Do you know the hierarchy of hazard controls when working at heights?
July 19, 2021
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Working from heights is hazardous. However, with the right controls in place, work from heights can be completed safely, efficiently, and correctly. Fall arrest harnesses reduce injury and fatality, but they’re the least effective hazard control.
In this article we'll review: |
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Can you spot the signs of heat exhaustion and heat stroke?
July 5, 2021
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Canadian summers can be very hot. They’re also typically, humid, which can exacerbate the heat and drive the mercury up even higher. But the warmth of the summer sun can go from fun to dangerous very quickly, especially for those who work outdoors or inside in un-air-conditioned environments, such as:
For those who work in extremely hot temperatures, the summer season is a time of heightened awareness, because working in extremely hot environments or under direct sunlight can be hazardous. Risks include heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburn. In this article, we discuss: |
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Are open office plans extinct?
June 14, 2021
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Pre-COVID, open office plans were trendy. In fact, they were so desirable and cutting edge that many job postings listed open-office seating as a benefit to employment. Supporters of open office plans boasted their stylish, modern aesthetic and their propensity to fuel collaboration and team building. It was clear: open office plans were the future.
That was, until COVID-19 changed everything about the way we do business. All of the sudden, open offices represented danger, uncleanliness, and the potential for spread. In the wake of COVID-19, is the open office plan extinct? |
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Our Partners in Health and SafetyJune 3, 2021
MidSouthWest is proud to support local businesses that share our goal of improving workplace health and safety through our Partners of MSW program. This month, we'd like to introduce you to Vision Signs & Promos, a full-service sign & banner printing company locate.
There are many different options when it comes to creating a safety sign. Vision Signs & Promos can help you with design, formatting and printing a safety sign that suits the needs of your particular purpose. Visit our Partners of MSW page to learn more about the Vision Signs & Promos! |
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Get the most of out a slow summer by investing in employee health and safety training
May 26, 2021
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For most organizations, summer represents a slower time. Many workers take vacation, production and orders slow, and in some industries, the heat forces reduced hours. Many employers do not think about training during the summer months. However, there are many benefits to completing health and safety training in the summer!
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Employers Responsibilities Related to Medicinal Cannabis
May 19, 2021
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On October 17th, 2018, recreational cannabis became legal across Canada. However, medicinal cannabis has been approved for use in Canada since 2001. It is important to differentiate between recreational and medicinal cannabis use:
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It is mandatory to inspect all workplace equipment prior to use
April 26, 2021
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While it may seem redundant, pre-use inspections are an integral component of proving due diligence in the workplace. As well, pre-use inspections are proactive. They can help identify potential deficiencies or failures in equipment before an accident or injury occurs.
Pre-Use Inspections Pre-use inspections refer to the specific and frequent inspection of equipment such as lift trucks, cranes, mobile work platforms, presses, hand tools, ladders, etc. Complete pre-use inspections daily, or more often if there are multiple shifts in a day. Pre-use inspections do not take the place of other mandatory inspections. |
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Separating Home from Work when you Work from Home
April 14, 2021
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The COVID-19 pandemic has had lasting and drastic impacts on how people work. Organizations have had to pivot faster than ever before and continue to adapt to new and evolving safety measures and government guidelines. Mandates to work from home if possible are a notable change, and one that will likely continue as the pandemic eases.
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Distance learning, online training and virtual classroom training options now and in the future
March 31, 2021
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The COVID-19 pandemic has driven many drastic societal changes over a very short time. One of those major changes is to the way people access education. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, online training isn’t just an alternative – it’s the future.
Read more about the benefits of online training |
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What is Competency in the workplace?
March 18, 2021
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General competence is important in the workplace. Competence is defined as:
“having adequate or requisite abilities or qualities.” That definition applies to workplace safety in a general sense. Many workers define themselves as competent, meaning they feel able to do their jobs well and meet expectations. And yet, even the most competent workers may not be considered competent as outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the Act). Consider the following example. A worker who is very good at their job operating a press has been asked to cover a shift in the warehouse and operate a lift truck. Although the worker feels very confident and competent, they cannot operate the lift truck because they are not considered to be competent under the Act. When it comes to equipment operations, competency is key! |
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Best practices to ensure safety of new employees in the workplace
March 4, 2021
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Did you know that new employees are three times as likely to sustain a lost-time injury than seasoned workers? Almost half of all lost-time injuries among new hires happen within the first three months of training. Why is that?
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Comparing a Health and Safety Program Review and a Gap Audit
February 17, 2021
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Completing a gap audit is a very effective and proactive approach to safety in the workplace. The whole concept of a gap audit is to identify and correct deficiencies before an accident or injury takes place. Additionally, gap audits ensure that your entire safety program is compliant with the ever-changing and always expanding health and legislation in your jurisdiction and industry.
Unfortunately, gap audits are underutilized, usually because employers don’t understand the benefits, or how gap audits differ from regular health and safety program reviews. |
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The MLTSD Arrived. Now What? A Guide for the JHSC
February 9, 2021
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The thought of a surprise visit from the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development (MLTSD) is usually fraught with anxiety. But, since the MLTSD and the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) share a common goal, a visit from the MLTSD shouldn’t be a source of concern.
One of the ways that the MLTSD helps organizations work toward safety objectives is to perform both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. Unscheduled inspections, known as blitzes, are part of the MLTSD’s ongoing workplace compliance initiatives, and they’re usually aimed at specific sectors, industries, or practices. In this article, we cover: |
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Understanding hazards and safety protocols for lift trucks in warehouses and manufacturing plants
January 22, 2021
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Lift truck design hasn’t changed much over the years. It’s likely because the design, while quite simple, is effective and efficient. When operated properly, lift trucks are also very safe.
Lift Truck Hazards in the Workplace Lift trucks are most popular in manufacturing plants and warehouses; however, their use is not limited to these industries. Lift trucks are used to lift, move, and place, heavy loads and products on skids. Like any workplace process or equipment, there will always be hazards associated with the lift truck use. Some hazards include:
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Understanding electrical safety in the workplace
January 5, 2021
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Electrical hazards present a very serious risk to the life and health of those who work around electricity. In fact, one in every five critical injuries involving electricity results in a fatality. It doesn’t take much electricity to cause injury: less than one amp can result in stopped breathing and contact with only 15 amps may result in death.
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Have you ever considered making a New Year's Resolution for your organization?
December 1, 2020
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It’s that time of year again when we set resolutions aimed at helping us be the best we can be in the coming year. The idea of resolutions may bring to mind personal goals such as dropping a bad habit or learning something new. But have you ever considered making resolutions for your organization?
At MidSouthWest Safety and Consulting, we believe that setting safety resolutions sets the tone for the entire year. Not sure where to start? We’ve listed some safety resolutions for 2021 below. |
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How the Efficient JHSC uses Conflict Strategically
November 23, 2020
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Many view conflicts as negative, and unproductive. However, when used strategically, conflict can be very useful and productive. When it comes to the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), some conflict is even considered healthy!
What is Conflict? Conflict is defined as a serious disagreement or argument. Generally speaking, conflict is considered to be unproductive because it’s focused on a person, rather than an issue, idea, or value. Unproductive conflict just goes in circles, produces no resolutions, is repetitive, and ends up resulting in personal attacks. In contrast, when the focus on conflict is shifted from people to ideas, values, or specific issues, conflict can be very productive. Why? Because productive conflict, when focused on ideas, values, and issues, represents an open exchange of ideas. Everyone can present differing viewpoints and opinions. Working together, the JHSC can come to an agreement that satisfies everyone. |
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