Workplace Inspections

Objectives
After completing this awareness session, you will . . .

1. Understand the purpose of workplace inspections.

2. Identify responsibilities of management, the joint health
and safety committee (JHSC), the site reps and workers
(your colleagues).
3. Explain the process of workplace inspection.
4. Review hazard recognition opportunities commonly
found during school inspections.

May 2015
 Workplace Inspections
Ultimate Goal

To Prevent an Accident

3
 Purpose of Workplace
Inspections
The purpose of workplace inspections is to:
– listen to concerns
– recognize substandard conditions / processes
and behaviors (hazards) to prevent accidents
or loss
– assess the underlying causes of hazards to
determine the risk
– make recommendations to implement
controls to eliminate or reduce the risk to an
acceptable level

4
 Responsibilities
Section 9 -- OccH&S Act

9(23) members of the JHSC who represent workers shall

designate a member representing workers to inspect
the physical condition of the workplace.
9(26) shall inspect the physical condition of the workplace
at least once a month, or
9(27) if it is not practical, inspect the physical condition of
the workplace at least once a year, inspecting at least
a part in each month.
9(28) schedule of inspections established by the JHSC
9(29) employer shall provide information and assistance for
the purpose of carrying out the inspection
9(30) member shall inform the JHSC of situations that may
be a source of danger or hazard to workers.
5
 Worker Input
The input of those in the workplace can
provide detail to unanswered questions .

Workers’ right to participate

6
 Failure of Control
Accident Ratio Triangle

1 Fatality

Red line is the impact

of prevention 30 major loss injuries

300 recordable incidents

3,000 Concerns that should be identified during a

Prevention opportunities
near misses workplace inspection or an investigation.

Identification and
control opportunities
30,000
Concerns that should be identified
hazards, unsafe activity
during a workplace inspection.
and/or unsafe conditions

7
 Failure of Control
Accident Ratio Triangle

1 Fatality

Red line is the impact

of prevention 30 major loss injuries

300 recordable incidents

3,000 Concerns that should be identified during a

Prevention opportunities
near misses workplace inspection or an investigation.

Identification and
control opportunities
30,000
Concerns that should be identified
hazards, unsafe activity
during a workplace inspection.
and/or unsafe conditions

8
 Failure of Control
Accident Ratio Triangle

1 Fatality

Red line is the impact

of prevention 30 major loss injuries

300 recordable incidents

3,000 Concerns that should be identified during a

Prevention opportunities
near misses workplace inspection or an investigation.

Identification and
control opportunities
30,000
Concerns that should be identified
hazards, unsafe activity
during a workplace inspection.
and/or unsafe conditions

9
 Preparation
• Who?
• how / forms / circulation / follow-up
• entry arrangements
• scheduling
• what procedures / legislation applies
• who supervises / manages
• special hazards or PPE requirements

10
 Planning and Pre-audit
• What work is done?
• What hazards exist?
• What emergency plans apply?
• What equipment is used?
− manuals
− Inspections
− maintenance
• Previous incidents reported?

11
Tools to Help with the Inspection
• floor plans / site plan
• maintenance manuals
• MSDS /inventories
• Job Task Analysis
• equipment list
• record of materials purchased
• copy of OHSA
• checklist (s)
• camera
12
 Workplace Inspection Forms
A Workplace Inspection form must meet your
needs. It should be:
– simple
– detailed
– provide documented proof
– easy to use
– practical

13
 The Inspection Process
The inspection process involves:
• using your senses (sight, hearing, smell
and touch)
• staying focused
• discussing concerns with workers and
supervisors
• indicating unsafe acts and conditions in
the inspection report

14
 The Inspection Process
Hazardous Areas
Hazard Isolation Areas such as roof access:
– PPE and/or training required to protect the area.
– The area will be secured with signage indicating
the restrictions.
– Entry by non specifically qualified individuals may
be prohibited or special arrangements will have
to be made to inspect these areas.
– These areas are usually inspected by regulating
authorities and usually have there own
operational committees.
15
 The Inspection
– Look up and scan the ceiling area
– Look down and scan the floor area
– Look around – 360 degrees
– Look in
– Look for things that don`t seem “right ”
– Look for physical damage
– Look for the presence of hazards
– Look at systems – HVAC, plumbing
– Electrical and lighting

16
 The Inspection
Entering a Room or Site
1. Before entering a room or site give it an
overview from the entry.
2. When entering the room proceed to a central
area and carry out a 360 degree overview of the
room.
3. If part of the room is obstructed proceed to the
obstructed area and redo the 360 degree
overview.
4. Proceed with the full inspection.
17
 The Inspection – Don’ts
• interrupt workers performing critical tasks
• touch potentially hazardous equipment,
objects or work surfaces
• just perform the quick once over and
leave
• leave serious hazards unaddressed
• become distracted

18
Workplace Inspection Report

 identify location of hazard

 describe hazard in detail
 indicate if repeat item
 assess or prioritize hazard
 suggest possible causes
 recommend corrective actions
 indicate person responsible
 follow-up
19
 Risk Assessment

Classify Hazard Severity:

• “Severe or Critical”
- Major Hazard - Fatal / Critical
• “Serious”
- Moderate Hazard - Serious Injury
• “Minimum”
- Minor Hazard - Minor Injury
 Risk Assessment

Classify Hazard Probability:

• “high” - Very Likely
• “medium” - Possible
• “low” - Very Unlikely
Put them together to create a
Risk Assessment
 The Final Inspection Report

• Send the final report to the individual

delegated the responsibility by management.
• Send the final report to the individual
delegated the responsibility by the JHSC for
committee action and follow up.

