X-treme Safety: A Survival Guide for New and Young Workers

Catalogue Item # 454992
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an
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es
Career and Workplace Resourc
(780) 422-5319
Fax
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-179
422
)
(780
Telephone
Email: [email protected]
This material may be used, reproduced, stored or transmitted for non-commercial purposes.
However, Crown copyright is to be acknowledged. It is not to be used, reproduced, stored or
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Users who wish to reproduce any third party material in this publication should seek permission
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Information in this publication was accurate, to the best of our knowledge, at the time of
printing. However, legislation, labour market information, websites and programs are subject to
change, and we encourage you to confirm with additional sources of information when making
career, education, employment and business decisions.
© 2006, 2007 Government of Alberta, Human Services
ISBN 978-0-7785-5399-1
Printed on 30% post-consumer
recycled paper
11/2006 – 50M
12/2007 – 50M
08/2009 – 66M
02/2013 – 65M
Table of Contents
X-treme risk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
. 3
X-treme safety . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
. 4
It’ll never happen to me . . . . .
.............................
. 5
Real life, real people . . . . . . . . .
........................... 6
Risky business . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
........................... 8
Beat the odds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
........................... 8
What’s safe? What isn’t? . . . .
.............................
. 9
How do you find a hazard? . . .
........................... 9
What’s your hazard I.Q.? . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
If you are hurt at work . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Hey! You’ve got rights and resp
onsibilities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15
Unsafe work – What is it? . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
You gotta do it . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Employer responsibilities . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Rules of the game . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Are you under 18? . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Real life, real people . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Talking to the boss . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
22
10 questions to ask your employe
r . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
How did your employer do? . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24
The health and safety partners
hip . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
How to say “No” at work . . . .
.............................
27
Survival tips . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
The boss insists . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29
What would you do? . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31
You’re not bulletproof . . . . . . .
.............................
32
I chose to look the other way
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33
Worker Orientation Health and
Safety Checklist . . . . . . . . . . .
34
Getting help . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
36
The last word . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.............................
. 40
1.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
erous
e been possible without the gen
This publication would not hav
able
valu
uted
trib
con
who
individuals
assistance of organizations and
ies.
-life stor
information and shared their real
Limited
Adecco Employment Services
Alberta Human Services
Alberta Job Safety Skills Society
Alberta Education
Elk Island Public Schools
Columbia
Federation of Labour – British
– Alberta
Workers’ Compensation Board
e Board – Ontario
Workplace Safety and Insuranc
tre – Ontario
Workplace Health and Safety Cen
Vaughn Webb
Julia Hamilton
2.
Snowboarders hurtle over mou
ntain slopes. BASE jumpers soa
r
like eagles from cliffs, waiting
until the last heart-stopping seco
nd
to pull their rip cords. And eve
ry day, thousands of young peo
ple
go to work assuming they are
safe, assuming they are bulletp
roof –
now that’s risky.
Just like the mountain and the
cliff, your worksite can be dangero
us
if you’re not prepared. No matter
what you do, or what job you hav
e,
hazards exist. Whether you’re
a store clerk, landscape gardene
r,
truck driver, painter, hairstylist,
waitress or cook, there is always
an element of risk.
And, if you’re under 25 years of
age, you are 1/3 more likely to
be
injured on the job than those ove
r 25.
Find out the hazards at your wor
kplace and learn how to stay
healthy and safe.
In this booklet, you’ll learn abo
ut the rules of the game and the
equipment you need to stay safe
. You’ll get tips on talking to you
r
co-workers and your boss abo
ut creating a safe, healthy and
fair
workplace. We’ll help you develop
strategies so you can win –
so you can stay healthy and safe
at work!
3.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
dence.
an exciting step towards indepen
Earning your own paycheque is
isions
dec
own
r
you
ing
mak
new things,
Work is an adventure of doing
and taking responsibility.
b.
g the rock face before the clim
You’re like a rock climber surveyin
ad.
ahe
lie
that
at the challenges
You’ll get the rush of succeeding
dhold, whether you are scaling
han
first
But, before you take that
job, you’ll need to:
a mountain or entering a new
know the rules
to
assess the risks and have a plan
with them
deal
have proper training
ent (PPE)
use personal protective equipm
hing
and protective clot
co-workers,
communicate with your team,
and leaders
4.
Here’s reality. Lots of people you
r age have been hurt while at
work. They didn’t plan it. They
didn’t expect it. You, too, could
lose
a finger, a leg or spend months
or years in the hospital. You may
never be able to play your favo
urite sport again. Or go dancing
.
Or drive a car…
Still don’t think it could happen
to
you? It can.
These were kids who had jobs
, kids who were killed—at work.
But
that’s not all. Young workers like
you account for 9,000 disablin
g
injury claims every year—injurie
s like sprains, back injuries, bur
ns
and fractures. In fact, 50 per cen
t of young workers lose up to
five
days of work every year from inju
ries just like these. With those
odds, who wants to take chance
s?
Reality check
Who’s important in your life?
Who do you care about?
How would you feel if they did
n’t come home from
work one day? Or if they could
no longer walk?
