Safety Scoop- Jan 2023 Legislative Rights & Responsibilities

Safety Scoop- January 2023

Our Safety Scoop this month is focused on all levels of workers knowing and understanding their rights and responsibilities according to Alberta OHS Act. 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. If everyone understands rights and responsibilities it can also assist to creating a safer work environment for everyone.  

January’s Safety Scoop will help everyone get on the same page!

Here's the Scoop:

• Learn what Alberta OHS legislation is.

• Learn what the three basic rights for all workers in Alberta are.

• Break down how the rights apply to workers.

• Learn what responsibilities workers, supervisor and employers have according to legislation and how the three rights play into this.

• And much more!

Get the Training

Navigating OHS Legislation

Reading, navigating and understanding legislation is a crucial skill to ensure the workplace is following the law and as safe as can be. This is an introductory course to Alberta OHS legislation. Learn how to find your way around the OHS handbook (both the hardcopy and the website), by taking our Navigating Alberta OHS Legislation course.

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.

Topics covered in the training include:

• Introduction to Alberta’s OHS Legislation

• Alberta’s OHS Act

• Alberta’s OHS Regulation

• Alberta’s OHS Code and Explanation Guide

• Navigating the handbook & OHS Website

• Learn key skills to navigate legislation and locate specific sections and topics

December 2022 Safety Scoop: Moving Machinery & Equipment

Safety Scoop December 2022

December 2022

This month’s safety scoop has dropped. This month we are talking about a huge element of the manufacturing industry- Machines and moving equipment are a pivotal part of workplace processes.  While moving parts are essential to the operation of any business, they can be extremely dangerous if you don’t fully understand the hazards and controls.

December’s Safety Scoop will discuss identifying hazardous parts of equipment and controls that are in place to protect you from these hazards.

Here's the Scoop:

-        What legislation applying to moving parts and equipment?

-        What are the most common safe work practices when working around machinery?

-        What are the most common injuries and how can I recognize them?

-        How can I prevent them?

-        What are the different types of hazard controls when working with machinery?

-        And much more…

Get the Training

Basic Machine Guarding

Working in and around machines and equipment is an every day task in the manufacturing industry which leaves our workers at risk of injuries. This 1-day course teaches participants the importance of safety guards and devices on heavy machinery to prevent machine related injuries. Employee injuries due to exposure to unguarded or inadequately guarded machines are preventable and this course focuses on recognizing and controlling general hazards associated with the operation of machinery. Learn the importance of lock out tag out, employers and employees responsibilites for safe operation of machinery.

Topics covered in the training include:

Recognizing and controlling common machinery hazards

• Point of operation guarding

• Power transmission devices

• Machinery operating controls

• Hazardous motions and actions

• Alberta OH&S Safeguard requirements

• Recognize the advantages and limitations of safeguarding devices

https://www.mhsa.ab.ca/basic-machine-guarding

November 2022 Safety Scoop- Cyberbullying

Get the Scoop

Last months Safety Scoop focused on Cyberbullying. We joined forces with IT specialists Alt-tech Inc. to extend workplace prevention initiatives into the home..

We will review how to identify Cyberbullying and what to do if you, a loved one or a co-worker has been subject to this serious and growing concern.

Here's The Scoop:

• What impact does cyberbullying have?

• What effect does cyberbullying have on this next generation?

• How can cyberbullying be prevented?

•  What are some safe practices when working online?

• And much more…

  Get the Training

  Workplace Violence & Harassment

  Harassment and violence can occur at any worksite. With increasingly stringent regulations being rolled out to protect workers, it is now more important than ever to provide your employees, managers, and supervisors with workplace harassment training. This course from MHSA trains all your workers and helps you — the employer — to maintain compliance with new Alberta rules and regulations.

  Topics covered in the training include:

  • Alberta OH&S Code Part 27 Violence

  • Statistical analysis to help you understand the prevalence of workplace violence and harassment

  • Types of workplace violence and harassment

  • The negative impact of workplace violence and harassment

  • Identifying potential workplace violence and harassment

  • How to avoid workplace violence and harassment, no matter your role in the company

  • Developing and implementing prevention plans, including policies and procedures

October 1, 2022 Safety Scoop: Ergonomics

Ergonomics

Get the Scoop

This months Safety Scoop focus is on Ergonomics. Ergonomics is the discipline that focuses on the design of equipment, tasks and work environments to minimize worker fatigue, discomfort, and injury while still maximizing performance.

Ergonomics can be described in many ways. It can be described as the study of people’s efficiency in their working environment or even the science of designing or arranging things in use to interact with the body most efficiently. In simple words, ergonomics is the ‘fit’ between people and their tasks.

Here's The Scoop:

• Why is ergonomics important?

• What effect does ergonomics have on the Manufacturing Industry?

• How can ergonomic injuries be prevented?

•  Who can conduct an ergonomic assessment?

• And much more…

Basic Machine Guarding

Injuries in the workplace due to improperly set up machine and equipment or unguarded or inadequately guarded machines are preventable. This 1-day course focuses on recognizing and controlling the general hazards that can be encountered when operating machinery and equipment in the workplace. This course focuses on teaching the importance of safety guards and devices on heavy machinery.

Topics include:

• Recognizing and controlling common machinery hazards

• Point of operation guarding

• Power transmission devices

• Machinery operating controls

• Hazardous motions and actions

• Alberta OH&S Safeguard requirements

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

September 2022 Safety Scoop: Emergency Response Equipment

Get the Scoop

No company wants to experience an actual emergency in the workplace. The best thing you can do is to be prepared, plan ahead and have the proper emergency response equipment available.

When preparing for emergency response having the proper equipment available can save lives. In this month’s Safety Scoop, MHSA will provide resources on the importance of understanding the purpose of and application of Emergency Response Equipment.

Here's The Scoop

• What are the OHS requirements for emergency preparedness?

• Does your workplace have appropriate plans in place that include assessing the risk of workplace activities?

• Do you know what equipment is needed for all types of potential and actual emergencies at your workplace?

• 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 and then developing safe and effective response plans, in accordance with Part 7 of the Alberta OH&S Code.

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

Fire Extinguisher Training

This 4-hour "Hands-On" course is intended to give shop, field and office workers a basic understanding of the physical characteristics of fire and the safe use and limitations of portable fire-fighting equipment.

If a fire breaks out at your workplace, the ability to properly use a fire extinguisher could prevent a small fire from becoming large and causing significant damage. You’ll learn all the basics for fighting fires with our fire extinguisher training. Participants even have the chance to put their skills into practice with a live fire.

Topics include:

• Combustion process and how fires burn

• Fuel and heat types

• Common types of fire extinguishers and extinguishing agents

• Steps involved in extinguishing a fire: P.A.S.S. (Pull the pin, Aim, Squeeze, Sweep)

• Basic fire safety guidelines, including the Occupational Health &

  Safety Act, Regulation & Code

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

August 2022 Safety Scoop: Load Securement

Load Securement

Get the Scoop

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

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

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

July 2022 Safety Scoop: Crane Safety and Competency

Crane Safety and Competency

Get the Scoop

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…

Get the Training

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

June 2022 Safety Scoop: Compressed Gas

Compressed Gases

Get the Scoop

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

May 2022 Safety Scoop: Hand Safety

Hand Safety

Get the Scoop

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…

---

Get the Training

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

April 2022 Safety Scoop: Occupational Illness & Disease

Get the Scoop

---

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