Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Hosp - Health and Safety BOOK
Hosp - Health and Safety BOOK
WorkSafeBC publications
Many publications are available on the WorkSafeBC website.
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation and associated
policies and guidelines, as well as excerpts and summaries of
the Workers Compensation Act, are also available on the website
(worksafebc.com).
© 2001, 2005, 2009 Workers’ Compensation Board of British Columbia. All rights
reserved. The Workers’ Compensation Board of B.C. encourages the copying,
reproduction, and distribution of this document to promote health and safety
in the workplace, provided that the Workers’ Compensation Board of B.C. is
acknowledged. However, no part of this publication may be copied, reproduced,
or distributed for profit or other commercial enterprise, nor may any part be
incorporated into any other publication, without written permission of the
Workers’ Compensation Board of B.C.
2009 edition
Library and Archives Canada Cataloguing in Publication Data
Main entry under title:
Health & safety for retail small business
Imprint varies.
Previously published under title: Health & safety guide for retail
small business.
ISBN 0-7726-4400-4
Safety inspections.......................................................................................22
When should inspections occur?..................................................22
Who should conduct them?...........................................................22
How should they be conducted?..................................................22
What should inspections focus on?..............................................23
What should happen after the inspection?.................................23
Incident investigation................................................................................24
Who should take part in an investigation?.................................24
What are the goals of investigation?............................................24
How should investigations be conducted?.................................25
Examples of incidents requiring investigation...........................26
Reporting incidents and injuries to WorkSafeBC.......................26
Monthly meetings.......................................................................................27
First aid..........................................................................................................28
First aid kits.....................................................................................29
First aid attendants.........................................................................29
Transportation of injured workers................................................29
Employers’ Advisers...................................................................................34
WorkSafeBC resources...............................................................................35
Health and safety programs..........................................................35
Prevention........................................................................................35
Registration......................................................................................36
Claims...............................................................................................36
Hospitality small business.............................................................37
Forms and checklists Generally, a small business can state its health and safety policy
• “Sample Health and Safety and describe its program in a few pages. Use the “Sample Health
Program for Small Business,” and Safety Program for Small Business” on pages 41 – 42 as a
pages 41 – 42 starting point for your program. Don’t just copy the sample; your
• “Annual Review of Health and health and safety program should be unique and specific to your
Safety Program,” pages 43 – 44 workplace.
6. Maintain records.
Keep records of all first aid treatment, inspections, incident
investigations, and training activities. This information can help
you identify trends in unsafe conditions or work procedures.
Prevention
Use the following safe lifting
techniques:
• Place your feet apart for good
balance.
• Bend your knees.
• Keep the load close to the
centre of your body.
• Use smooth, gradual motions.
• Avoid twisting your back.
Hazard
Manual handling, especially
in storage areas, can lead to
overexertion injuries and sprains
and strains.
Consider personal
protective equipment (PPE)
Prevention
Personal protective equipment
Reduce the risk of injury by
(PPE) is equipment or clothing
following these guidelines: worn by a worker to prevent or
• Stack items so they are stable. minimize exposure to specific
hazards. Examples of PPE
• Organize storage areas by
include respirators, gloves,
weight, with heavier items as well as head, eye, and foot
between knee and chest levels protection.
to minimize lifting.
PPE should be your last line
• Use a ladder or stepstool to of defence. Before considering
reach items on higher shelves. PPE, try to eliminate or
• Keep the floors of cold storage minimize the risks using other
areas free of ice buildup. means. For example, use less
hazardous chemicals or modify
• Use safe lifting techniques. work processes or equipment.
• Use dollies whenever
possible.
• If an item is too heavy, ask for
help.
Prevention
Reduce the risk of incidents by
following these guidelines:
• Ensure that workers know
the early warning signs of a
potentially violent situation.
• Ensure that workers are
able to get help quickly if an
incident occurs.
• Develop and make available
to workers written safe work
procedures for working alone
or in isolation.