5.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
REAL LIFE,
REAL PEOPLE
high
Timothy Hamilton, a 19-year-old
e
school graduate, working to mak
money for college, was killed
after
at work less than two months
raise
he was hired. Tim was asked to
tre
a 28-foot (8.53 m) aluminium cen
tent.
pole from inside a large canvas
ldn’t
Above the tent, where Tim cou
only
see, was a 14,400-volt power line
. Tim
27 feet (8.23m) off the ground
requires
law
the
ugh
tho
n
Eve
y.
antl
was electrocuted and died inst
feet (3.05m) away from such live
employers to keep workers 10
do something dangerous. The
power lines, Tim was asked to
.
for failing to protect its workers
company was fined $100,000
back.
But that didn’t give Tim his life
.com
Learn more at www.missingtim
6.
A HAZARD IS ANY SITUATION THAT COULD
RESULT IN INJURY, DISEASE OR DEATH.
Vaughn Webb, in his younge
r years
enjoyed playing sports, hiking,
outdoor
activities and even won a trop
hy for TaeKwon-Do. He met his lovely wife
Melissa
in his early 20’s, and together
they
started to raise their family. The
n he was
badly shocked while working
around a
high voltage power line, losing
an arm
and a leg, and sustaining thir
d degree
burns to 70% of his body. His
life
changed forever. Hindsight is
alw
ays
20/20, and Vaughn now realizes
he should have refused to
perform this task. Vaughn was
very fortunate to have survived
.
After the incident, he fought
hard to live. The pain that Vau
ghn
’s
wife, family and friends suffered
was very intense as they
watched someone that they love
d fight for his life. Vaughn
cannot go back and change the
events that happened on tha
t
day. But he has maintained a
positive attitude towards sha
ring
his story in hopes of preventing
another incident like this one
.
Vaughn has accepted, as bes
t he can, his present condition
and
he is using the incident in a very
positive way to share
information and to be produc
tive in life.
You can e-mail Vaughn at vwe
[email protected]
7.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
RISKY BUSINESS
r job.
Find out if you are at risk at you
common risk factors.
e
mor
the
of
e
som
These are only
Check all that apply to you:
months
I’ve had my job for less than six
seriously more at risk!)
I’m a guy (don’t be offended, you’re
I’m under 25 years of age
t before an early shift
I sometimes go partying the nigh
of sleep before starting work
I sometimes get very few hours
k quickly
I’m always under pressure to wor
r happen to me
eve
I tend to think an injury won’t
training for my specific job
I’ve never had health and safety
orkers and don’t like asking
I try to impress my boss or co-w
questions
I use the same tool all day long
things
I have to lift, push, or pull heavy
toxic substances or gases
I use chemicals or work around
b onto something else
I sometimes use a ladder or clim
to reach things
I work alone
I work in a crowded area
It’s very noisy where I work
conditions
I work in extremely hot or cold
ent or machinery
ipm
I drive or operate moving equ
ent or power lines
I work around electrical equipm
r, or other hot substances
I work around an oven, deep frye
objects or substances
kplace injury could do more than
If you checked even one, a wor
g is that you can change it –
ruin your weekend. The great thin k.
wor
at
ty
safe
you can learn x-treme
BEAT THE ODDS
8.
So you know you’re at risk – the numbers prove it. What can you
do about it? Lots. Learn how to spot a hazard, learn how to deal with
each hazard, learn your rights, and learn how to speak up for yourself.
A perfectly safe and healthy wor
kplace would have no hazards
.
There would be no machines,
equipment or materials that cou
ld
harm you – nothing would mal
function, not even humans!
Unfortunately, many workplace
hazards are so familiar that we
ignore them and put ourselves,
and sometimes others, at risk.
Reality check
A 17-year-old groundskeeper
didn’t know that the
gloves he was wearing had bee
n in contact with gasoline.
When he struck a lighter, the glo
ves caught fire and he
received third degree burns to
his arm and back.
HOW DO YOU FIND A HAZARD
?
Ask yourself What if? questions.
What if I bump into the open
containers of hot oil? What if the
forklift tips over on my co-worke
r
in a fast turn? What if I inhale
the toxic fumes from the toilet
cleaning chemicals?
Learning to spot a hazard – befo
re an incident happens – is the
first
step to staying safe. Every job
will have slightly different hazards
.
The medical field, for example,
will have different hazards than
the
construction industry.
Got a new job?
Over 50 per cent of all incidents
involving young
workers occur during their firs
t six months on the
job. Make sure you get health
and safety training –
it’s your right!
9.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
4 main
Wherever you work, there are
types of hazards:
PHYSICAL HAZARDS
very hot
Equipment, machinery or tools,
or cold temperatures
Examples:
Using the same tool all day long
Being crushed by equipment
frayed cords
Using electric equipment with
floor
Tripping on items lying on the
Falling from heights
Working in a noisy place
BIOLOGICAL HAZARDS
mold
Bacteria, viruses, insects, fungi,
or plant materials
Examples:
Bee stings
Allergic reaction to plants,
insects or mold
Being in contact with materials
where viruses or bacteria
are present
10.
CHEMICAL HAZARDS
Vapours, gases, dusts, fumes, or
chemical mists
Examples:
Using cleaning products regularly
Using paint materials regularly
Working around lots of dust
Exposure to asbestos
Using toxic chemicals
PSYCHOSOCIAL HAZARDS
Workplace violence, working con
ditions, stress, fatigue
Examples:
Intimidation, verbal abuse
Working long hours
Rotating shift work
11.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
WHAT’S YOUR HAZARD I.Q.?
w. The ability to recognize
Identify the types of hazards belo
– at work or anywhere.
a hazard will help you stay safe
man.
verbal threats from the Journey
1. A new worker has received
to come to work.
