May 2022 Safety Scoop: Hand Safety

Hand Safety

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This month we’ve collaborated with Superior Glove and Honeywell to bring you a Safety Scoop focused around hand safety.

In the manufacturing industry, hands play a vital part in our everyday work. Statistics from Alberta WCB and nationwide show us that hands are at high risk for injury and incidents, if we don’t use caution. Determining and utilizing the proper PPE is an essential part of the hazard control and assessment process. This level of protection can assist you in protecting workers from incidents, injuries or exposure to hazards. Learn more about how you can protect your hands in this month’s safety scoop.

Here's The Scoop

• What are the most common injuries in manufacturing?

• How to know when hand protection is required

• How to select the proper hand protection

• What kind of hazards can hand protection protect against?

• And much more…

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Basic Machine Guarding

This one-day course teaches participants the basic principles of machine guarding and the importance of locking out machinery and equipment. Employee injuries due to exposure to unguarded or inadequately guarded machines are preventable and this course focuses on recognizing the advantages and limitations of safeguarding devices and controlling general hazards associated with the operation of machinery. We review the importance and functions of safety guards and devices on heavy machinery to prevent machine related injuries.

Topics include:

• Point of operation guarding

• Power transmission devices

• Machinery operating controls

• Hazardous motions and actions

• Alberta OH&S safeguard requirements

MHSA AND THE UNIVERSITY OF NEW BRUNSWICK PARTNER TO OFFER FREE TUITION TO ONE MEMBER OF THE MHSA COMMUNITY

The MHSA and the University of New Brunswick (UNB) are pleased to announce they have partnered to offer free tuition to one lucky member of the MHSA community a chance to win complimentary enrolment in UNB’s Online Certificate in Occupational Health & Safety program (a retail value of $6545). 

Entries are now being accepted for the Safety Program Tuition Giveaway. To enter, visit go.unb.ca/MHSA and complete the entry form.

 Entries will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. AST, April 29, 2022 and the winner will be announced during the Alberta Health and Safety Conference, May 5-6, 2022.

 For more information or to enter, visit the MHSA/UNB Safety Program Tuition Giveaway website.

2022 Alberta Health & Safety Conference

Join the MHSA at the Alberta Health and Safety Conference in Edmonton from May 5-6, 2022. We’re excited to be back after two years of not being able to attend! We’ll be in the Safety Hall at Booth #34.

We are also a proud sponsor of this event! This year we will be sponsoring the Social Event, so be sure to drop by and try one of our MIST drinks.

If you haven’t registered yet, be sure to register today at https://hsconference.ca/

April 2022 Safety Scoop: Occupational Illness & Disease

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Spring has sprung, and so has the April Safety Scoop! This month we’re looking at Occupational Illness and Disease. Occupational illnesses, diseases, and disorders can manifest themselves in a variety of ways, from mental illnesses to tennis elbow to musculoskeletal disorders. In fact, there are over 150 conditions that are considered musculoskeletal disorders alone! With so many conditions to be aware of and to watch for, knowing signs, symptoms and prevention methods of occupational illnesses and diseases is of top importance when considering workplace health and safety! And this safety scoop will help you do just that!

Here's The Scoop

• What are occupational illnesses and diseases?

• What are the most common occupational illnesses and diseases?

• How can I recognize them?

• How can I prevent them?

• How and when do I report them to WCB?

• And much more…

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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

March 2022 Safety Scoop: Hearing Loss Protection

Hearing Loss Protection

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Our focus in March is on Hearing Loss Prevention. This is a serious issue that affects many people in their day to day lives. Did you know that noise induced hearing loss is the number one occupational disease in the U.S.A and Canada? Hearing loss is a long-term, acute health condition that can result in reduced quality of life, productivity, and increased risk of incidents at the workplace.

Hearing health can be affected by more than just loud noises. Damage to hearing can happen to anyone and anywhere, especially if hazards have not been identified and controls have not been put in place to protect workers. Dig into this month's Safety Scoop to learn more!

Here's The Scoop

• How does hearing work?

• What is noise induced hearing loss?

• What are ototoxic chemicals?

• How can I prevent hearing loss at home and at work?

• And much more…

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Manufacturing & Industrial Safety Training (MIST)

This online, self-paced course introduces workers to the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Regulation, and Code. By reviewing this information, workers should have an awareness, understanding, and confidence needed to work safely.

Topics covered include:

• How to increase worker knowledge regarding health and safety systems

• The basics of health and safety legislation

• The types of hazard assessments and controls

• The importance of safety training and safety meetings

• What safety measures are taken when other parties visit a worksite

• How to prevent incidents through measures such as lockout/tagout (or LOTO)

• The importance of worksite incident investigations, and

• How to develop an emergency response plan

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Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!

February 2022 Safety Scoop: Rigging

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Basic Rigging

February’s Safety Scoop focus is Rigging. Did you know that most industries in Alberta use cranes, rigging and hardware to move, lift and transport equipment in and around their facilities and yards? In addition, cranes, hoists and lifting accounted for the most injuries and incidents with 21 Potentially Serious Incidents being reported to Alberta OHS since 2018. Rigging uses diverse parts and components including slings, rigging hardware and below-the-hook lifting devices, to make up an entire lifting system.

It is essential that workers are properly trained and competent and to know how to use rigging properly while lifting, moving, turning and flipping materials across all industries. Proper rigging training, maintenance and knowledge reduces the likeliness of injury and makes the workplace safer for everyone.