WorkSafeBC online
Injury prevention information for the tourism and hospitality industry is available
on the following web pages:
• Tourism and Hospitality (www2.worksafebc.com/portals/tourism/home.asp)
• Small Business (www2.worksafebc.com/portals/smallbusiness/home.asp)
• Ergonomics (www2.worksafebc.com/topics/ergonomics/home.asp)
There is also a wide variety of signs and stickers to help you highlight specific
health and safety issues in your workplace. To search for specific signs and
stickers, visit www2.worksafebc.com/publications/stickers-index.asp.
Employers
• Ensure the health and safety of your workers.
• Correct any workplace conditions that are hazardous to the
health and safety of your workers.
• Inform your workers about any remaining hazards.
• Provide your workers with access to the Workers Compensation
Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
• Ensure that your workers know their rights and responsibilities
under the Regulation and that they comply with it.
• Establish an occupational health and safety program.
• Provide and maintain protective devices, equipment, and
clothing, and ensure that workers use them.
• Ensure that your workers receive education, training, and
supervision specific to your workplace.
• Consult and cooperate with your joint occupational health and
safety committee (or worker health and safety representative).
• Cooperate with WorkSafeBC and its officers.
Workers have the right to refuse unsafe • Refrain from horseplay or similar conduct that may endanger
work. In fact, workers must not carry others.
out (or cause to be carried out) any • Do not work if you are impaired by drugs or alcohol.
task that they have reasonable cause
• Report accidents and other incidents to your supervisor.
to believe would create an undue
hazard to the health and safety of any • Report to your supervisor or employer:
person. ~ Hazards that might endanger others.
When a worker discovers an unsafe ~ Problems with protective equipment or clothing.
condition or believes that he or she is ~ Violations of the Regulation or other legal requirements.
expected to perform an unsafe act, the
• Cooperate with your joint occupational health and safety
worker must immediately report it to the
supervisor or employer. The supervisor committee (or worker health and safety representative).
or employer who receives the report • Cooperate with WorkSafeBC and its officers.
must immediately investigate the
matter. If there is an unsafe condition, it
must be corrected without delay. Supervisors
Sometimes the supervisor or employer • Ensure the health and safety of workers under your direct
may not agree that the task is supervision.
dangerous. In this case, sections 3.12
• Know the requirements of the Regulation that apply to the
and 3.13 of the Regulation list the steps
to be followed. work you are supervising.
Workers must not be disciplined for • Ensure that workers under your direct supervision are
refusing to perform tasks that they informed about all hazards in the workplace and that they
have reasonable cause to believe comply with the Regulation.
are dangerous. The worker may be • Consult and cooperate with the joint occupational health and
assigned other work at no loss in pay safety committee (or worker health and safety representative).
while the reported unsafe condition is
• Cooperate with WorkSafeBC and its officers.
being investigated.
In general, written safe work procedures are needed for: Written safe work procedures help
eliminate or minimize the risks of
• Hazardous tasks
hazardous tasks.
• Complicated tasks, so that important steps don’t get missed
• Frequently performed tasks
• Less routine tasks, if workers need reminders about the hazards
and how to control the risks
Cool the oil in the Oil in deep fat fryers is very hot Allow the oil to cool before draining it. You may need to
deep fat fryer. — approximately 3500F when turn off the fryer a few hours ahead of time to give the
cooking (flesh burns at 2000F). oil enough time to cool. You can determine the exact
The hotter the oil being drained, safe temperature or time required for the oil to cool from
the greater the risk of burns. the fryer manufacturer’s instructions and the type of oil
or shortening.
Drain the oil from the The oil can splash or spill onto Fit a hose or tube to the drain spout of the fryer and
deep fat fryer into a the worker who is draining it. carefully direct the oil into a container with a narrow
container. opening.
Warm oil can warp plastic Use a metal bucket or similar container, or a specialized
containers and cause them to container with wheels.
give way.
Transport the oil Warm oil can spill and cause Make sure the container is closed. Use a container with
through the kitchen burns. a tight-fitting lid, such as a metal bucket that has a metal
and out to the oil lid with clasps and a tight seal.
dump drum.
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (see
above).
Make sure aisles and pathways are clear of tripping
hazards and that the outdoor path to the oil dump drum
is not slippery.
The weight of the container can Use an enclosed container equipped with wheels so it
increase the risks of spilling and can be moved easily through the kitchen. If you need
overexertion. to go up or down stairs and curbs, use a container with
larger wheels.
