Due diligence is what we promote, Risk Management is what we support.
Presented by:
Catherine (Cate) Drum, BASc (OHS), CHSC, CRSP
EHS Officer
Department of Environmental Health & Safety (EHS) and Security
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Comply with legislation by practicing due diligence
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Improve housekeeping
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Reduce unsafe conditions and practices
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Improve procedures and system effectiveness
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Determine opportunities for improvement
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Reduce accident frequencies
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OHS is a discipline that aims to provide a safe
and healthy environment for workers

The goal is to eliminate or control potential
workplace hazards such that injury and illness
are kept to a minimum

An occupational hazard is a thing or situation with the
potential to harm a worker

There are two categories: Safety hazards and Health
hazards

Safety concerns unsafe conditions and acts that could
cause injury (eg: slips and falls)

Health concerns environmental factors that could impair
the soundness of body, mind and spirit of workers
causing illness (eg: radiation exposure; noise that
impairs hearing)
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A hazard posed by some material or situation is its
potential to cause harm
Risk is the probability that the hazard actually will harm
someone
Risk also includes a consideration of the seriousness of
the hazard
Removing occupational hazards is only one way of
improving worker protection
What is often more practical is the control or
management of risks that hazards pose

Through recognition, assessment and control

Recognition involves identifying a hazard and
determining if there is a possibility of workers being
affected by it
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If there is a possibility of adverse effect, the hazard must
be assessed and its level determined
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If the hazard is determined to be significant, the hazard
must be controlled
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We can control hazard at 3 levels: the source, the path,
and the receiver
We can use engineering controls (modifying/isolating
process), administrative controls (education/training), and
control through use of personal protective equipment
At the source:
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Substitute with a less
harmful material
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Change of process
At the path:
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Enclosure or isolation
or process
Local exhaust
ventilation
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Housekeeping
(immediate cleanup
of spills)
At the receiver:
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Personal protective
equipment
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Rotation of workers to
reduce exposure
duration
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Training & Education
Increase distance
between source
and receiver
General ventilation
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Legal requirements governing exposure to various
health and safety hazards in universities can be found in
Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations for
Industrial Establishments

Health hazards are also in hazard-specific regulations
including:
 12 designated substance regulations
 Regulation respecting the Control of Exposure to Biological or
Chemical Agents
 Regulation respecting X-Ray Safety

An employer has a general duty, under OHSA Section
25 (2)(h) to “take every precaution reasonable in the
circumstances” to protect workers

This means that PPE should be provided to workers
whenever there are health or safety risks that cannot be
controlled in other ways

PPE can reduce or prevent a worker’s exposure to a
health hazard in the workplace

PPE includes respirators, hearing protectors, protective
clothing, footwear, face shields

Health hazards mostly result from inhalation, ingestion,
injection or contact of harmful substances, or from
excessive noise, vibration and temperature exposure
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The effect can be acute, from a single, high exposure
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The effect can also be chronic, from repeated low level
exposure over a prolonged time period