Here is the scoop:

• What’s involved in rigging?

• How do I ensure my rigging equipment is safe to use?

• What is the Rigging Resource Center?

• What legislation applies to rigging?

• And much more…

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Basic Rigging

This 1-day interactive course gives participants a basic level of knowledge for attaching various loads to the crane hook.

Topics covered include:

• Understanding applicable legislation

• Determining load weight, centre of gravity and suitable lifting points

• Rigging selection, inspection and proper use

• Effect of sling angles

• Danger zone and pinch points

• Tag lines and hand signaling

• Participant learning is reinforced by rigging up assorted loads.

Visit our course calendar to explore other courses, see availability in your region, and register today!

January 2022 Safety Scoop: Legislation Awareness

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For January, we’re focusing on Legislation Awareness. With the recent changes to legislation, now is a great time to review what you know about OHS legislation and to learn some new things. Legislation is there to protect workers and employers from incidents and injuries, but it can only do so when everyone knows how it applies to them on the worksite. This month’s safety scoop will help everyone get on the same page!

Here is the scoop:

• How does OHS legislation apply to you?

• What is the Act, the Regulation and the Code?

• How does the OHS Act affect you?

• What is an administrative penalty?

• What are your rights?

• What other legislation applies to you?

• And much more!

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Navigating Alberta OHS Legislation

This 1-day course gives the participants a basic understanding of the structure of Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Participants will learn to successfully navigate the OHS Handbook by completing individual exercises and activities. Each participant will receive an OHS Handbook to participate in this course.

5 Types of Basic First Aid

In an emergency, first aid provides an injured person with the necessary care, perhaps before paramedics arrive to offer medical treatment. Anyone who has received first aid training can provide this basic care — it may even result in a saved life. Since different emergencies require quite different action, what are the types of first aid you should know?

1. Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Those trained in cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can help a victim of cardiac arrest to start breathing again. CPR involves first checking the person’s airway is clear, then using rescue breathing and chest compressions to maintain blood circulation.

2. Bleeding

It’s important to stop a wound from bleeding to prevent the loss of too much blood. You’ll need to be able to identify the type of bleeding to determine its severity and know when the person needs medical attention.

3. Burns

To treat a burn, you need to remove its source (whether that’s heat, a chemical, or electricity) and then cool the affected area with running water for several minutes. Aloe vera and over-the-counter medication are useful for minor burns, whereas major burns require immediate medical attention.

4. Choking

An obstruction leading to choking can cut off a person’s air supply and lead to unconsciousness or even death. It’s important to recognize if someone is choking and needs help. Plus, you need to know what procedure is appropriate to use. For instance, when a person is unable to cough or talk but is still conscious, you should use the Heimlich maneuver; however, the appropriate first aid is different for someone who is unconscious.

5. Broken Bones

You should always treat any injury to a limb, hand, or foot as if it were a broken bone to prevent further damage. If it’s not an open fracture, the person is conscious, there is no heavy bleeding, and the skin appears normal, add a cold pack to the injury. You should also create a splint with padding for a limb injury, without trying to straighten the limb, before you head to the hospital. Broken bones related to the spine, head, pelvis, hip, and thigh are more severe and require emergency treatment. You’ll need to wait for an ambulance, as only a trained medical professional should move the injured person.

It’s crucial that your employees know at least the basic types of first aid to keep the workplace safe. Receive training for your team from MHSA. Check out our calendar to find dates that suit you for courses in emergency and standard first aid.

Happy Holidays from MHSA!

Dear MHSA members,

I want to extend our season’s greetings and thank you for your continued trust in MHSA and your commitment to health and safety. Thank you for allowing MHSA to support you as your certifying partner and for choosing to make your workplaces safe. It is members like you who make our jobs a pleasure and keep MHSA employees motivated and the association successful, in our efforts to reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.

May your holiday season and the new year be filled with much joy, happiness, and success. We look forward to working with you in 2022!

Have a safe and happy holiday, and a happy New Year!

Best wishes,

Mike Bett

MHSA Vaccination Policy Update

*This policy is no longer in effect as of February 25, 2022. The MHSA is currently following all AHS guidelines and jurisdictional bylaws to ensure the safety of our staff and visitors. *

MHSA considers the protection and promotion of health, safety, and environment (HSE) a fundamental value and corporate responsibility governing all its activities. Our aim is to be a leader in the promotion of workplace safety demonstrated through a health and safety culture. MHSA’s leadership is sharing, advocating, and stewarding the COVID-19 Vaccination policy for the health and wellness of its employees, and the whole community.

Effective January 1st, 2022, MHSA class participants, contractors, and visitors are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or to provide proof of a negative test result within the last 72 hours. The 72 hours should cover the entire course dates scheduled or a secondary negative COVID test will be required in order to complete the course program.

To verify vaccination status class participants, contractors and visitors will be required to provide their unique QR code or a negative test result with government issued photo ID.

Virtual options are also still available to participants that cannot meet the COVID-19 vaccination requirements.

We will continue practicing our other safety measures to protect against the spread of COVID-19. These include:

• Health screening

• Social distancing

• Masking in classes and hallways

• Small class sizes

• Hand sanitizing stations throughout our facilities

• Plexiglass barriers at student check-in desks and reception

• No watercoolers or coffee machines in classrooms

This policy will remain in place for an undefined period as long as the risks and impact of COVID-19 are present. The policy will be reviewed on a regular basis and amended as required.