30 Workplace Safety & Prevention Services
Closing the Loop: Setting Up a Health & Safety System in Your Small Business
common Hazards (continued)
cuts and Bruises
Injuries caused by knives and power tools are
not uncommon where these tools are used.
Ensure that employees follow these safe
work practices:
Knives:
Use the right knife for the job; keep it sharp
Always cut away from yourself
Use a flat surface or a cutting board
Use knives only for their intended purpose
— cutting
Don't clean a knife along the sharp edge
Avoid talking to others when cutting
Store knives securely in racks when not using
Power Tools:
Beware of moving parts
Use the right tool; know how to use it
Use it only as it was intended
exposure to chemical hazards
Chemicals are commonly used for cleaning
in many sectors. Unfortunately exposure
to these hazardous substances can cause
serious harm to workers. Steps must
be taken to control that exposure. For
example, if workers use industrial cleaners,
they need to wear the proper personal
protective equipment. The area has to be
well-ventilated. And chemicals must be
handled and stored properly. Employees
have to be trained to recognize and
use chemicals properly. For example, if
employees are using industrial cleaners in
the workplace, are they wearing the proper
personal protective equipment, are they
ensuring that the area is well-ventilated.
Are chemicals being handled and stored
properly? To prevent irritation, or even
serious injury or disease, workers must be
trained to recognize and work safely with
chemicals.
heat stress
Heat stress can affect those working indoors
and outdoors. Some guidelines for reducing
the risk of heat stress in the workplace and to
considerably cool things down, would be to:
Determine appropriate work-rest
schedules
Schedule work to limit exposure in
extreme heat; alternate work and rest with
frequent rest breaks
Know the warning signs and symptoms
Keep hydrated and well-rested, in a cool,
ventilated rest area.
Always pair workers if there is a risk of
heat stress
Dress for the heat and wear protective
equipment
Workplace hazardous materials
information system (Whmis)
The Right to Know is the premise on which
WHMIS is based. It is a system that is
used throughout North America to ensure
consistent labelling and categorizing of
hazardous materials. Employees must receive
WHMIS training, which allows them to
recognize hazards identified on warning labels
and Material Safety Data Sheets; to safely
handle, store and dispose of these materials;
and to apply appropriate first aid should they
come into contact with these materials.
As the employer, you need to ensure
that you:
Maintain an inventory of all hazardous
substances used in the workplace