If you are carrying closed containers, consider their size
and how many you need. Two half-full containers will be
easier to carry than one heavier full container.
Transfer the oil from The oil can splash or spill onto Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (see
the container into the the worker who is draining it. above).
oil dump drum.
Use specially designed equipment:
• Some containers can be hooked over the lip of the
drum and lifted from their base.
• Some metal buckets have a spout attachment so
the whole lid doesn’t have to be removed.
• Some metal buckets have a handle at the base to
assist with pouring.
Transporting the oil through the kitchen and out to the oil dump drum
1. Make sure aisles and pathways are clear of tripping hazards
and that the outdoor path to the drum is not slippery.
2. Make sure the container is closed properly.
3. Use a dolly to move the container. Make sure the container
is securely fastened.
Transferring the oil from the container to the oil dump drum
1. Check that your personal protective equipment is properly
adjusted to protect you from spills or splashes.
Many metal buckets have metal 2. Grasp the handle at the base of the container as you pour
lids with clasps and a tight seal to the oil into the drum.
prevent splashing.
Young workers
The hospitality industry employs a large number of young
workers. Half of all work-related accidents involving young New and young workers:
workers aged 15 to 24 happen during the worker’s first Questions to ask
six months on the job. Every week, five young workers are Young workers should ask the following
permanently disabled because of work-related accidents. questions whenever they start a new
job, move to a new worksite, or are
Employers should take special care to ensure that young workers assigned new duties:
receive adequate education, training, and supervision. Young • Will I receive a safety orientation?
workers tend to be inexperienced and may not ask important
• Who do I report unsafe work or
questions because they are self-conscious about their lack of
hazards to?
experience or simply don’t know what to ask. It is important to
discuss safety topics during orientations and training, and to • Who do I report injuries to?
encourage young workers to ask questions whenever necessary. • What should I do in emergencies
such as earthquakes or fires?
Young workers in supervisory roles
• Will I be working with hazardous
Young workers in hotels and restaurants may find themselves chemicals? If yes, where are the
in situations where they are supervising their co-workers, even material safety data sheets (MSDSs)
though they may not have the title of supervisor or assistant for them?
manager. Often they may not realize all the implications of such a • What personal protective equipment
supervisory role, especially with regard to health and safety. If a will I need to use? Who will supply it?
worker’s job may include some supervisory tasks, make sure that
• What machinery, equipment, or
the worker understands his or her responsibilities.
power tools will I be required to
operate? Are there written safe work
procedures for any of them?
• Are there any specific safety hazards
at this workplace that I should be
Young workers may take on aware of (for example, potential for
supervisory roles even without a violence, poor air quality, or high
formal title. Like all supervisors, noise levels)?
they are responsible for the health
and safety of their co-workers.
• A deep fryer caught fire. When the cook used a fire extinguisher
Take a unique approach to to douse the flames, the flames shot back. The cook suffered
investigating MSIs
second-degree burns to his face and arms.
Investigating musculoskeletal • At closing time, a doorman at a restaurant asked several people
injuries (MSIs) such as sprains or
who were loitering on the sidewalk to move along. One of
strains may require you to think
them punched him and several others jumped on him. He was
about events a little differently.
MSIs may not result from a single stabbed three times with a pen and suffered a collapsed lung as
event such as lifting or twisting, but a result.
rather from a history of activity. For • A cook injured his shoulder lifting a heavy bucket of lard to the
more information on preventing stove.
and investigating MSIs, visit
• A kitchen worker was held at gunpoint during an armed
www2.worksafebc.com/topics/
ergonomics/home.asp. robbery. She was forced to lie on the floor and was locked in a
cooler. She subsequently suffered from post-traumatic stress
disorder.
Q. I know that all small businesses must keep a first aid kit on-site,
but how do I determine if I need to have a first aid attendant?
A. The number of workers per shift and the travel time to the
nearest hospital will determine if you need a first aid attendant.
See the table on page 29.