The new worker is now scared
psychosocial
chemical
biological
physical
pleted her day shift. Her team
2. A security guard has just com
be back at work for the
leader called and asked her to
graveyard shift.
physical
biological
chemical
psychosocial
t
p and slide down a rail. The fron
3. A skateboarder plans to jum
a
it’s
and missing a screw but
wheels of the board are loose
great trick.
physical
biological
chemical
psychosocial
is
-time job cleaning a building. He
4. A college student has a part
has
th
mon
a
e
onc
and
h cleaners
always using industrial strengt
quite toxic.
is
that
ner
clea
to use a special
physical
biological
chemical
psychosocial
stadium and empty the garbage
5. A worker is hired to clean the
certs. She doesn’t wear gloves
bins after sports events and con
What type of hazard is this?
as she finds them uncomfortable.
physical
12.
biological
chemical
psychosocial
6. A junior high school student
gets a job at the local pizza join
t.
His job involves cutting pizzas
as they come out of the oven.
In one day, he cuts more than
50 pizzas.
physical
biological
chemical
physical
biological
chemical
psychosocial
7. A high school student and
his buddy go mountain biking
in
Banff. Even though he’s unfamili
ar with the steep terrain and
sharp corners, he speeds down
the path.
psychosocial
8. A hospital worker often forg
ets to wash her hands and
sometimes doesn’t bother wea
ring gloves.
physical
biological
chemical
psychosocial
9. Workers in an office complai
ned of headaches, eye irritatio
n and
being tired. It was discovered
that delivery vehicles were park
ed
and left idling below the air inta
ke system, which provided air
to
the building.
Answers:
biological
chemical
psychosocial
1. Psychosocial 2. Psychosocial
3. Physical
4. Chemical 5. Biological or Che
mical 6. Physical
7. Physical 8. Biological or Che
mical 9. Chemical
physical
HOW DID YOU DO?
8-9 correct answers 6-7 correct answers 4-5 correct answers 0-3 correct answers -
Awesome
Gearing up
Cliff hanger
Crash and burn. Try again.
13.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
Work alone?
in trouble?
Will someone hear you if you’re
ere help
wh
g
Working alone means workin
nt of an
eve
is not readily available in the
another
It’s
y.
injury, illness or emergenc
re and
mo
out
kind of hazard. To find
dbook
han
the
to obtain a free copy of
the
l
cal
Working Alone Safely,
Occupational Health and Safety
90
Contact Centre at 1-866-415-86
a
a.c
or visit worksafe.albert
IF YOU ARE HURT AT WORK
or
d injury prevention program, you
Even if your employer has a goo
do.
t to
be hurt on the job. Here’s wha
one of your co-workers could
1. Tell your employer
ired
2. Get medical treatment, if requ
Report
sation Board (WCB) Worker’s
3. Fill out a Workers’ Compen
of Injury or Occupational Disease
l? Follow these steps anyway.
Think your injury is no big dea
doctor to best treat your injury.
The information will help your
find ways to improve workplace
It will also help your employer
ry
prevent a similar or worse inju
health and safety practices – to
from happening again.
14.
.”
“ Don’t let a work ethic kill you
was killed at work)
son
old
ar-ye
(19
– Julia Hamilton
Did you know that it’s against
the law for anyone to force you
to do work that you think is uns
afe? Did you also know that it’s
against the law for an employe
r to operate an unsafe busines
s?
You have a right to work in a safe
and healthy environment.
Know your rights.
Right to Know …about workpla
ce hazards BEFORE
you start work
Right to Refuse …unsafe work
UNSAFE WORK – WHAT IS IT
?
Any task where you believe ther
e is danger to your health or safe
ty
or that of another worker. The
law defines imminent danger as
danger that is not – or shouldn
’t be – a normal part of the job.
(For example: entering an unp
rotected trench).
It’s a situation where the risks
to your safety outweigh your abil
ity
to protect yourself. If you feel
you are in imminent danger, rem
ove
yourself from the situation and
talk with your supervisor.
15.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
YOU GOTTA DO IT
a
like it’s up to a cyclist to wear
You have a part to play too – just
t
mus
kers
wor
law,
r own ripcord. By
helmet or a skydiver to pull thei
that
and
–
ty
safe
and
their own health
take reasonable care to protect
As a worker, you’ve got to:
.
site
job
of other workers on the
cedures for your job
follow the health and safety pro
w how to do something safely
ask for training if you don’t kno
r co-workers to do the same
work safely and encourage you
ive equipment and clothing
use all required personal protect
conditions to your supervisor
immediately report any unsafe
al
e a physical, mental or emotion
inform your supervisor if you hav
ity to work safely
issue that could affect your abil
ive
Drive a car? Ever taken a defens
may
you
ugh
tho
driving course? Even
t
sn’
doe
t
tha
have the right-of-way,
rules.
mean other drivers follow the
rself.
you
for
out
You have to watch
rn to
Lea
nt.
ere
Job safety is no diff
–
e
tim
of
ad
spot danger ahe
avoid the crash.
16.
EMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIES
Your boss has a duty to watch
out for your health and safety
– as far
as is reasonable to do so. Bottom
line, the law says your boss mus
t:
make sure you have the necessa
ry training, qualifications and
experience for the job
let you know about all health and
safety hazards at your job
provide certain types of person
al
protective equipment (PPE)
make sure you know how to use
your PPE
train you to handle dangerous
products
investigate any incidents that cau
sed
injuries
investigate any “near misses”
follow the Employment Standard
s
Code
RULES OF THE GAME
Ever wonder how many hours
you have to work before you get
a
break? What about getting paid
for overtime? What’s the minimu
m
wage? Are you old enough to
work the graveyard shift? How
muc
h
notice should you give? Are you
entitled to maternity leave? In
Alberta, the Employment Stan
dards Code provides the answer
s to
these questions and more. To
find out more about the rules
of
the
game, call 1-877-427-3731 or go
to humanservices.alberta.ca/es
17.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
ARE YOU UNDER 18?
ly to you. If you are between the
There are specific rules that app
considered an “adolescent” and
ages of 12 and 14 years you are
other than clerking in an office
need a permit to work at any job
or certain jobs in the restaurant
or retail store, delivering flyers
granted if the employer has the
industry. A permit will only be
or guardian, has completed a
written consent of your parent
Employment Standards that the
safety checklist and can satisfy
harmful to your life, health,
employment is not likely to be
can’t be employed for more
education or welfare. Adolescents
, eight hours on a non-school
than two hours on a school day
and 6 a.m.
day and at all between 9 p.m.
rs
ween the ages of 15 and 17 yea
If you are a “young person” bet
,
k. However, restaurants, bars
you don’t need a permit to wor
ls and motels have special
all retail stores, gas stations, hote
persons. In these businesses,
ng
restrictions when employing you
loyed without the continuous
young persons may not be emp
r after 9 p.m. and cannot be
presence of someone 18 or olde
t and 6 a.m. For a young person
employed at all between midnigh
t of
occupations requires the consen
to work after midnight in other
e
eon
continuous presence of som
their parent or guardian and the
18 years of age or older.
rs
Experience Program, your hou
If you’re in a high school Work
nce
erie
Exp
rk
Wo
r
with you
of work may be different. Check
Co-ordinator.
Reality check
ain working after
Your employer asks you to rem
. What would you do?
midnight and you’re 15 years old
18.
REAL LIFE,
REAL PEOPLE
NICOLE’S STORY*
I work part time at a small fast
-food restaurant in my town. Our
specialities are burgers and fries
but we have a lot of other stuf
f
too. It’s a really busy place and
we are always running to keep
up
with the customers. We all sha
re in the work when it comes to
getting the fries cooking. Two
years ago, when I was dumping
some fries in the hot oil to coo
k, there was a big splash. The
hot
oil covered my left arm and spla
shed my body in a few other
places. The pain was unbelievab
le. I received third-degree burns
to my arm. It took 14 months of
skin grafts to get my arm to hea
l
and there’s a major scar that will
never go away. I never dreamed
that anything like this would eve
r happen to me.
* used with the permission of Work
place Safety and Insurance Board
, Ontario
Reality check
A department store hired a 16year-old to work alone
after school as a cleaner. One
of his tasks was to cram
discarded cardboard into a com
pactor-baler. His body
was found trapped in the baler.
19.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
CINDY’S STORY*
king for an electrical contractor.
My older brother Scott was wor
ory.
hine on an assembly line in a fact
They were rewiring some mac
They were only supposed to be
It was supposedly a small job.
the
ted undoing the screws where
there for the morning. Scott star
tely
uted. He died almost immedia
wires attach and he got electroc
n’t
the electrical connections had
they said. We found out later that
n
bee
’t know it. If the machine had
been “locked out” but Scott didn
s.
e been any power in the wire
locked out, there wouldn’t hav
said
all the time. But he never, ever
Scott used to talk about his job
wed
training. The investigation sho
anything about health or safety
his
of health or safety training for
that Scott never had any kind
t. I wish Scott had known about
job – even though it was his righ
be alive. I miss Scott so much.
his rights. He would probably still
e.
nd. I still can’t believe he’s gon
It’s so different without him arou
place Safety and
* used with the permission of Work
Insurance Board, Ontario
Reality check
r boss isn’t around
You work in a restaurant and you
rge and thinks it’s fun
much. The head cook is in cha
rs in the kitchen. You
to throw knives to other worke
s everyone at risk.
know this is dangerous and put
a safe workplace.
You know you have a right to
What should you do?
20.
ROB’S STORY*
I know all about getting injured
at work. It happened to me. I got
a job last summer working with
a homebuilder. We were putting
the floor on a new house. I bac
ked up a couple of steps and BOO
M!
The next thing I know I’m layin
g in the basement of this place
and
my leg is broken. The pain was
so intense. I was screaming. The
y
took me to the hospital and put
a plate and pins in my leg, just
below my knee. The doctor says
if I’m lucky, I’ll get the full moveme
nt
back. But it’s already been a yea
r. It is getting better but it’s real
ly
slow. Nobody ever told me that
openings in the floor should be
barricaded to keep us from slip
ping through them. If only they
had
told me.
* used with the permission of Work
place Safety and Insurance Board
, Ontario
Job shadowing/work experienc
e
No big deal right? Wrong! Eve
n if it’s only for a few
hours or a few days doing wo
rk experience or job
shadowing, ask your superviso
r to explain the risks of
the job site and how to protec
t yourself. Injuries have
happened to students too.
