Young Workers Awareness Program: 7 Seven Things You'd Better Know

1. Why is health and safety awareness important for young workers?

It is important as the hazards in the workplace are different than the ones occurred in day
to day life and special measures must be taken to recognize, asses and control the hazards
of the workplace.

2. List the top five (5) causes of injury to young workers and the five (5) most common
injuries to young workers between the years 1996 -1999.

Top Causes of Injury Most Common Injuries

1. 1. Sprains and strains

Struck against, struck by an object
2. 2. Loss of body part by amputation or
Overexertion avulsion
3. 3. Abrasions, blisters, contusions & fraction
Falls burns
4. 4. Fractures
Bodily reaction excluding overexertions
and repetitive motion
5. 5. Chemical, electrical and heat burns
Caught in or compressed by equipment or
objects

Identifying and Recognizing Hazards:

3. What is a hazard?

A hazard is anything that can hurt you or make you ill.

4. List the four (4) different types of workplace hazards and provide two examples of
injuries for each one:

Type of Hazard Examples (2 for each)

1.Chemical 1. a) A butane tank is punctured and

explodes
1. b) Drying paint releases VOC that are
carcinogenic

2.Physical 2. a) A ladder collapses while a worker is

using it.
2. b) A workers slips on oil

3.Biological 3. a) A flu spreads in the workplace and

causes vomiting.
3. b) In the hospital there are many bacteria
 and viruses that can harm medical staff
4.Ergonomic 4. a) Bad posture while using the computer
leads to back strain
4. b) A worker lifting boxes breaks their
back while bending down
5. What are some workplace hazards that you (and your friends and relatives) have
encountered?

One workplace hazard is improper posture. While using a computer it is easy to assume
improper position, but prolonged periods lead to strain and potentially carpal tunnel
syndrome over many years.

Assessing and Controlling Hazards:

6. Some hazards cause injuries right away (Acute) and some hazards take a long time to
cause injury or sickness (Chronic).

For each example below, identify the type of injury (Acute or Chronic) that could occur.

a. Slippery Floors - Acute

b. Excessive Loud Noise -Chronic

c. Repetitive Lifting of Heavy Objects -Chronic

d. Grease or Hot Water -Acute

7. Hazards should be eliminated if at all possible. However, if a hazard cannot be

eliminated, then it has to be controlled to reduce the risk of injury or illness.

What are the four (4) main ways hazards are typically controlled? Provide two (2)
examples.

Controlling Hazard Examples (2 for each)

1. Physical or Engineering Controls 1. a) A guard is placed on a sawing

machine to block debris
1. b) Automated machinery is increased to
reduce human exposure
2.Administrative Controls 2. a) Workers work shorter shifts each

2. b) Tasks can be rotated among workers

3.Personal Protective Equipment 3. a) Hearing protectors can be used in

noisy environments
3. b) Construction workers can use hard
hats.
4.Worker and Hygiene Practices. 4. a)Employees are required to wash their
hands
 4. b) Gloves can be worn by employees

Laws and Regulations:Three Basic Rights

Both the Ontario government and the Government of Canada have laws (Acts and
Regulations) to protect the health and safety of workers under their jurisdictions. The
Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) enforces the Occupational Health and Safety Act
(OHSA).

8. What is the purpose of OHSA?

The purpose of OSHA to is to set the general health and safety regulations that all
workplaces must abide to. These regulations are enforced by law and gives rights and
responsibilities to employees, employers and supervisors.

9. The Occupational Health and Safety Act gives every worker important basic rights.

Describe the following three basic rights:

a. You have the right to "know" .

You have the right to know the hazards of the job.

b. You have the right to "participate".

You have the right to participate in health and safety committees in the corporation, such
as the JHSC. You also have the right to take part in keeping your workplace healthy and
safe.

c. You have the right to "refuse unsafe work".

If you believe that the work is unsafe you can refuse to do so in most circumstances.

10. Can you be disciplined or fired for refusing to work because you have reason to
believe the work endangers your health and/or safety? Fully explain.

