Page | 2 Rev. February 2013

Occupational Health and Safety Legislation,

Safety Programs, Policies & Guidelines

1. Northern College’s Occupational Health & Safety Policy The Occupational Health and Policy is a way to communicate the organization's commitment to worker health and safety. Senior management’s attitude, relationships between employers and workers, community interests and technology are all combined to play a part in determining how health and safety is viewed and addressed in the workplace.

Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, an employer must prepare and review at least annually a written occupational health and safety policy, and must develop and maintain a program to implement that policy [clause 25(2)(j)]. A clear, concise policy statement reflects management's commitment, support and attitude to the health and safety program for the protection of workers. The policy is signed by the President of the College and the Chair of the Board of Governors, thus indicating commitment to health and safety. Refer to Appendix ‘A’ for the College policy. The policy is also available on Noraction under the Health and Safety tab or by selecting http://noraction.northern.on.ca/docs/Health%20&%20Safety%20Policy%202012-2013.pdf

2. Purpose of the Occupational Health and Safety Legislation

The purpose of the Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) legislation is to protect you, the worker, against hazards on the job. It outlines the general rights and responsibilities of the employer, the supervisor and the worker. The law makes both you and your employer jointly responsible for workplace health and safety.

3. Are there any similarities in OH&S legislation across Canada?

Many basic elements (e.g., rights and responsibilities of workers, responsibilities of employers, supervisors, etc.) are similar in all the jurisdictions across Canada. However, the details of the OH&S legislation and how the laws are enforced vary from one jurisdiction to another. In addition, provisions in the regulations may be "mandatory", "discretionary" or "as directed by the Minister".

Page | 3 Rev. February 2013

4. What are general responsibilities of governments?

Most workplaces in Ontario are provincially regulated Enforcement of the Occupational Health & Safety Act is done by the Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) General responsibilities of the Ministry of Labour include:

• Conducting workplace inspections

• Resolving Occupational Health and Safety Disputes

5. What are Employee’s rights and responsibilities?

Employee’s responsibilities include the following: (Section 28 of the Occupational Health and Safety act)

• to work in compliance with the OH&S Act and Regulations • to use personal protective equipment and clothing as directed by the employer • to immediately report workplace hazards • to work in a manner as required by the employer and use the prescribed safety

equipment or devices

Employees have the following three basic rights:

• the right to refuse unsafe work (refer to Appendix ‘B’ – Work Refusal Process) • the right to participate in workplace health and safety activities through their Joint

Health and Safety Committees (JH&SC) or through worker their Health and Safety Representatives

• the right to know, or the right to be informed about, actual and potential dangers or

hazards in the workplace

6. What are Supervisor's responsibilities?

As a supervisor, he or she: (Section 27 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act)

• must ensure that workers use prescribed protective equipment or devices • must advise workers of potential and actual hazards • must take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for the protection of

workers

Page | 4 Rev. February 2013

7. What are the Employer's responsibilities?

An employer must: (Sections 25 & 26 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act)

• establish and maintain a Joint Health and Safety Committee, or cause workers to select at least one Health and Safety Representative

• take every reasonable precaution in the circumstances for the protection of workers

• train employees about any potential hazards and in how to safely use, handle, store and

dispose of hazardous substances and how to handle emergencies • supply personal protective equipment and ensure workers know how to use the

equipment safely and properly • immediately report all critical injuries to the MOL • appoint competent supervisors who set the standards for performance, and who

ensure safe working conditions are always observed 8. What does legislation say about forming Joint Health and Safety

Committees?

Generally, legislation in different jurisdictions across Canada state that Health and Safety Representatives or Joint Health and Safety Committees: (Section 9 of the Occupational Health and Act)

• must be composed of one-half management and at least one-half worker

representatives • must meet regularly - some jurisdictions require committee meetings at least once

every three months while others require monthly meetings • must be co-chaired by one management representative and one worker representative • employee representatives are elected or selected by the workers or their union

9. What is the role of the Joint Health and Safety Committee or

Health and Safety Representative?

