Safety Scoops & Articles
BREAKING: Changes to OHS Legislation Announced
The changes to Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Laws are here! The new changes will come into effect on December 1, 2021. Please follow the below links to find out more information:
Stay tuned for more information! We will be sure to fill you in on how this will affect your workplace!
How to Plan for an Emergency in Your Workplace
Emergency planning is about much more than running a risk assessment. Preparing for disasters of all kinds should ensure that everyone knows how to react in the moment of an emergency and during the aftermath. The best plans can even reduce the event’s impact on both workers and businesses. Although every workplace will have different considerations when creating an emergency plan, here are some basic considerations to bear in mind.
Define Your Goals
Start by determining what you want to achieve with your emergency preparedness program and specify who will be responsible for each aspect of the program. Before continuing further, consider having a legal professional review the outline to ensure it covers everything and will minimize risks.
Assess Potential Emergency Situations
Create a list of every potential emergency by considering what hazards your workplace faces. Assess the likelihood of each and include the most probable in your plan.
Develop Your Plan
Once you have the above information, start working on a detailed emergency preparedness plan. This should cover:
How you’ll respond to ensure the safety of your employees, including evacuation and decision-making in critical situations.
How you’ll communicate with workers, clients, and other stakeholders during the emergency.
Policies for affected employees, including what kind of support workers will require. It’s best to divide employees into three categories: severely affected, experienced some issues, and not directly affected.
Contingencies for both operational and closed worksites.
Alternatives to your regular operation sites and options for backup staffing.
The training you’ll need to provide to workers.
How you’ll comply with government reporting requirements.
Evaluate the Program
After creating your program, you’ll need to test it to ensure there’s nothing you’ve overlooked. This will also ensure that workers know how to respond in an emergency. Make sure you run a variety of exercises to test all the probable disasters you defined earlier.
Hold Periodic Reviews
Circumstances often change — and this can mean a plan that was previously perfect is now outdated. Set a schedule for reviewing your emergency preparedness plans to check they remain appropriate. Remember to assess against changes such as expansions, new locations, and changes to management. Also confirm employees’ emergency contact information and ensure you’re working with up-to-date government protocol.
You can receive a variety of workplace safety and prevention services from MHSA. We offer courses for businesses in the manufacturing sector to handle and prevent emergencies, reduce injuries, and keep employees safe. Check out our calendar to book one of our upcoming courses.
Safety Scoop October 2021: Do you know your emergency response plan?
OCTOBER 2021 | Do You Know Your Emergency Response Plan?
Developing a plan to safely and effectively respond to an emergency will ensure employers comply with Part 7 of the Alberta OHS Code and will help protect workers and facilities.
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In this month’s Safety Scoop readers will understand the importance of identifying worksite-specific emergencies that may require rescue or evacuation. Developing a plan to safely and effectively respond to an emergency will ensure employers comply with Part 7 of the Alberta OHS Code and will help protect workers and facilities. An Emergency Response Plan (ERP) can identify areas of exposure where a company can expect negative impacts due to an emergency and the processes that the company must use to control these impacts should they occur.
Here is the scoop:
What is an ERP?
What is the purpose and benefits of an ERP?
Knowing the legislated requirements for emergency preparedness
A sample ERP exercise worksheet
And much more…
Get the Training
Emergency Response Planning Course
This four-hour course, offered both in-person as well as virtually, will assist participants in identifying worksite-specific emergencies and then guide them through developing safe and effective response plans, all in accordance with Part 7 of the Alberta OH&S Code. Participants will be able to:
Assess the risks and types of emergencies specific to their worksite and the types of response plans required;
Be able to develop and implement these plans to protect workers and facilities; and
Recognize the need for continuous improvement and follow-up after an incident.
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
Certificate of Recognition (COR) On-Site Data Gathering Suspended
*This is no longer in effect as of March 1, 2022*
In response to Alberta’s Public Health Emergency, the COR program is implementing an immediate suspension of on-site data gathering activities by auditors. This means:
The use of on-site observations is suspended.
The use of remote documentation reviews and remote interviews (e.g. video-calls, phone, etc.) are required.
Audits based on review of documentation and interviews are eligible for three-year COR certification.
Audits based on review of documentation-only are eligible for one-year COR certification or for COR maintenance.
On-site data gathering must cease for audits in-progress. If you have questions, or require assistance, please contact your Certifying Partner.
Employers must provide documents to auditors by electronic means when possible. Auditors must use a safe collection method for paper documents (e.g. curbside pick-up).
These rules are in-effect until December 31, 2021, and will be re-assessed for 2022.
NEW COVID-19 Update: How MHSA is Responding
At MHSA, we are committed to the health and safety of our staff, members and all classroom participants. With the recent tightening of the COVID-19 health and safety measures, announced by the Alberta Government on September 15, 2021, we are taking action to follow them and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Starting immediately MHSA will follow the below practices to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
At MHSA, we are committed to the health and safety of our staff, members and all classroom participants. With the recent tightening of the COVID-19 health and safety measures, announced by the Alberta Government on September 15, 2021, we are taking action to follow them and help reduce the spread of COVID-19. Starting immediately MHSA will follow the below practices to ensure everyone’s health and safety.
