Safety Scoops & Articles

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Collaboration: ISO Training

The Auditing Association of Canada (AAC) is pleased to announce a collaboration with The Manufactures’ Health and Safety Association in Alberta (MHSA) to offer the Occupational Health & Safety Lead Auditor (OHS(LA) Training. This would be an instructor lead 5-day course of two complementary parts: ISO 45001 - Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems, and ISO 19011- Guidelines for Auditing Management Systems. Together these two elements meet the requirements for ISO 45001 lead auditor’s formal training with 3.5 credits towards Continuing Education Credits (CEU) and would complement any COR Safety program.

Course Fee

The course fee: $1,300.00 + tax

This fee includes:

  • Course Participant Manual (electronic)

  • Morning snacks, beverages, and Lunch

Excluded from the fee (participants to bring their own copy):

  • ISO 45001 Standard

  • ISO 19011 Standard

Dates for this upcoming course include:

Date: October 24- 28, 2022

Location: MHSA Training Centre, 225 Parsons Road, SW, Edmonton

Date: December 12-16, 2022

Location: #201, 292060 Wagon Wheel Link, Rocky View, Alberta (just north of Calgary)

Learning Objectives:

On successful completion of this course participants will understand:

  • The purpose and benefit of risk based management systems,

  • The requirements, definitions, concepts and guidance of the ISO 45001 standard,

  • The critical role of auditors in the process,

  • All aspects of managing audit programs, and conducting audits – i.e. the roles and responsibilities of the auditor in accordance with ISO 19011,

  • The concepts, definitions and guidance of ISO 19011 and be able to apply them in daily practice,

  • All phases of a risk-based audit,

  • The importance of personal attributes, including how to communicate effectively,

  • How to develop meaningful findings and clear value added reports,

  • How to identify, assess, and techniques for controlling hazards,

  • How to assess the conformity and adequacy of an organization’s management system.

Who Should Attend

While the course is a lead auditor course, its value for non-auditors cannot be overstated. Those charged with developing or managing occupational health and safety will benefit from the skills and knowledge gained by participating. In addition, to internal and external OH&S management system auditors, health and safety managers, and implementation team members will benefit.

Class size is limited to 14-participants so register your spot today.  Further updates on more courses will be made available based on interest so keep connected to the AAC website for further announcements.

For those interested in registering for the EDMONTON location click, here

For those interested in registering for the ROCKY VIEW location, click here

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August 2022 Safety Scoop: Load Securement

AUGUST 2022 - Load Securement

Many Alberta manufacturers not only design and build their own product, but also transport it to their customers or job sites.

Transporting of goods requires an understanding of the requirements surrounding load securement.

The National Safety Code (Standard 10) was developed to ensure the safety of workers, drivers and the general public on Alberta roadways.

Load Securement

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Many Alberta manufacturers not only design and build their own product, but also transport it to their customers or job sites.

Transporting of goods requires an understanding of the requirements surrounding load securement.

The National Safety Code (Standard 10) was developed to ensure the safety of workers, drivers and the general public on Alberta roadways.

Here's The Scoop

  • What is considered an appropriate load securement maker?

  • How to calculate Working Load Limit

  • What kind of hazards assessments should be carried out?

  • What is considered  a suitable strap/tiedown?

  • And much more…

DOWNLOAD THE SCOOP FOR FREE NOW

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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


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


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July 2022 Safety Scoop: Crane Safety and Competency

Crane Safety and Competency

Everyone working around overhead cranes needs to be aware of the unique hazards that a moving load can create. A worker can be crushed between the load and a stationary object, or be struck by a turning, swinging, tipping or falling load. This can cause serious injuries to fingers, hands, legs, feet, head and torso.

Crane Safety and Competency

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Everyone working around overhead cranes needs to be aware of the unique hazards that a moving load can create. A worker can be crushed between the load and a stationary object, or be struck by a turning, swinging, tipping or falling load. This can cause serious injuries to fingers, hands, legs, feet, head and torso.

Workers must be watchful at all times when cranes are active and keep themselves out of the load path.