No because OSHA does not allow this. You cannot be disciplines for exercising a right or
responsibility,

11. The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that every member of the workplace
do his/her part to ensure a safe and healthy environment. Explain the purpose of the
Internal Responsibility System (IRS) and how it works.

The purpose of the IRS is to establish the duties and responsibilities of employers,
supervisors and workers.
12. Under the law, how does the Occupational Health and Safety Act define the term
"Supervisor"?

A supervisor is a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker.

13. The Occupational Health and Safety Act legislates duties and responsibilities for
everyone in the workplace. List the five (5) duties and responsibilities that you (the
worker) are required to do:

a. comply with the Act, any applicable Regulations and the company health and safety
rules

b. use all machines and equipment the way you were trained to use them

c. use any required personal protective equipment (such as hard hat, goggles, gloves and
safety glasses) the way you were trained. Don't change them in any way

d. report any hazards you see to the boss as well as anything you think may contravene
the Act, its Regulations or company safety rules;

e. always work safely and not fool around

14. What is the responsibility of the employer and/or the supervisor for each and every
person who starts a new job?

make sure that required health and safety training is given to you;
make sure that you are provided with proper equipment and trained to use
it safely;
make your supervisors and you aware of any known hazards in the workplace;
take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect you;
in workplaces with more than 5 workers, have a written health and safety policy
and program, and post it where you can read it;
post the names of the Joint Health and Safety Committee members or
Representatives where you can see them;
post the Act and the WSIB In Case of Injury poster where you can read them;
post Ministry of Labour orders where you can see them.
make sure that you work safely and use any required safety equipment;
advise you of the existence of any potential or actual danger to your health and
safety that they are aware of;

15. Training is an important component of learning about a new job. Fully explain the
two types of training that must be given to new workers.

a. General workplace safety information and/or training alerts workers to basic safety
 concerns and procedures in the workplace.

b. Specific safety training teaches workers to do their job safely and to use machines
that the job requires, including procedures, protective guards and lockout procedures.

16. Employers must ensure that workers have and properly use the personal protective
equipment (PPE) required for the job. Provide four (4) examples of PPE:

a. Hard hats

b. Safety glasses

c. Protective gloves

d. Hearing protection

17. Is using your protective equipment (PPE) an option? Explain.

No it is not an option because OSHA requires workers to follow the health and safety
guidelines as one of the responsibilities.

18. Apart from personal protective equipment, some occupations will require you to use
hygiene facilities. Provide two examples and explain why they are necessary for
workplace health and safety.

These are necessary as some hazards are biological and toxic and nature and cause harm
to the health of the workers. They may also prevent hazardous agents from being carried
away from the workplace.

19. Why dont young workers report injuries? Provide three reasons.

Your employer may be a family friend and you're afraid they may be
insulted if you report on injury.

You might be afraid the boss will think you can't do the job properly if you
report the injury.

You might be afraid your co-workers will think less of you.

20. Why should you report any injury or illness? Provide three reasons.

To make sure you get the correct medical treatment right away.

To make sure you receive the appropriate compensation for your injury or
illness without delay.

So the cause of the injury or illness can be investigated and corrected to

prevent it happening to someone else or causing a more serious injury.

21. Ontarios Workplace Safety and Insurance Act

a) What is the purpose of Ontarios Workplace Safety and Insurance Act (WSIA)?

The purpose is to promote safe and healthy workplaces, help workers who have been
injured or made ill from their work return to their jobs quickly and safely, and to provide
compensation benefits while they are off work.

b) Who administers this Act?

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board(WSIB).

22. In all cases of injury or illness at the workplace, what are the two most
important steps that you take?

Get first aid treatment right away.

Tell your boss about any injury as soon as possible, no matter how
small.

23. What is the main purpose of a Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)?

The purpose is to gather worker and employer representatives to improve health and
safety conditions in the workplace.
24. WHMIS--What does WHMIS stand for? List the four key points of WHMIS.

It stands for Worker Hazardous Materials Information System.

The four key points are:

1. hazard identification and product classification

2. labels
3. safety data sheets (SDS)
4. worker education and worksite specific training.