21.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
s of your job is
One of the most important part
your employer –
your ability to communicate with
right so your boss
effectively. Learn how to do it
kplace health
understands how important wor
to speak up for
and safety is to you. Learn how
yourself and for your rights.
22.
10 QUESTIONS
TO ASK YOUR EMPLOYER
Getting ready for a job intervie
w or starting a new job? Ask thes
e
questions. Find out how serious
your boss will be about your hea
lth
and safety.
1. What are the hazards of my
job?
2. Are there any other hazards
that
I should know about?
3. Will I receive job training?
4. Do you have health and safe
ty
meetings?
5. Is there protective equipment
I’ll be expected to wear?
Will I receive training in how to
use it? When?
6. Will I be trained in emergen
cy procedures (fire, chemical spill
)?
When?
7. Where are fire extinguishers,
first aid kits and other emergen
cy
equipment located?
8. What do I do if I get hurt? Wh
o is
the first aid person?
9. What are my health and safe
ty responsibilities?
10. Who do I ask if I have a hea
lth or safety question?
23.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
?
HOW DID YOUR EMPLOYER DO
You can check your employer’s
answers with the facts below.
By law, your employer must tell
workplace.
you about any hazards at the
t away. High noise levels, over
Not all hazards affect you righ
g with radiation, dusts and
time, lead to hearing loss. Workin
of diseases like cancer. Your
chemicals can increase your risk
these “hidden” hazards.
employer must tell you about
you have the skills to safely do
Your employer must make sure
, you must be under the direct
your work. If you’re still learning
these skills. Learn all the skills
supervision of someone who has
job on your own or alone.
you need before you do a new
not mandatory in Alberta but
Health and safety meetings are
a sign of their commitment
if your employer holds them, it’s
to your health and safety.
employers to provide
Lungs and ears…The law requires
e is a breathing hazard or
protective equipment where ther
r
eeded. However, your employe
where legal noise limits are exc
t
stan
resi
e
flam
ts,
boo
ty
, safe
isn’t required to provide hard hats
r
loye
emp
r
you
ry,
essa
is nec
clothing or eye protection. If PPE
it.
use
you
sure
must make
cy procedures – in case of fire,
You must be trained in emergen
king with chemicals, special
chemical spills, etc. If you’re wor
start work.
training is required before you
24.
7. Your employer must control
the hazards at your workplace
by
providing fire extinguishers and
other special equipment. You
must be told where this stuff is
and how to use it.
8. If you’re injured, get first aid
and report your injury to your
employer as quickly as possibl
e. The law says your employer
must provide on-site first aid equ
ipment. Most employers are
required to have people present
with first aid training.
9. You are expected to do you
r best to protect your own and
your
co-workers’ health and safety.
This means if you’re asked to do
something that may put you or
your co-workers in danger, the
law says you must refuse to do
that task.
10. If you have a health or safe
ty question, the first person you
should ask is your employer, usu
ally your supervisor, as they
know your workplace the best.
You can also phone the
Occupational Health and Safety
Contact Centre. It’s a free,
confidential call, 1-866-415-8690
. Or go to worksafe.alberta.ca
Tough guy?
If you’re a guy age 15-24, you
are more likely to be
injured on the job than any oth
er worker.
25.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
THE HEALTH AND
SAFETY PARTNERSHIP
nership between you and the
Your health and safety is a part
is working well, it might look
employer. When the partnership
like this.
EMPLOYER
Tells you there is a hazard
Provides training
YOU
Listen up! Pay attention.
Take the training
s Attend the meetings
Holds health and safety meeting
Wear it properly
Provides protective equipment
(according to the instructions)
Know where they are and how
Provides fire extinguishers
to use them
Know who and where they are
Provides trained first aid
staff and kits
the lead for the partnership to
Sometimes you may have to take
look like this.
work effectively. Then it may
EMPLOYER
Ignores health and safety
Asks you to do something
dangerous
YOU
Talk to the employer about the
benefits of workplace health and
safety. Be Involved in making
changes
Don’t do it. Talk it out.
Take a stand. Share this
booklet with them
you
foot, ask your employer to give
To start things off on the right
n
eve
ht
mig
You
to your worksite.
a health and safety orientation
ty
Safe
and
lth
Hea
rker Orientation
want to suggest using the “Wo
Checklist” found on page 34.
26.
Say “No”? Yeah right. I finally land
ed this job and I want it to work
out.
How can I tell my supervisor I won
’t do something if it’s dangerous?
Although it may be awkward to
talk about, most employers wan
t
to keep their workers healthy and
safe and appreciate hearing
suggestions – it makes their job
easier. A safe and healthy workpla
ce
also means lower insurance prem
iums for your employer. Pointing
out safety concerns and the ben
efits of a safe, healthy workpla
ce
can be a great way to gain the
respect of your boss. It’s also you
r
responsibility as a worker.
The law protects you
Each Canadian province has a
law to help keep work
sites safe and healthy. It’s called
the Occupational
Health and Safety (OHS) Act in
Alberta. These laws
are a little different in each pro
vince. In Alberta, call
the Occupational Health and Saf
ety Contact
Centre at 1-866-415-8690 or vis
it the
website at worksafe.alberta.ca
You don’t have to tell them you
r name.
27.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
SURVIVAL TIPS
ice of a trusted co-worker.
