Legislation & Policy
These are the 3 rights for all workers under OH&S legislation.
The right to know or be informed, the right to participate & the right to refuse dangerous work.
When are hazard assessments completed?
- initially client/new foster home hazard assessments completed within 1 week of enrollment/file opening
- updated every year
- updated if something changes
Who is your WHS Committee rep?
Adult Mental Health - Cheyanne Vivier
Bridges - Meghan Stover
C170 - Alisha Stevenson
Columbus/Phoenix/Thomas More/Bright Bank School - Blain Clouthier
Group Care – All Programs & Casual (CYSS) Staff - Kim O’Leary
Indigenous Resources - Donald Kinistino
Maintenance - Please contact Darcy or Bruce until a representative is determined.
SIL - Olufunke Bankole
Name 3 types of incidents.
- injuries
- illnesses
- near misses
- property or equipment damage
How is OH&S information communicated?
- emails sent from OHS team/WHS committee
- staff meetings
- OHS Matters quarterly newsletter
What is it called if you have reasonable cause to believe it poses an "undue hazard" (a serious, immediate threat to the health and safety of yourself or others) that is not a normal condition of your job.
The right to refuse unsafe work.
Name 1 place where you can find copies of hazard assessments, including your position specific hazard assessment.
- OneDrive
- ETO
Where can you find a list of committee members?
- OneDrive
- OHS Matters newsletters
- hanging in office at C170 in all washroom & both kitchens
How do you report an incident?
- notify supervisor
- if incident involves a client, complete IR then call 780-440-2390 ext 260 to report to OH&S team
- if incident does not involve a client, complete the incident reporting form & submit to supervisor for review
- complete WCB paperwork if required & submit to HR
How can you contact the OHS team?
safety@mpowrsupports.ca
Name 3 responsibilities assigned to you by the organization.
Reference policy 14-01-02
CEO
• Will set an example of the tone for the Organization’s safety culture and provide leadership in the Occupational Health & Safety Management System.
• Will provide information, instruction and assistance to all supervisory staff in order to protect the health and safety of all our employees.
• Will provide and encourage ongoing health and safety training as required by legislation and industry.
• Will attend safety meetings or review meeting minutes, and actively participate in the health and safety program.
• Will review policies and hazard assessments annually at a minimum.
• Will monitor and hold employees accountable for their actions, and encourage behaviours that reflect the Organization’s health and safety policies.
Directors
• Will set an example of the tone for the Organization’s safety culture and provide leadership in the Occupational Health & Safety Management System.
• Will provide information, instruction and assistance to all supervisory staff in order to protect the health and safety of all our employees.
• Will provide and encourage ongoing health and safety training as required by legislation and industry.
• Will attend safety meetings or review meeting minutes, and actively participate in the health and safety program.
• Will monitor and hold employees accountable for their actions, and encourage behaviours that reflect the Organization’s health and safety policies.
Managers and Supervisors
• Will know and apply the Organization’s safety policies and procedures, as well as OH&S legislation.
• Will ensure all employees are trained and educated to organizational requirements.
• Will advise employees of potentially hazardous situations as they relate to their job tasks.
• Will involve workers in the identification of hazards and control measures as they relate to their job tasks.
• Will ensure site specific hazard assessments are conducted as lined out in the Hazard Assessment and Identification policy.
• Will report all accidents/incidents/near misses/health concerns to Senior Management and the Quality Assurance Specialist – OHS immediately
• Will take the lead role for accident investigations in their area of responsibility
• Will attend safety meetings or review meeting minutes, and actively participate in the health and safety program.
• Will perform, or ensure a competent designate performs regular inspections as required in their area of responsibility.
Employees
• Will read, understand and comply with the Organization’s health and safety
policies and safe work practices.
• Will wear appropriate personal protective equipment and clothing for their
tasks as required.
• Will report any unsafe, unhealthy condition to their immediate supervisor
immediately.
• Will report any near miss, injury, equipment damage, and/or accident to their
immediate supervisor immediately and complete the required reports.
• Will take every reasonable precaution to protect the health and safety of
themselves, other workers in their area, individuals served and the general
public.
• Will attend safety meetings or review meeting minutes, and actively
participate in the health and safety program.
How does your program control this hazard:
Falls / Slip/Trips
Administrative: Procedures for addressing hazards immediately, Staff Awareness, Sand on ice in winter, Adequate Housekeeping .
Name 2 responsibilities of the health and safety committee.
What are your responsibilities in the event of an emergency?
Reference policy # 08-01-05
• Be aware of emergency exits, fire extinguishers, fire alarm pull stations and stairwell exits.
• Know who the fire wardens are and follow their instructions during an evacuation.
• Persons with disabilities should advise their warden of their disability and be aware of emergency procedures that will be set up for you.
• Any staff member having visitors in their offices or settings are responsible for their safe evacuation.
True or False: Not knowing legislation or procedures is sufficient reason for not working safely or following protocols.
False: all workers have the legislated requirement to know and follow procedures and legislation. Major fines can be issued by Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Officers if staff don't follow legislation and an incident happens.
Name 3 responsibilities assigned to you by legislation.
Ensure the health, safety, and welfare of all workers and anyone affected by work‑site hazards.
Make sure workers know their rights and duties under OHS laws.
Provide training needed to work safely.
Keep hazard information and safe‑work procedures readily available.
Stop harassment and violence at the work site.
Ensure work that could endanger someone is done by a competent worker or under direct supervision.
Provide competent supervision familiar with OHS laws.
Ensure the joint health & safety committee or representative meets all legal requirements.
Address safety concerns promptly.
Work with anyone carrying out duties under OHS legislation.
Take all necessary precautions to keep workers safe.
Ensure workers follow OHS laws and safe practices.
Prevent harassment and violence among workers.
Inform workers of all known or foreseeable dangers.
Report unsafe acts or conditions to the employer.
Assist anyone performing OHS duties.
Take reasonable care for your own safety and the safety of those around you.
Use required PPE and safety devices.
Follow training and cooperate with supervisors and employers.
Report unsafe acts or conditions immediately.
Do not engage in harassment or violence.
Do not perform dangerous work unless competent or directly supervised.
How are staff included in the hazard assessment process?
- completing & reviewing client hazard assessments
- participating in annual reviews of position specific hazard assessments
- reviewing hazard assessments when created (initially or after updates)
How are WHS Committee meeting minutes shared with staff?
- emailed out by OHS team within 1 week of meeting
- at the end of each OHS Matters newsletter
Name 2 fire marshalls (C170 only).
First Floor - Tancy Truong, Mero Mogus, Shery To
Second Floor - Jennifer Van Langen, Trevor Guse
School - Blain Clouthier, Shawn Roden
Where can you find a copy of current Alberta OH&S legislation (act, regulation & code)?
- OneDrive
- https://www.alberta.ca/ohs-act-regulation-code
- (online legislation search) https://search-ohs-laws.alberta.ca/