A. Yes. Employers are responsible for the health and safety of their
own workers. Employers hiring contractors or subcontractors
should check with WorkSafeBC to determine their obligations
regarding health and safety matters. It’s also a good idea
to check with WorkSafeBC to make sure the contractors or
subcontractors you hire are registered with WorkSafeBC. If
they aren’t, your company could be liable for their insurance
premiums if there’s an injury or accident. Clearance letters will
tell you whether businesses, contractors, or subcontractors are
registered with WorkSafeBC and up-to-date on their payments.
To get a clearance letter, visit worksafebc.com, call 604.244.6380
or 1.888.922.2768 toll-free, or fax 604.244.6390.
A. Workers have the right to refuse work that they have reasonable
cause to believe is dangerous to their health. The first thing you
should do is tell your supervisor or employer that you think
the task is dangerous. Together, you may be able to find a safe
solution. If this task is performed regularly, your employer
must provide you with a written safe work procedure. For more
information, see “Refuse and report unsafe work,” page 14.
• How to Implement a Formal Occupational Health and Safety Online incident and injury
Program reporting
Describes the composition and responsibilities of these
You can report injuries and other
committees, which are required in workplaces with 20 or more incidents at worksafebc.com.
employees. The process includes online filing
of first aid reports and incident
• Safety Inspections workbook investigation reports.
Describes the requirements of a safety inspection program and how
to develop and implement such a program.
Prevention
• Back Talk: An Owner’s Manual for Backs
Describes common back injuries and how to avoid them.
• WHMIS at Work
Describes WHMIS, its requirements, and how to implement
WHMIS in your workplace.
• Kitchen posters
A series of six posters that describe six common injuries and how to
avoid them.
• StartSafe posters
A series of five posters that describe do’s and don’ts for kitchen
staff.
WorkSafe courses
Basic health and safety courses are available through the WCB WorkSafe
Education Network, which includes all community colleges and some
school districts. These courses are suitable for employers, supervisors,
and workers. Contact your local community college or school district for
more information on the following courses:
• Hazard Recognition and Control
• Preventing and Investigating Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI)
• Joint Health and Safety Committee Training
• Occupational Health and Safety in Small Business
• Preventing Workplace Violence
• Supervisor Safety Management
This section includes forms and checklists that you can use
to develop, implement, and maintain your health and safety
program.
Use this sample as a guideline to help you prepare your written occupational health and safety program.
This is only a guideline. You should tailor it to meet the health and safety needs of your particular workplace. For
example, you’ll need to add specific information on written safe work procedures, state any personal protective
equipment you need, list additional training and orientation topics, and provide details about first aid and
emergency procedures.
Use this checklist to review the effectiveness of your occupational health and safety program.
Purpose
The purpose of reviewing your occupational health and safety program is to make sure it’s up-to-date and effective.
A program review helps you identify the strengths and weaknesses of your program and allows you to focus on the
areas that need improvement. Involve employees in the review process.
Company name:
Date of review:
Conducted by:
6. Does your written program list all the 12. Do you enforce rules prohibiting
written safe work procedures that you horseplay and the use of drugs and
have developed for your business? alcohol at work?
7. Have you reviewed these safe work 13. Do you keep records when you
procedures in the last year? discipline workers for not following
these rules?
31. Are MSDSs readily available to workers 52. Do you include an educational topic
and do workers know where to get them? on your agenda?
This checklist will give you some idea of the issues you need to address to improve health and safety
in your small business.
Workplace hazards
Do you have an effective method for identifying hazards?
Do you have effective methods for eliminating, controlling, or minimizing hazards?
Emergency preparation
Are emergency procedures in place? Are you and your workers familiar with these procedures?
Are emergency exits clearly marked?
Are fire extinguishers properly located and regularly serviced? Do your workers know how to
operate them?
Do you have adequate first aid supplies? Do your workers know where to find and how to use
them?
Incidents
Do you report all serious incidents to WorkSafeBC?
Do you investigate all incidents?
Do you keep a written record of all incidents?
Use this checklist when conducting your regular safety inspections. Go over every aspect of your
workplace to identify possible hazards. Use blank lines to add items that are specific to your workplace.
Electrical Yes No
Are electrical cords in good repair?
Stairs, Ladders, and Platforms Yes No Is there clear access to electrical panels and
switch gear?
Are ladders safe and in good condition?
Are electrical cords secured?
Are stair handrails fastened to the wall securely?
Are proper plugs used?
