Unit Guides To Instruction

The unit guides on the following pages identify key messages, related competency outcomes and suggest instructional strategies. The plans are organized to support the use of the HCS3000: Workplace Safety Systems Instructor Resource Manual, containing Key Ideas, Fact Sheets, and Unit Tests. Prior to instruction, it is recommended that instructors: Review the Unit of Learning to be delivered. Link the Unit of Learning with the information contained in these instructional plans. Wherever possible, use video, other media resources and involve the local community in making the safety course more relevant and meaningful. This may be done through arranging field trips, job shadowing, work experience, cooperative education learning opportunities and/or inviting safety professionals from local businesses, industries and agencies to come to speak with learners and/or demonstrate safety-related practices and equipment.

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Unit Guide HCS3000: Workplace Safety Systems

Key Messages
1. What is Safety (from Past to Present)?

HCS 3000: Unit Guide

Explain why safety affects: - the way we live - the way we think - what we do - how we do things. Identify safe/unsafe things, conditions, actions. View health and safety using a systems perspective, i.e., a Health and Safety Management System.

Suggested Delivery Strategies

Show/distribute Copy Masters: - What does Safety Mean to You? - Safety is Discuss; - What does being safe mean to you? - What is safe/unsafe in your life-space? - Possible consequences of unsafe items. Have each learner write/list daily activities and identify potential safe/unsafe elements of each activity. Have each learner: - prepare a personal safety plan and identify processes and things in life/work that are unsafe. Show selected videos - Related Montie video(s) - Health and Safety On the Job (AEI). - www.employment.alberta.ca/whs/learni ng/health/index.html.

a) Each of the following terms is often open to interpretation: - Safety - Personal Safety - Accident - Incident - Workplace injury. b) Why is appropriate to say that: Safety is an attitude. - We need to first think safety to live and to work safely. c) How safety is viewed has changed over time.

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Key Messages 2. Health and Safety Management: The 8 Elements a) According to WorkSafe Alberta, there are 8 elements in a workplace health and safety system. b) Each of the 8 elements is a process, not an event. c) When effectively and efficiently operating as an integrated system, an organization may be said to have developed a culture of safety.

HCS 3000 Learner Outcomes Explain and describe processes involved in each of the 8 elements: - Management, leadership commitment - Hazard identification and assessment - Hazard control - Inspections - Training and credentialing - Emergency response - Incident reporting and investigations - Administration The Partnerships in Injury Reduction program, (PIR) can lead to business and other organizations earning a Certificate of Recognition (COR).

Suggested Delivery Strategies Review Copy Masters - Health and Safety Management Systems - Safety Systems Planning Have learners use the Internet (www.employment.alberta.ca/whs/learning/ HealthAndSafety/HandS/HealthAndSafety. html )and elsewhere to define and explain each of the 8 elements. Discuss the impact if one of the elements is not effectively and consistently implemented. Explain the value of the PIR and COR programs to employers, workers and others. Have learners identify hazards: - in current room - in other classrooms, labs and shops - around building. Have learners: - classify types of hazards identified in each location - give reasons for: -- identifying something as a hazard -- their classification of each hazard. Show videos - Select from list of Montie safety videos.

Demonstrate ability to; - identify a hazard - distinguish among hazards: -- chemical -- physical -- ergonomic -- biological -- mental health. - Avoid and/or work around hazards. - Describe hazards associated with different occupations.

3. What are hazards? a) What are hazards? b) Are there different types of hazards? c) How are hazards recognized? d) What should you do when you identify a hazard?

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Key Messages 4. What is Ergonomics? a) Ergonomics is the art and science of adapting the workplace and/or the equipment and tools used in the workplace to fit the worker. b) Ergonomic hazards may include keyboarding, jack hammering, shoveling, improper bending, loading, lifting, repetitive movements. c) Poor ergonomically designed workplaces, repetitive strains, and improper standing, lifting, carrying, shoveling, etc can result in ergonomic-related injuries. d) In which occupations are most ergonomic hazards found?

HCS 3000 Learner Outcomes Know that ergonomics is, wherever possible, adapting the workplace to fit the worker. Identify parts of different workplaces that may be ergonomic hazards. Identify appropriate and inappropriate ergonomic conditions in a workplace/home. Describe possible consequences of poor ergonomic conditions. Identify current and propose additional methods to control each ergonomic hazard.

Suggested Delivery Strategies The main goal of ergonomics is to protect and enhance the well-being and productivity of workers. Discuss: - Why is this important? - What are Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs)? - What is the relationship between an RSI and ergonomics?

