UNIT REQUIREMENTS

The WCB requires that Units ensure that hazards to the Health and Safety and health of workers are identified and brought to management's attention. It is management's responsibility to ensure that the identified hazards are eliminated and, where this is not practicable, to ensure the hazards are controlled and that workers are protected from the hazards.

Work site hazard assessments and inspections are key activities in the prevention of accidents.

Their purposes are to:

• Identify existing and potential hazards
• Increase awareness leading to the prevention of workplace accidents and illnesses
• Ensure compliance with standards and regulations.

To meet this requirement,

1. Units are to conduct Hazard Assessments
   • Prior to all new projects, jobs or processes
   • Prior to the introduction of new equipment or hazardous materials
2. Units are to conduct regular Workplace Inspections.
3. All Units will provide all necessary resources to ensure that hazard assessments and workplace inspections are effective. These include:
   • Hazard recognition and Health and Safety inspection training for inspectors
   • Time for inspectors to complete their duties
   • Established communication channels between inspectors, local Health and Safety committee and senior management
   • Quick action on recommended corrections.
4. All assessments and inspections are to be documented (to demonstrate due diligence).

HAZARD ASSESSMENTS / JOB ANALYSES

A hazard assessment or job Health and Safety analysis is recommended prior to the start of any new project, task or job. Its purpose is to anticipate, as much as is reasonable, any hazards or hazardous conditions that are inherent or could arise out of a new project, task or job. Once the hazards have been identified, the controls for eliminating or minimizing these hazards can then be determined and implemented. Hazard assessments should also be undertaken when major modifications are made to a project, task or job.

The preliminary hazard analysis checklist that is included in the Appendix has been designed to anticipate any hazards that may be found in laboratory environments. A modified version of this form, or one designed to reflect the nature of the hazards found in other types of work, research and teaching environments may be used.

For assistance in developing a hazard assessment form or completing such an assessment, call Health, Health and Safety and Environment at 604-822-2029.

WORKPLACE INSPECTIONS

The Workplace Inspection Program is comprised of four types of inspections that are structured as follows:

1. Informal Workplace Inspections
   • This is accomplished by supervisors conducting regular walk-through of their areas of authority and by workers checking their work areas prior to commencing work.
   • All employees are expected to maintain continual awareness of hazards in their work areas.
   • No formal inspection report is required; however, any detected hazards must be corrected immediately if the task is within the employee’s capabilities. If not, the hazard should be reported to the area supervisor or management for correction.
2. Monthly Inspections
   • Work areas will be inspected monthly (preferably on the same day each month) by the area supervisor or a designate.
   • Each supervisor (in conjunction with the SPA) will develop a site-specific inspection checklist.
   • The inspection checklists will be completed for each inspection and each supervisor must regularly review and update his/her checklist as required.
   • The completed reports shall be forwarded to the SPA on a quarterly basis for review.
   • The SPA will provide summaries for the head and the Local Health and Safety Committee to review.
   • The area supervisor must ensure that corrective action is taken so that the hazard is eliminated or controlled.
3. Health and Safety Committees Inspections
   • Health and Safety Committee Inspections are workplace Inspections that are conducted by Local Health and Safety Committee members at least annually.
   • An Inspection Report is completed and copies sent to the supervisor of the inspected area, the SPA and the Health and Safety Committee for review.
   • The area supervisor must ensure that corrective action is taken so that the hazard is eliminated or controlled.
4. Special Inspections
   • Special inspections take place immediately after a malfunction, accident or after a new work procedure or machinery is introduced.
   • The area supervisor and a worker representative (preferably a Health and Safety committee member) conduct this type of inspection.
   • An Inspection Report must be completed and distributed to the SPA and local Health and Safety committee for review.
   • In addition, an Accident Investigation may be required for certain accidents (see Accident Investigation section of the manual).
   • The area supervisor must ensure that any existing unsafe condition is effectively controlled before commencing an inspection or investigation.

The Unit supervisors and employees responsible for conducting inspections are:

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND REFERENCES

• APPENDIX “Health and Safety Forms and Check sheets”
• Hazard Assessment Guidelines
• Preliminary Hazard Analysis Checklist
• Inspection Procedures
• Laboratory Inspection Checklist
• Office Area Inspection Checklist
• Work Site Inspection and Hazard Assessment Guidelines
• ”Due Diligence”
• “Inspection Report Form”
• “Accident Investigations”
• WCB Regulation, parts 3.4 (b), 3.6(2)(a), 3.15 to 3.19
• UBC Policy #7 Health and Safety
• Appendix “Ergonomics – MSI Prevention Program”