OHC Training Level 2 - Workbook - WorkSafe … · • Raise OHC’s profile and improve awareness of ... Level 2 - Inspections and investigations Workbook 15 Workplace inspections

OHC TRAININGLEVEL 2

www.worksafesask.ca

Inspections and Investigations Workbook

http://www.worksafesask.ca

1Level 2 - Inspections and investigations Workbook

Workplace inspections

1

Level 2 Occupational Health Committee Training

Slide 2: How to conduct inspections

2

How to conduct inspections

2

WorkSafe Saskatchewan

June 2016

44

Form OHCs

• Number off

• Move to occupational health committee (OHC/committee) with your number

• You will practice working through the projects with your committee

33

Administration

• Emergency exits

• Washrooms

• No smoking policy

• Cell phones

• Breaks



55

Course materials • Name card

• Workbook

− Self check

− Evaluation

• Reference publications

− Inspections: A Guide for Committees and Representatives

− Investigations: A Guide for Committees and Representatives

• Legislation

Slide 6: Learning objectives

66

Learning objectives

1. Purpose of inspections

2. How to plan an inspection

3. How to conduct an inspection

4. How to handle inspection results

5. How to review inspection system

4


June 2016

88

Icebreaker project

• Select a spokesperson to guide the discussion as you review questions

• Discuss each question and record answers in workbook

• Spokesperson will explain to class

77

Introductions • Instructor

• Introduce yourselves

− Name

− Employer

− Industry

− How long have you been part of the OHC?

− Does the OHC conduct regular inspections at your workplace?



99

Icebreaker project

1. What personal experiences have you had with inspections in your workplace?

2. Can you think of some reasons why people may not want to conduct inspections? Think of ways to overcome each reason.

3. Record what you want to learn about workplace inspections today (one point for each person in your group/OHC).

Notes

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

6


June 2016

Icebreaker project

What personal experiences have you had with inspections in your workplace?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Can you think of some reasons why people may not want to conduct inspections? Think of ways to overcome each reason.

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Record what you want to learn about workplace inspections today.

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________



11

What is an inspection?

A formal inspection is a planned walk-through or an examination of:

• A workplace

• Selected work areas

• Particular hazard(s)

• Work practices

• Machinery, tools, equipment

Slide 10: Objective 1

10

Objective 1

Purpose of inspections

8


March 2015

1212

Project: Benefits of inspections

• Take five minutes to discuss how inspections can make your workplace healthy and safe

• Record answers in workbook

• Be prepared to share with class

How can inspections make your workplace healthy and safe?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________



1414

Purpose of inspections

• Compare current conditions with standards

• Determine if gaps exist

• Identify causes for gaps

• Develop recommendations for corrective action

1313

Benefits of inspections

• Prevent incidents and illnesses

• Help avoid many of the costs associated with incidents

• Communication with workers

• Raise OHC’s profile and improve awareness of occupational health and safety

10


June 2016

16

Employer inspections

OHS legislation requires employers to inspect:

• Plant (SEA 3-1(1)(w))

• System of work

• Working environment

• Specific hazards related to the work

15

Employer’s duties

Employer is accountable to:

• Ensure inspections required by OHS legislation are performed effectively

• Ensure that OHC or representative conducts regular and effective inspections (regulation 28)

• Provide OHC and workers with all required information at place of employment (SEA 3-16)



17

Examples of inspections employer must perform

What to inspect? Regulation

Inspecting workplace Reg 23, Examination of plant

Duty to ensure safety of respirators

Reg 89, Inspection of respiratory protective devices

Work at height Reg 107, Inspection of full body harness, etc.

Mobile equipment Reg 155, Visual inspection

Mobile equipment Reg 156, Inspection and maintenance

Scaffolds Reg 193, Maintenance and inspection

Cranes Reg 216, Inspections

WHMIS Part XXII, Controlled Products – Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

Slide 18: What inspections does OHC perform?

1818

What inspections does OHC perform?

• Regular, planned inspections of the workplace (reg 28)

• Inspections with an occupational health officer (OHO) (reg 20)

• Intermittent and special inspections

12


June 2016

2020

Purpose of OHC inspections

• To identify hazards

• To check effectiveness of inspections conducted by employer

• To check effectiveness of elements in employer’s health and safety system

1919

When to conduct special OHC inspections

• Increasing health and safety concerns

• Introduction of new equipment

• Inexperienced workers start work

• Incidents occur

• Dangerous occurrences take place

• An OHO finds a deficiency



2222

How can employer help with OHC inspections?

• Provide training

• Provide resource and time

• Help plan and schedule inspections

• Help develop checklists

• Encourage OHC to look for root causes

2121

Purpose of OHC inspections

• Discuss concerns with workers

• Review records, logs, books required by employer

− First-aid register

− Maintenance logs

− Crane logs

− Lists of chemical and biological substances

14


June 2016

24

OHC inspections training

Site-specific information about:

• Workplace hazards and hazardous areas

• PPE information (including limitations)

• Work processes and work areas

• Workplace engineering controls

23


Include general knowledge about:

• Health and safety standards

• Legislation

• Process to conduct inspections

• How to identify hazards and assess risk



2525


• Worker orientation and training necessary to work safely

• Equipment and materials suppliers’ recommendations

• How to handle concerns

Slide 26: How inspections make OHCs effective

2626

Project: How inspections make OHCs effective

• In your group, list three ways inspections can make your committee more effective

• Record answers in workbook

• Be prepared to share answers with class

16


June 2016

2727

How inspections make OHCs effective

• Listen to worker concerns

• Learn more about the workplace (hazards and risks)

• Identify root causes that help employer’s health and safety system

• Recommend corrective action (including follow up)

List three ways inspections can make your committee more effective.

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________



2929

How often to inspect?

• Work out schedule with employer

• OHS Division recommends before each OHC meeting

28

Objective 2

How to plan an inspection

18


June 2016

3131

What should OHC inspect?

• It’s up to the OHC

− Divide workplace and assign areas to OHC members or teams

− Members inspect specific items

3030

How in depth should inspections be?

• Work with employer to decide

• Consider workplace

− Tools and technology

− Work processes and people

• Get help from outside OHC when needed



33

Plan inspection

OHC and employer decide:

• Inspection schedules

• How often an item/area must be inspected

• How to notify employer of inspection results

3232

Who on OHC should inspect?

• All OHC members

• Co-chairpersons

• Ask employer to involve specialists

20


June 2016

35

Inspecting for hazardous conditions

Video

3434

Inspection reminders

• Consider what to inspect

− Entire workplace

− Every hazard

− Every item in employer’s OHS system

• Inspect entire workplace with reasonable time (at least annually)



37

Health hazards A health hazard is any agent, situation or condition that can cause occupational illness

Five types:

1. Chemical hazards

2. Biological hazards

3. Physical agents

4. Work design (ergonomic) hazards

5. Workplace stress (harassment and violence)

Slide 36: Workplace hazards

3636

Workplace hazards

• What is a hazard?

− Activity, situation or substance that could harm a worker

• Two broad categories:

− Health hazards

− Safety hazards

22


June 2016

3838

Safety hazards • A safety hazard is anything that could cause an injury

• Injuries caused by a safety hazard are usually obvious:

− Slip, trip or fall

− Pinch or nip point on machinery

− Fall from a height

− Material falling on a worker

− Fire or explosion

Slide 39: What is risk?

3939

What is risk?

• A risk is the chance that a hazard will actually harm a worker

• Risk factors to consider:

− Frequency: How many workers and how often

− Severity: How serious the harm

− Probability: How likely could it happen



41

What to inspect

Make list of things to inspect

• Plant

− Structures

− Materials

− Machines, tools and equipment

− Chemical and biological substances

4040

Risk assessment

• To help set priorities

• Think about:

− How many workers and how often are they exposed to each hazard?

− How seriously could workers be harmed?

− How quickly could a dangerous situation arise?

− Have problems come up before?

24


June 2016

4343

What to include on list?

• Work environment

− Light, noise, heat/cold, ergonomics, ventilation

• First-aid, fire and emergency plans

• PPE

− Respirators, hard hats, safety shoes, safety glasses, clothing

4242

What to include on list?

• Health and safety programs

− Policies, plans and procedures

• People

− Orientation, training and supervision

• Task procedures and safe work practices



45

What to inspect?

Talk with workers

• Workers may grow used to a hazard

• OHC is a fresh pair of eyes that can help identify hazards

44

What to inspect?

