Safety Scoops & Articles
April 2024 Safety Scoop - Pallet Racking Safety
April 2024 Safety Scoop: Pallet Racking Safety
Get the Scoop
April 2024
Get the Scoop
This month we have collaborated with North American Storage Equipment to highlight Pallet Racking Safety
Pallet racking safety in Alberta is of paramount importance to ensure a secure and efficient warehouse environment. Employers and employees must adhere to the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, which provide specific guidelines for the installation, maintenance, and use of pallet racking systems.
Regular inspections and maintenance checks are essential to identify and address any potential hazards, such as damaged beams or improperly secured loads, which could lead to accidents or injuries. Additionally, proper training for employees on safe loading and unloading practices, as well as weight limits and load distribution, is crucial to prevent overloading and structural failures. Compliance with these safety measures not only safeguards the well-being of workers but also promotes productivity and operational efficiency in the warehouse.
Here's the Scoop:
Legislation
Building / Fire Code
Canadian Design Standards
And more!
Get the Training
Forklift Operator
This 1-day certification course is designed to provide participants with classroom training along with practical confirmation of safe forklift (with vertical mast) operation. This course teaches forklift operators to operate in a safe and efficient manner which includes written theory and practical confirmation.Note: Upon successful completion of confirmations, a certification, valid for 3 years, will be issued. Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
March 2024 Safety Scoop: WHMIS
March 2024 Safety Scoop: WHMIS
Get the Scoop
March 2024
Get the Scoop
WHMIS, which stands for Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System, is a comprehensive system used in Canada to provide information about hazardous materials in the workplace. It is designed to ensure that workers have the necessary knowledge and training to handle these materials safely.
WHMIS is based on three key elements:
Hazard identification: WHMIS categorizes hazardous materials into three main classes: physical hazards, health hazards, and environmental hazards. Each class has specific criteria to identify the hazards associated with a particular material.
Labels: WHMIS requires hazardous materials to be labeled with standardized symbols, known as pictograms, that indicate the type of hazard posed by the material. These labels also include other important information, such as the product identifier, supplier information, and precautionary measures.
Safety data sheets (SDS): SDSs provide detailed information about the hazards associated with a particular material, as well as instructions for safe handling, storage, and disposal. SDSs are typically provided by the material's manufacturer or supplier and must be readily accessible to workers.
Overall, WHMIS is an essential part of workplace safety in Canada, ensuring that workers are informed about the hazards they may encounter and how to protect themselves.
Here's the Scoop:
WHMIS Legislation
WHMIS Training
WHMIS Application
And more!
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
February 2024 Safety Scoop: Fit for Duty
February 2024 Safety Scoop: Fit for Duty
Get the Scoop
February 2024
Get the Scoop
"Fit for duty" typically refers to an individual's physical, mental, and emotional readiness to perform their job responsibilities effectively and safely. This concept is often applied in various professions, especially those that involve critical tasks or responsibilities.
To be deemed "fit for duty," an individual should meet the necessary health and performance standards required for their specific job role. This may involve regular health assessments, adherence to safety protocols, and maintaining a level of physical and mental fitness that ensures the individual can carry out their duties competently and without posing a risk to themselves or others.
Here's the Scoop:
What is Fit for Duty
Signs of impairment
Common side effects of fatigue
And more!
Get the Training
Developing & Managing Your Fit for Duty Policy & Program (DER Training)
The role of a Designated Employer Representative (DER) or Program Administrator can be challenging, especially considering the complex provincial and federal legislative
responsibilities inherent within a workplace Fit for Duty / Drug and Alcohol program.
This ½-day course will prepare both new and experienced DERs and Program Administrators to effectively manage a workplace Fit for Duty program in a way that considers cost, liability, compliance and health and safety. Participants will benefit from a review of current concepts and case studies, testing equipment demonstrations and receipt of materials to support the implementation of a Fit for Duty program upon return to their workplace.
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
January 2024 Safety Scoop: Environmental Protection
January 2024 Safety Scoop: Environmental Protection
Get the Scoop
January 2024
Environmental protection involves awareness strategies and actions to mitigate the adverse impacts of hazardous substances on the air, soil, waterways, and the ozone layer.
These measures aim to create a sustainable balance between human activities and the preservation of the Earth's vital ecosystems.
Here's the Scoop:
Environment
Environmental Responsibility
Hazards to the environment
And more!