Occupational exposure limits are established to control
worker exposure of a harmful substance or energy to a
level that does not result in adverse acute or chronic
health effects
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Safety hazards
Chemical hazards
Physical hazards
Biological hazards
Ergonomic hazards
Environmental hazards
Violence in the Workplace
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Unsafe workplace conditions
◦ Hazardous physical conditions or circumstances which could
directly permit the occurrence of an accident
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Unsafe work practices or acts
◦ Violation of known or accepted safe procedures which could
permit the occurrence of an accident
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Unsafe workplace conditions
◦ Unkempt work space
◦ Inadequate warning system
◦ Defective tools and
equipment
◦ Inadequate guards or
barriers
◦ Poor walking surface
◦ Inadequate ventilation
◦ Temperature extreme
exposures
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Unsafe work practices or acts
◦ Horseplay
◦ Not wearing personal
protective equipment
◦ Using defective equipment
◦ Substandard work practices
◦ Removing safety devices
◦ Failure to follow procedures
◦ Failure to warn others
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Solids, liquids, vapours, gases, dusts, fumes or mists
Flammables, corrosives, toxics, compressed gases,
oxidizers
Harmful through inhalation, ingestion, and skin contact
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Noise, vibration, energy, electricity, radiation, pressure,
moving mechanical parts, extreme heat and cold
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Bacteria, viruses, fungi, insects, proteins from animals or
substances from plants
May cause acute or chronic health effects through
inhalation, injection, ingestion or contact with the skin
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Hazards that arise from interactions between man and his
total working environment
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Ergonomic stress factors deal with workstation, equipment,
tool design and environmental factors in the workplace
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Repetitive motions, awkward postures, improper lifting,
manual material handling, excessive forces
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Major concern for ergonomic hazards is repetitive strain
injuries, or work-related musculoskeletal disorders
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Comfort factors (temperature and humidity), poor indoor
air quality, inadequate ventilation, inadequate or excessive
illumination
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Eg: moulds, dirty ceiling vents, dusty floors, heavy
perfumes
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Everyone should be able to work without fear of violence or
harassment, in a safe and healthy workplace. Violence and
harassment in the workplace are not tolerated in Ontario.
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Changes to the OHSA – effective June 15, 2010 – strengthen
protections for workers from workplace violence and address
workplace harassment. They apply to all provincially regulated
workplaces.
Defining workplace violence
 The exercise of physical force by a person against a
worker, in a workplace, that causes or could cause
physical injury to the worker.
 An attempt to exercise physical force against a worker, in a
workplace, that could cause physical injury to the worker.
 A statement or behaviour that it is reasonable for a worker
to interpret as a threat to exercise physical force against
the worker, in a workplace, that could cause physical injury
to the worker.
Some activities increase the risk of workplace violence
 Handling cash
 Protecting or securing valuables
 Transporting people and goods
 Public or community contact
 Working alone, or with just a few people
 Working late at night or very early morning
Workplace harassment
 Workplace harassment means engaging in a course of
vexatious comment or conduct against a worker in a
workplace that is known or ought reasonably to be known
to be unwelcome.
 Workplace harassment may include bullying, intimidating
or offensive jokes or innuendos, displaying or circulating
offensive pictures or materials, or offensive or intimidating
phone calls.
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Workplace inspection is an integral part of the
Occupational Health and Safety program
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There are two main types of inspections:
 Formal
 Informal
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Both are necessary and complement one another
Formal
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Regularly scheduled
examinations of the
workplace
Carried out as a team to
ensuring a safe and
healthy workplace
A checklist is used to
recognize, evaluate and
control hazards
Required by law
Informal
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A practiced awareness
which identifies potential
hazards of daily processes,
conditions and activities
Part of daily routines such
as a supervisor’s walkthrough or a worker’s
equipment check
Not regularly scheduled
Do not use a checklist
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To identify existing and potential hazards
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To monitor effectiveness of hazard controls
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To recommend corrective actions
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To determine the underlying causes of hazards
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To educate, increase awareness and encourage
communication regarding health and safety in the workplace
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To listen to concerns of workers and supervisors
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To meet legal requirement
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1) Planning the inspection
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2) Conducting the inspection
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3) Completing the inspection report
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4) Follow-up and monitoring corrective
actions
Planning the inspection
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A workplace is “any land, premises, location or thing
at, upon, in or near which a worker works”
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At the University, workplace can be labs, offices,
shops, kitchens, mechanical rooms, and washrooms
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Inspection must include areas where no work is
done regularly, such as office storage areas
Every inspection planning must examine
the where, what, who, when, and how.
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Determine WHERE the inspection will take place
Obtain a floor plan and a list of relevant areas to
your department
Floor plans can be obtained through Campus
Facilities & Sustainability – email
cphelp1@gwemail.ryerson.ca