The role of the Health and Safety Representatives or Joint Health and Safety Committees include: (Section 9(18) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act)

• to act as an advisory body • to identify hazards and obtain information about them • to recommend corrective actions

• to assist in resolving work refusal cases

Page | 5 Rev. February 2013

• to participate in accident investigations and workplace inspections • to make recommendations to management regarding actions required to resolve health

and safety concerns

10. What happens when there is a refusal for unsafe work?

An employee can refuse work if he/she believes that the situation is unsafe to either himself / herself or others. When a worker believes that a work refusal should be initiated, then

• the employee must report to his/her supervisor that he/she is refusing to work and

state why he/she believes the situation is unsafe • the employee, supervisor, and a JH&SC member or H&S representative will investigate • the employee returns to work if the problem is resolved with mutual agreement • if the problem is not resolved, a government health and safety inspector is called (MOL) • your supervisor may assign you reasonable alternative work • the inspector will investigate and give his/her decision in writing

Refer to Appendix ‘B’ – Work Refusal Process Also refer to section 43 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act

11. Injury Reporting All injuries must be reported immediately to your Supervisor. In case of injury at work the following measures should be taken;

• Immediately get first aid and or medical attention if needed

• Immediately report your injury to your supervisor or if unable to, have someone report it on your behalf

• Critical injuries or fatalities must be immediately reported to the MOL and a written report must be submitted within 48 hours after the occurrence (Section 51 (1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act)

• If medical attention is required, Human Resources must be immediately notified as a report must be filed with the WSIB within 3 days

• Complete the Accident / Incident report form

Refer to Appendix ‘C’ for the Injury Reporting Procedure for Injured Worker & Refer to Appendix ‘D’ for Accident /Incident Report Forms

Page | 6 Rev. February 2013

12. Critical Injuries

Regulation 834 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act states;

For the purpose of the Act and Regulations, ‘critically injured’ means an injury of a serious nature that,

• places life in jeopardy;

• produces unconsciousness;

• results in substantial loss of blood;

• involves the fracture of a leg or arm but not a finger or toe;

• involves the amputation of a leg, arm, hand or foot but not a finger or toe;

• consists of burns to a major portion of the body; or

• causes the loss of sight in an eye

In an accident that results in a critical injury:

• Give medical assistance to the injured person - someone trained in in First Aid/CPR will administer first aid until the ambulance arrives

• Call or have someone call an ambulance

• Immediately notify the Campus Manager and Health and Safety Coordinator. In the event that they are not available, someone at the scene of the critical accident must call the Ministry of Labour (MOL) at 1-877-202-0008 (available 24hrs day, 7 days a week)

• Cordon off the accident scene and DO NOT disturb the scene - Have security (where applicable) and /or Physical Resources staff cordon off the accident scene if required

• Where a person is killed or critically injured at a workplace, other than to save life or prevent unnecessary damage to equipment or property, no one is to interfere with, disturb, destroy, alter or carry away any wreckage, article or thing at the scene until permission to do so has been given by a Ministry of Labour (MOL) inspector. The incident scene must be left undisturbed. (Section 51 (2) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act)

13. Emergency Procedures Handbook

Emergencies, disasters, accidents and injuries can occur anytime and without warning. Being prepared to handle emergencies, physically as well as psychologically, is an individual as well as an organizational responsibility. The Emergency Procedures Handbook contains a series of guidelines and procedures that outline the best response to a number of emergencies. The purpose of the Emergency Procedures Handbook is to acquaint you with the plan for handling emergencies and disasters. By being familiar with this information, you will be better able to protect yourself and perhaps someone else. The Emergency Procedures Handbook is available on Noraction under the Health and Safety tab or by selecting http://noraction/docs/Emerg_%20Procedures_Handbook_aug08.pdf

Page | 7 Rev. February 2013

14. Ladder Safety Program

Portable ladders are used in a wide variety of settings at Northern College such as light changing, ceiling work, cabling etc. Unsafe use of portable ladders can result in serious injuries and fatalities from falls or, in the case of metal ladders, electric shock. Portable ladders must be maintained in good condition at all times, and inspected before each use. Training is also an important aspect of portable ladder safety and accident prevention. It is important to use the correct equipment for the job. In many cases, portable work platforms are preferable to ladders.