Contacting the MHSA :
Employer and member contact will be made by phone, email or via virtual meetings, unless approved by management
In-person Classes :
In-person courses will still happen with the following restrictions:
Classes in small classrooms will have a cap of 9 students per class
Classes in large classrooms will have a cap of 18 students per class
Social distancing of 2 m between student desks will be enforced for all classes
Students will be checked for temperature and answer a COVID questionnaire before going into a class
If there are multiple classes occurring at the same time, breaks times will be staggered.
No water coolers or coffee machines in classes
Masks are required to enter the facility and throughout the facility (i.e. hallways, washrooms etc.).
Masks may be removed by students during a course when seated at their desk
We ask that any company wishing to do onsite training with us follow these same measures. These procedures will be verified prior to MHSA staff arrival on site.
These measures will remain in place until at least October 1st, when they will be reviewed again.
Safety Scoop September 2021: Are your workers first aid prepared?
SEPTEMBER 2021 | Are Your Workers First Aid Prepared?
It is important that each worker understands their role in the first aid plan, so that they are prepared and know what to do to help an injured or suddenly ill co-worker.
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The MHSA is committed to assisting our members with ongoing information on topics within the industry and implemented as per legislation. This month we will focus on First Aid Preparedness and having workers prepared and trained in their role when a worker becomes injured or suddenly ill in the workplace. It is important that each worker understands their role in the first aid plan, so that they are prepared and know what to do to help an injured or suddenly ill co-worker.
Here is the scoop:
What is first aid?
What is your role?
Being prepared for potentially injured or suddenly ill workers.
First aid assessment worksheets.
And much more...
Get the Training
Standard First Aid Course
This 2-day course provides comprehensive training and information on first aid and CPR for the workplace. It covers Level A CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) training and certification. Participants will learn how to recognize and treat for shock or unconsciousness, administer CPR, cope with non-breathing casualties and choking emergencies, and manage eye injuries, burns, and environmental illnesses. This course also includes additional first-aid training for other injuries and illnesses, such as head and spinal trauma and upper and lower limb fractures — all in just a two-day period.
Get prepared, and register for this OH&S approved course today.
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
How Safety Training Can Improve Your Workplace
Studies and statistical information have found that one of the best ways to ensure your employees stay safe in and around the workplace is to offer them safety training from day one of their employment, and to ensure ongoing job training. In addition to preventing accidents, a safety training course can have a big impact on your profitability, production, quality of product, and safety of all conducting tasks. Training will also lead to other benefits — especially when you receive training from a qualified provider. Here are a few compelling advantages to consider.
1. Keep Production Active
Accidents Incidents, injuries, and illnesses (regardless of severity) often mean the company may have to stop work entirely. This could include the investigation, stop work orders, and maintenance or repair of equipment, machinery, or product. Every minute production is on pause is time you’re not generating revenue.
2. Reduce Absenteeism
An injured employee is also unable to work for some time, meaning you may be missing out on an important skill set. This is most pronounced for workers between the ages of 45 and 55 who, on average, take the highest number of days off work after suffering an injury.
3. Create a Culture of Safety
Workplace culture is under your control in many ways. By providing regular training, you show employees that safety is an important value at your company and therefore promote a culture of safety.
4. Decrease Turnover
Safety training shows employees that you care about their wellbeing. If they feel it’s unlikely they’ll suffer an accident at work, they’re more likely to stay on your team.
5. Better Support Your Employees
It makes sense to support and assist your employees to become the best they can be at their jobs. Sometimes it’s difficult to identify who is struggling, but ongoing, job-specific safety training and periodic competency assessments can help uncover opportunities for improvement. If you notice that any workers in particular are making many mistakes during the training, you can provide them with additional support going forward.
6. Improve Communication
Employees who know that you care about their safety are more likely to come to you if they see any causes for concern. They may point out hazards you were unaware existed or have ideas about how the company could improve.
7. Save Money on Associated Costs
When you choose a qualified provider for your training, it’s common to spend less. This is because there’s no need to dedicate resources to creating a training program nor to spend on printing costs and paper to make your own materials.
Find occupational health and safety courses for your team at MHSA. We offer courses in areas like Safety Basics and Safety Awareness, both virtually and in the classroom. Check out our calendar to find dates to suit your needs.
Safety Scoop August 2021: Is your workforce competent?
AUGUST 2021 | Is Your Workforce Competent?
Being competent in the workplace is more than just being able to perform a specific task. Determining competency is the employer’s responsibility. Download the Workforce Competency Safety Scoop today!
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Being competent in the workplace is more than just being able to perform a specific task. According to the OHS Code, competency is the combination of formal qualifications, continuous training, and sufficient experience that enables a worker to safely perform work with minimal supervision. It is the employer’s responsibility to determine competency within its workforce in order to maintain workplace safety.