You may want to first ask the adv
ak
your direct supervisor. Only spe
Then, try to work things out with
s.
cern
con
r
doesn’t deal with you
with their boss if your supervisor
.
Don’t go over any heads first
sor, make sure your attitude is
When you approach your supervi
your
w when you’re talking. Express
respectful and positive – it’ll sho
es:
mpl
g it safely. Here are some exa
desire for doing the job right, doin
a minute of their time. Then say…
Politely ask your supervisor for
w
this job right. What should I kno
“I really want to make sure I do
about doing it safely?”
OR
]
k it could be dangerous. [say why
“I’d like to do this job but I thin
What do you think?”
OR
do this job. Any suggestions?”
“I need some training before I
good supervisor may choose to:
Depending on the situation, a
is
remove any hazards so the task
safe (if that’s possible)
train you on-the-spot
until you’ve received training
get another worker to do the task
king with another worker who
arrange for you to learn by wor
has experience
28.
THE BOSS INSISTS
If you’ve tried to talk to your emp
loyer and he/she still insists that
you do unsafe work, here are som
e examples of what you can say:
“I’ve been taught that it’s against
the law for me to do a task that
I believe could be dangerous. I
really like my job but I can’t do
this task…
…until I’ve got training to do it
safely
OR
…until the equipment is working
properly
OR
…until someone holds the base
of
the ladder
OR
…until I’ve got a respirator so I
don’t get sick from the fumes
OR
…until we’re both certain that I can
do
this job without getting injured.”
What if my boss wants me to
do something right away and
I’ve got
a gut feeling that it’s not safe?
Trust your gut. If in doubt, don
’t do it. Then use any of the surv
ival
tips above to deal with your bos
s. Or you may think of a better
way.
Remember, do it with respect,
stay calm and you’ll be okay.
29.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
KEEP YOUR COOL
eful
rently. Most employers will be grat
Every boss will react a little diffe
cern
con
r
you
not be. You may express
for your input, but others may
talk
out great. Or, you may have to
turn
once and everything may
might
s
bos
r
You
.
nge
cha
re things
with your boss several times befo
– or
y
oka
out
turn
still
may
gs
thin
get impatient or even angry, but
ing.
end
guarantee for the perfect
not. Unfortunately, there is no
YOU CAN’T BE FIRED!
. Right?
think a job is unsafe, I’ll get fired
Wait a minute. If I tell my boss I
Occupational Health and Safety
Wrong! That would be illegal. The
iss or take any other disciplinary
Act states: No person shall dism
Act
e that person did what the OHS
action against a worker becaus
told them to do.
TOUGH CHOICES
g
with your boss and it’s not goin
If you’ve tried to work things out
at
is
ty
safe
or
lth
hea
r
you
your job if
great, you may decide to quit
nt
than any job. It’s more importa
nt
orta
imp
e
mor
is
life
r
risk. You
says
law
the
mé. And, even though
than your work ethic or your resu
ss
acro
e
com
ld
cou
unsafe work, you
you can’t be fired for refusing
go.
you
lets
and
ly
per
things pro
an employer who doesn’t handle
to take legal action and you may
t
righ
ry
eve
e
hav
’d
you
Of course,
get help, call the Occupational
wish to report the employer. To
tre at 1-866-415-8690 or visit the
Health and Safety Contact Cen
website at worksafe.alberta.ca
red to talk to your
Get a buddy. If you’re really sca eone you trust.
som
d
boss, don’t just give up. Fin
le, talk with your boss
Get a pal at work, and if possib to a parent, an aunt or
together. Or, tell your concernsr, your work experience
uncle, an older friend, a teacher that may be able to
co-ordinator or a youth worke
give you advice.
30.
WHAT WOULD YOU DO?
Circle the best answer:
You’re a server at a local restaura
nt. The cook became ill and had
to go home in the middle of her
shift. The joint is packed and you
r
boss tells you to get in the kitc
hen and start cooking. You coo
k at
home but you’ve never used a
deep fryer or a meat slicer befo
re.
What should you do?
a. call your mom
b. convince the other servers
to promote
raw vegetarian dishes
c. ask your boss to teach and
assist you
You’re working at a lumberyard
. Your supervisor has asked you
to use
the table saw to rip some 2” x
6” boards. You’ve never ripped
a board
on a table saw before and you
’re not even sure exactly what
it means.
You heard your co-workers say
that the blade was getting dull
and
that the boards were being ejec
ted by the blade while they wer
e
being ripped. What should you
do?
a. watch home improvement
shows
more often
b. let your supervisor know you
r concerns
c. go for lunch
You’re working at a seniors resi
dence doing odd jobs for the sum
mer.
Your supervisor asks you to get
a ladder and clean the outside
windows on the second floor. The
ladder is small and the only way
you can reach the windows is
to stand on the top rung. What
should
you do?
a. ditch the ladder and use you
r rock-climbing equipment to scal
e
the side of the building
b. put one or two thick telepho
ne books under the ladder to help
you reach
c. find a longer ladder, if there
is one, or explain the hazard
to your supervisor
31.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
stories and learned the survival
You’ve seen the stats, read the
stay healthy and safe at work.
skills. You know what it takes to
er these three things.
