift truck in a loading zone or dock.
• Using or working near machinery. Think of a person being drawn in by a conveyor belt, or becoming caught in equipment.
• Workplace violence. It can happen in many work situations, such as client service centres, working alone, point-of-sale terminals or situations that are stressful because of what is riding on them, such as grades or professional qualifications.

At uOttawa, all of these hazards can exist. Here are some additional hazards that you may find in specific areas on campus (Note: these lists are not exhaustive. Speak to your supervisor for information about your specific work).

Office 

• Movement (postures, lifting, prolonged static activities, repetitive movements, etc.)
• Tripping/slipping (cords/cables, flooring, etc.)
• Falling (bookshelves, filing cabinets, boxes, etc.)
• Storage (items on high shelves, poor housekeeping practices, etc.)

In addition to office hazards, there are laboratory hazards, which can include:

• Chemical substances (cleaning products, research materials, etc.)
• Biological materials (moulds, mycotoxins, blood, bodily fluids, etc.)
• Physical conditions (heat/cold, noise, radiation, etc.)
• Equipment (centrifuges, ovens, etc.)

Physical resources work has hazards in addition to the office hazards identified above:

• Electricity
• Mechanics (gears, pinch-points, in-running hazards, etc.)
• Chemical substances (cleaning products, disinfectants, etc.)
• Physical conditions (heat/cold, noise, etc.)

You also need to think about less visible (in some cases, less obvious) hazards related to your work, things like chemicals, fumes and dust. Some of these hazards can make you very ill, maybe right away or maybe not until months (or even years) later. That’s why it’s important to know about these hazards today. Occupational illness normally develops over a period of time because of workplace conditions. Such conditions might include exposure to disease-causing bacteria and viruses, for example, or to chemicals or dust. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, occupational illness is defined as a condition that results from exposure in a workplace to a physical, chemical or biological agent to the extent that the normal physiological mechanisms are affected and the health of the worker is impaired.

• It’s the University’s duty to make sure that the supervisor knows enough and has enough experience and training to keep workers safe and healthy while they work.
• It’s the University’s and supervisor’s duty to inform workers of health and safety hazards.
• It’s the workers’ duty to report hazards they know of to the supervisor or the University as soon as possible so that they can be fixed.

The University, supervisor and workers collaborate to make the uOttawa community a safer workplace.

Here are four important questions about your job that you need to know the answers to before you start working. If you don’t know the answers to these questions, ask your supervisor:

1. What are the hazards of this job?
2. Is there any special training needed for this job? If so, where can I receive this training and get more information?
3. Do I have the right protective equipment for this job?
4. If I have any questions about safety, who do I ask?

Are there other hazards that exist? Certainly. Additional examples that you may find at uOttawa include:

• Loud noises
• Insufficient lighting
• Poor indoor air quality
• Slippery surfaces
• Exposure to biological and chemical substances

What are some other hazards that you could reasonably expect to find? Sit down with your supervisor and ask questions about the specific hazards in your faculty, service or other place of work.

Module 2.3 - Protecting you from hazards

There are many ways that the University can protect you from workplace hazards. The best way is to remove or eliminate the hazard completely. A good example is replacing a toxic cleaning product with one that is non-toxic; or adjusting the chair you sit in or your computer workstation. Simple, right? But what if the hazard cannot be eliminated?

The University can try to reduce the hazard. This can be done by reducing how much of the hazard you are exposed to. An example of this is turning up the ventilation system in a lab, or putting a barrier around an excessively loud piece of equipment. These are called “engineering controls.”

If these controls prove ineffective, another way to reduce hazards is to reduce how long or how often you come in contact with the hazard. This can be done by arranging the work differently so that you are not exposed as long. These are called “administrative” or “work practice controls.”

If the hazard still exists after attempts to control it through elimination, engineering controls and administrative or work practice controls, the University may require you to use protective devices and/or personal protective equipment (PPE). Some examples may include:

• Protective footwear
• Safety eyewear
• Reflective clothing
• Respiratory protection

You may not require PPE in some areas on campus (e.g. in an office environment). However, if you visit locations where PPE is required, you must ensure that you wear the protective equipment required. Can you think of additional protective items that you might require for your job? Can you think of places where you would need them? Speak with your supervisor to find out more information about protective devices and equipment that may be required.

Module 2.4 - Protective equipment and devices

The OHSA says that one of your duties as a worker is always to wear or use the protective equipment that the University requires.

You may think that a hardhat, safety glasses, steel-toed boots or other protective clothing or equipment is uncomfortable or slows you down. But if the OHSA or the University says you have to wear or use these things to do the work, then you have to. It’s for your protection.

For example, some of the machinery in your workplace may have a guard. The guard protects you from coming in contact with a moving part. If the University or one of the OHSA regulations says that the guard has to be used, it has to be used. The OHSA says that you must never remove or disable any protective device that is required. If the device has to come off for any reason, you should not use the equipment without a proper replacement device. Taking shortcuts by removing guards is unsafe, and it contravenes Ontario law.