Review

• Maintenance records

• Incident history

• Incident reports

• Manufacturers’ manuals

• SDS sheets

26


June 2016

47

Items inventory form

46

Housekeeping

Consider:

• Clutter

• Exits and entrances

• Tools and equipment

• Overcrowding

• Waste, spills, leaks



Notes

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

Slide 48: Project inspections

4848

Project: Inspections

1. Discuss hazards at your workplace

2. Record one hazard that needs to be inspected for each person in your group

3. Select three items from your group’s list

− What sections from the regulations apply?

4. Discuss hazards with class

28


June 2016

Project: Inspections

Discuss hazards at your workplace. Record one hazard that needs to be inspected for each person at your table. Select three items from your group’s list and identify what OHS legislation applies.

Inventory of critical parts, items, substances and hazardous conditionsItem: (identify machine, tool, equipment, material, work area, etc.)

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Department: _______________________________ Location: _________________________________________

Inventoried by: ______________________________ Approved by: ______________________________________

Item Potential for harm Regulation

1 Example: WHMIS degreaser Employer requires current SDS for controlled product 325

2

3

4

5

6



Inventory of critical parts, items, substances and hazardous conditionsItem: (identify machine, tool, equipment, material, work area, etc.)

_________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________________

Department: _______________________________ Location: _________________________________________

Inventoried by: ______________________________ Approved by: ______________________________________

Item Potential for harm Regulation

7

8

9

10

11

12

13

30


June 2016

5050

Hazard and risk assessment

• Establish priorities

− Some hazards may have higher priority

▪ Chemical and biological hazards

▪ Tools and equipment

▪ Machinery

• OHCs need to inspect all hazards

4949

What’s next?

• Use your list to:

− Identify risk and potential exposure to each hazard

− Use hazard lists to develop checklists and inspection recording forms

• Lists are never final – always re-evaluate



5151

Project: Risk assessment

1. Discuss risk for three hazards identified by your group

2. Determine priority list from highest to lowest hazard

3. Choose spokesperson to discuss priorities

Notes

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

32


June 2016

Project: Risk assessment

Discuss risk for three hazards identified by your group.

Hazard 1: ___________________________________________________________________________

How many workers are exposed to the hazard and how often?

____________________________________________________________________________________

How serious could workers be harmed if something went wrong?

____________________________________________________________________________________

What is the likelihood that a dangerous situation could occur? _______________________________

Hazard 2: ___________________________________________________________________________


____________________________________________________________________________________


____________________________________________________________________________________


Hazard 3: ___________________________________________________________________________


____________________________________________________________________________________


____________________________________________________________________________________


Prioritize hazards from highest risk to lowest.

Highest risk: ________________ Next: ___________________ Lowest: ___________________



5353

Standards measure workplace conditions

• Equipment (operators’) manuals

• Industry best practices

• Legislation

• Supplier information/instructions

52

Identify standards

Standard: A workplace requirement

• Inspection will compare what you find against standards and identify deficiencies

• Build standards into checklist questions

• Use standards when writing recommendations

34


June 2016

Places to look for standards



56

Checklists

Advantages

• Consistent, systematic and efficient

• Help inspectors remember what to inspect (won’t miss anything)

• Allow for comparing current conditions with standards

• Help with developing recommendations

55

Develop inspection documents

Create/Develop what types of documents?

• Checklists

• Recording forms

Note: It’s not a legal requirement and there are no standard forms

36


June 2016

58

Example: WHMIS degreaser

Step

1. Identify what to inspect

2. Identify standards to measureworkplace conditions

3. Take each standard and developyes/no question

Checklist development

Safe use of a controlled product

Regulation 325: An employer who acquires acontrolled product for use at workplace musthave an SDS for that product

Did a current SDS come with the controlledproduct?

4. Organize questions by topic• SDS• Container labels• Worker training

5757

Checklists

1. Identify what to inspect

2. Identify standards to measure workplace conditions

3. Take each standard and develop yes/no question

4. Organize questions by topic



60

Checklist: Orientation and training Work practices Safety procedures Supervision Experience Ergonomics

59

Checklists

Organize checklist/questions by topic

• People

• Work environment

• Chemical/Biological hazards

• Machinery, tools and equipment

• Safe operating procedures

38


June 2016

62

Checklist: Light and illumination Dust, fumes and vapours Work area design Hot and cold conditions Noise Housekeeping and storage

Slide 61: Forklift truck checklist

61

Checklist: Machines and mobile equipment Electrical equipment Hand tools, PPE and clothing Elevators, hoists and lifts First aid and fire protection Emergency response



64

Checklist: Work operations Types of equipment/tools New process/machinery Safe operating procedures Maintenance Cleaning operations

63

Checklist: WHMIS products Biological substances Chemicals Other materials of concern to workers

40


June 2016

6565

Project: Checklists

1. For the three recorded hazards, use OHS legislation to create two question to use on a checklist

2. Use blank checklist in workbook to record questions

• Questions determine if inspection condition meets standard

Notes

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________



Project: Checklists

For the three hazards you recorded, use OHS legislation to create two questions to use on a checklist.

Checklist questions

Work area and substance inspected: _________________________________________________

Date/Time/Shift: __________________________________________________________________

Employer inspector: _______________________________________________________________

Worker inspector: _________________________________________________________________

Item NotesMeets standard?

Yes NoWHMIS degreaser

1. Did a current SDS come with controlled product? Reg 325

Hazard 1:

1.

2.

Hazard 2:

1.

2.

Hazard 3:

1.

2.

42


June 2016

6767

Inspection recording form

• Identify hazards not on checklist

• Record:

− Each area or item inspected

− Hazards and risk for each item

− Exemplary situations (e.g., excellent housekeeping or safe work procedures)

66

Checklists

Shortcomings

• May not cover everything

• Do not perform inspections simply to complete a checklist

• Inspection monitors employer’s health and safety system

• Inspectors may miss hazards and worker concerns



6868

Inspection recording form • Record worker concerns

• Supplement checklists

• Discuss at next OHC meeting

Slide 69: How to conduct an inspection

69

Objective 3

How to conduct an inspection

44


June 2016

71

Identify:

• Inspection routes and meeting places

• Hazards and incidents

• Bottlenecks

• New technology

• Storage rooms

Floor plans and work-flow diagrams

7070

Before inspection

• Review necessary documents

• Determine inspection route

• Assemble resources



7373

Resources

• Monitoring equipment

− Air monitors, noise metres

• Sampling containers

− Approved containers for sending samples to lab

• Special PPE for specific hazards/conditions

7272

Resources

• Employer provides resources you need to conduct inspection

• Resources depend on what you inspect

− Clipboards − Pens/Pencils − Inspection checklist − Recording forms − Measuring tape/ruler − Flashlight − PPE

46


June 2016

7575

The inspection

• Look in out-of-the-way places

• Use your senses

• Take careful notes

• Follow up on concerns raised on previous inspections

7474

The inspection

• Communicate with workers and supervisors

• Use inspection checklists and forms

− Look for hazards

− Check employer’s health and safety system

• Inspect safely

• Minimize disruptions



7777

Communicating with workers

• Purpose of inspections are to find facts – not faults

• Ask about patterns (e.g., incidents, illnesses)

• Ask about orientation and training

• Pay attention to new and inexperienced workers

• Discuss previous concerns raised by workers

Slide 76: The inspection

76

The inspection

What if there is something wrong?

• Record concern

• Talk with workers

• Determine hazard and assess risk

• Tell supervisor or employer

• If it’s serious, hold an OHC meeting

48


June 2016

7979

Subcontractor concerns

• Note hazard and inform supervisor

• If it’s serious, discuss with supervisor immediately

• Check effectiveness of employer’s policy

7878

Subcontractors and inspections

• OHC has no authority over workers of other employers

• Employer must coordinate OHC activities with any other employers at the workplace

• OHC follows employer’s process to identify safety concerns regarding subcontractors



8080

Project: Hazard identification

1. Review photo assigned to your group

2. Identify hazards/concerns on inspection record form in workbook

3. Determine a standard using OHS legislation

4. Share with class

Notes

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

50


June 2016

Project: Hazard identification

Review the photo assigned to your group. Identify hazards or concerns. Determine a standard using OHS legislation.


Work area(s): ________________________________ Department: _______________________________________

Date/Time/Shift:

Inspectors: _____________________________________________________________________ Page ____ of ____

Date discussed by OHC:

Item Item detected Regulation

1

2

3

4

5

6

7




Work area(s): ________________________________ Department: _______________________________________

Date/Time/Shift:

Inspectors: _____________________________________________________________________ Page ____ of ____

Date discussed by OHC:

Item Item detected Regulation

8

9

10

11

12

13

14

15

16

52


June 2016

1.