Have learners demonstrate correct and incorrect ergonomic behaviours, e.g., sitting, lifting, carrying, bending. Demonstrate /describe how ergonomic hazards may be eliminated or controlled. Look at how each learner is sitting at his/her desk and ask each to identify if their position is ergonomically appropriate. Have learners provide examples of good/poor ergonomic situations. Have learners research Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) and their relationship to ergonomic hazards.

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Key Messages 5. Hazard and Risk Assessment and Controls Key Message: If you think an act, situation or condition is a hazard it probably is. a) What is meant by the term Risk; Hazard? b) What is the difference between a hazard and a risk? c) How can workers be protected from hazards? d) How can risk levels be reduced?

HCS 3000 Learner Outcomes Know that every workplace/environment is potentially hazardous. Know that hazards may be : - identified in laws (e.g. use of scaffolds, cranes, ladders, confined spaces) - identified by workers on a job, in the home (e.g., frayed wire, too many appliances plugged into an electrical outlet, wet floors). Predict and record potential consequences of: - a high risk uncontrolled hazard - a medium risk uncontrolled hazard - a low risk uncontrolled hazard. Develop a plan to control hazards found in a selected workplace.

Suggested Delivery Strategies Have learners identify hazardous: - acts (e.g., crossing the street, driving) - conditions( e.g., working with unknown chemicals and without proper PPE, walking/driving on iced roads/streets) - situations ( e.g., confined spaces, working with machinery, electricity) Show videos: - REACH (Recognition, Evaluation & Control of Hazards) - Select from among Montie safety videos.

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Key Messages
6. Safety on the Job a) What is meant by the term: hazard assessment? hazard control? b) What are hazard controls meant to do? c) What occupations are generally regarded as being: -- safe occupations? -- dangerous occupations? d) What occupational sectors are exempt under the OH&S Act? e) What is imminent danger? f) How should a worker respond to an imminent danger situation?

HCS 3000 Learner Outcomes

Know that employers are expected to ensure workers safety by: - providing a safe work environment - controlling/eliminating hazards - ensuring workers are properly trained to do assigned work - ensuring PPE is worn - posting proper signage. Know that all work involves hazards of one or more types. Know: - safe occupations are those where workers are properly trained to work safely and are provided with the proper tools and other resources. - imminent danger is a situation that requires a person to: - work in an unsafe place. work with equipment that is faulty and potentially dangerous. - use potentially dangerous equipment that the person has not been properly trained to operate/use. - what to do when placed in an imminent danger situation. - rights if fired by employer.

Suggested Delivery Strategies

Have learners discuss what to do in the event of being injured at a workplace.

Have learners discuss/identify: an employers responsibility in the event of a worker injury. a workers responsibility when sustaining an injury.

Show videos: - Montie Safety videos. - Health and Safety on the Job: Ignorance of the Law. - Look Around: You Have Rights.

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Key Messages 7. Job Safety and The Law a) What is the Occupational Health and Safety Act? b) How does this OH&S Act affect: - workers? - employers? c) What are workers: - rights? - responsibilities? d) Name the Government Ministry and department is responsible for the OH&S Act.

HCS 3000 Learner Outcomes Demonstrate ability to work safely in any situation. Know: - the purpose of the OH&S Act. - how the Act applies to most workers. - that the most of the agriculture sector is exempt under the Act. Understand the role of Alberta Employment and Immigration in worker safety. Demonstrate basic knowledge about which Provincial department of Government is responsible for workers safety. Define and explain the differences between: - a worker. - an employer.

Suggested Delivery Strategies Have learners access information about Alberta Employment and Immigration (AEI) and Workers Compensation Board (WCB) and their respective roles and regulations using: - Public library - Direct contact with local offices. - Internet (www.employment.alberta.ca/whs/learning /Legislation/Legislation.htm) Have learners role play a worker and then an employer dealing with: - an imminent danger situation - being fired as a result of refusing to work in an imminent danger situation. Distribute and discuss: Workers Guide to the OH&S Act. Employers Guide to OH&S Act. Read Copy Master: Employment Standards Code.

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Key Messages 8. Workers Compensation Act legislates: Occupations covered under the Act. The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) the treatments, benefits and pensions that injured workers may receive. a) The WCB provides workers in many occupations no fault insurance. - What is No fault Insurance? b) How does the WCB help injured workers? c) WCB regulations: What are: - workers rights? - workers responsibilities? - Injury Reporting Forms?

HCS 3000 Learner Outcomes WCB provides no-fault insurance coverage for covered workers. Injured workers can be provided with: - appropriate medical treatment - rehabilitation and retraining - disability payments. Exempt agriculture workers are not generally covered by WCB. However, WCB coverage is available on a voluntary basis. Distinguish between Employers and Workers Report of Injury forms.