Here is the scoop:
Defining competency in five steps
Using realistic examples to determine competency
Available tools that can help you determine competency
And much more...
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Leading Safety
The MHSA Leading Safety course is the new and improved version of the Leadership for Safety Excellence course. Leading Safety will develop safety-conscious leaders by supplying supervisors and managers the necessary tools to effectively influence workers and ensure compliance with the company health and safety management system. Supervisors and managers will learn how to measure their success as workplace ladders through tracking and trending, performance observation, enforcement, training and education, and developing a productive and inclusive culture.
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!
How to Become Crane Operator in Canada
Cranes are essential lifting equipment used in many industries including the manufacturing industry. Crane operators lift, move and place materials by operating equipment such as a Jib Crane, an Overhead Crane, a Mobile crane or a Tower crane. A Jib Crane is used in a small workspace for repetitive lifting tasks and involves motorized lifting and manual horizontal movement of the load. An Overhead Crane operates on an elevated runway structure to lift loads and move them horizontally over large indoor or outdoor work areas using pendant or remote control. A mobile crane is driven to a jobsite, positioned and secured with outriggers and uses a telescopic boom to move a load. A tower crane has a stationary tower with an outstretched jib that rotates 360 degrees high above a construction site to build outdoor structures. Looking at how to become a crane operator can help you decide if this could be the right career choice for you.
Educational Requirements
Crane operators need to complete secondary school to acquire key skills like communication and mathematics. If you haven’t yet completed your education, it’s worthwhile to take courses related to general industry and construction.
Training
Next, you’ll need to enroll in a training program that enables you to work as a crane operator in your province. If you want to work in more than one province, choose a program that is widely recognized. This initial training may last anywhere from six to 12 weeks. Expect a combination of theory and practical instruction. Overhead Crane training programs are generally 1 to 2 day courses but may be longer depending on Provincial requirements. A rigging course is usually a prerequisite or may form part of the training program.
Apprenticeship
Gain experience operating a mobile or tower crane by working as an apprentice. Most apprenticeships last between six months and six years, giving you the chance to operate this type of crane for 1,000 to 6,000 hours. These jobs are usually paid, although you’ll likely earn between 50 and 80 percent of what you’ll receive when you have the full certification. Apprenticeships are not required for Overhead Crane operators, however new operators must work under the direct supervision of a competent Overhead Crane operator until they have been deemed competent by their employer to work unsupervised.
Crane Operator Exam
To become fully certified as a crane operator, you’ll need to pass a written and practical crane operator exam. Again, this will be specific to your province. Before you can take the exam, you’ll need to fulfill certain prerequisites — for instance, you’ll need to have operated a crane for a certain number of hours. You’ll need to achieve a minimum grade to receive a qualification. Certification is not available for Overhead Crane Operators or Jib Crane Operators, however they must be deemed competent by their employer before they are permitted to operate these types of cranes.
Driving License
You may also need to pass a driving exam for the type of crane you want to operate. For example, you may need a specific kind of license if the crane is a large vehicle with air brakes.
Qualifications from Abroad
If you are an immigrant and qualified as a crane operator abroad, you may be able to skip some of the above steps to become certified in Canada.
Receive the training you need to pass the overhead crane operator exam in Alberta with a course from the Manufacturers’ Health and Safety Association (MHSA). First, you’ll need to complete the MHSA Basic Rigging course to learn about how to select , inspect and use rigging to properly attach loads to a crane hook. Then, you need to take the MHSA Overhead Crane Operator-Standard course for lifting, moving and placing symmetrical loads, and you can round out your training with the MHSA Overhead Crane Operator-Advanced course for lifting moving and placing non-symmetrical loads, turning loads over or making dual-crane lifts. These courses utilize hands-on classroom and practical training. Each course only takes one day to complete. Check our calendar to find the next available dates.
Safety Scoop July 2021: Work Site Inspection Preparedness
JULY 2021 | Work Site Inspection Preparedness
An inspection is a careful examination of a work site to identify any hazards, defects, unsafe behaviours or conditions that may be present. Download the Work Site Inspection Preparedness Safety Scoop today!
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An inspection is a careful examination of a work site to identify any hazards, defects, unsafe behaviours or conditions that may be present. Inspection findings are compared to company and code industry standards to ensure a work site is compliant, and/or to determine if additional protocols are necessary. Employers are legally required to maintain a safe and healthy working environment that lowers the risk of injury and increases productivity for all.
Here is the scoop:
The different types of inspections
How to prepare for an inspection
The safety tools you must have available to your workforce
How to recognize different types of hazards
Additional inspection training resources
And much more…
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Hazard Assessment
This MHSA course teaches you how to properly identify, assess and control workplace hazards in accordance with Alberta OHS legislation. Participants will learn the MHSA basic method of recognizing, evaluating and documenting workplace hazards.
Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!