If you forget the details, rememb
GET REAL
er
you can do? Great! But rememb
Want to show the world what
safe
and
lthy
hea
ing
Stay
r safety.
impressing others isn’t worth you
potential hazards around you.
of
re
awa
Be
d.
hea
r
starts with you
f?
you really think you’re bulletproo
What have you got to lose? Do
Get real.
GET THE KNOW-HOW
going to jump out of a plane. You
Imagine that in one week you’re
to open your parachute, and how
need to know how to jump, how
your
te doesn’t open? Do you know
to land safely. What if your chu
you
re
befo
s
skill
e
’t you want thes
emergency procedures? Wouldn
for
Ask
d.
nee
you
k, get the skills
jump? Before you jump into wor
new and find out the hazards of
ng
ethi
som
training before doing
ce
, record your recognized workpla
your job. Get the know-how. And
rt.
spo
r Work Safe Pas
health and safety training in you
GET THE GEAR
ropes,
bing without proper footwear,
No one would think of ice clim
work
at
real
s. The risk can be just as
climbing harnesses and ice axe
e
mor
save
and equipment may
so buckle up. Protective clothing
r and learn to use it!
than your skin. So, get the gea
32.
I CHOSE TO LOOK
THE OTHER WAY
I could have saved a life that day
,
But I chose to look the other way
.
It wasn’t that I didn’t care,
I had the time and I was there.
But I didn’t want to seem the fool
,
Or argue over a safety rule.
I knew he had done the job befo
re,
If I called it wrong, he might get
sore.
The chances didn’t seem that
bad,
I’ve done the same, he knew I
had.
So I shook my head and walked
on by,
He knew the risks as well as I.
He took the chance; I closed an
eye,
And with that act, I let him die.
I could have saved a life that day
,
But I chose to look the other way
.
Now every time I see his wife,
I’ll know I should have saved his
life.
That guilt is something I must
bear,
But it isn’t something you need
to share.
If you see a risk that others take
,
That puts their health or life at
stake,
The question asked or things you
say,
Could help them live another day
.
If you see a risk and walk away,
Then hope you never have to say,
I could have saved a life that day
,
But I chose to look the other way
.
-Author Don Merrell
33.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
conducting a health and safety
This checklist is a guideline for
a company or to a department.
orientation for workers new to
ker,
both the supervisor and the wor
Once completed and signed by
e.
plac
n
take
has
ion
ntat
proper orie
it serves as documentation that
____
____ Job Title ____________
Worker’s Name ____________
________
____ Company Name ________
Supervisor’s Name ____________
____
Orientation Date____________
Date Hired ________________
cate that the
Place a check in each box to indi
topic has been covered.
and safety program including:
1. Explain the company health
Orientation
On-the-job training
Health and safety meetings
rting
Incident investigation and repo
ty committee (if there is one)
safe
and
lth
hea
the
of
Function
ent:
2. Personal protective equipm
Hard hats
Safety glasses
High visibility vests
Rubber gloves
ent
Respiratory protective equipm
cific to job
spe
ent
ipm
equ
Other protective
responsibility for reporting
3. Lines of communication and
incidents and “near misses”:
When to report an injury
How to report an injury
rted
To whom an injury should be repo
form
rt
Filing an incident repo
Reporting “near misses”
34.
4. Review hazards related to spe
cific job duties:
Example: If you use a forklift truc
k at work, what are the hazards
and how do you avoid an injury
or incident?
Physical hazards (ladders, electrici
ty, repetitive work, hot oil etc.)
Chemical hazards (cleaning che
micals, toxic substances, dust,
paint, asbestos etc.)
4.
Biological hazards (bacteria, viru
ses, fungi, mold, insects etc.)
4.
Psychosocial hazards (stress, fatig
ue, workplace violence etc.)
5. First aid supplies, equipment
and training:
Obtaining first aid treatment
Location of first aid stations
Location and names of staff with
first aid training
6. Emergency plan:
Exit locations and evacuation rout
es
Use of fire fighting equipment
(extinguishers, hose)
Specific procedures (medical,
chemical, fire etc.)
7. Vehicle safety check proced
ure:
Safety and speed regulations
Operating licence is appropriate
for vehicle
8. Personal work habits:
Consequences of horseplay and
not following the health
and safety rules
Inattention
Smoking policy
Good housekeeping practices
Proper lifting techniques
The signatures below are evidenc
e that the topics contained in
this
checklist have been discussed
to the satisfaction of the worker
and
the supervisor, and that both part
ies accept responsibility for
maintaining a safe and healthy
workplace.
____________________
Date
____________________
Supervisor’s Signature
____________________
Date
____________________
Worker’s Signature
35.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
cern about workplace health
If you’ve got a question or a con
ns.
and call any of these organizatio
and safety, pick up the phone
Or, get what you need online.
Alberta Human Services
Centre
Employment Standards Contact
7-3731 toll-free in Alberta
7-42
1-87
or
Phone: (780) 427-3731
.ca/es
Website: humanservices.alberta
imum standards of employment
Employment standards are min
a
in the workplace. You can get
for employers and employees
the
Standards Guide by phoning
free copy of the Employment
website.
office or downloading it from the
Alberta Human Services
ty Contact Centre
Occupational Health and Safe
in Alberta
Phone: 1-866-415-8690 toll-free
Website: worksafe.alberta.ca
(OHS) helps employers and
Occupational Health and Safety
.
productive workplaces in Alberta
workers ensure safe, healthy and
site
web
this
at
le
ilab
ava
safety are
Free publications on health and
– or
copy of Working Alone Safely
r
you
er
Ord
est.
or by phone requ
and
s
gram
pro
ng
arni
vities like e-le
check out other topics and acti
phone for confidential advice.
also
can
You
.
web
quizzes on the
al Health and Safety
Canadian Centre for Occupation
Phone: 1-800-668-4284
Website: ccohs.ca
cerns about health and safety
Get answers to questions or con
at work.