The Ladder Safety Program applies to all workers and their Supervisors and Department Managers who in their course of work may use ladders and or fixed access structures.

All employees who use ladders during the course of work must be familiar with the Ladder Safety Program. Ladder users must be able to recognize ladder hazards and be aware of safe practices in setting up, storing, moving and working from ladders to prevent injuries from occurring. Failure to comply with the Ladder Safety Program may result in disciplinary actions as outlined in the Human Resources “Discipline Procedure (D8.1)”. To protect workers from hazards related to use, handling and storing portable ladders workers must be trained on the safe use, handling and storing of portable ladders. The Ladder Safety Program is available on Noraction under the Health and Safety tab or by selecting http://noraction.northern.on.ca/docs/Ladder%20Safety%20Program%20Dec%202009%20-%20Final%20approved.pdf

15. Working at Heights / Fall Protection Program

Northern College is committed to providing a safe work environment for its employees and preventing injuries due to falls. The Working at Heights / Fall Protection Program establishes procedures and guidelines to protect all employees engaged in indoor or outdoor work activities that exposes them to potential falls from heights. The risks are substantial regardless of the duration of the work. Any workers who are engaged in work activities, which exposed them to falls from heights of 10 feet (3m) or more must comply with this program.

The Working at Heights / Fall Protection Program applies to all workers and their Supervisors/ Department Managers who in their course of work are exposed to the risk of falling from a height of 10 feet (3m) or more. This includes but is not limited to:

• roof maintenance and repair, building inspections, installation and maintenance of HVAC units

• work performed from a) mezzanines b) scaffolding c) air lifts and/or elevated work platforms d) elevators

Page | 8 Rev. February 2013

All employees who require the use of fall protection equipment must be familiar with the Working at Heights / Fall Protection Program. Workers must also be able to identify, assess and apply controls to eliminate or reduce the hazards associated with working at heights. Failure to comply with the Working at Heights/Fall Protection Program may result in disciplinary actions as outlined in the Human Resources “Discipline Procedure (D8.1)”. The Working at Heights/Fall Protection Program is available on Noraction under the Health and Safety tab or by selecting http://noraction.northern.on.ca/docs/Working%20at%20Heights_Fall%20Protection%20Safety%20Program%20-%20Final%20approved%20Feb%202010.pdf

16. Lockout Safety Program

Northern College believes that it is essential to establish and maintain an effective Lockout Program. The purpose of the program is to ensure procedures are in place to prevent injuries from the unexpected energization, activation or release of hazardous energy during servicing or maintenance of machinery or equipment. The Lockout Safety Program has been developed to establish procedures for de-energizing machines, equipment and processes to ensure work can be safely performed.

The program applies to all workers and their Supervisors/Department Managers who in their course of work may service and/or work on or near equipment or machines where there is a potential for injury from:

• the unexpected start up of equipment or machines • the unexpected energizing of equipment or • the release of stored energy

The term “unexpected” also covers situations in which servicing and/or maintenance is performed during on-going normal production if:

• an employee is required to remove or bypass machine guards or other safety devices and/or

• an employee is required to place any part of his/her body into a point of operation or into an area on a machine or piece of equipment where work is performed or into the danger zone associated with machine operation.

Failure to comply with the Lockout Safety Program may result in disciplinary actions as outlined in the Human Resources “Discipline Procedure (D8.1)”. The Lockout Safety Program is available on Noraction under the Health and Safety tab or by selecting http://noraction.northern.on.ca/docs/Lockout%20Safety%20Program%20Dec%202009%20-%20FINAL%20Approved.pdf

Page | 9 Rev. February 2013

17. Lockdown Procedures

What can you do to help make Northern College safe?

• Report suspicious activities.

• Follow the lockdown procedure and obey directions given by the Police.

