3.6: Explain the various ways to protect employees. Flashcards
What is the primary purpose of occupational health and safety legislation?
To protect both the health and safety of employees.
What are some recent factors increasing health concerns in the workplace?
Air and water pollution, environmental hazards, and union/federal pressure.
Why is it essential to identify and control health hazards at work?
To ensure a safe and healthy work environment and comply with legal standards.
What is a key factor in the success of safety programs?
Managers and top leaders setting the tone and leading by example.
What role can the HR department play in safety programs?
Coordinating training, maintaining safety records, and ensuring compliance.
What is typically included in a company’s safety committee?
Both managers and employees, with duties defined by legislation.
What are common responsibilities of safety committees?
Sharing safety concerns and ensuring proper training and communication.
What reinforces employee understanding of safety beyond discipline?
Managers setting an example and encouraging employee participation in safety programs.
What is essential for safety training success?
Employee engagement, manager support, and a sense of ownership among employees.
What is the key to a successful safety incentive program?
Gaining and maintaining employee engagement.
What are managers expected to do regarding safety behavior?
Monitor, enforce, and reinforce safety procedures and correct unsafe acts.
Why must safety be continually emphasized?
To maintain concern for safety and ensure knowledge is retained and applied.
How should managers respond to unsafe acts?
Take immediate action to fix the cause and promote team safety culture.
What is a critical component of monitoring safety compliance?
Ongoing communication about expectations and standards.
What channels are used to communicate safety standards?
Managers, bulletin boards, handbooks, equipment signs, orientations, and SOPs.
What behaviors are typically expected of employees?
Using safety devices
Using proper work procedures
Complying with accident reporting
Wearing safety clothing
Avoiding carelessness or horseplay
What penalties may be given for safety rule violations?
Warnings, suspension, dismissal—depending on the severity and repetition.
How are incidents investigated?
By a manager and safety committee to identify causes and preventive actions.
What are employers required to keep and post annually?
A summary of work-related injuries and illnesses.
What is an incidence rate?
The number of injuries/illnesses per 100 full-time employees per year.
Why are incidence rates useful?
For comparisons within organizations or against industry standards.
What organizations help compare safety records across companies?
Employment and Social Development Canada and Occupational Health and Safety departments.
What are some common health and safety hazards outside industrial jobs?
Hazards in offices, healthcare, and airports including poor air quality, sanitation, and COVID-19 exposure.
What does WHMIS stand for?
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System.
What are the 3 key elements of WHMIS?
Labels
Safety Data Sheets (SDS)
Training
What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?
A document identifying hazardous ingredients and safe handling procedures.
What international system is WHMIS aligned with?
Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS).
Why is second-hand smoke considered a workplace hazard?
It exposes non-smokers to health risks, leading to bylaw restrictions near entrances.
What does ergonomics focus on?
Designing equipment/systems for efficiency, comfort, and physical safety.
What are examples of ergonomic measures?
Standing desks, mini-breaks, alternate seating, and posture adjustments.
Why are ergonomic reviews important?
To identify injuries like carpal tunnel early and prevent long-term damage.
How do ergonomic efforts benefit organizations?
They reduce injury risks and enhance productivity by supporting physical well-being.
What measures are part of heightened security?
Screening, ID checks, restricted access, surveillance, and lockdown protocols.
What does the Canada Labour Code allow regarding refusal of dangerous work?
Employees can refuse work they reasonably believe is dangerous.
What are some examples of tragic workplace violence incidents in Canada?
cole Polytechnique shooting, murder of Maryam Rashidi, police officer attacked at football game.
What percentage of Canadians experience domestic violence in their lifetime?
1 in 3.
What leave does Alberta allow for domestic violence victims?
Up to 10 days of unpaid, job-protected leave.
What are some forms of workplace violence?
Threatening gestures
Verbal/written threats
Harassment
Verbal abuse
Physical attacks
What legislation outlines violence protection for federally regulated employees?
Bill C-65.
What increases the risk of workplace violence?
Working alone or at night
Handling money/valuables
Public-facing roles
Enforcement roles
Organizational instability
What are design-related violence prevention strategies?
Locks, lighting, electronic surveillance.
What are administrative strategies to prevent violence?
Reducing cash amounts, security firms, and minimizing risk exposure.
What work practices reduce risk of violence?
Checking client credentials, ensuring contact is safe, and using emergency phones.
What should employees do when violence risk arises?
Set boundaries, remove themselves, alert security, and seek help.
What resources help develop violence prevention?
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, Canadian Initiative on Workplace Violence.
How common is workplace bullying?
It affects up to 25% of employees.
Can bullying lead to compensation claims?
Yes, in some cases where it causes significant psychological harm.
What is cyberbullying?
Bullying through digital communication like social media or email.
What effects can cyberbullying have?
Anxiety, stress, insomnia, low self-esteem, depression.