2.



83

3.

4.

54


June 2016

86

5.

6.



87

7.

8.

56


June 2016

90

9.

10.



92

91

11.

12.

58


June 2016

9494

OHC responsibilities

• Discuss what was found

• Develop recommendations

• Meet immediately if concerns are serious

• Record meeting minutes

93

Objective 4

How to handle inspection results



9696

Recommend corrective action • Gather consensus

• Report to appropriate authority

• Develop and present recommendations (advantages and disadvantages)

• Identify root causes

• Encourage promptness (include short-term recommendations if necessary)

• Record minutes and inform workers

9595

Effective recommendations

• Short-term solutions solve immediate causes of problem

• Long-term solutions remove the root cause

60


June 2016

9898

Corrective action

• Employer may not be able to correct some problems without lengthy research or outside help

• Employer must still make it safe for workers (short-term solutions)

• Inform workers of status through process until complete

97

Regulation 28, Inspection of place of employment

On written notice by OHC of an unsafe condition or contravention, employer must:

• Take immediate steps to protect workers’ safety

• Take suitable action to correct situation

• Inform OHC in writing of actions taken (or not taken)



9999

Develop recommendations

1. Use hazards/concerns noted from hazard identification project (photo)

2. Note applicable OHS legislation

3. Develop short- and long-term recommendations (use minutes form in workbook)

4. Share with class

Develop recommendations

Using the hazards and concerns noted from the previous project to develop short- and long-term recommendations. Use the OHC meeting minutes form to record your recommendations.

Include applicable OHS legislation.

Complete the OHC minutes form. Create a company name, address, dates, number of workers, etc. Use the people in your group as OHC members and record their names. Include employer and worker members and determine co-chairpersons.

Have the co-chairs review the minutes and sign the form.

62


June 2016

OHC minutes form



64


June 2016

Notes

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________



100100

No recommendations?

• Be proactive

• Record inspection in meeting minutes

• Promote organization’s health and safety success stories

• Plan OHC meetings, video screenings and safety talks

Slide 101: Objective 5

101

Objective 5

How to review inspection system

66


June 2016

103103

What to ask

• Is inspection system working properly?

• Are inspections identifying concerns, hazards and risks?

• What effects are inspections having?

• Is the frequency of inspections appropriate?

102102

Inspection evaluation

• OHC’s role to review effectiveness of employer’s health and safety system

• Inspections are proactive – taking action before someone is injured

• Aspects of work can change and require updates to inspection process

− Processes, technology, chemicals, tools and equipment



105105

How does employer help?

• Sets standards

• Provides resources and training

• Shares information and consults OHC

• Helps OHC evaluate effectiveness of inspection system

104104

How to improve

• Talk about inspections at OHC meetings and with workers

• Good documentation

• Post meeting minutes for others to review

• Look for new ideas

68


June 2016

107107

Important websites

• saskatchewan.ca

• worksafesask.ca

• ccohs.ca

Slide 106: Summary

106106

Summary

1. The purpose of inspections

2. How to plan an inspection

3. How to conduct an inspection

4. How to handle inspection results

5. How to review inspection system



Self-check for Level 2 - Workplace Inspections Name: _______________________ Instructor’s name: _______________________

1. Identify three types of inspections performed by the OHC.(a) Identify and list of all chemical and biological substances

used, handled, stored or disposed of at workplace(d) Intermittent inspections warranted by special

circumstances, such as new workers

/3(b) Inspection with OHOs (e) Specific inspections of machinery, tools and equipment required by specific regulations

(c) Regular workplace inspections under regulation 28 (f) Inspections of plant required under regulation 23

2. Identify three reasons for inspections.(a) Ensure compliance (d) Identify problems other inspections missed

/3(b) Perform detailed technical checks (e) Identify responsibility for defects

(c) Evaluate effectiveness of employer’s health and safety management system

(f) Discuss concerns with employees

3. Identify five health hazards to look for during inspections.(a) Chemical hazards (d) Anything that could cause a physical injury

/5(b) Tool, equipment and machinery hazards (e) Work design (ergonomic) hazards

(c) Physical agents (energy) (f) Biological hazards

4. Identify four steps in the inspection process.(a) Decide what to inspect (d) Develop inspection checklists

/4(b) Follow up to ensure compliance (e) Take corrective action

(c) Meet to discuss what the inspection found and prepare OHC minutes to recommend corrective action

(f) Conduct an inspection and record findings

5. Identify four questions to ask when assessing and setting inspection priorities.(a) How many workers are exposed to the hazard? (d) How often could danger occur?

/4(b) How difficult is the item to inspect? (e) What inspections have been performed recently?

(c) How quickly could a dangerous situation occur? (f) How serious could workers be harmed?

6. Identify three steps to develop checklists.(a) Identify standards to measure conditions (d) Make each standard a question

/3(b) Assess the risk of harm (e) Identify how to record concerns

(c) Record findings (f) Organize questions by topic

7. Identify four steps in conducting an inspection.(a) Meet with employer to discuss concerns (d) Inspect methodically using checklists

/4(b) Organize the inspection (e) Discuss concerns with workers

(c) Note concerns on recording forms (f) Prepare recommendations for short- and long-term corrective action

70


June 2016

8. Identify seven procedures that OHS Division recommends to resolve health and safety concerns.(a) Encourage workers to bring specific concerns

to supervisor and general concerns to OHC or representative

(f) If the co-chairs cannot resolve a concern, discuss it at the next OHC meeting (representative meet with employer)

/7(b) If the supervisor cannot resolve the concern, take it to

the OHC or representative(g) If the OHC member cannot resolve the concern, take

it to the co-chairs

(c) Report concerns directly to the OHC or representative (h) Communicate status and outcomes with workers

(d) Check effectiveness of employer’s corrective action (i) Take serious concerns directly to the employer

(e) Contact OHS Division for advice

9. Identify six reasons to use an OHC form.(a) To identify who is responsible for action and follow up (e) To identify outstanding concerns

/6(b) To identify who attended the meeting (f) To identify new concerns

(c) Set target dates for corrective action (g) Identify responsibility for workplace problems

(d) Identify who raised an issue

10. What is the difference between short- and long-term corrective actions?.(a) Short-term action is what the employer should do right

now to protect workers. Long-term action removes the underlying cause.

(d) Long-term action is what the employer should do right now to protect workers. Short-term action removes the underlying cause.

/1(b) Short-term action fixes the technical issues of a problem. Long-term action corrects the underlying problems.

(e) The OHC takes short-term action. The employer takes long-term action.

(c) Short-term action addresses compliance issues. Long-term action addresses management issues.

(f) Essentially, short-term action is set within a set time period. Long-term action is not.

Total /40



Occupational Health and Safety training

Participant evaluationLevel 1: Committees/Representatives

Level 2: Inspections Investigations

Supervision and Safety

Date: ____________________ Instructor: _________________________ City: ________________________

We want to know what you think. Your answers are important because they help us improve our courses.

Legend: 'A' Strongly agree 'B' Agree 'C' No opinion 'D' Disagree 'E' Strongly disagree

A. General

A B C D E I enjoyed this course.

A B C D E The course met my expectations.

A B C D E I will be able to apply what I learned today to my workplace.

A B C D E I would recommend this course to other OHC members and employers.

The most important thing I learned today:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

B. The instructor

A B C D E Instructor was well prepared, organized and made good use of time.

A B C D E Instructor knew course content well.

A B C D E Provided adequate opportunities for discussion.

C. The course

A B C D E The content and materials will be directly useful to me in my workplace.

A B C D E The projects and lectures helped me learn and practice my occupational health and safety duties and responsibilities.

72


March 2015

A B C D E I had no trouble understanding the lectures and project instructions.

There was enough time provided for:

A B C D E (a) Questions

A B C D E (b) Group projects

A B C D E (c) Discussion

A B C D E I felt free to get involved in discussions and projects.

A B C D E I felt free to ask the instructor questions.

A B C D E The course materials were well organized, easy to read and understand.

A B C D E The overheads were easy to read and understand.

A B C D E The procedure used to register was efficient.

A B C D E The room was comfortable and appropriate for this course.

A B C D E The location of the course was convenient for me.

D. What did you like most about this course?

E. What did you like least about this course?

F. Additional comments or suggestions?

Thank you. Please return this from to your instructor before you leave.


