A Primer on Engineering Controls
As a concept, engineering controls are relatively simple. They are the preferred methods of hazard control that function by separating worker from hazard. Seems simple enough, right? Just the same, it creates some confusion […]
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What PPE Should Workers Use for Handling Cytotoxic Drugs?
Gloves, gowns, face protection, shoe covers, caps and maybe respiratory protection are a must for cytotoxic drugs exposure. Cytotoxic, sometimes referred to as antineoplastic, drugs are used in healthcare settings to […]
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2022 Due Diligence Semi-Annual Scorecard Special Report
For nearly 2 decades, OHS Insider has been the only source of data tracking due diligence in OHS cases across Canada. Why do we do it? Technically, “due diligence” is […]
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The Top 5 Workplace Summer Safety Hazards (and What You Can Do About Them)
It's time for warm weather, long weekends, and backyard cookouts. But the summer season also brings unique workplace hazards. Staying safe during the hot weather means understanding and managing the risks. […]
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Ask The Expert: Which Hazardous Spills Must You Report to the Government?
QUESTION Which kinds of chemical spills do we have to report to the Ministry of Environment? ANSWER It depends on the kind of spill and jurisdiction you’re in. EXPLANATION Companies that discharge or spill products […]
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How to Create a Hazardous Spills Response Plan
After accidentally dropping a pallet containing a toxic cleaning agent and causing a spill, workers dilute the spilled solution with water and flush the contaminated water down a storm drain. […]
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Focusing on Eye Protection in the Modern Age
DATE: April 14, 2022 TIME: 11:00AM PT SPEAKER: Stephen Badger ACCESS RECORDING While many people think that the eye protection regulations and standards referenced by OSHA represent the "best practices" for the protection of […]
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May 3 – Leading Edges in Fall Protection
Date: May 3, 2022 Time: 10:00AM PDT/ 1:00PM EDT Register Here This webinar will discuss some of the challenges and solutions associated with leading edge and sharp edge applications in the construction industry. […]
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Don’t Teach my Mother WHMIS
My mom works in a highly hazardous occupation. She belongs to a class of workers who are the most injured in British Columbia. According to WorkSafeBC’s 2020 annual report, people […]
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Ask the Expert: Are Excavations/Trenches Considered Confined Spaces?
Question Do you know if a trench is definitely considered a confined space in BC? Answer It depends. Explanation The OHS Reg. definition of “confined spaces” in Sec. 9.1 lists characteristics but not specific examples. […]
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Emergency Planning & Preparedness
Emergencies may be rare but when they occur, they can be catastrophic. Just look at the recent sawmill explosions and fires in BC and the shopping centre parking garage collapse […]
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Ontario Removing Masking Requirement On March 21 In Most Settings And Ending All COVID-19 Public Health Measures On April 27
On March 1, 2022, Ontario moved to the Roadmap Exit Step, as amended. We provided a summary of the restrictions that were eliminated on that date and those that would continue to exist. On […]
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Material Handling: Employer Didn’t Use Due Diligence to Prevent Overhead Crane Operator Injury
An employer was charged with 2 OHS violations after a 22-year-old assembler operating an overhead crane suffered serious head and shoulder injuries in a lifting incident. The Sask. court found […]
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Not Discrimination to Make Worker Shave Beard before Using Respirator
A scaffolding worker claimed he was the victim of discrimination citing, among other things, his employer’s demand that he shave his beard before using the tight-fitting respirator he had to […]
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Respirators v. Religion: Religious Objections to No-Beard Policies
On Sept. 1, 2021, BC became the first province to require employers to review each area of a job site when determining if a person must wear head protection in […]
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Company Had the Right Safety Policy but Didn’t Make Workers Aware of It
An elevator company had a safety policy banning workers from wearing gloves when working on moving machinery. The problem is that the worker who got his gloved hand ensnared while […]
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Don’t Let It Come Down To A Choice Between Ppe And Religion
There are nearly half a million Sikhs in Canada, maybe including some of your own workers, especially if you’re in BC, Ontario and Alberta. Men of the Sikh faith wrap […]
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Ask The Expert: Keeping Face Masks Mandatory After COVID-19 Health Order Expires
QUESTION As of July 1, masks are recommended but no longer required in indoor public settings in BC. To err on the side of caution, my employer would like to extend […]
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Do Workers Who Wear Religious Headwear Have to Use Hardhats?
Under OHS laws, employers must ensure that workers use PPE necessary to protect them from workplace hazards. Under human rights laws, employers must accommodate workers’ religious beliefs to the point […]
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Religious Accommodations Request Form
Under human rights laws, workers with sincerely held religious beliefs are entitled to accommodations from company safety and other policies provided that they don’t impose undue hardship. So, you need […]
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Religious Accommodations Policy
Under OHS laws, employers must ensure that workers use necessary PPE. Under human rights laws, employers must accommodate workers’ religious beliefs to the point of undue hardship. These obligations may […]
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Respiratory Protection Equipment – Compliance Game Plan
The 8 steps you must take to protect workers who are required to use a respirator. You must take measures to prevent workers from breathing in harmful mists, vapours, fumes, gases, […]
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Respirator Maintenance Checklist
Ensure that workers properly care and inspect their respirators. Here’s a Checklist you can adapt to ensure proper care and maintenance of respirators at your workplace.
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Respirator Fit Test Form
Ensure workers required to use respirators perform proper fit tests. Here’s a Respirator Fit Test form from WorkSafeBC that you can adapt for your own use.
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Procedure for Performing Respirator Seal Checks
Preventing hazardous air leaks in tight fitting respirators. Workers required to wear respirators relying on tight fit with the face must check to ensure that there’s an effective seal before each […]
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Respiratory Protection Equipment – Know the Laws of Your Province
Requirements governing respirator selection, use, maintenance and inspection across Canada. You must take measures to prevent workers from breathing in harmful mists, vapours, fumes, gases, dusts and other airborne contaminants. The […]
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Use PPE to Protect Your Workers from Heat Stress
It was dangerously hot this week. And summer is just getting started. One of the most important things you can do to protect your workers against heat stress is to […]
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