Are stairwells clear of materials and equipment?
Are plugs, sockets, and switches in good
Are stairs and handrails in good condition? condition?
Are ladders and stairs provided with Are ground fault circuit interrupters
anti-slip treads? available, if required?
Are portable power tools in good condition?
Walls Yes No
Are signs and fixtures securely fastened to the wall?
Lighting Yes No
Are lighting levels in work areas adequate?
Are work areas free of glare or excessive
lighting contrast?
Is task lighting provided in areas of low light
or high glare?
Are windows covered with blinds, drapes,
or other means of controlling light?
Does emergency lighting work?
Computers Yes No
Are display screens free of dust?
First Aid Yes No
Are display screens bright enough with
sufficient contrast? Is the first aid kit accessible and clearly labelled?
Are display screens positioned at a Is the first aid kit adequate and complete?
comfortable viewing level? Is the first aid kit clean and dry?
Are emergency numbers displayed?
Are injury report forms readily available
(Form 7?)
Use this report to record the results of your regular workplace inspections.
Company name:
Date:
Inspectors’ names:
This form is provided to employers for the purpose of documenting the employer’s investigation into a workplace
incident. Please attach a separate sheet if necessary.
Call Centre After-hours health and Fax Mailing address
Phone 604 276-3100 safety emergency 604 276-3247 WorkSafeBC
Toll-free 1 888 621-SAFE (7233) Phone 604 273-7711 PO Box 5350 Stn Terminal
Toll-free 1 866 922-4357 (WCB-HELP) Vancouver BC V6B 5L5
Incident occurred ref: s. 3.4(a) Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHS Regulation)
Address where incident occurred
1)
2)
Witnesses ref: s. 174(4) Workers Compensation Act (WCA) and s. 3.4(c) OHS Regulation
Last name First name
1)
2)
3)
Analysis
From the sequence of events, identify what events may have been significant in this incident occurring. An analysis of these
events will assist in determining the underlying or causal factors in the occurrence. Please refer to the “Incident Investigation
Reference Guide” for assistance when completing this report. The guide is available on WorkSafeBC.com.
1)
2)
3)
4)
Employer
Worker
Use this sheet to record what has been discussed at your monthly health and safety meetings.
Participants:
4. Other concerns
List other health and safety concerns discussed.
5. Next meeting
Date and time of next meeting:
Name Occupation
a.m. r p.m. r
Date of injury or illness (yyyy-mm-dd) Time of injury or illness (hh:mm)
Description of the nature of the injury, exposure, or illness (What you see — signs and symptoms)
Name of witnesses
1. 2.
Provided worker handout Yes r No r A form to assist in return to work and follow-up
Alternate duty options were discussed Yes r No r was sent with the worker to medical aid Yes r No r
First aid attendant’s name (please print) First aid attendant’s signature
Patient’s signature
RESET
55B23 (R02/08) Page 1 of 1
These items must be kept in a container that can readily be taken to the scene of an injury. The
container must be weatherproof if necessary to keep the items clean and dry.
2 Safety pins
1 Pocket mask with a one-way valve (a pocket mask is only required if the person is trained in its use)
1 Instruction card advising workers to report any injury to the employer for entry in the first aid records,
and how a worker is to call for assistance
These items must be kept clean and dry and must be ready to take to the scene of an accident. A weatherproof
container is recommended for all items except the blankets. Blankets should be readily available to the first aid
attendant.
3 Blankets
4 Safety pins
WorkSafeBC online
Visit worksafebc.com for:
• Health and safety news and information
• Electronic copies of many WorkSafeBC forms and publications
• Searchable versions of the Occupational Health and Safety
For copies of this booklet
Regulation and the Workers Compensation Act
and other materials related
to small business, email
[email protected].
WorkSafeBC Prevention Information Line
The Prevention Information Line can answer your questions
about health and safety, including responsibilities, first aid,
reporting incidents, and finding an officer in your area.
Anonymous calls are accepted. Call 604.276.3100 in the Lower
Mainland or 1.888.621.SAFE (7233) toll-free. For after-hours and
weekend incidents and emergencies, call 604.273.7711 in the
Lower Mainland or 1.866.WCB.HELP (922.4357) toll-free.