Get the Training
Hazard Assessment
This 1-day course teaches participants how to properly identify, assess and control workplace hazards in accordance with Alberta Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Participants will learn the MHSA basic method of recognizing, evaluating and documenting workplace hazards.
Hazard assessment is the keystone of a successful health and safety management system and, therefore, must be performed correctly and reviewed regularly to ensure the workplace remains free of unnecessary hazards.
Topics include:
Alberta OH&S Code Part 2 Hazard Assessment, Elimination and Control
Benefits of performing hazard assessments
Methods of hazard identification, assessment and control
Hazard assessment techniques
Hierarchy of hazard controls
Upon completion of the course you will be able to:
Develop a comprehensive approach to hazard identification for your workplace
Identify the common types of existing and potential health & safety hazards
Evaluate hazards associated to specific jobs and tasks
Prioritize hazards in terms of the level of risk they present to workers
Identify practical hazard control methods applicable to your workplace
Review and maintain hazard assessments on a regular basis.
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
December 2023 Safety Scoop: Pulmonary Health & Respiratory Protection
December 2023 Safety Scoop: Pulmonary Health & Respiratory Protection
Get the Scoop
December 2023
Get the Scoop
These 2 subjects are crucial aspects to consider in the workplace. It is important to prioritize the well-being and safety of employees by implementing proper measures. By providing adequate respiratory protective equipment, and promoting a healthy work environment, employers can minimize the risk of respiratory illnesses and ensure the overall well-being of their workforce.
Here's the Scoop:
Pulmonary health
Pulmonary & Respiratory hazards
Respiratory protection
And more!
Get the Training
Standard First Aid
Industry workers and manufacturing companies have specific needs in terms of standard first aid. Alberta employers, managers, and supervisors can receive the precise training they need from the Manufacturers’ Health & Safety Association (MHSA). For example, we can tailor our training to the specific types of injuries that may occur at your work site. Plus, our course supports you in complying with applicable legislation.
Participants will learn standard first aid skills including how to recognize and treat for shock or unconsciousness, cope with non-breathing casualties and choking emergencies, how to treat wounds and broken bones, and how to manage eye injuries, burns, and environmental illnesses — all in just a two-day period.
This course also covers Level A CPR training and certification for adults. In addition, automated external defibrillator (AED) training and certification are included in standard first aid.
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
November 2023 Safety Scoop: Lift Planning
November 2023 Safety Scoop: Lift Planning
Get the Scoop
November 2023
Get the Scoop
This month we would like to highlight Lift Planning. There are many hazards associated with loads being moved by Overhead Cranes. Crush injuries, and being struck by a moving load are two examples that could happen to anybody.
Here's the Scoop:
Hazards associated with Overhead Cranes
Factors to consider
Operator competency
And more!
Get the Training
Rigging Essentials
This 1-day interactive course teaches participants the essential rigging principles and practices used in rigging symmetrical and non-symmetrical loads.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
How to inspect, select and use slings, hardware and below-the-hook lifting devices
How to determine load weight, centre of gravity and pick points
How to calculate sling tension
Recognizing and staying out of the danger zone and crush points
How to use tag lines and hand signals
Utilizing the Rigging Resource Centre to search legislation and rigging standards
Participant learning is reinforced by conducting practical exercises in load weight and rigging assorted loads.
Overhead Crane Operator and Supervisor Safety Training
Once you’ve successfully completed the MHSA Rigging Essentials course, you can expand your skills with our Overhead Crane Operator and Supervisor Safety training. Participants will learn all about the key operation and safety considerations for working with overhead cranes.
This 1-day interactive course is for workers who operate overhead cranes and for supervisors who oversee crane operation. This course has been created to follow the Alberta OHS “Guidelines for Safety Training of Overhead Crane Operators and Supervisors”. This course will teach participants how to safely use overhead cranes through a combination of classroom and practical instruction.
TOPICS INCLUDE:
Legislated requirements
Overhead cranes, jib cranes, portable gantry cranes, monorail, and workstation cranes
Pre-operational requirements and post operational requirements
lift planning and hazard assessment
Operational requirements - safe operating position, controlling load swing
Turning a load over and tandem lifts
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
October 2023 Safety Scoop: Personal Cost of Workplace Injuries
October 2023 Safety Scoop: Personal Cost of Workplace Injuries
Get the Scoop
October 2023
Get the Scoop
This month we would like to highlight the Personal Cost of Workplace Injuries. Working in the Manufacturing industry involves risk of injury to people and self. Some risks can seem minor, however they could cause life changing injuries.