Incident investigations

33

Administration

• Emergency exits

• Washrooms

• No smoking policy

• Cell phones

• Breaks

II: Day 2

2

Day 2 Incident investigations

74


June 2016

55

Introductions • Instructor

• Introduce yourselves

− Name

− Employer

− Industry

− How long have you been part of the OHC?

− Have you been involved in a workplace investigation?

44

Course materials • Name card

• Workbook

− Self check

− Evaluation

• Reference publications

− Inspections: A Guide for Committees and Representatives

− Investigations: A Guide for Committees and Representatives

• Legislation



77

About this course

• Conducting investigations is an important function of occupational health committees (OHCs) and worker health and safety representatives

• This course will help you:

− Understand responsibilities

− Investigate effectively

66

Learning objectives

1. Learn regulatory requirements for investigating workplace incidents and dangerous occurrences

2. How to collect evidence for an investigation

3. How to analyze evidence for an investigation

4. How to develop a workplace investigation report

5. How to take action following a workplace investigation

76


June 2016

8

About this course

Two parts to course:

• Part I: Regulatory requirements

• Part II: CART (investigation techniques)

− Collect evidence

− Analyze evidence

− Report (reporting to OHC and writing report)

− Take action (employer)

II: Icebreaker project

99

Icebreaker project • From your personal experiences with investigations, discuss what

went well and what didn’t go well

− Did the investigation team create a report?

− Who did the report go to?

− What actions were taken, if any, to correct the situation?

• If your group does not have investigation experience, discuss what would be important in conducting an investigation

• What do you want to learn today?



Notes

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

78


June 2016

1111

Investigations

• Effective investigations must be part of an employer’s health and safety system

• Lack of incident investigation process can result in poorly organized and misunderstood investigations

• It’s important to understand the benefits of a properly organized investigation

II: Definitions

10

Definitions

Incident

• Not defined in legislation

• Any unplanned, unwanted event that causes injury or illness

Dangerous occurrence

• Regulation 9

• Essentially an incident that could have hurt someone but it did not



1313

Benefits of worker involvement

• More effective investigations

• Improved credibility

• Improved acceptance of recommendations

• The purpose of OHC investigations is prevention

1212

Benefits of investigations

• To understand what happened and why (i.e., causes)

• To identify corrective actions that will prevent a re-occurrence

• To determine trends and turn a reactive situation into a proactive opportunity

• To make the workplace healthier and safer

80


June 2016

15

Employer’s role

Employer responsibilities:

• Effectiveness of investigations

• Correct any problems

• Integrate investigations into health and safety system

• Provide investigation teams with appropriate time, training and resources

1414

Role of the OHC

• OHC and representative investigators are expected to:

− Help find root causes and recommend corrective action

− Check the employer’s health and safety system

− Not assess blame

• Taking corrective action is the employer’s responsibility



The employer’s role

The employer is ultimately responsible for the effectiveness of incident investigations and for correcting any problems the OHC identifies. For effective incident investigations, the employer should integrate them into their organization’s health and safety system (i.e., emergency planning, training, etc.) and provide the investigation team with appropriate training and resources.

II: Part I regulatory requirements

16

Part I

Regulatory requirements

82


June 2016

17

Objective 1

Regulatory requirements for investigating incidents and

dangerous occurrences

Part I: Regulatory requirements

Use the investigation techniques from Part II to comply with the regulations.

In order to report an incident to OHS Division properly, conduct a preliminary investigation to collect the required information. Regulations 8 and 9 require an investigation to determine date, time and location, plus circumstances and, in the case where someone is hurt, apparent injuries. This preliminary investigation is often conducted by the supervisor or another agent of the employer.

Both regulations 8 and 9 require the employer, contractor or owner to provide the co-chairs or representative with a copy of the notice required by OHS Division.



19

Regulation 8, Incidents causing serious bodily injury

The employer or contractor must report every incident as soon as possible to OHS Division that:

• Causes or may cause death

• Requires the worker to be hospitalized for 72 hours or more

− If unsure about length of hospitalization, inform OHS Division and an officer will discuss final reporting procedures

1818

Reportable incidents

• OHS regulations require the employer or contractor to report incidents causing serious bodily injury

• OHS regulations require employer, contractor or owner to report any dangerous occurrences

Incident Requirement Incidents causing serious bodily injury

Regulation 8

Dangerous occurrences Regulation 9

84


June 2016

2121

Regulation 9, Dangerous occurrences

• An employer, contractor or owner must report every dangerous occurrence as soon as possible to OHS Division

• Dangerous occurrences could have hurt someone if conditions or circumstances had been slightly different.

− The factors (e.g., forces, chemicals, biohazards, etc.) involved in an incident were powerful enough to cause serious harm but no one was injured or became ill

20

Regulation 8, Incidents causing serious bodily injury

What to report to OHS Division?

• Name of each injured or deceased worker

• Name of employer or contractor involved

• Date, time and location

• Circumstances

• Apparent injuries

• Contact information of employer or contractor



2323


• Dangerous occurrences are incidents that generally do not result in serious bodily injury

• Examples listed in regulation 9(1)(a-h)

− List is not all inclusive – only provides examples

• OHS Division encourages employers to report any incident that causes, or could have caused, serious injury

22


What to report to OHS Division?

• Name of employer, contractor or owner involved

• Date, time and location

• Circumstances

• Contact information of employer, contractor or owner

86


June 2016

2424

Examples of dangerous occurrences

• A worker using an inadequately maintained atmosphere-supplying respirator nearly is overcome by poisonous gas

• An overloaded crane becomes a dangerous occurrence if it overturns or fails

• A partially cut tree in a logging area is left standing but falls while the workers are out of the area (may have been struck had they been working there)

II: Required investigations

2525

Required investigations

• OHS regulations require the employer to investigate certain incidents

• OHS regulations require employer, contractor or owner to investigate dangerous occurrences

Incident Requirement Investigation of certain incidents

Regulation 29

Investigation of dangerous occurrences

Regulation 31



27

Regulation 29, Investigation of certain incidents

To complete investigation, employer, in consultation with OHC or representative, prepares written report that includes:

• Description of incident

• Graphics, photos or other evidence to help determine cause or causes

• Explanation of cause or causes

• Immediate (short-term) corrective action

• Long-term action to prevent a re-occurrence or the reasons for not taking action

26

Regulation 29, Investigation of certain incidents

An employer shall ensure that every incident that causes or may cause death or will require a worker to be hospitalized for 24 hours or more is investigate as soon as possible by:

• Co-chairs or designates

• Representative and employer

• If there is no OHC or representative, then by employer

88


June 2016

29

Regulation 31, Investigation of dangerous occurrences

Employer, contractor or owner shall ensure every dangerous occurrence is investigated as soon as reasonable possible by:

• Co-chairs or designates

• OHS representative and employer

• If there is no OHC or representative, then by employer

2828

Regulation 30, If the incident involves a fatality

• Fatality site must not be disturbed, except to relieve suffering, until an OHO has investigated

• Where an OHO cannot investigate but gives permission, the site may be cleared once:

− Graphics, photos and evidence showing details is gathered

− Co-chairs or representative investigated and agree that site may be cleared

• When a site has been disturbed before an investigation completed, it becomes difficult to find out cause or causes and to prevent a re-occurrence



30

Regulation 31, Investigation of dangerous occurrences

To complete investigation, employer, contractor or owner, in consultation with OHC or rep, prepares written report that includes:

• Description of dangerous occurrence

• Graphics, photos or other evidence to help determine cause or causes

• Explanation of cause or causes

• Immediate (short-term) corrective action

• Long-term action to prevent a re-occurrence or the reasons for not taking action

II: Project Dribbles Plastics

31

Project: Dribbles Plastics

90


June 2016

3232

Project: Dribbles Plastics

• Herbert, a young worker with about six weeks experience, has just crushed his left hand in a powerful packaging machine called a dribbler

• You are the OHC and must investigate and prepare report for employer

33

Incident scenario What happened

Dribbles Plastics manufactures a variety of plastic products. Herbert, a young worker with about six weeks of experience, has just crushed his left hand in a powerful packaging machine called a dribbler. As the OHC, you must investigate and prepare a report for the employer.

Dribbles are one of the firm’s most popular products. Each dribble is wrapped in a dribbler immediately before shipping. During the wrapping process, each dribble enters the machine on a conveyor belt. It is then placed in a plastic package. Two powerful hot steel rollers at the mouth of the machine encase and seal each package in shipping plastic as it exits through the front of the machine. Once they exit the machine, packaged dribbles are put in containers and shipped.

