FROM THE FIELD: DELANEY GALL
The construction season is underway here in the province. With a new season comes a new opportunity to start safety habits off right. Many new and returning workers will be hard at work, but before they start work, they must know the hazards of their workplace.
You may be asking yourself, “what is the definition of a new worker?” Fortunately, the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation has an answer:
2.2.1(1) In this section, “new worker” means a worker who
- (a) is new to the workplace;
- (b) is moved from one area of a workplace to another area of the workplace that has different processes or hazards;
- (c) is relocated to a different workplace that has different processes or hazards; or
- (d) is returning to the same workplace but the processes or hazards in the workplace changed while the worker was away.
2.2.1(2) An employer must ensure that when a new worker begins work in a workplace, the worker is given safety and health orientation specific to that worker’s workplace.
We now know what is a “new worker” is and that they must be orientated to the hazards of their job. What other essential safety information must new workers have? Again, the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation gives us an outline:
2.2.1(3) The following topics must be included in the worker’s orientation:
- (a) the employer’s and worker’s rights and responsibilities under the Act and applicable regulations;
- (b) the name and contact information of the new worker’s supervisor;
- (c) the procedure for reporting unsafe conditions at the workplace;
- (d) the procedure for exercising the right to refuse dangerous work at the workplace;
- (e) contact information for the committee or the representative, as applicable;
- (f) any policies, programs and safe work procedures that the employer is required to develop pursuant to the Act and applicable regulations that apply to the work to be done by the worker;
- (g) the hazards to which the worker may be exposed and the control measures undertaken to protect the worker;
- (h) the location of first aid facilities, means of summoning first aid and procedures for reporting illnesses and injuries;
- (i) emergency procedures;
- (j) identification of prohibited or restricted areas or activities;
- (k) any other matters that are necessary to ensure the safety and health of the worker while at work.
2.2.1(4) An employer must keep a record of all orientations provided to new workers.
Remember that complying with the Workplace Safety and Health Act and Regulation is the minimum. Working together and sharing safety information between new and returning workers can create a stronger safety culture at your workplace. Knowing the hazards and controls of your work, no matter who you are or where you work, is essential. Starting with strong safety habits will help to continue those habits and aid in worker safety everyday for the upcoming season.