The OHSA says you have to make sure you don’t use any equipment or machine in a way that could hurt you or any other worker. You also can’t act or behave in a way that could hurt you or anyone else. That means no game-playing, pranks or acting in other ways that could hurt someone.

The Personal Protective Equipment guideline (PDF, 928KB) offers some answers to questions that you may have.

Module 2.5 - Other ways to find out about hazards

There are other ways you can find out about hazards in your workplace. The University has written health and safety policies and procedures. These procedures may affect the work you do and the machines and equipment you use. The University has to make sure that you know and understand them when you start work and that the procedures are followed by everyone.

The law says every worker has to have information and training about chemicals or hazardous materials in the workplace. The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) regulation says that you need to receive information and instruction on how to use, store and get rid of hazardous materials safely. This information is available on warning labels and information sheets. The University has a program in place that must be completed by all persons working with, or around, hazardous products.

Find out more about WHMIS. Select the appropriate training, for office or laboratory.

WHMIS is a Canada-wide information system that deals specifically with hazardous materials in the workplace. Hazard symbols, safety data sheets (SDSs), and basic information is governed by Health Canada. Each province and territory then provides regulations as to the specific application in workplaces within its workplaces. If you work with, or in close proximity to hazardous materials, you will require further WHMIS training.

See table for hazard symbols.

Where can I find information about a hazardous product?
Typically, you'll find all the information about the hazards of the product on the product's Safety Data Sheet (SDS). Product suppliers provide SDS sheets for their products. In fact, they are legally obligated to provide information on the hazards of the product. If you're not able to obtain a SDS from a supplier, for whatever reason, you may consult the online SDS bank. Prior to using a hazardous product, read and be sure you understand its material safety data sheet (SDS).

Emergency situations:

In the event of an emergency in which electronic access to safety data sheets is not available (such as a power outage, network outage, earthquake or computer virus), Protection Services has backup copies on physical storage media with back-up computer systems.

If you require access to a SDS in an emergency situation and access is not available via the usual means (CHEMWATCH, your supervisor, your local health, safety and risk manager (HSRM), the Office of the Chief Risk Officer, etc.) contact Protection Services at ext. 5411 to request one.

Do all products have labels?
All products will usually have some sort of identification label, typically attached to the material or substance container by the supplier or manufacturer. But is the label appropriate for the workplace? Does it provide enough information? In some cases, a workplace label may be required. Such circumstances include bottles with labels that have become faded or worn, products with no label, illegible writing on labels, lack of information on labels, commercial products that have been brought into the workplace etc. Workplace labels include the product's name, safe handling instructions or procedures, and references to a SDS. A sample label is available on the CCOHS website.

If your job involves using specialized equipment, the University and your supervisor must instruct you on how to operate the equipment safely. One way to get information on the safe use of machinery is from the operator’s manual. It tells you about hazards and has instructions on how to use the equipment safely. Your supervisor should make sure anyone can check the manual for information. If there is no manual available for the equipment you are using — for example a tool, a piece of equipment or safety related devices like an emergency eyewash station — you should ask your supervisor for information on how to operate the equipment safely. In addition, specific training on the equipment from a certified training provider can complement the knowledge gained from the equipment manual. In some cases, the extra training is a requirement to operate the specific device. The additional training may be at the workplace or at another location.

Your supervisor should also inform you of both specific protocols for your workplace and general University protocols. Specific protocols include standard operating procedures for the area, specific emergency procedures, training for certain equipment or conditions, etc. Some general University protocols include:

First aid — At uOttawa, there are people designated as the University’s first aiders. These people volunteer to take first aid training and respond (as needed) to incidents requiring first aid. They also ensure that their first aid kits are stocked by conducting quarterly inspections, and provide assistance to Protection Services when necessary.

Find out more about the first aid program, including how to become a designated first aider.  

Emergencies — Despite our best efforts, emergencies occur. The University has information available for a multitude of potential incidents, such as fire, gas leaks, hazardous materials, criminal activity, suspicious packages, severe weather, flooding, earthquakes and many more.

Learn about emergency response plans.

Hazard reporting — How does one report a hazard at uOttawa? There are many ways this can be done. Refer to the Hazard Reporting Procedure (PDF, 494KB) for information.

If an on-campus situation requires immediate assistance (for example, a critical injury), contact Protection Services at ext. 5411. For locations off-campus (Belfast, 1 Nicholas, 45 O’Connor, Glendon College, l’école l’Envolée, etc.), call 911. Remain at the scene for further assistance and do not disturb the scene unless it is to:

• Save a life or relieve human suffering.
• Maintain an essential public utility or a public transportation system.
• Prevent unnecessary damage to equipment or other property.

In a safe and healthy workplace, everyone knows about hazards. If you see a hazard on the job or a “close call,” report it to your supervisor or University representative immediately. That way, appropriate action can be taken to prevent an injury or other event.