Sometimes dribbles in the dribbler twist and jam the conveyor belts before reaching the packaging rollers. This stalls the machine and production comes to a halt.

The incident happened during one of these stoppages. Herbert opened the front cover of the dribbler and was trying to free the jam by jogging the machine. Jogging requires Herbert to turn the start/stop switch on and off quickly to move the mechanism enough to free the jam. While jogging the machine with his right hand, Herbert reached between the rollers with. his left to straighten the packages as the jogging freed them from the conveyor mechanism. Unfortunately, the dribbler started and the rollers closed on Herbert’s hand before the machine could be stopped. A manual mechanism-opening wheel on the machine was used to free Herbert’s hand.

Herbert was admitted to hospital and is waiting for reconstructive surgery on his hand.



34

Dribbler open Dribbler closed

Dribbler mechanism

Incident scenario

What happenedDribbles Plastics manufactures a variety of plastic products. Herbert, a young worker with about six weeks of experience, has just crushed his left hand in a powerful packaging machine called a dribbler. As the OHC, you must investigate and prepare a report for the employer.

Dribbles are one of the firm’s most popular products. Each dribble is wrapped in a dribbler immediately before shipping. During the wrapping process, each dribble enters the machine on a conveyor belt. It is then placed in a plastic package. Two powerful hot steel rollers at the mouth of the machine encase and seal each package in shipping plastic as it exits through the front of the machine. Once they exit the machine, packaged dribbles are put in containers and shipped.

Sometimes dribbles in the dribbler twist and jam the conveyor belts before reaching the packaging rollers. This stalls the machine and production comes to a halt. Since the dribbler operator’s pay depends on how many dribbles are packaged in a shift, these stoppages are distressing.

The incident happened during one of these stoppages. Herbert opened the front cover of the dribbler and was trying to free the jam by jogging the machine. Jogging requires Herbert to turn the start/stop switch on and off quickly to move the mechanism enough to free the jam. While jogging the machine with his right hand, Herbert reached between the rollers with his left to straighten the packages as the jogging freed them from the conveyor mechanism. Unfortunately, the dribbler started and the rollers closed on Herbert’s hand before the machine could be stopped. A manual mechanism-opening wheel on the machine was used to free Herbert’s hand.

Herbert was admitted to hospital and is waiting for reconstructive surgery on his hand.

92


June 2016

35

Project: Dribbles Plastics Your OHC visits incident site and learns the following:

• The dribbler is very old. It was moved from previous plant and installed by the maintenance and sanitation engineer who saw incident.

• A yellowing, dusty policy hangs on a nearby wall. It states that troubles with the dribbler are to be reported to maintenance. Maintenance is to lockout the dribbler (i.e., cut all power sources and release any remaining energy in the machine) before working on it. Workers state that the policy has not been enforced for some time. The power breaker box is far away from the dribbler. It has no lock on it.

• The front cover is off the dribbler. Warning information on the caution plate is worn off. A worker informs you that a spring-loaded power cut-off switch on the chassis is supposed to pop and kill power to the dribbler if the front cover is raised. The worker states that this button has not worked for some time. She did not report it because “…no one is going to believe me or do anything about it anyway.”

Your OHC visits incident site and learns the following:• The dribbler is very old. It was moved from previous plant and installed by the maintenance

and sanitation engineer who saw incident.

• A yellowing, dusty policy hangs on a nearby wall. It states that troubles with the dribbler are to be reported to maintenance. Maintenance is to lockout the dribbler (i.e., cut all power sources and release any remaining energy in the machine) before working on it. Workers state that the policy has not been enforced for some time. The power breaker box is far away from the dribbler. It has no lock on it.

• The front cover is off the dribbler. Warning information on the caution plate is worn off. A worker informs you that a spring-loaded power cut-off switch on the chassis is supposed to pop and kill power to the dribbler if the front cover is raised. The worker states that this button has not worked for some time. She did not report it because “…no one is going to believe me or do anything about it anyway.”

• Workers say that the start/stop switch sometimes won’t turn the machine off immediately.

• The cover over the electrical components of the dribbler is missing. The wiring has been “creatively improved” to allow jogging and defeat the emergency stop system’s safety switches.

• Workers say that the dribbler malfunctions frequently and that Herbert and other workers were “trying to repair it in a rough, macho fashion” a few days ago.

• The supervisor has extra paperwork to do and is often in his office at the back of the plant



36

Project: Dribbles Plastics Observations (continued):

• Workers say that the start/stop switch sometimes won’t turn the machine off immediately.

• The cover over the electrical components of the dribbler is missing. The wiring has been “creatively improved” to allow jogging and defeat the emergency stop system’s safety switches.

• Workers say that the dribbler malfunctions frequently and that Herbert and other workers were “trying to repair it in a rough, macho fashion” a few days ago.

• The supervisor has extra paperwork to do and is often in his office at the back of the plant when the dribbler is used. The supervisor was in his office doing paperwork at the time of the incident. It took sometime for the supervisor to be notified of the incident and reach the floor.

• No one knew what to do to help Herbert. None of the workers present had a valid first-aid certificate and the first-aid box was empty. No one knew what ambulance service to phone. In the end, the ambulance service contacted was the one that was the farthest away from the factory. This delayed Herbert’s transport to hospital. Due to complications resulting from the incident, he was hospitalized for four days.

when the dribbler is used. The supervisor was in his office doing paperwork at the time of the incident. It took sometime for the supervisor to be notified of the incident and reach the floor.

• No one knew what to do to help Herbert. None of the workers present had a valid first-aid certificate and the first-aid box was empty. No one knew what ambulance service to phone. In the end, the ambulance service contacted was the one that was the farthest away from the factory. This delayed Herbert’s transport to hospital. Due to complications resulting from the incident, he was hospitalized for four days.

Witnesses

• Herbert, the injured worker

• Herb’s supervisor

• Delbert, the employer

• The maintenance and sanitation engineer who saw the incident

Each witness will get a script from the instructor when it is time to conduct interviews.

94


June 2016

38

Project: Questions

1. Is this a reportable incident or dangerousoccurrence?

3737

Project: Instructions

• Use the Dribbles Plastics incident scenario to answer questions regarding legislation requirements

• Answer the questions in your workbook

• Select a spokesperson to present answers to the class



Project: Questions

1. Is this a reportable incident or dangerous occurrence?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

2. If this incident must be reported, what must you send to OHS Division?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

3. Must this incident be investigated? If so, who must investigate?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

96


March 2015

39

Project: Questions

2. If this incident must be reported, what must you send toOHS Division?

4. What must you include in an investigation report requested by an OHO?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________



41

Project: Questions 4. What must you include in an investigation report

requested by an OHO?

40

Project: Questions

3. Must this incident be investigated? If so, who must investigate?

98


June 2016

43

What other types of incidents must you investigate?

Regulation 311:

• Exposure to substances listed in Table 19 or 20

• Employer investigates in consultation with OHC

II Slide 42: What other types?

42


Regulation 85:

• Exposure to infectious organisms

(1)(d) “infection material or organism” means an infectiousmaterial or organism that has been identified in an approvedmanner as an infectious disease hazard that poses asignificantly increased exposure risk to a worker or self-employed person

• Employer investigates and may involve OHC in a manner thatrespects the confidentiality of exposed person



45

Legislation summary

44


Potentially harmful injuries, illnesses and conditions that do not require hospitalization

• Employer reports any lost-time injuries to co-chairs orrepresentative

100


June 2016

46

Legislation summary

II: Part II

47

Part II

C.A.R.T. investigation techniques



49

Supervisor involvement

Supervisors have vested interest when incidents happen in their area

• They know their workers and what jobs they perform

• They know what questions to ask

• Often part of the first-response group at the scene

• Can benefit from the investigation

4848

C.A.R.T. steps1. Collect evidence

2. Analyze evidence

3. Report

− Write report

4. Take action

− Employer takes action

− OHC or representative follows up

102


June 2016

50

How supervisor can help

Right after an incident, the supervisor can:

• Secure scene, summon emergency crews, have injuredtransported to hospital, etc.

• Report to appropriate authorities (internal and external)

• Take notes and make sketches

• Identify witnesses

• Brief and support OHC investigation team

II: Slide 51: Objective 2

51

Objective 2

How to collect evidence for an investigation



52

Before you collect evidence

Get the big picture and ask questions:

• What was happening at the time of the incident?

• Who was involved and who may have seen what happened?

• What equipment, machinery, tools, chemicals, etc., wereinvolved?