Request a listing of all your areas – email
cphelp1@gwemail.ryerson.ca
Location of machinery, equipment, fire exits,
hallways, chemical storage etc relevant to your
department must be documented and inspected
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Determine WHAT will be inspected
Look at all workplace elements
 Environment – noise, vibration, lighting, temperature
 Equipment – materials, tools, apparatus
 Process – how the worker interacts with the environment
and equipment in a series of tasks or operations
Review equipment inventory to learn what
equipment/machinery is present and their hazards
 Check technical safety data sheets or manufacturer’s
safety manuals
Review chemical inventory to learn what chemicals are
present and their hazards
 Check MSDS binder
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Determine WHO will be conducting the inspection
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Workplace inspection team must consist of at least:
 One worker representative, and/or
 Departmental safety officer from the department/area to be
inspected
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In addition, workplace inspection team may also consist of:
 Joint Health and Safety Committee members
 Supervisors or technical specialists
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All members should receive training in workplace inspection in
recognition, evaluation and control of hazards
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All members should be familiar with the legislation and
standards
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Determine WHEN inspections would be conducted
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Inform EHSS of your inspection schedule which defines the
specific area and date to be inspected
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Ensure that the entire area within the department, school or
centre is inspected at least annually (a portion to be inspected
monthly)
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Inspections can be themed, for example…
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Month 1: Offices and storage/photocopy rooms
Month 2: Floor, aisles, stairs and landings
Month 3: Labs
Month 4: Tools and equipments
Month 5: First aid station/box
Month 6: Ergonomic factors
Month 7: Work practices and behaviour
Month 8: Hazardous Materials
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Determine HOW inspections should be conducted
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Review workplace elements (environment, equipment, and
process) to determine if personal protective equipment is
required during the inspection
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Review and develop an Inspection Checklist
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Obtain Workplace Inspection Report Form
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Review past accident/incident reports
 Identify causes of accidents/incidents
 Check if recommended actions have been implemented
 Review Workplace Inspection Policy and Procedure
 Review and develop an Inspection Checklist
 Review previous inspection reports
 Review applicable legislation and standards
 Obtain floor plan and list of locations that belong to your department
 Obtain workplace inspection report form
 Determine what area will be inspected
 Determine inspection schedule
 Determine who will conduct the inspection
 Determine what tools/equipments will be needed
 Gather materials such as lab coats, safety boots, and other PPE
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Workplace Inspection Information
http://www.ryerson.ca/cehsm/programs/workplace_insp.html
Workplace Inspection Guideline
Workplace Inspection Report
Training Presentation
Various checklists
Conducting the inspection
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Look up, down, around and inside
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Use the Inspection Checklist as a guide
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Document all your findings, even if it may not be directly
related to health and safety!
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Clearly describe hazards and mark location on the floor plan or
on your checklist
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Record as you go along in case you forget
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Involve workers in the inspection, interview them if possible,
but never disrupt their work processes
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Pay particular attention to equipment with unsafe conditions
due to stress, wear, impact, corrosion, or misuse
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Report serious hazards immediately to the supervisor
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Shut down any hazardous items that cannot be brought to a
safe operating standard until repaired
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Wear the appropriate PPE
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Do not operate machinery – ask for demonstration by a
qualified worker
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Pay attention to ergonomic risks and worker behaviour
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Ask questions!
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Ask for demonstrations
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Ask someone who is qualified to accompany you
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Some areas of the University will have to be inspected by
someone who is authorized to be in that space and that might
not be you –
 Those areas must be identified so as not to slow down the
inspection process
BUILDINGS AND STRUCTURES
 Is there loose material, debris, worn carpeting on the floor?
 Are floors slippery, oily or wet?
 Are stairways and aisles clear and unblocked?
 Are windows sealed properly?
 Are wall and ceiling fixtures fastened securely?
 Are there stains on ceilings that may indicate a leak?
 Are there moulds, water, rust or excessive dirt on ceilings?
ATMOSPHERIC CONDITIONS
 Is there adequate ventilation?
 Is there adequate lighting?
 Is there any discomfort in temperature and humidity?
 Is there excessive noise?
 Are there harmful dust, mists, fumes, or vapours?
FIREFIGHTING EQUIPMENT
 Exits are clear
 Exit signs are visible
 Extinguishers – are they easily accessible and have they been
inspected in the last 6 months?
 Sprinkler systems – are materials are stacked close to
sprinkler heads on ceiling?
STORAGE FACILITIES
 Cabinets, shelving units, closets, bins, racks
 Are they stable? Are they overloaded? Are there sharp
edges?
 Are materials stored safely? Any heavy boxes placed on
top shelves that may fall?
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Boxes
dangerously
stacked on top of
a cabinet
Housekeeping is
needed
ELECTRICAL POWER COMPONENTS
 Are extension cords used extensively?
 Are electrical cords exposed in areas where employees walk?
 Is electrical wiring properly concealed?
 Are there cords/wires under the desk that may cause a tripping
hazard?