23
What is a "hazard?"
condition or _________________
An unsafe _________________ practice that may or may
not cause damage to property, equipment, materials or the environment
injury or _______________
OR an ___________ illness to an employee.

How can a person be an “accident

waiting to happen”?

24
 Hazards Revisited
Physical Agents
A physical agent is a source
of energy that may cause
injury or disease.
Examples:
− noise and ultrasound
− vibration
− radiation – x rays
lasers, UV
− electrical/arc flash
− heat or cold
25
 Hazards Revisited
Chemical Agents
• A chemical agent is a chemical or
chemical compound that has
harmful effects on human health.
• There are a many of many different
types.
• Anytime a worker is exposed to any
chemical (solid, liquid or gas) in the
workplace a chemical hazard is
present.
Refer to WHMIS and regulations on
designated and controlled products.
26
Hazards Revisited
Biological Agents
A biological agent is ...
1. an living organism,
2. product of an organism
(exotoxin), or;
3. component of an organism
(endotoxin)
... that has harmful
effects on human health.
Refer to WHMIS and biohazards training

27
Hazards Revisited
Safety or Physical Hazards
Examples:
− electrical
− frayed cords, missing ground pins
− spills, liquid slipping hazards
− tripping hazards and obstructed
hallways, aisles or stairs
− unguarded equipment
− working at elevations
− ladders, step stools
− weather related outdoor
assignments
− mobile equipment
− carts, trolleys, material moving devices
28
 Hazards Revisited
MSD’s and Ergonomics
Examples:
− poor lighting
− improperly adjusted
workstations and chairs
− frequent lifting
− poor posture
− awkward movements
− repetitive movements
− using too much force

29
 Hazards Revisited
MSD’s and Ergonomics
Ergonomic hazards are hazards that put a strain on a person’s
body due to: 1 - the type of work,
2 - body position, or
3 - forces exerted while working

They are
generally
difficult to
identify without
speaking to and
observing
workers
30
 Hazards Revisited
Psychosocial (stress)
Psychosocial stress results from perceived threats
(real or imagined) when a person feels they have no
control nor the ability to directly deal with the threat.
Examples:
− work overload or under load
− loss of control
− role uncertainty and conflict
− Isolation, working alone
− workplace bullying or violence
Harassment (bullying) and violence are
now regulated .
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What can you see …

32
Looking
for …

33
CHECKING . . .
Safety Board
Postings

34
CHECKING . . . Safety Board Postings
• JHSC members names and contact numbers  Yes
No
• JHSC meeting minutes – previous summaries  Yes
No
• JHSC site inspection previous reports  Yes
No
• Occupational Health & Safety Policy  Yes
No
• Occupational Health & Safety Act /  Yes
WSIB In case of Injury poster  No
• First Aid Attendant name & location  Yes
No
35
CHECKING . . . General Items
• Visitor signing in and out  Yes
No
• Signs and fixtures are securely fastened to the wall  Yes
No
• Signage directing visitors accordingly  Yes
No
• Washrooms and common areas accessible  Yes
No
• Appropriate policy manuals for staff available  Yes
 No

• Internal security measures implemented  Yes

No
36
CHECKING . . . Grounds & Public Areas
• Outside stair and sidewalks are in good condition  Yes
and free of tripping hazards No
• External lighting is adequate, parking spots are  Yes
well marked and walkways lighted No
• Areas of concealment by scrubs and trees are  Yes
removed No
• Speed limit signs are posted and traffic flow is  Yes
controlled and monitored No
• Scrubs are cut back away from entrances to  Yes
minimize rodents  No

37
CHECKING . . . Storage Areas
• Heavy items, e.g. paper, stored on lower and  Yes
middle shelves No
• There is a CSA approved step stool or ladder  Yes
available to reach the top shelves No
• All chemicals labelled, e.g. photocopying toner,  Yes
MSDS available for the products stored No
• Shelving is stable and secure  Yes
No
• Items stored on shelves are well organized to  Yes
minimize falling of loose materials  No
• TVs, VCRs, DVD players or other loose devices  Yes
secured No
38
Stairwell