• Did something fail or break?

• Consider factors like training, maintenance, workerexperience, etc.

Collecting information can be difficult and time consuming. Physical evidence may be damaged, lost, or lacking. Relevant documents may not exist, be out of print or inaccessible. Witness statements can be contradictory or sketchy. Each piece of information may generate more work.

It will be a challenge, but the investigation team must work hard, be persistent to find out what really happened — and what can be done about it.

Getting the big picture helps you get started. You might get some information from talking to someone at the scene. But, if this person was involved directly in the incident or first on the scene, their account of the incident is just one view and may not be entirely correct.

You will not totally understand the big picture until you are at the scene yourself. Even then it may be difficult to find out exactly what happened.

Ask questions to help you start gathering all the pieces of the puzzle.

104


June 2016

5454

Physical evidence

• Use physical evidence to gather information aboutwhat happened before, during and after the incident

• Use physical evidence to help develop questions forwitness interviews

53

Collecting evidence

Collect evidence from:

• Physical evidence (e.g., debris, parts, photos, etc.)

• Documents (e.g., records, SDSs, etc.)

• Witnesses (interviews)



Examples of physical evidence

55

Examples of physical evidence Evidence Information it may provide

Objects • Tools, equipment and materials (including damaged PPE)• Hardware, facilities and debris• Skid marks, patterns and other properties of items

associated with the incident

• What went wrong and why• What happened before, during and after the incident

Chemicals • Hydraulic fluids and liquids• Noxious gasses, smoke and fumes• Solids (e.g., pellets, dusts, powders, etc.)• Containers of chemical substances

• Hydraulic fluids and liquids can tell you aboutoperability of machinery, mobile equipment andvehicles

• Noxious gasses, smoke and fumes can tell you abouthazards in the work area, work practices, adequacyof engineering controls, etc.

Biological substances • Blood, body fluids, etc.• Potentially contaminated food and drink• Plants, spores and pollens• Insects and other animals

• What caused harm• How injury occurred

106


June 2016

Some evidence can be analyzed while you are still in the collection process. When checking these items you probably will analyze what you see and consider how it might have played a factor in the incident.

Check equipment, tools and facilities. Look for breakage, abuse, misuse, inadequate maintenance. See if key parts are missing, broken or out of place before the incident.

Check safety devices (e.g., guards, interlocks, etc), control indicators (e.g., dials, readouts, instruments, positions indicators, etc.) to see if they were working properly.

Check for damage and wear patterns, skid marks, the direction of debris, etc., to gather information about what happened before, during and after the incident.

For complex examinations, think about developing a checklist to help you organize items like equipment, electric schematics, plans, etc. Preparing these items in advance and putting together an incident investigation kit will help to keep your investigation organized, efficient and effective.

II Slide 56: Specific physical evidence

5656

Specific physical evidence

• Check equipment, tools and machinery for sign ofbreakage, poor maintenance, etc.

• Check operating controls and safety devices to see ifthey were working properly

• Check damage and wear patterns, skid marks,direction of debris, etc., for information on whathappened during the incident



5858

Handling physical evidence

• Use safe procedures

• Identify, collect, label, package and store

• If applicable, do not remove evidence until examinedby experts

• Mark locations of evidence you remove

57

Physical evidence samples

Samples can indicate:

• How technical failures, malfunctions, etc., happened

• Pre-existing defects

• The presence of chemicals, biological substances,noise, etc.

• Exposure levels

108


June 2016

5959

Take photographs or video • 35mm camera

• Video camera

• Digital camera

• Start with overall area picture, then narrow down to specificincident location

• Keep log of photos and locations

• For spills, skid marks, etc., use a reference (like a pen orruler) when taking photos

Use photos and video to record information, especially information that cannot be collected in other ways. Photos can reduce the number of trips you have to make to the incident site and will give you an ongoing record of the incident scene once everything has been cleaned up.

Have an investigation team member direct the photographer to ensure that everything of importance is recorded. Move from general to specific shots. Start with shots of the general scene. Shoot each key item from several different directions to provide better information. Move the camera, but not the item that you’re photographing (moving an item may complicate subsequent examinations by specialists).

Select some way of indicating distance, direction and perspective in your shots, such as rulers to determine the size of an object in the photo or direction indicators.

Many cameras can print the date and time on each negative or slide. In some cases, this can be useful. In other instances, this feature can obscure evidence. If so, use a written log instead

Don’t forget to also take notes of what you observe. Don’t rely exclusively on photos.



6060

Create sketches, scale drawings and maps

• Use to show scene immediately after incident

• Use to get a bird’s-eye-view, locate debris position, etc.

• Make as soon as possible after incident

• Note locations, dimensions, directions, etc., of debris,equipment, etc.

Documentary evidence is just as important as physical evidence. It can tell you what should have happened at the time of the incident. Equipment readouts may even report what actually happened during some phases of the incident. The reasons for the difference between what should have happened and what actually happened are often the reason why the incident occurred.

Training records become very important. Did the worker receive training? How was it delivered? Who ensured the worker followed the training? These questions and the answers could tell you a lot about what happened and why.

II - Slide 61: Collect documentary evidence

6161

Collect documentary evidence

• Standards and technical information

• Inspection and investigation reports

• Records (e.g., training, maintenance, repair logs, etc.)

• Research

• Employer’s health and safety system

110


June 2016

62

Documentary evidence

Use it to help:

• Determine worker training

• Understand job procedures and practices

• Identify witnesses and the questions to ask

• Check witness statements

• Monitor employer’s health and safety system

Types of documentary evidenceStandards and technical information Reports• Policies, procedures, plans, programs and work

procedures• Requirements set by the employer• Regulatory and industry standards• SDSs and other technical information from suppliers,

safety associations, etc.

• Inspection reports• Investigation reports dealing with similar incidents• Computer files, photographs, video, diagrams and

drawings

Records Research

• Orientation and training records• Shift records• Maintenance files• Worker concerns and OHC minutes

• What are other organizations doing?• Experience of others in the industry• Changes made in other organizations• Internet• Health and safety publications



63

Conduct research Research is a tool to learn more about the physical and documentary evidence:

• Benchmarking

− What are other organizations doing? − Have they had similar experiences? − Have they made changes to the way they do things?

• Technical research

− Internet − Journals

II - Slide 64: Dribbles collect evidence

64

Dribbles Plastics incident scenario: Collect evidence

112


June 2016

65

Instructions

Use the Dribbles Plastics incident scenario and record the physical and documentary evidence

• Include information on what each piece of evidencemay provide

• Record your answers in workbook

Physical evidence Information it might provide



Documentary evidence Information it might provide

114


June 2016

67

Questions and answers

Evidence Information provided

66


Evidence Information provided



6969

Plan the interview

• Identify who to interview and what information theinterview may provide

• Use physical and documentary evidence to helpprepare questions

• Interview in an appropriate location

• Minimize interruptions

II - Slide 68: Interviewing witnesses

6868

Collect evidence by interviewing witnesses

• Interview within first 24 hours, if possible

• Keep witnesses from talking with each other

• Have a plan and objectives for each interview

116


June 2016

7070

Plan the interview

1. Interview those who were involved in the incident,saw it or were first on the scene

2. Interview those who know what was happeningbefore the incident

3. Interview others like a trainer, technical experts,facility staff, etc.

• Conduct follow-up interviews as required

Interview witnesses

Effective interviews play a key role in many investigations. Interviews often reveal critical information. Effective witness interviews are therefore crucial. Plan interviews carefully and use experienced interviewers when possible.

Experience has shown that it is best to start with eyewitnesses and the people involved. The sooner you can start your interview process the better, within 24 hours if possible, while the memories for each witness is still fresh in their mind. Interviewing witnesses can be confusing. Not everyone sees an event the same, so be prepared and expect contradictions. When you complete interviews, determine what is valid and what is not. Separate fact from fiction. Determine what is true and what is an opinion.

Good planning will give you better results. Have clear objectives about what you want to learn. What questions do I need to ask this person to better understand what happened? When interviewing witnesses the more experience you have the better you will get at it. Following an interview, take time to gather your thoughts. Did the interview accomplish what you set out to learn? If not, then a follow-up interview may be required.



