OSACH Safety Group Meeting
September 11, 2006 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m.
1. Welcome and call to order
Janet Avery, OSACH
· Janet Avery welcomed all members to the Safety Group meeting.
· Janet reviewed the results of the survey completed at the May 29, 2006 meeting and the results indicated that the majority of attendants liked the MSD training session followed by Competent Supervision, Developing a Violence Program and then Slips and Falls. In addition, the results of the survey indicated that larger print was needed for future handouts.
· In addition, it was announced that Fiona Macpate from OSACH, will be providing a presentation on Pandemic Planning for the November meeting. Janet Avery also mentioned that an Emergency Planning training session will also be looked at as a possible presentation topic for next year’s safety group meetings.
2. Transportation Health & Safety Association of Ontario
Mike Trace, THSAO
· Mike Trace provided a presentation on safe driving tips, common accidents and how to avoid them, inclement weather and defensive driving suggestions.
· Mike suggested that most accidents occur during clear days and also during the summer months. He suggested that this was the case because people are not as careful during this time period as they normally would be if the weather was a factor.
· He also discussed that 85% of collisions are a result of human error.
· Factors that can influence our ability to drive safe include; attitude, mental and emotional state, physical well being and knowledge.
· Another good practice in order to drive safe is to always go to the right hand lane in order to avoid head on collisions and try to drive in right hand lane whenever possible.
· Mike suggested that the safe driving following distance is 3 seconds and for winter weather conditions this increases up to 4 seconds.
· Since many accidents occur at interactions, Mike suggests that you make sure that when you stop that you leave enough space to see the rear wheels of the car in front of you. This will ensure that if you get hit from behind that you will be avoid hitting the car in front of you and also allows you will have enough space to go around the car in front of you.
· Mike stated that regarding blind spots, you should never put yourself in someone else’s blind spot. Mike suggests that if you can not see their mirrors then do not drive in that space.
· You can check out the Ministry of Transportation website for more statistics and information at http://www.mto.gov.on.ca/english/
· For winter driving tips you can check out the Transportation Health and Safety Association of Ontario website at www.thsao.on.ca.
· Janet Avery played OSACH’s Drive Alive video which is available for a cost of $100 dollars for members and $150.00 for non member. To order the video or for more information on the video visit www.osach.ca or contact OSACH at 416-250-7444.
3. Break
Members were asked to sign their names for their preferred break-out session topics being considered for the November meeting.
Janet then introduced guest speakers: Shelly Gibbons and Joanne Blake.
4. The role of the WSIB Ergonomist
Shelly Gibbons, Ergonomist, WSIB & Joanne Blake, WSIB
· They provided information on how to improve decision making processes for the return to work program as well as examining the roles of the WSIB Ergonomist.
· They suggested that employers should attempt to provide suitable work to employees that is safe and within their physical capabilities.
· They explained that the role of the WSIB Claims Adjudicator is to help to resolve disagreements between the workplace parties. In addition, they can also assist in cases where the injured workers have experienced difficulty in there job.
· It was also suggested that prior to an injury employer’s should know the job in terms of what the job is and how the job is being done. They also need to understand the risk factors for work-related musculoskeletal injuries. Furthermore, employers should establish an ergonomics committee and communicate with their workers.
· After the injury the employers should provide an early and safe return to work making sure that the job is within the workers medical precautions. In addition, the employer should review the job with the worker and ensure that any risk factors are addressed.
· Furthermore, the employer should look at what caused the injury in the first place and then review and modify the job for the return to work. The employer should also provide the Physical Demands Information Form to the WSIB for the identified job(s). This form is available at www.wsib.on.ca under employers then under forms.
· In regards to the Physical Demands Information Form PDIF 2830A, employers need to gather job information based on what is being done in the job and also the relevant physical demands in terms of how the work is being performed ie. force demands, postures, time factors etc.
· Next employers should also look at how the job is being done as it relates to the area of the injury.
· They suggested that some of the best practices for the return to work include communicating and involving the worker with the process, reviewing the jobs in detail prior to offering it to the worker and finally ensure that staff knows about the return to work guidelines.
5. Results of Summer visits and updates
Shelly Wall, WSIB
· Shelly explained that there were five firms that were selected for a spot check in 2005. Results of the spot check revealed that one firm did not qualify for the rebate, scoring zero. Overall, the 2005 Safety Groups results indicate that we may receive 72% of the total rebate.
· Shelly also discussed that there are five steps to achieving an element and they include written standard, communication training, evaluation and acknowledge success and or make improvement.
· Shelly discussed the importance of the evaluation of safety group elements and these include the following:
- to find out what’s working and what’s not working in the health and safety program
- Review your accident/ incident performance
- Address workplace culture issues ie. employee participation, supervisor support and functional JHSC.
- Good opportunity to review records re: standards, communication and training.
· Shelly Wall will be discussing a full overview of the Step 4 – Evaluation of Safety Group Elements at the November 13, 2006 meeting.
6. Closing
Janet Avery, OSACH
· Janet reminded all members that the Action Plan Progress Report were due today (September 11, 2006).
The next meeting will take place on November 13, 2006 from 11:30AM to 3:30PM at the International Centre, 6900 Airport Road, Hall 2, French Room.
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