Suggested Delivery Strategies Complete a mock Worker Report of Injury form. Complete a mock Employer Report of Injury form. Discuss the strengths and limitations of the: - WCB system - No fault insurance systems.

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Key Messages
9. AB Employment Standards (ES) Code and Regulation a) What is the ES Code and Regulations? - Who does the code protect? - What are workers rights? - What are workers responsibilities as defined in the ES Code?

HCS 3000 Learner Outcomes

Understand that the ES Code and regulations set out the minimum standards that apply to workers and employers under provincial jurisdiction. Recognize that key employment standards include: - Minimum wages laws - Determining when employment begins and ends - Age at which people can work - The types of work adolescents and young people can perform - Hours of work - Periods of rest - Holiday time and pay - Termination of employment - Maternity and parental leave. Define the terms: - Adolescent - Young person - Adult.

Suggested Delivery Strategies

Have learners use the Internet (www.employment.alberta.ca/whs/learning/ Legislation/Legislation.htm) to conduct research on Alberta Employment Standards Code and Regulation. Discuss situations familiar to learners that relate to the ES Code and Regulation. Discuss what a worker can/should do if the person believes their rights as a worker have been denied them. Identify the imminent danger clause in the OH&S Act: - Discuss the meaning of this clause. - Role play presenting a case for imminent danger to an employer or a workplace supervisor. - Discuss workers rights if an employer terminates that workers employment based on the worker claiming imminent danger.

b) Most agricultural workers in Alberta are exempt from OH&S legislation. c) Farms/Operations covered under OH&S are: Food processing Greenhouses Mushroom farms Nurseries Sod farms Landscaping Pet Breeders

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Key Messages
10. OH&S Principles and Practices
a) There is a direct relationship between hazards and the presence and use of appropriate workplace health and safety principles and practices. b) The practice of occupational health and safety includes: - identifying hazards in the selected workplace/work area - assessing the risk associated with each hazard identified - eliminating the hazard and therefore the risk - putting in-place controls to reduce the risk(s) associated with each hazard.

HCS 3000 Learner Outcomes

Occupational health and safety (OHS) is the process of eliminating or at least minimizing the potential for workplace-related injuries or fatalities. OHS principles and practices include: - identifying the presence of each hazard in a workplace - assessing the risk associated with each hazard - putting controls in place that either eliminate the hazard or, at least reduce the risk of injury or worse associated with a hazard. A safe workplace is one where everyone knows, understands and appreciates the importance of safety.

Suggested Delivery Strategies

Have learners conduct a hazard investigation of the classroom or other school area - For each hazard identified: - assess its risk factor - evaluate the current control(s) in place - suggest how the risk factor might be eliminated or reduced. Discuss: - Is it possible to find an agriculture operation that does not have any hazards? Why? Why not? - Is there a relationship between hazards and taking risks? Explain. Distinguish between: taking an informed risk and taking an uninformed risk.

Key Messages
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HCS 3000 Learner Outcomes

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11. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) a) PPE does not eliminate risk associated with a hazard. PPE can be used to reduce the risk of injury from certain hazards. b) Examples of PPE include: - Hard hats/ATV helmets - Gloves - Eye goggles - Welding mask - Hearing protection - Air-filter masks - Breathing supports, e.g., respirators - Steel-toed boots - Specialty coveralls.

Know and appreciate: - what PPE to wear for different tasks - danger of wearing improper clothing - danger of long hair - danger of wearing jewelry on some jobs. Identify PPE appropriate to different types of work. Appreciate what each item of PPE can do and what it cannot do. Understand that PPE is the last line of defence (control) against one or more hazards... not the first and only defence.

Have learner identify appropriate PPE for different workplaces and tasks. Have learners: - demonstrate correct wearing of PPE - use it for its intended purpose.

Identify signs of hazardous/damaged PPE. Show videos: - Related Montie video(s) - Personal Protective Equipment.

PPE is a control of last resort. Engineering and administrative controls are essential to making a workplace safer. 12. Health and Safety Action Planning (HSAP) Having a personal health and safety action plan can help protect you and those around you from harm and injury. Prepare a health and safety action plan (HSAP) based on all topics learned in HCS 3000: Workplace Safety Systems. Include knowledge of OH&S legislation; Workers Compensation Act; Employment Standards; WHMIS; Hazard and Risk Assessment and Controls; and Ergonomics. Have learners review all course notes and off campus observations and - prepare an outline HSAP - make a short presentation on their HSAP to the class and request feedback from other learners - prepare a final HSAP for submission to their instructor - include their personal HSAP as part of their ERP.

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