7272

Conduct the interview

• Get their version

• Expect contradictions between witnesses

• Take notes and record critical information

• If you use written statements, review each person’stranscript with them before they sign it

7171

Conduct the interview

• Each interview should be private

• Treat everyone with respect

• Create an informal environment

• Reassure each witness (they might be nervous)

• Don’t rush, but keep the interview on track

118


June 2016

7373

Questioning techniques • Ask questions to gain knowledge and details

• Ask questions to clarify an observation from the scene

• Ask open questions (i.e., not yes/no answers)

• Ask clarifying questions (i.e., closed questions with a yes/noanswer) to narrow down a detail

• Pause and give the person time to answer

− Don’t interrupt

• Only use drawings, photos or visits to the site to jog memory

II- Slide 74: Interview witnesses

74

Dribbles Plastics incident scenario: Interview witnesses



76

Instructions

Before interviews begin, develop questions to ask witnesses:

• Use question in workbook as starting point• What information do you want to get from each

witness?• Use the physical and documentary evidence to create

questions• Create additional questions as you see necessary• Deter who will take statements and notes

II Slide 76: Instructions

75

Instructions

Use the Dribbles Plastics incident scenario to conduct interviews

• Select worker and employer co-chairs to interviewwitnesses

• Others will be the injured worker, witnesses, supervisorand employer (each person/role will be providedinstructions)

• When your group has completed the interviews, assessthe information gathered

120


June 2016

Dribbles Plastics incident scenario: Interviewing witnesses

You will use the physical and documentary evidence gathered so far in this investigation to assist you in planning and conducting interviews.

InstructionsDetermine everyone’s role in your group. The worker and employer co-chairs will conduct the interviews. Someone will be Herbert the injured worker. Another person will be the maintenance engineer who saw the incident. Someone will be the supervisor and another will be Delbert the employer.

Determine who will ask questions and who will take notes. The co-chairs could rotate interview to interview.

Now, spend sometime planning the interview.

• Determine what information you want from each witness.

• Create questions to ask each witness.

• Decide who is going to record the answers from each witness.

The sample questions will help you get you started. Don’t forget your physical and documentary evidence. This information will help to determine the questions you ask. You need to determine what happened, why, what factors put the worker in the position of getting hurt, what caused the injury, when did it happen, where did it happen, etc. Develop questions to accomplish that goal.

Take effective interview notes• Make your notes complete, specific, and legible.

• Keep separate notes for each interview.

• Use notes to help plan subsequent interviews.

• Don’t try and take notes and interview at the same time.

• Have one person take notes and another conduct the interview. If one person is responsible for both, take your time, don’t rush and record as much as you can. There will be times you have to ask the witness to repeat what they said.

• Concentrate on recording important facts — it will be tough to record everything.

An incident investigation interview is not an interrogation. OHC incident investigations find facts and do not fix blame. The role of the OHC is to help determine what happened and why, then recommend corrective actions so it does not happen again.



Information to determineWho

Who do I need to talk to in order to understand what happened?

Who was involved (e.g., injured worker(s), supervisors, witnesses, first responders, etc.)?

Who did what before, during and after the incident?

What

What work was being done before and at the time of the incident?

What had the supervisor asked the workers to do?

What supervision and training were provided?

What was being used to do the work (e.g., tools, equipment, machinery, supplies, chemicals, etc.)?

What was the condition of the work environment before, during, and after the incident (e.g., weather, noise, chemical smells, temperature, distractions, etc.)?

What tools, equipment, supplies and people were brought to the incident scene to respond?

What was moved or repositioned after the incident (including casualties)?

Where

Where did the incident occur?

When

When did the incident happen (time, shift, etc.)?

When did you find out about the incident?

When did products, supplies and workers, involved in the incident arrive?

How

How was the work being performed at the time of the incident?

How was the work involved normally performed?

How did the response and rescue crews perform?

How do you think a similar incident could be avoided? (Each person’s views may help you develop recommendations for corrective action.)

122


June 2016

78

Interview results What did you learn from Herbert?

II Slide 77: Interview witnesses

7777

Interview witnesses

1. Interview Herbert

2. Interview maintenance and sanitation engineer

3. Interview supervisor

4. Interview Delbert



Plan your interviewCreate two questions to get you started interviewing Herbert. Use the extra space for more questions as they arise.

Q1

A1

Q2

A2

Q3

A3

Q4

A4

Q5

A5

Q6

A6

124


June 2016

Plan your interviewCreate two questions to get you started interviewing the maintenance and sanitation engineer. Use the extra space for more questions as they arise.

Q1

A1

Q2

A2

Q3

A3

Q4

A4

Q5

A5

Q6

A6



Plan your interviewCreate two questions to get you started interviewing the supervisor. Use the extra space for more questions as they arise.

Q1

A1

Q2

A2

Q3

A3

Q4

A4

Q5

A5

Q6

A6

126


June 2016

Plan your interviewCreate two questions to get you started interviewing Delbert the employer. Use the extra space for more questions as they arise.

Q1

A1

Q2

A2

Q3

A3

Q4

A4

Q5

A5

Q6

A6



80

Interview results

What was the supervisor’s position?

79

Interview results What was the maintenance and sanitation engineer’s role?

128


June 2016

81

Interview results What is Delbert’s OHS program like?

II Slide 82: Objective 3

82

Objective 3

How to analyze evidence for an investigation



8484

Analyze incident factors 1. Go through each event before, during and immediately after the incident

2. Ask why each happened

3. Evaluate role of every factor:

− People (supervision, training and orientation)

− Material (substances, tools, equipment, etc.)

− Environment (workplace conditions)

− Work process (workflow design)

− System (policies, plans and procedures)

8383

Analyze evidence

• After interviews, examine each statement and what itreveals about incident

• Analyze physical and documentary evidence

− Correlate with interviews

• Consider what substandard actions and/or conditionswere factors

130


June 2016

8686

Identify direct cause • Direct cause usually happens immediately before incident

• Actions that describe a direct cause

− Struck by

− Fall to lower level

− Caught in, on or between

− Contact with, exposure to, etc.

• Often involves an unsafe act or substandard condition

85

Analyze evidence

Link together the evidence and other factors to identify:

• Direct cause

• Indirect cause

• Root cause(s)

− Often health and safety system management problems



8888

Identify root cause(s)

• Root causes often explain why substandard acts andconditions exist

− Lack of knowledge – no training program

− Guards off machinery – there is no repair or maintenance program

− Worker not following safe operating procedures – a lack of supervision is putting workers at risk

• Health and safety system management problems are oftenroot causes

87

Identify indirect causes

These substandard acts, procedures and conditions usually set the stage for the incident

• Lack of training

• Departures from safe work practices

• Not following information on SDSs

• Using inadequate or defective tools, equipment or materials

• Inadequate guards or barriers

132


June 2016

90

Instructions

Use the physical and documentary evidence and the interview results to analyse the incident causes

• Answer the questions in the workbook

• Determine the direct, indirect and root causes for theDribbles Plastics incident

• Discuss answers with class

II Slide 89: Dribbles analyze evidence

89

Dribbles Plastics incident scenario: Analyze evidence



92


2. What were the indirect causes?

91


1. What was the direct cause?

134


June 2016

Dribbles Plastics incident scenario

Analyze evidence and witnesses interviewsThere is a lot involved to reaching the conclusions of an investigation. It will take time to analyze all the evidence you’ve gathered. You must verify each fact as it relates to the physical and documentary evidence, and the statements of witnesses. Use all the information you have gathered so far and come to some conclusions about the direct, indirect and root causes for the Dribbles Plastics incident.

Instructions

Answer the following questions about direct, indirect and roots causes. Be prepared to have someone explain your table’s answers to the class.

1. What was the direct cause of the incident?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

2. What were the indirect causes of the incident?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________



3. What were the root causes of this incident?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

4. Could an effective OHC have improved workplace safety?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

136


June 2016

94

Questions and answers 4. Could an effective OHC have improved workplace safety?

93

Questions and answers 3. What were the root causes?



9696

What information is required in an investigation report?

• Regulations 8, 9, 29 and 31

• Required information:

− Name of injured worker(s) and their injuries

− Contact information

− Description of incident

− Graphics, photos and other evidence

II Objective 4: Investigation report

95

Objective 4

How to develop a workplace investigation report

138


June 2016

98

Investigation report

The investigation report must include:

• Short-term and long-term corrective action/solutions

• Who will do what by when

• Resources required

• Who will follow up

9797

What information is required in an investigation report?

