However, you also have responsibilities including: 1.

Work Safely: use all machinery and equipment the way you were trained to. 2. Report Hazards: if you know that Ontario's health and safety laws are not being followed, you must report the circumstances to your supervisor or employer as soon as possible. 3. Use or Wear Protective Devices: don't remove a guard or device designed to protect you. Wear your safety gear its the law. By law, you have basic rights, including: 1. The Right to Know about what hazards there are in your workplace and to know what to do to prevent injuries from them. 2. The Right to Participate in health and safety activities in your workplace without fear of discipline. 3. The Right to Refuse work that you reasonably believe can be dangerous to yourself or others.

The Ups & Downs of Ladder Safety

Every year a large number of lost-time injuries are caused by ladder accidents. The following are major causes: Ladders are not held, tied off or otherwise secured. Slippery surfaces and unfavourable weather conditions cause workers to lose footing on rungs or steps. Workers fail to grip ladders adequately when climbing up or down, often because they are carrying tools or materials. Workers take unsafe positions on ladders such as leaning out too far. Placement on poor footing or at improper angles causes ladders to slide. Ladders are damaged or not properly constructed. High winds cause ladders to topple. Near electrical lines, ladders are carelessly handled or improperly positioned. Are ladders the safest practical means of access? Are the ladders in use properly suited to the task? Do the side rails of straight ladders extend at least 90 cm (3 ft) above the landing level? Are ladders inspected before being used? Are job-built ladders properly constructed? Are bases on firm footing such as compacted soil or mud sills? Are bases secured against slippage? Are ladders tied off at the top, blocked, secured or held by a second worker when in use? Are areas around the top and bottom clear of material, debris or obstructions? Are only non-metal ladders being used for work near electrical equipment or wires?

Are ladders being used only for purposes for which they are intended? When working 3 metres (10 feet) or more off the ground and using both hands for the work, are workers tying off with a safety harness and lanyard to astructurally safe means of support? Are all personnel familiar with the ladder safety policies of the company? Are straight ladders being erected at the proper angle of 4:1? Are ladders being used in locations where they will not block passageways or where they are not affected by adjacent activities? Are barriers being set up around ladders when it is necessary to block a passageway? Is only one person on a ladder at a timeexcept for double-width ladders? Are ladders being stored and transported so as to avoid damage or personal injury? Do workers maintain 3-point contact when climbing by hoisting materials and carrying tools on a belt or tool pouch? Do workers grasp rungs rather than side rails for more safety if a foot slips? Do personnel use fall-arresting devices when climbing up or down long vertical ladders? Is the weight of the ladder being placed squarely on the ladder feet and not on the rungs? Are two or more people used to erect long or heavy ladders? Who Should Look for Hazards? You know what hazards look like and where to look for them, but who is best suited to find them? Everybody in the workplace will bring a different perspective. Supervisors may have a clearer idea of the big picture, but those doing the work are most familiar with what they do and how they do it. People also often notice different things than the person standing right next to them. The overall tour of your operation should involve at least one manager and one worker. However, in each area, and for each task that you review, every worker there should be involved. Involving everybody in your workplace in identifying hazards: Helps to raise awareness of the hazards Encourages discussion about safety Demonstrates that safety really matters

If a Fire Occurs
Sound the alarm and leave the building immediately, closing all doors behind you. If smoke blocks your primary exit, use another one. If you must exit through the smoke, stay low by crawling on your hands and knees. Check doors before opening them. Kneel or crouch at the door, reach up and touch the door, knob and frame. If you feel warmth on or around the door, use another escape route. If the door feels cool, open it

slowly and carefully with your shoulder against it. Slam the door shut if you see flames or smoke on the other side. Call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number, no matter how small the fire appears to be. Follow directions from fire and security personnel. Once outside, move away from the building to the designated meeting location, out of the way of firefighters. Remain outside until the fire department says you may go back in.