Here's the Scoop:
A person's story
Injury claims
Workplace injuries
And more!
Get the Training
Leading Safety
Leading Safety is a two-day course that will develop safety-conscious leaders by supplying necessary tools combined with educational practices to effectively influence fellow workers and team members. The new Leading Safety course will help your leaders ensure compliance for your company’s health and safety management systems are not only met, but exceeded.
By the end of this course, supervisors and managers will be able to measure their success through:
Tracking and trending
Performance observation
Enforcement
Training and education
Developing a productive and inclusive culture
Supervisors and managers will learn how to incorporate health and safety into their everyday planning, create a safe work environment, and help make a lasting contribution to the reduction of incidents.
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
September 2023 Safety Scoop: Back Injury Prevention
Back Injury Prevention
Get the Scoop
September 2023
Get the Scoop
This month we would like to highlight Back Injury Prevention. These injuries not only happen in the workplace, but also through daily activities. Back injuries can be very painful and can degenerate over time which can significantly impact your life long term.
Here's the Scoop:
Material Handling Guidelines
Basic Lifting and Lowering Techniques
Maintaining a healthy back
And more!
Get the Training
Back Injury Prevention
Ergonomics is the science of designing the work environment, equipment, tasks and job to the worker. Good ergonomics is proven to lessen muscle fatigue, increase productivity and reduce the number and severity of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). AHS offers two free online modules: one for basic awareness on injuries, and prevention strategies, and the second on Manual Material Handling which teaches you to reduce risks and prevent injuries.
Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI) Prevention course:
Describe what musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are and recognize how they can happen;
Identify how to assess workplace hazards, risk factors and controls to reduce risk of injury;
Demonstrate ways to prevent musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) and recognize what to do if they get injured at work; and
Identify next steps for completing the AHS injury prevention training.
Manual Materials Handling course:
Recognize workplace hazards and risk factors that could lead to an injury for manual handling tasks;
Assess hazards and identify controls that can reduce the risk of injury from manual handling tasks; and
Identify safe body positions and movements for manual handling.
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
August 2023 Safety Scoop: Forklift Safety
Forklift Safety
Get the Scoop
August 2023
Get the Scoop
This month we would like to highlight Forklift safety. Forklift trucks are crucial equipment needed to move materials safely and efficiently through the workplace. However, when used improperly, they can cause property damage, severe injury or death.
Here's the Scoop:
We’ll look at training, competency and avoiding complacency
We’ll discuss 5 Ways to improve forklift safety
And more!
Get the Training
Forklift Operator
This 1-day certification course is designed to provide participants with classroom training and practical skills of safe forklift (with vertical mast) operation. It also offers a practical confirmation for forklift operators with various levels of experience. Our forklift operating training course teaches forklift drivers to operate in a safe and efficient manner.
Upon completion of the course you will be able to:
Perform proper handling techniques of a forklift.
Have knowledge of pertinent legislation, such as the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act for Alberta.
Have a strong understanding of forklift stability, including centrifugal force, leverage, momentum, speed, centre of gravity, lifting, turning load centre, and tip-overs. You’ll also understand stability of triangles and trapezoids.
Have Knowledge in operator responsibilities, which include unloading materials safely, inspecting machinery to ensure there are no needs for repair, keeping updated activity logs and records of inventory, complying with regulations, and maintaining a safe environment.
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
July 2023 Safety Scoop: Safety Culture
Safety Culture
Get the Scoop
July 2023
Get the Scoop
Safety Culture is the beliefs, perceptions and values that employees share in relation to risks within the workplace. This month, we would like to highlight the importance of a healthy safety culture within your organization. Good safety culture takes years to build across all levels of the organization, but only a short time to stall or destroy. Learn techniques that will assist in building and maintaining a healthy safety culture in your workplace with this months Safety Scoop.
Here's the Scoop:
Discover why safety culture is important
What are some of the mistakes that break down safety culture?
How can your company functionally practice a safe culture?
And much more!
Get the Training
Leading Safety
Leading Safety is a two-day course that will develop safety-conscious leaders by supplying necessary tools combined with educational practices to effectively influence fellow workers and team members. The new Leading Safety course will help your leaders ensure compliance for your company’s health and safety management systems are not only met, but exceeded.
Upon completion of the course you will be able to:
Tracking and trending
Performance observation
Enforcement
Training and education
Developing a productive and inclusive culture
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!