• Explain what happened and why

• Recommend corrective action:

Direct cause: Ensuring all workplace hazards are identified

Indirect causes: Ensuring workers are trained in the safe operating procedures for their job

Root causes: Reviewing the employer’s health and safety system to ensure programs are in place to identify hazards and that workers receive orientation and training before they perform their jobs



9999

OHC investigation and final recommendations

• Identify what factors led to the incident

• Identify potential solutions to correct deficiencies

• Select practical choices

• Present recommendations to employer and discusswhat actions to implement

• Follow up

II Dribbles: Develop investigation report

100

Dribbles Plastics incident scenario: Develop investigation report

140


June 2016

102

Questions and answers 1. What short-term recommendations will control the direct

and indirect causes?

II Slide 101: Instructions

101

Instructions

Use the incident causes (direct, indirect and root)

• Answer the questions in the workbook

• Determine short-term and long-term recommendations

• Discuss answers with class



Dribbles Plastics incident scenario

Writing an investigation reportUp to this point, you have learned how to collect information to determine how and why an incident occurred. The next step is to write a report. It will take time to record all the information required, so the people who receive the investigation report can understand what happened, why it happened and what needs to do be corrected so that it doesn’t happen again.

When writing incident reports in your workplace, you will be expected to follow the criteria in the legislation required for your report. Here, you only need to come up with short-term and long-term solutions for the Dribbles Plastics incident scenario.

Instructions

Answer the following questions. Be prepared to have someone explain your group’s answers to the class.

1. What short-term recommendations will control the direct and indirect causes? List two or three recommendations.

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

142


June 2016

103

Questions and answers 2. What long-term recommendations must the employer take

to prevent the occurrence of a similar incident?

2. What long-term recommendations must the employer take to prevent the occurrence of a similar incident?

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________________



105

Take action

It is the employer’s duty to:

• Take immediate action to protect workers

• Take long-term actions to correct root causes

• Comply with regulations

• Provide OHC with written report

II Objective 5: Employer’s responsibility

104

Objective 5

Take action: The employer’s responsibility

144


June 2016

107

Regulation 28(2) On written notice by the committee or the representative of an unsafe condition or a contravention of the Act or any regulations made pursuant to the Act, the employer, contractor or owner shall: (a) take immediate steps to protect the health and safety of any worker

who may be at risk until the unsafe condition is corrected or thecontravention is remedied;

(b) as soon as possible, take suitable actions to correct the unsafecondition or remedy the contravention; and

(c) inform the committee or the representative in writing of:(i) the actions that the employer, contractor or owner has taken

or will take pursuant to clause (b); or(ii) if the employer, contractor or owner has not taken any actions

pursuant to clause (b), the employer’s, contractor’s or owner’sreasons for not taking action.

106106

Take action

• Employer reviews investigation report

• Employer reviews OHC or representativerecommendations

• Employer decides what action to take

• OHC or representative provides input and monitorseffectiveness of employer’s corrective action



109109

Important websites

• saskatchewan.ca

• worksafesask.ca

• ccohs.ca

• Visit saskatchewan.ca and worksafe.ca for publicationto help resolve issues

108108

Summary

• Regulatory requirements for investigating workplaceincidents and dangerous occurrences

• Collect evidence for an investigation

• Analyze evidence for an investigation

• Develop a workplace investigation report

• Take action following a workplace investigation

146


June 2016

110110

Questions?

• Complete evaluation

• Review Investigation Guide at meetings



Self-check for Level 2 - Incident Investigations Name: _______________________ Instructor’s name: _______________________

1. What incidents and dangerous occurrences must be reported to OHS Division? Circle the correct answers.(a) Any incident that resulted, or could have resulted, in the

death of a worker, or that will require that hospitalization of a worker for more than 72 hours

(c) Any incident that could have caused serious injury or damage, such as the bursting of a grindstone or collapse of a scaffold

/2(b) Any incident that requires a worker to receive first aid (d) Any incident that resulted, or could have resulted,

in the death of a worker, or that will require the hospitalization of a worker for more than 24 hours

2. What incidents and dangerous occurrences must be investigated? Circle the correct answers.(a) Incidents that require a worker to be admitted to a

hospital as an in-patient for 24 hours or more(c) Incidents that require a worker to be admitted to a

hospital as an in-patient for 72 hours or more/2

(b) Incidents that cause serious economic loss (d) Incidents that caused, or may have caused, the death of a worker

3. What is the role of investigations conducted by OHCs and representatives? Circle the correct answers.(a) Improve the effectiveness of the employer’s health and

safety management system(c) Find and suggest corrections for the root cause of

the incident /3(b) Not assess blame (d) Ensure compliance

4. What information must be included in regulations 29 and 31 reports? Circle the correct answers.(a) The names of anyone who provided tools, equipment or

chemicals involved in the incident(e) An explanation of the cause or causes of the

incident

/5

(b) A physician’s report describing any occupational disease or physical injury affecting workers involved in the incident

(f) Any long-term action that the employer will take to prevent the occurrence of a similar incident or the reasons for not taking action

(c) Any graphics, photographs or other evidence that may assist to determine the cause or causes of the incident

(g) The immediate corrective action taken

(d) Signed transcripts of witness interviews (h) A description of the incident

5. What three types of evidence can provide useful information about the possible causes of an incident? Circle the correct answers.

(a) Documentary evidence (d) Witness interviews

/3(b) Media news reports (e) Physical evidence

(c) Discussions among witnesses before they are interviewed

6. Arrange the steps in the witness interview process (1 to 7).______ Research the issues and plan each interview carefully.

______ Schedule interviews in a neutral place where you can interview without interruption.

______ Conduct follow-up interviews and re-examine physical and documentary evidence as needed.

______ Interview technical specialists who are familiar with the technology and work practices involved.

______ Identify who you want to interview and the information each witness is likely to be able to provide.

______ Interview those who were involved in the incident, saw it or were the first on the scene.

______ Interview those who know something about what was going on before the incident.

/7

148


June 2016

7. Identify direct (D), indirect (I) and root (R) causes of an incident below.______ Fundamental problems that set events in motion that

ultimately led to the incident______ What directly caused the incident

/3______ What set the stage for the events leading to the

incident

8. What is the purpose of an OHC investigation report? Circle the correct answers.(a) Explain what happened and why (d) Propose what must be done immediately to prevent

the incident from happening again

/3(b) Propose what should be done in the long term to remove fundamental weaknesses in the health and safety systems (if any) that led to the incident

(e) Direct the employer to take specific corrective actions

(c) Identify who is responsible for the incident

Total /28



Occupational Health and Safety training

Participant evaluationLevel 1: Committees/Representatives

Level 2: Inspections Investigations

Supervision and Safety

Date: ____________________ Instructor: _________________________ City: ________________________

We want to know what you think. Your answers are important because they help us improve our courses.

Legend: 'A' Strongly agree 'B' Agree 'C' No opinion 'D' Disagree 'E' Strongly disagree

A. General

A B C D E I enjoyed this course.

A B C D E The course met my expectations.

A B C D E I will be able to apply what I learned today to my workplace.

A B C D E I would recommend this course to other OHC members and employers.

The most important thing I learned today:

___________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

B. The instructor

A B C D E Instructor was well prepared, organized and made good use of time.

A B C D E Instructor knew course content well.

A B C D E Provided adequate opportunities for discussion.

C. The course

A B C D E The content and materials will be directly useful to me in my workplace.

150


June 2016

A B C D E The projects and lectures helped me learn and practice my occupational health and safety duties and responsibilities.

A B C D E I had no trouble understanding the lectures and project instructions.

There was enough time provided for:

A B C D E (a) Questions

A B C D E (b) Group projects

A B C D E (c) Discussion

A B C D E I felt free to get involved in discussions and projects.

A B C D E I felt free to ask the instructor questions.

A B C D E The course materials were well organized, easy to read and understand.

A B C D E The overheads were easy to read and understand.

A B C D E The procedure used to register was efficient.

A B C D E The room was comfortable and appropriate for this course.

A B C D E The location of the course was convenient for me.

D. What did you like most about this course?

E. What did you like least about this course?

F. Additional comments or suggestions?

Thank you. Please return this from to your instructor before you leave.

Labour Relations and Workplace Safety

Occupational Health and Safety Division300 - 1870 Albert StreetRegina SK S4P 4W1Phone 306.787.4496Toll free 1.800.567.7233

Online www.saskatchewan.ca


Head Office200 - 1881 Scarth StreetRegina SK S4P 4L1

Saskatoon Office115 24th Street EastSaskatoon SK S7K 1L5

Phone 306.787.4370Toll free 1.800.667.7590Fax 306.787.4311Toll-free fax 1.888.844.7773

Online www.worksafesask.ca

6/16 750

http://www.saskatchewan.ca/work

http://www.worksafesask.ca