WINTER SLIP & FALL SAFETY TIPS

Its near that time of season where slips and falls occur at an increasing number here on campus. Facilities Planning and Managements Grounds Services and Custodial Services Departments do a very good job of keeping the sidewalks and steps clear of snow and ice. However, there may be icy patches they may not have had a chance to get to before youve walked to your office, lab, etc. The links below provide some good advice on being aware of your surroundings during the winter months and ways to prevent slips and falls.

Wear the proper foot gear. Take small steps to keep your center of balance under you. Walk slowly and never run on icy ground. Keep both hands free for balance, rather than in your pockets. Use handrails from start to finish. Avoid carrying loads on stairways; or carry loads that you can see over. Keep you eyes on where you are going. Test potentially slick areas by tapping your foot on them. Step - Don't jump from vehicles and equipment. Keep walkways clear of debris, water, ice and slippery materials.

When these helpful hints don't work, and you know you are going to slip, try to reduce your potential injury when falling by:

Roll with the fall. Try to twist and roll backwards, rather than falling forward. Relax as much as possible when you begin to fall. Toss the load you are carrying. Protect yourself instead of the objects being carried.

Violence in the Workplace

How can the employees protect themselves? Nothing can guarantee that an employee will not become a victim of workplace violence. These steps, however, can help reduce the odds: Learn how to recognize, avoid, or diffuse potentially violent situations by attending personal safety training programs. Alert supervisors to any concerns about safety or security and report all incidents immediately in writing. Avoid traveling alone into unfamiliar locations or situations whenever possible. Carry only minimal money and required identification into community settings

SafeTips Backs
1. Frequent causes of back pain:

Standing or sitting too long, especially without changing position Lifting or carrying something that is too heavy and/or awkward Lifting things using an incorrect technique, with your back in the wrong position Sleeping in the wrong position or on a bad mattress

2. Several symptoms can warn you that your back is injured. See a doctor if you notice:

Sore or stiff muscles Numbness Tingling or burning sensations Not being able to move your head, arms or legs as much as you used to

3. To review how to lift and carry things, check the SafeTips on Lifting and Carrying Objects. 4. The key word for work shoes: practical. They should be comfortable, stable and supportive. If you have to stand on steel or concrete, consider using a cushioned insole or getting rubber and/or padded matting to stand on. 5. Start a program of exercise and stretching to strengthen you back and to keep you limber. As few as a half-dozen exercises and an investment of just 10 minutes a day

SafeTips Colds: 10 Ways to Stop Spreading Them

1. Wash your hands a lot. 2. Don't share cups. 3. Use tissues when you blow your nose, then throw them away. 4. Keep your hands away from your eyes, nose and mouth. 5. Use disposable paper towels in the kitchen, not cloth ones. 6. Wash your children's toys once a week. 7. Cover your mouth with a tissue or your hands when you sneeze. 8. Open your windows when the weather is decent. Consider buying a humidifier. 9. Frequently clean doorknobs, light switches, telephones and counter tops. 10.Don't let anyone smoke in your house.

SafeTips Driving in Snow and Ice

If you don't have to drive--don't! But if you must, drive defensively and smart. Before beginning your trip, know the current road conditions. Be alert for potential driving hazards including downed branches, trees, electric lines and icy areas, such as shady spots and bridges. Leave a few minutes early to allow extra time to get to your destination. Slow down. Triple the usual distance between your car and the one ahead. Stay in the ploughed lane; avoid driving over the ridges between the ploughed areas. If you must switch lanes, slow down, signal and move over slowly. Don't pass a snow plough or spreader unless it is absolutely necessary. Don't park along the street. Snow plough drivers can't fully clear a road if cars are in their way. If you skid, steer into the skid. If the back of your car is skidding to the left, for example, turn the steering wheel to the left. Don't pump your brakes, and avoid locking them up. If your brakes lock, take your foot off the brake pedal for a moment. If you're involved in a fender-bender, move the cars out of the lanes of travel. Keeps an emergency winter driving kit with a blanket and flashlight in the car. While driving, keep your headlights on. Keep snow and ice off your mirrors, windows and lights. As always, wears your seatbelts. If your car has an Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) and you must brake, be sure to press the brake pedal and hold.