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Wires are
tripping hazards
Electrical wires
are placed
need a sink
with a puddle of
water on the
floor right
beside it –
potential for
electrocution
CHEMICAL STORAGE
 Are all chemical containers labeled?
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Is there a designated storage area for flammable or
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combustible or hazardous chemicals?
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Are there supplier labels on the containers?
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Are the containers in good condition free of loose seals or
cracks?
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No labeling on
containers
Chemicals
should be
stored away in
a designated
area and not
left in open
area
Fire
extinguisher
should be
mounted in wall
Poor
Housekeeping
STRUCTURAL OPENINGS
 Pits, sumps, shafts, floor openings including those usually kept
covered
WARNING AND SIGNALING DEVICES
 Strobes, crossing lights, horns, warning signs
ELEVATORS, ESCALATORS, DUMB-WAITERS, MAN-LIFTS
 Cables, controls, safety devices
MATERIAL HANDLING EQUIPMENT
 Conveyors, cranes, hoists, forklifts, carts, trolleys
CONTAINERS
 Barrels, carboys, gas cylinders, flammable liquid containers,
scrap bins, waste bins, vats, tanks
MOTORIZED VEHICLES
 Automobiles, trucks, earth moving equipment, backhoes,
mowers, graders, tractors, all-terrain vehicles, forklift trucks
ELECTRICAL SERVICE EQUIPMENT
 Switches, power bars, outlets, ground-fault circuit interrupters
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
 Spill kits, first aid kits, emergency telephones, emergency
alarms
PERSONNEL SUPPORTING EQUIPMENT
 Ladders
 Are rungs stable? Are ladders secured? Are they free of
water or mud? Is the floor where the ladder is raised free
of debris? Are users maintaining a 3-point contact at all
times? (3 limbs out of 4 are in contact with the ladder)
 Scaffolds, scissor lifts, catwalks, platforms, life-lines, slingchairs
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Ladder has
broken and
missing rungs
Ladder is
unstable - the
debris on the
floor
Chemicals
should always
be stored in
easily
accessible
places, not on
top of stacks
of boxes
MACHINERIES
 Protective guards
 Are there loose bolts/nuts on fixed guards?
 Are there cracks on guards?
 Gear covers, pulley belt covers, pinch point guards,
railings, blade guards
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The guard is not
properly guarding
the moving parts of
the equipment
Point of operation
hazard is accessible
The guard offers no
protection
LABORATORIES
 Eyewash stations
 Proper signage, adequate water supply, readily accessible,
clean and clear, clear drains
 Chemicals
 Are MSDS current (within 3 years of the issue date) and
readily available?
 Are all containers labeled?
 Are chemical storage and use areas designated?
 General
 Do fume hoods have adequate air flow?
 Are PPE being worn?
 Are sharps properly disposed into sharps container?
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MSDS are not
properly stored in an
organized manner
The chemical
container does not
have a legible label
OFFICES
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Are computer workstations arranged in an ergonomic way?
Is adjustable seating available?
Is working space adequate?
Are desks and file cabinets organized such that drawers do not open
into aisles or walkways?
Does office arrangement allow easy egress under emergency
conditions?
Is there cardboard, paper, or other combustible materials on the floor?
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Web of wires
under the desk
that can act as
a tripping
hazard
Wires should
be tied
together neatly
and be close to
the wall
CLASSROOM/MEETING ROOM/BOARDROOM
 Is furniture and equipment in good condition?
 Are room occupancy limits and safe seating arrangements
posted?
KITCHEN FACILITIES
 Are all appliances in good condition and CSA/UL-approved?
 Are floors and counters clean and dry?
WASHROOMS
 Are mirrors in good condition and firmly secured?
 Are locks on stalls in good condition and operational?
 Are hinges on doors in good condition and correctly fixed?
 Inspect water taps and sinks to check for leaking
 Are soap containers present?
 Are toilets flushable?
BUILDING
 Are electrical rooms free of materials, particularly combustible
materials?
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Are there moulds or dirt on ceiling that may be a health
hazard?
Are hallways free of blockage?
Are emergency exits blocked or barred?
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Corridor is full of waste materials;
may impede evacuation in an
emergency
Room needs
housekeeping, also
represents a fire hazard
as papers and boxes
are combustible
materials
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Exits are barred and
blocked because of
poor housekeeping
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Tiles are missing from
the ceiling
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Broken, chipped, leaked, dirty, disconnected,
slipping, wobbling, worn, frayed, corroded, littered,
removed, sagging, spalled, unstable, deteriorated,
cracked, dented, blocked, unlabelled, defaced,
inadequate, overloaded, missing, hazardous,
messy, spilled, unanchored, protruding, bent,
inoperative, smelly, cluttered, slippery, unlocked,
splintered, malfunctioning, excessive, deficient,
inappropriate, uneven, obscured
Completing the inspection report
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A detailed inspection report should be
completed as soon as possible after the
inspection
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It should give a summary of findings and
make clear and concise recommendations
for corrective actions
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At Ryerson, the inspection report is called
the Workplace Inspection Report
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A detailed inspection report should be
completed as soon as possible after the
inspection
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It should give a summary of findings and
make clear and concise recommendations
for corrective actions
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At Ryerson, the inspection report is called
the Workplace Inspection Report
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Time, date and area inspected
The names of persons conducting inspection
Affiliated union of the worker’s
representative
Location and clear description of hazard
Recommendations for action
Names of individuals for completion of
corrective actions
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The completed report should be reviewed by
the Supervisor of the department within 5
calendar days of the inspection date
An electronic copy of the report should be
sent to cdrum@ryerson.ca and
cehsmadm@ryerson.ca
Maintenance issues should have a separate
email sent to fixit@ryerson.ca
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Once hazards are identified, they should be
assessed to determine whether they are
significant enough to warrant changes – this
is called Risk Assessment