• Be serious about your safety and the safety of the Northern College community. Pranks and hoaxes that precipitate consideration or initiation of a lockdown will be fully investigated and prosecuted by the Police.

Emergency Lockdown Procedures are posted in many locations on Campus. Refer to Appendix ‘E’ for the Emergency Lockdown Procedures poster In the event of a lockdown;

• Call 9-1-1

• Remain calm and encourage others to remain calm

• Provide assistance where required (i.e. physical disabilities, language comprehension)

• Immediately cease all activity (teaching, group work, meetings)

• Enter the nearest classroom, office or space you feel is safe

• Lock or barricade all doors

• Turn off lights, computers, projectors, cell phones, and any other devices that may indicate that a room is occupied

• Draw curtains and lower blinds if it is safe to do so

• Stay away from windows and doors

• Sit on the floor or crouch behind desks and bookshelves. Be as invisible as possible.

• BE QUIET

• DO NOT respond to anyone at the door until “all clear” is announced over the PA system or if you are certain it is safe to do so (i.e. police are at the door).

18. Pandemic Planning Guidelines

Northern College’s Pandemic Influenza Plan has been created to ensure the College is prepared and has a plan in place in the event of an influenza pandemic. The planning principles used to prepare this plan are:

• to safeguard the health and wellbeing of the College community members,

• to protect the academic mission through continuity of core activities and

• to protect the long-term interest of the College. This includes implementing preparedness activities at each stage leading up to, during and after a declared pandemic.

Page | 10 Rev. February 2013

The plan will identify issues that may be anticipated in the event of a pandemic. Departments identified within the plan will develop specific practices and procedures based on the identified issues. Implementation of the plan with these practices and procedures will ensure the College can continue to provide services in a safe manner ensuring that the health of the community is the prime parameter in all decisions and actions for as long as possible in the event of a pandemic. The Pandemic Planning Guidelines are available on Noraction under the Health and Safety tab or by selecting http://noraction.northern.on.ca/docs/Final%20H1N1_Pandemic_pln_gud_oct_09.pdf

19. Educational and Workplace Violence

The purpose of this policy is to establish procedures to minimize and / or prevent violence and unacceptable behaviour and to foster the safety and security of Northern College’s employees and students. The Educational and Workplace Violence Policy is available on Noraction or by selecting http://noraction.northern.on.ca/docs/Educational%20and%20Workplace%20January%2018%202011.pdf

20. Respectful Organizational Culture Policy

This policy informs the College community of the standards for the respectful work / learning place that we strive for. It outlines inappropriate behaviours and commits the College to actively prevent such situations from occurring. This Respectful Organizational Culture Policy is available on Noraction under the Human Resources tab or by selecting http://noraction/docs/Respectful_Organizational_Culture_Policy_2008.pdf

21. Wireless Devices and Motor Vehicle Operation

The purpose of the Wireless Devices and Motor Vehicle Operation Policy is to protect employees’ safety by prohibiting the use of hand-held electronic devices while driving that may cause distractions that prevent 100% concentration on the safe operation of the vehicle. Northern College supports the total ban on the use of cellular phones and other wireless devices while operating a motor vehicle as defined below while on duty on Northern College business. The Wireless Devices and Motor Vehicle Operation Policy is available on Noraction under the Human Resources tab or by selecting http://noraction.northern.on.ca/docs/wireless%20devices%20and%20motor%20vehicle%20operation%202010.pdf

Page | 11 Rev. February 2013

Appendix ‘A’ - Health & Safety Policy

Page | 12 Rev. February 2013

Appendix ‘B’ – Work Refusal Process

Page | 13 Rev. February 2013

Appendix ‘C’ – Injury Reporting Procedure for Injured Worker

Page | 14 Rev. February 2013

Appendix ‘D’ – Accident / Incident Report Forms

Page | 15 Rev. February 2013

Page | 16 Rev. February 2013

Page | 17 Rev. February 2013

Page | 18 Rev. February 2013

Page | 19 Rev. February 2013

Page | 20 Rev. February 2013

Appendix ‘E’ – Emergency Lockdown Procedure