| Heat and Cold Stress | |
| Participants explore how the body reacts to temperature extremes and specific situations where workers may be exposed to dangerous levels of heat or cold. The lack of specific legislation protecting exposed workers is discussed along with measures for identifying and assessing potential health risks from temperature extremes. Participants will consider specific methods of controlling worker exposure to temperature extremes and discuss the effectiveness or ineffectiveness of each. VIDEO: Heat Stress [13 minutes] | |
| Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation | |
| This program introduces participants to the concept of poor indoor air quality and how it can affect the health of workers in a wide variety of workplace settings. They will discuss the symptoms and possible causes of Sick Building Syndrome and review many potential indoor air pollutants. Relevant legislation will be reviewed along with the methods for identifying and assessing potential hazard sources. Practical examples of controlling exposure to hazardous airborne pollutants are discussed including effective maintenance of HVAC systems. VIDEO: Concrete Lungs [17 minutes] * French program available. | |
| Office Biohazards: Viruses, Moulds and Bacteria - CHS | |
| This program explores how biohazards such as viruses, mould and bacteria can damage the health of exposed workers in offices or similar settings. Participants explore how biohazards are transmitted through the work environment and how they enter the body of an exposed worker. Potential examples of biohazards in office settings are identified and discussed ranging from the flu virus to the bacteria responsible for the development of legionnaire's disease. Relevant legislation is reviewed including the WHMIS Regulation and various hazard alerts and guides. Tools and techniques used for identifying and assessing biohazards including regular workplace inspections, illness reports and direct communication with workers are discussed. Participants will then discuss hand washing, ventilation systems and other biohazard transmission control measures along with strategies for gaining their implementation in the workplace. VIDEO: Biohazards - Alive and Growing [12 minutes] | |
| Emergency Preparedness and Pandemic Response Plans | |
| No workplace is immune from potential emergencies. This program provides participants with a basic understanding of the preparations needed so that emergencies don't translate into disasters in terms of worker and public health along with serious economic impacts. The many components of emergency preparedness plans are explored, including the involvement of joint health and safety committees in the development and implementation process. Special attention is paid to Influenza Pandemic Response Plans along with bomb threat procedures. VIDEO: Emergency Preparedness [13 minutes] * French program available. | |
| Work Design CHS | |
| Workers in every sector are suffering musculoskeletal disorders. This program looks at some of the factors responsible for the development of these debilitating disorders. Specifically, participants explore poorly designed workstations, tools and equipment, the work environment and work organization. Relevant legislation is reviewed along with hazard recognition and assessment tools, such as workplace inspections and listening to worker concerns and suggestions. The use of ergonomic principles when designing or modifying work and the workplace is an important part of the discussion focusing on eliminating work design hazards. VIDEO: MIPP - Solutions by Design [13 minutes] | |
| Workplace Violence and Harassment CHS | |
| Participants explore all aspects of workplace violence including verbal and physical abuse and harassment. Specific circumstances where workers may be at risk will be reviewed including working alone. The potential emotional and physical effects of violence will be identified along with the importance of providing assistance and support to victims. Relevant legislation is reviewed including the employers general duty to protect workers from violence and other workplace hazards along with the Ministry of Labours voluntary Workplace Violence Prevention Strategy. Participants will also explore the components of an effective workplace violence prevention program. VIDEO: The Unspoken Hazard [11 minutes] * French program available. NOTE: Participants from federally regulated workplaces will review employer legal obligations to take steps to prevent workplace violence (Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Part XX, Violence Prevention in the Workplace). | |
| Electrical Hazards CHS | |
| Like any form of energy, electricity can be harmful for those exposed to uncontrolled sources. This program will help participants to recognize potential sources of harmful exposure and the health effects caused by electrical shock and other associated hazards. Relevant legislation, codes and standards are identified along with the components of an effective action plan that will help to eliminate exposure to electricity and other related hazards. VIDEO: A Shocking Hazard - Working With Electricity [11 minutes] * French program available. | |
| Lockout CHS | |
| Participants are introduced to the many sources of energy in a workplace and how each can be hazardous and sometimes fatal to exposed workers. They will discuss the basic concepts of lockout as a method of producing a zero energy state. Relevant legislation will be outlined along with components of an effective lockout program including the tools used to recognize and assess potential hazards. Strategies for developing and implementing an effective workplace specific lockout program, including training, will also be discussed. VIDEO: Zero Energy [12 minutes] NOTE: The WHSC also offers a six-hour comprehensive Lockout program for the manufacturing sector. * French program available. | |
| Pesticides | |
| This program explores a range of the health risks associated with exposure to pesticides, including cancer. Also discussed are specific sources of exposure. Participants will review legislation relevant to the use and application of pesticides along with practical methods for recognizing and assessing potential sources of exposure including the use of MSDSs. Participants will also consider practical methods for eliminating the use of pesticides and controlling exposure. VIDEO: Poison Mist [11 minutes] | |