Risk Assessment is a measure of the
severity of potential harm to the likelihood of
that harm occurring
Severity of the consequences of an accident
 How serious would the injury or illness
be?
 How many people are at risk?
Likelihood of the accident occurring
 Has it happened before?
 How often might it happen?
 When is it most likely to happen?
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To assist risk assessment, each identified
hazard needs to be categorized according to
its Hazard Category and Hazard Class on
the Hazard Recording Form
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CHM – Chemical Hazards: includes any form of chemical such as
compressed gases and solvents
BIO – Biological Hazards: includes organisms or toxic substances
produced by living things that can cause illnesses or diseases in
humans (bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, insects)
PHS – Physical Hazards: includes noise, vibration, heat, cold and
radiation
ERG – Ergonomic Hazards: includes design of the workplace and
jobs that involve repetition, force and posture
ENY – Energy Hazards: includes pneumatic or hydraulic pressure,
steam, heat, electricity
ENV – Environmental Hazards: includes comfort factors such as
temperature and relative humidity, exposure to particulates, dust,
moulds and spores
MAC – Machine Hazards: includes hazards from moving parts like
rotating shafts, belts, pulleys, blades and saws
WKP – Work Practice Hazards: includes failures to have or follow
safe work practices
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Class “A” Hazard: A condition or practice with
the potential for permanent disability, loss of life
or body part, and/or extensive loss of structure,
equipment or material
Class “B” Hazard: A condition or practice with
the potential for serious injury or illness
(resulting in serious or temporary disability) or
property damage that is disruptive but less so
than Class “A”
Class “C” Hazard: A condition or practice with
the potential for injury and illness, or disruptive
(non-disabling) property damage
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Example 1:
 Hazard: Wires in room as potential tripping hazard
 Category: WKP
 Class: C
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Example 2:
 Hazard: Pouring toxic highly volatile chemical on work
bench instead of under fume hood
 Category: CHM
 Class: B
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Example 3:
 Hazard: Untrained personnel operating a saw blade
without machine guarding or steel mesh gloves
 Category: MAC
 Class: A
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If risk assessment shows the hazard is
significant, recommend controls

