Occupational Health and Safety Overview (terms)

Introduction to the New Question Style

• Mini case scenario format:

• Example: "Sally is a manager in a company performing various actions like training with a senior manager."

• Purpose: Identify the training technique from given options.

• Encourage identifying the answer before looking at the options to enhance understanding.

Exam Preparation Strategies

• Recommended to review 3 old exams if aiming for an A grade.

• Total of 60 multiple choice questions across 6 chapters: each chapter contains 10 questions.

• Important focus on the chapter about Employee Health and Safety.

Engagement Techniques

• Used relatable examples from games like Clue and shows like CSI and 13 Reasons Why to emphasize the investigative nature of occupational health and safety.

Accident Causes and Prevention in Workplaces

• Discuss the types of accidents and their potential causes by showing various workplace scenarios.

• Examples:

  • Electricians: Hazards of electrocution.

  • Retail Work: Risks associated with difficult customers and merchandise handling.

  • Office Environment: Risks from poor ergonomics leading to injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome.

Importance of Occupational Health and Safety

• Previous models placed full responsibility on employers; modern models promote joint responsibility among:

• Employer

• Employees

• Health and Safety Committees

Roles and Responsibilities

• Employers: Must create a safe work environment, maintain records, and post safety notices.

• Employees: Must take reasonable care for their safety, refuse unsafe work, and participate in health and safety processes.

Understanding Work Conditions

• Unsafe conditions caused by management include inadequate training, poor environmental factors, and lack of safety equipment.

• Unsafe actions taken by employees, such as not following safety protocols or rushing tasks, can lead to accidents.

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

• Learn to identify WHMIS symbols that indicate hazardous materials.

• Essential to understand which materials are labeled as flammable, toxic, corrosive, etc.

Substance Abuse and Testing

• Random drug testing is illegal in Canada; can only be performed for safety-sensitive jobs.

• Positive tests should lead to accommodation rather than immediate termination.

Job-Related Stress and Burnout

• Stress factors include high demands of the job and personal traits.

• Employees can combat stress through healthier lifestyles, relaxation techniques, and finding supportive environments.

• Organizations can help by identifying stress symptoms and providing reasonable accommodations.

Violence and Bullying in the Workplace

• Importance of having policies to address workplace violence and promote a safe work environment.

Final Remarks

• Emphasis on the importance of practical applications of knowledge.

• Reminder to revisit old exams and prepare adequately for the upcoming exam.