Introduction
The introductory chapter describes that everyone in the workplace bears a responsibility for ensuring health and safety. The entire workforce reaps the benefits when safety takes precedence as the ultimate objective.
It also highlights that this training holds great significance as it imparts fundamental knowledge of health and safety applicable to all work environments. However, it does not absolve your employer of their responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act to provide job-specific information and instructions on ensuring your safety.
Occupational Health and Safety Act
The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) encompasses a collection of laws and corresponding regulations that must be adhered to in all workplaces.
The OHSA outlines the duties of employers, supervisors, and workers across all workplaces. Moreover, specific regulations exist depending on the nature of the workplace, including:
• Industrial Regulations
• Construction Regulations
• Health Care and Residential Facilities Regulations
• Mines and Mining Plants Regulation
Duties and Responsibilities
This chapter highlights that every individual within the workplace carries duties and responsibilities towards one another.
Employers and supervisors have the duty to take every reasonable precaution to prevent workers from falling ill or getting injured on the job site. Workers, on the other hand, have the duty to utilize the provided Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and adhere to the safe operating procedures they have been trained on.
The following chapters are included in duties and responsibilities:
• Employer duties and responsibilities
• Supervisor duties and responsibilities
• Worker duties and responsibilities
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
PPE is specifically designed to safeguard workers against potential hazards present in their respective workplaces.
Various types of PPE include hair nets, rubber gloves, dust masks, aprons, hearing protection, safety boots, and goggles/safety glasses. It is the responsibility of your employer to provide training on the proper usage and maintenance of your PPE.
Once you have received instructions on how to use your PPE, it is essential to wear it consistently when performing tasks that require its use.
Workplace Hazards
Common workplace hazards include:
• Machine Guarding Hazards
• Chemical and Biological Hazards
• Physical Hazards (includes radiation, temperature, vibration and noise)
• Energy Hazards
• Workplace Violence and Harassment - Psychosocial Hazards
• Material Handling