36.
Workers’ Compensation Board
(WCB) – Alberta
Phone: 1-866-922-9221 toll-free
in Alberta
Website: wcb.ab.ca
The Workers’ Compensation Boa
rd – Alberta is a not-for-profit
mutual insurance company fund
ed entirely by employers. The
WCB provides cost effective wor
kplace liability and disability
insurance to workers and emp
loyers.
Get smart
Learn more about workplace hea
lth and safety!
Take a course in First Aid, CPR
and/or WHMIS
(Workplace Hazardous Materials
Information System)
or any other health and safety
training. Don’t forget
to record your training in your
Work Safe Passport.
37.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
OTHER RESOURCES
line
Alberta Career Information Hot
ning, work search skills,
Access information on career plan
al descriptions, educational
educational options, occupation
the Alberta Career Information
funding and referrals through
in Edmonton at (780) 422-4266
Hotline advisors. Call the Hotline
or toll-free at 1-800-661-3753.
Service (ALIS) website
Alberta Learning Information
alis.alberta.ca
rce
is Alberta’s leading on-line sou
Opportunity starts here. ALIS
the
find
’ll
You
.
ent information
for career, learning and employm
t of your future. Stay informed
mos
the
e
mak
resources you need to
r
with your working life and you
and take control. If it has to do
working rights, it’s here.
38.
WHMIS* HAZARD CLASSES
Class A – Compressed Gas
Class B – Flammable and Com
bustible
Material
Class C – Oxidizing Material
Class D-1 – Poisonous and Infe
ctious
Material
(Material Causing Immediate and
Serious
Effects)
Class D-2 – Poisonous and Infe
ctious Material
(Material Causing Other Toxic Effe
cts)
Class D-3 – Poisonous and Infe
ctious Material
(Biohazardous Infectious Materia
ls)
Class E – Corrosive Material
Class F – Dangerously Reactiv
e Material
*WHMIS – Workplace Hazardou
s Materials
Information System
39.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
E
NOW THAT YOU’VE READ TH
NO
SURVIVAL GUIDE YOU HAVE
EXCUSE TO BE A STATISTIC.
kers in the workplace*
The top dangers for young wor
in
ng workers injured on the job
An analysis of claims from you
us tasks.
Alberta reveals the most dangero
15-19 year olds:
n wounds
Working with machinery – ope
strains and tears
Lifting objects – causing sprains,
sing
Working on elevated levels – cau
and fractures
sprains, strains, tears
tears and fractures
Falling – causing sprains, strains,
objects – causing burns
Working with hot substances or
cuts and
Working with knives – causing
lacerations
sing cuts
Working with food slicers – cau
and lacerations
sprains, strains, tears and
Using skids and pallets – causing
surface wounds
ins, tears and surface wounds
Using jacks - causing sprains, stra
– causing cuts and lacerations
Operating powered handtools
and lacerations
Working with saws – causing cuts
40.
20-24 year olds:
Falling – causing sprains, strains,
tears and fractures
Lifting objects – causing sprains,
strains and tears
Operating mobile equipment or
motor vehicles, including
forklifts – causing sprains, strains,
tears and fractures
Working with machinery – cau
sing cuts and lacerations
Working with hot substances or
objects – causing burns
Working with knives – causing
cuts and lacerations
Using skids and pallets – causing
sprains, strains, tears and
surface wounds
Operating powered handtools
– causing
Using jacks - causing sprains, stra
ins,
cuts and lacerations
tears and surface wounds
Working with saws – causing cuts
and
lacerations
Working with food slicers – cau
sing cuts
and lacerations
* Source: WCB Alberta
41.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
WHY YOUNG WORKERS GET
INJURED ON THE JOB
lain why young workers are at
Here are some reasons that exp
greater risk for injury at work:
a
erience
• Lack of training and work exp
anding of their rights as workers
• Lack of confidence or underst
kplace
• Lack of preparation for the wor
• Being given more dangerous
jobs
• Feeling of invincibility
• Unwillingness to ask questions
other things on their mind
• Being distracted and having
• Pace of work
42.
YOUTH WORKERS:
WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FO
R?
Four-Poster Series
of these posters or the series,
To order your free copy of one
, or call (780) 427-5775.
visit alis.alberta.ca/publications
43.
© Government of Alberta, Human Services
The Work Safe Passport is a handy logbook that teachers, trainers and employers can use
to record recognized workplace health and safety training provided to workers in Alberta.
For information about how to order Work Safe Passports call the Occupational Health and Safety
Contact Centre at 1-866-415-8690. In Edmonton call (780) 415-8690.
Are you young and new to the workforce?
Are you prepared for on-the-job health and safety?
Inside you will find:
why workplace health and safety orientation and
training is important
what your rights and responsibilities are
what your employer’s responsibilities are
how to spot safe and unsafe working conditions
what to say in stressful situations
how to connect to more information and resources