Crane operators must be familiar with their crane’s operating characteristics and plan every lift to ensure hazards are controlled and load path is clear. They must also be competent for the types of lifts they are required to make. This requires suitable training in proper rigging and crane operating principles as well as competency evaluation.

Here's The Scoop

  • What are some common hazards?

  • Statistics of incidents

  • What are the legislative requirements for cranes?

  • What can I do to protect myself and others?

  • And much more…

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Overhead Crane Operator - Standard

This one-day, hands-on course is aimed at workers who have completed the MHSA basic rigging course within the previous 12 months and operate an overhead crane for lifting symmetrical loads. Our overhead crane training will teach you how to safely use overhead cranes to lift, move, and place loads through a combination of classroom and practical instruction.

The classroom instruction consists of presentations and discussions, whereas the hands-on training involves demonstrations followed by practical exercises. All activities are led by an experienced instructor.

Topics include:

  • Pre-operational inspection

  • Lift planning

  • Safe Operating Position

  • Load travel and control

  • Load positioning

  • Below the hook lifting devices

REGISTER NOW

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

COURSE CALENDAR

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June 2022 Safety Scoop: Compressed Gas

JUNE 2022 | Compressed Gas

The newest Safety Scoop is all about how to handle and work safely with compressed gases. Help ensure your workplace is working safely with compressed gases by using the safety scoop in your next safety meeting! Due to their highly pressurized nature, working with compressed gases has many associated hazards which include, but are not limited to, fire, explosion and frostbite. To help protect against these hazards, the Alberta OHS Code has standards on the proper use, storage and transportation of compressed gas

Compressed Gases

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The newest Safety Scoop is all about how to handle and work safely with compressed gases. Help ensure your workplace is working safely with compressed gases by using the safety scoop in your next safety meeting! Due to their highly pressurized nature, working with compressed gases has many associated hazards which include, but are not limited to, fire, explosion and frostbite. To help protect against these hazards, the Alberta OHS Code has standards on the proper use, storage and transportation of compressed gas.

Here's The Scoop

  • What is a compressed gas?

  • What are the legal requirements for compressed gas?

  • What hazards are associated with compressed gases?

  • What can I do to protect myself and others?

  • And much more…

Get the Training

Emergency Response Planning

This four-hour course will assist employers in identifying worksite-specific emergencies that may require rescue or evacuation. It also instructs participants on how to develop safe and effective response plans.

Topics include:

  • Emergency Response Overview, Team Planning and Risk Assessment

  • Emergency Mitigation, Preparedness, Assessing Response Capabilities, and Recovery & Disaster Management

  • Leadership, Teamwork, Communication and Inter-Agency Collaboration

  • Strategic Planning, Decision Making, Problem Solving and Continuous Improvement






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Searching For A-Frame Rack Systems Subject Matter Expert

In collaboration with the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA), we are looking for a subject matter expert to help with a creative sentencing project.

The subject matter expert needs to be familiar with A-frame rack systems in a yard environment

In collaboration with the Alberta Motor Transport Association (AMTA), we are looking for a subject matter expert to help with a creative sentencing project.

The subject matter expert needs to be familiar with A-frame rack systems in a yard environment. They would also need be able to provide the following information:

  • Description of how to set up a frame/A-frame per manufacturer's specifications.

  • Description of how to secure a concrete slab to a frame.

  • Description of how to secure a frame to a vehicle

  • Safety considerations for each of the above.

  • Description of how to confirm the frame is rated for the cargo being loaded.

  • Identify two or three scenarios that can be turned into a simulation. Start with type of load, walkthrough to determine type of equipment, preparing surface, and all other decision points. Need correct/incorrect for each decision.

The creative sentencing project is also addressing the use of clamps for moving slabs and other objects.

If this sounds like you, reach out to Jessie Ashworth (jessie@mhsa.ab.ca) for further details as soon as possible!

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May 2022 Safety Scoop: Hand Safety

MAY 2022 | Hand Safety

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

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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.

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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/

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April 2022 Safety Scoop: Occupational Illness & Disease

APRIL 2022 | Occupational Illness & 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!

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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…


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

Read More