Frequently asked safety questions of the
Safety Lady in Bright Green
Comment
Hello Jennifer,
Happy Monday! I just wanted to say that, while looking for information on home safety, I found your web page (http://www.healthandsafetysolutions.ca/links.html) - As a tutor who's helping students with science, I found your page to be a big help. Thanks for sharing the information!
Right now, the kids are working on safety evacuation plans for their home. One of my students found a really good reference that I don't see listed on your site: Home Safety
Since your page was helpful, I thought I'd pass it along as a 'thank you'.
Thanks again and have a great week!
Ms. B. P.
Great work Natalie! thank you
Question
How many employees need to be trained for First Aid?
Answer
Regulation 1101 does not specify how many people need to be trained for first aid. What it tells the employer that they must do is have first aid treatment available immediately. Each employer must review their workplace for distance to treatment, availability of first aid on all shifts, and ensure that a currently trained first provider can stop whatever they are doing and immediately attend to an injury or illness in the workplace. If the workplace is spread out over a wide area this may require the employer to have someone trained in every area for every shift.
Question
Who is required to place guards on equipment with moving parts.
Answer
The manufacturer should be placing guards on equipment with moving parts to prevent injury. However it is the responsibility of the workplace to ensure that hazards are identified and guarding is in place for their workers.
Question
How long do MSDS sheets need to be kept on file.
Answer
MSDS Sheets need to be kept on file while the hazardous product is being used where worker's work. They need to be updated at least every 3 years or when they expire. MSDS sheets can usually be easily be found online by searching for the supplier and listing the hazardous substance.
Question
How does a company prepare for a Ministry of Labour Inspection?
Answer
The best way to prepare for a Ministry of Labour inspection is to have an ongoing safety program in the workplace. If the inspection is to follow up on previous orders that have been written then insure that the orders have been complied with and notify the inspector as indicated on the order.
Question
Does lock out tag out (loto) apply to cord and plug equipment in Ontario?
Answer
Lock Out Tag for cords is necessary when the cord and plug are not under the direct control of a worker. In other words if someone could plug equipment in without you knowing it, while it is undergoing repair or maintenance, it is required to be locked out.
Question
Do i need to have a whmis binder?
Answer
No. If you do not have hazardous materials in your workplace you do not need a WHMIS program. Businesses are not required to have WHMIS Binders. How the material is stored and shared with employees is up to the employer. It needs to be readily accessible.
Question
Is there a checklist for checking workplace hazards?
Answer
Every workplace needs to be accessed for hazards. You can develop your list through talking to employees, reading WHMIS data sheets, equipment operating manuals, and reviewing incident and near miss reports. Health and Safety consultants are available across Canada in all level of expertise to help.
Question
What does a ministry of labour inspection mean?
Answer
An inspection of the workplace by the Ministry of Labour can be a planned or unplanned visit to review safety systems. The MOL inspector has the right to enter and inspect any place where work is being carried out.
Question
What does a workplace inspection mean?
Answer
An inspection of the workplace is a comprehensive assessment of the risks and hazards in the workplace. An example for a small tradesman with no office that is visiting different locations could include an assessment of their work vehicle as part of a workplace inspection. This could include:
- Developing a plan for routine maintenance that is documented.
- Checking supplies on the vehicle to ensure they do not pose a risk to the driver when the vehicle is in motion.
- Is there a cage in the van?
- Are hazardous materials like compresses gas that need to be stored upright?
- Are MSDS available.
- Are working alone?
- Do you have a plan in case of an emergency?
- Do you have First aid training?
These are some of the questions that could be on an inspection. Inspections can include housekeeping issues, fire hazards, slip and fall hazards, driver safety awareness, etc.
Question
What three methods does WHMIS use to inform workers of the hazards of the products that they work with?
Answer
There are three elements to WHMIS:
Question
Who pays for First Aid Training at work?
Answer
Training for First Aid training supplies and equipment for designated "First Aiders" is paid by the employer. Standard First Aid Certificates are valid for 3 years from the date issued with a recommendation that CPR training be done yearly.
To see more information about Regulation 1101 click here.
Question
I own a small business do I need to be enrolled in WSIB?
Answer
"Most businesses in Ontario that employ workers (including family members and sub-contractors) must register with the WSIB within 10 days of hiring their first full- or part-time worker. It's the law." for more information visit here.
Question
What is Lock out Tag out?
Answer
Lock out tag out or LOTO is a process for ensuring that all energy such as mechanical, electrical, hydraulic, pneumatic etc. are prevented from being activated while equipment, processes and machinery are being repaired or inspected to prevent injury.
Question
How long are Material data safety sheets (MSDS) good for?
Answer
MSDS are good for 3 years. The supplier is required to review them every three years and to provide update information. If there are no updates then they can be updated by the supplier by adding a review date and they are good for another 3 years.
Question
I have had WHMIS training before with a previous employer, now I will be opening my own business out of my own home...How long is WHMIS training good for?
Answer
The regulation does not strictly outline WHMIS training requirements, the onus is on the employer to demonstrate due diligence. However, I would suggest that the training is not transferable between employers because "(2) An employer shall ensure that the program of worker education required by subsection (1) is developed and implemented for the employer's workplace and is related to any other training, instruction and prevention programs at the workplace." So it needs to be workplace specific. Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.R.O. 1990, REGULATION 860
The reason most workplaces do this yearly is it proves due diligence that the training has been done and workers understand the hazards. This may be important to your home insurance policy as well. You will be able to prove due diligence in the storage of hazardous substances because you can demonstrate that you are a "competent person".
Definition: "competent person" means a person who,
Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.R.O. 1990
Question
I am a contractor/renovator and I have been told that the materials I use come from a retail outlet and that I do not need a WHMIS system or MSDS binder. I work mostly independently or with a temp sub-contractor. I do not have employees.
Do you have an opinion on this?
Answer
This is a very good question and one that there is some confusion about for many companies. Thank you for asking.
The intention of WHMIS is to inform workers about hazards of controlled products. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act as a sole proprietor you are considered both a worker and employer.
A controlled product is any product that can be included in any of the following 6 classes:
It does not matter where the products are purchased, only that the supplier is responsible to supply you with MSDS for the controlled product. The exception to this is that if products are purchased are available to the general public in the same containers then they would be exempt from WHMIS. You may find when doing a review of what you use that none of the substances fit into these categories or that you can find substitutes that are not controlled products. This way if you were ever approached in a random check by the Ministry of Labour you could say that you have done a review of the products that you use and that they are not controlled products and therefore you do not need WHMIS. Keep a written record of this. However, if any are then you will need a WHMIS program.
If you have a question for the Bright Green Lady Please email us and we will answer. It may be a question that many other Ontario Business people have a question about.