Consider what might be done to decrease
the likelihood of an accident occurring or the
severity of the consequences

Provide as many possible solutions as you
can
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For assistance in identifying solutions,
contact Cate Drum, EHS Officer, EHSS at
7086
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Eliminate the hazard or substitute it
Isolate the hazard from people
Change the way the job is done
Personal protective equipment
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Use a different less dangerous piece of
equipment
Fix faulty machinery
Redesign the workplace
Use safer materials or chemicals
Reduce energy, speed, voltage, sound level,
force
Automate material handling
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Redesign the equipment
Remove dust or fumes with exhaust system
Use lifting equipment or trolleys
Machine guarding
Sound enclosures
Platforms and guard railing
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Provide training, information and signs to
increase awareness
Implement safe work procedures and control
programs
Implement rotation of workers
Increase equipment inspections and
preventative maintenance programs
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Should be used as a last resort and always
in conjunction with other controls
There are specific PPE requirements for
each job
Examples are ear plugs, safety boots, safety
glasses, dust masks
Specific PPE training and information may
be necessary
Monitoring corrective actions

Follow up actions are important to ensuring that
corrective measures are put in place
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Follow up actions are also important in
demonstrating to workers that health and safety is
taken seriously

Determine who will be responsible for conducting
follow up actions
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Document the progress of corrective actions
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Ensure that EHSS is kept updated
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Monitor the impact of corrective actions

The area supervisor (or their designate)
must provide an electronic copy of the
inspection report responding to all of the
observed hazards to the EHSS within 21
Calendar days after the inspection
1.
Plan the time and location of inspection
2.
Gather the inspection team with appropriate materials
3.
Conduct the inspection with the use of checklists
4.
From the inspection findings complete the Workplace
Inspection Report Form
5.
Send completed reports to the supervisor including Cate
Drum and cehsmadm@ryerson.ca within 5 days of the
inspection
6.
Area supervisor or their designate responds to all the
observed hazards to EHSS within 21 days of the inspection
7.
Implement corrective actions
8.
Ensure follow up actions are taken

Everyone has the responsibility to find and
report hazards!

Report identified hazards to area supervisor
or lecturer

Report hazards immediately if they can
cause death or serious injury/illness OR
harm a number of people

A supervisor, under the Occupational Health
and Safety Act, means a person who has
charge of a workplace or authority over a
worker

Supervisors must take action to fix hazards
when a hazard is found or reported

If fixing a hazard is not possible, action must
be taken to minimize the immediate risk to
health and safety

Everyone should…
 Look out for hazards
 Report hazards to the supervisor of the
work area
 Help fix hazards by providing
recommendations
 Take action to avoid, eliminate or
minimize risks
 Follow safe work methods and use PPE
as required
Safety first, because
accidents last!