39
CHECKING . . . Hallways and Walkways
• Main hallways and foyers are clear of materials or  Yes
equipment No
• Floors are kept dry, clean and free of oil or grease  Yes
No
• Wet floor signs are available  Yes
No
• Carpet or tiles are in good condition ( no lifting  Yes
carpets or loose tiles) No
• Doorways and exits are clear of materials or  Yes
equipment  No
• Lighting levels and emergency lighting in hallways  Yes
are adequate
No
40
Office

41
CHECKING . . . Libraries/Computer Labs
• Bookshelves situated with clear paths for exit in  Yes
case of emergency No
• All wall mounted shelves securely fastened to the  Yes
wall No
• Computer cabling and power bars secured to  Yes
prevent tripping hazards No
• Workstations, chairs and tables are in good  Yes
condition and are organized in a safe fashion No
• Computer, video or audio workstations utilize but  Yes
do not piggyback power bars  No
• Network cabling devices are arranged to prevent a  Yes
tripping hazard
No
42
Classroom

43
CHECKING . . . Satellite buildings/houses
• Area around and under buildings is well drained,  Yes
interior free from water leaks No
• Steps, porch, ramps and hand rails are in good  Yes
working condition No
• Snow and ice is removed at both doorways and  Yes
approaches to the doorways No
• There is adequate interior and exterior lighting,  Yes
emergency lighting functioning No
• Heating and ventilation units are functioning and  Yes
grills are clean and clear of books, paper, etc.  No
• There is a communication system that links the  Yes
building to the main office
No
44
CHECKING . . . Gymnasium
• Suitable restraints for volleyball net posts, handball  Yes
nets & storage to prevent tipping and falling No
• Fixtures such as bleachers and basketball  Yes
backstops secured properly and safely No
• Retractable bleachers, basketball backstops and  Yes
floor sockets operating properly and safely No
• Balls, other sporting equipment organized and  Yes
stored safely, prevent release or obstruction No
• Fixed equipment, ropes, climbing racks, external  Yes
field equipment in good operational shape  No
• Secure guards are over any lighting/alarms/PA to  Yes
ensure no damage by normal gym activities
No
45
CHECKING . . . Kitchen/Food Prep Areas
• Appliances in good condition, pot holders, mitts  Yes
accessible, fire extinguisher nearby No
• Local exhaust ventilation (where installed)  Yes
operating with filters and hood is clean No
• Area around and above stoves or hoods kept free  Yes
from combustible materials No
• Food is stored in appropriate containers and not  Yes
left out to attract rodents and insects
No
• Fridges clean (no old food), dishes are cleaned
 Yes
regularly, garbage removed daily
 No
• Juice cans, tetras, are properly rinsed out for
 Yes
recycling
No
46
Custodial Closet

47
CHECKING . . . Custodial Work Area
• Heavier weighed items are stored below shoulder  Yes
height, chemicals stored below eye level No
• Flammable safety cans are stored in outside  Yes
storage areas, or as per Board policy No
• Floors are clear of tripping or electrical hazards  Yes
and exits are not blocked No
• Ladder and or stepping stool is available and in  Yes
good working condition No
• All chemicals labelled, including proportioners  Yes
MSDS available for the products stored  No
• Custodial room is not made available to students  Yes
of the public
No
48
CHECKING . . . Electrical Safety
• Power bars connected to main receptacle, not to  Yes
another extension cord No
• Electrical equipment grounded / CSA approved  Yes
No
• Cords secured under desks or along baseboards  Yes
No
• Three wire plugs have the ground pin securely in  Yes
place No
• Electrical panels are not obstructed  Yes
 No
• Cords, fixtures & plugs are in good condition  Yes
No
49
Maintenance Shop

50
CHECKING . . .Shops/Metal/Wood/Auto
• Appropriate machine guards in place, ear plugs  Yes
shields, safety glasses, etc, available No
• Hearing protection, Safety Glasses signage posted  Yes
No
• Ventilation/exhaust systems operable,  Yes
compressed gases are stored securely No
• Material Safety Data Sheets available  Yes
No
• Flammable materials stored according to WHMIS  Yes
Regulations  No
• Eye wash station well maintained  Yes
No
51
Receiving Area

52
CHECKING . . . Fire Safety & Emergency
• Less than 20% of total wall surface area is covered  Yes
by combustible art/paper materials No
• Emergency exits marked and free from obstruction  Yes
No
• Emergency lighting system functional  Yes
No
• Fire doors are closed as required, door stops  Yes
removed No
• Fire alarm pull stations marked and free from  Yes
obstruction, smoke/fire alarms are in place  No
• Fire extinguishers are clearly marked, secured and  Yes
inspected with tags
No
53
 After the Inspection
After the inspection is complete:
• JHSC reviews the report
• Follow up, validate controls are
being followed
• Review implementation of any
recommendations
• Evaluate effectiveness

54
 Summary
Together we . . .

1. Understood the purpose of workplace inspections.

2. Identified responsibilities of management, the joint
health and safety committee (JHSC), the site reps and
workers (your colleagues).
3. Explained the process of workplace inspection.
4. Reviewed hazard recognition opportunities commonly
found during school inspections.

May 2015