OVERVIEW
This safe operating procedure documents RETSD senior management's commitment to providing safety and health rules for the organization that are to be adhered to at all times.
This rules list is not intended to address all safety and health procedures and best practices, but to provide a baseline for workplace safety for the organization.
KEY LINKS
None.
KEY COMPLIANCE INDICATORS
RETSD has a list of safety and health rules that are always expected to be followed by all stakeholders.
These rules are clearly displayed on the workplace safety and health website and accessible to all workers and staff.
SAFE OPERATING PROCEDURE
PURPOSE
To define River East Transcona School Division (RETSD) safety and health rules that must be followed in all facilities by all stakeholders at all times.
SCOPE
These safety rules apply to all worksites, workspaces and stakeholders in the school division.
SAFETY RULES AND REGULATIONS ENFORCEMENT
The first contact for safety concerns or incidents should always be the immediate supervisor or person in charge. The supervisor or person in charge, with the assistance of other workers, can best implement a corrective action to an unsafe situation in the shortest time period.
Stakeholders should be aware that this consolidated list of safety and health rules and regulations is not exhaustive in scope. It is intended to highlight key safety considerations. Please refer to the workplace safety and health management system (WSHMS) for further details.
Worker failure to comply with division safety rules and regulations can result in discipline, up to and including termination of employment, or other remedies available at law.
WORKER RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Right to Know and Understand
Contact your supervisor or person in charge if you have questions or concerns about any work procedures, tools, equipment, facilities or chemicals with which you are working.
Right to Participate
Right to Refuse Dangerous Work
Worker Responsibilities
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
Welding and allied process (welding, soldering, grinding, brazing etc.) shall be performed by supervised persons in training or trained and authorized personnel only, using all necessary and appropriate fire prevention precautions, including open flame monitoring and fire watches.
When working in restricted of confined spaces or performing hot work, all safe work procedures shall be observed and applicable safe work permits issued prior to the commencement of work. Restricted and confined spaces shall be properly identified in all River East Transcona School Division facilities. If in doubt as to if a work situation requires a special work permit, contact your supervisor or person in charge.
SAFETY CONCERN OR INCIDENT REPORTING
1. Tell you supervisor and worksite administrator
2. File a written report without delay using a specified reporting tool electronically
Seeking medical assessment or treatment for a workplace injury?
Complete reporting steps 1 and 2 above and take an Occupational Health Assessment Form with you to your medical practitioner. (Blue brochure at safety bulletin board area)
If you still have questions or concerns regarding safety reporting in the workplace, after consulting with your local administrator, manager or supervisor, contact the Safety and Health Officer @ 204.471.5693 or email safetyofficer@retsd.mb.ca.
EMERGENCY EVACUATION
Know the location of exits in your work area and exit the building to the designated rally points for a head count in an evacuation situation.
To evacuate a building:
Exit the building from the closest exit door, upon hearing the alarm signal.
Proceed immediately outside the building to your assigned rally point.
Follow all instructions from your designated fire marshals and remain at the rally point. Do not leave until instructed to do so by a River East Transcona School Division official.
EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT
Know the location of fire extinguishers, eye-wash stations, first-aid stations, electrical panels and safe walk zones in your work area. Never block access to these locations with equipment or material storage.
WORKING ALONE OR IN ISOLATION
Working alone or in isolation means that a worker is either:
or
No worker shall be allowed to work alone or in isolation without a proper working alone plan and monitoring system in place.
Student workers should never be allowed to work alone or in isolation at any RETSD facility, as student workers require supervision at all times when performing work.
If workers at any time have questions or concerns about working alone or in isolation in their specific facility, department or occupational tasks please discuss and obtain clarification with your immediate supervisor or person in charge prior to conducting a working alone or in isolation session.
HOUSEKEEPING STANDARDS
Do not store machines, tools, or materials or otherwise block walkways, hallways, or exits.
SET UP, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE OF FACILITY AND EQUIPMENT
Never use extension cords as permanent wiring or to supply power to appliances like refrigerators, toasters, microwaves, or coffee makers etc.
Authorized personnel shall ensure energy sources are properly controlled (lock-out/tag-out) when performing routine or non-routine maintenance on equipment. Never attempt to clean, repair, adjust and grease, etc., any machinery while it is in motion, unless the equipment is specifically designed to safely allow the procedure.
No loose-fitting clothing (lab coats, neckties, shirt sleeves, shirt-tails, etc.) shall be exposed when operating or working around moving machinery parts.
unless said equipment is necessary for work and or approved for use by the area supervisor or person in charge.
RESPECTFUL AND SECURE WORKPLACE
All visitors, general public, contractors and non-employees must, upon arrival at an River East Transcona School Division facility, report to designated checkpoints and sign in on the register, and must display appropriate identification while in the facility or work site, if applicable.
USE OF PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT
Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn properly in designated areas and as required according to job tasks being performed.
PPE shall be kept in good condition and must be worn properly to ensure proper protection. Damaged or defective equipment shall be repaired or replaced immediately.
Supervisors are obligated to require workers to replace, repair or make other equipment accommodations if, in their opinion, the equipment no longer provides adequate protection or is a hazard in itself.
ERGONOMICS AND BACK SAFETY
Practice proper lifting techniques when lifting manually.
Crouch as close as possible to the object.
Get a good grip on the item.
Lift by straightening your legs. Keep your back as straight as possible and let your leg muscles do the work.
Always have your feet pointing in the direction the load is to go.
Never twist your body when carrying a load.
Keep the load as close to your body as possible when carrying.
Seek assistance if the load is too heavy or awkward.
AVOIDING SLIPS, TRIPS AND FALLS
Slips occur when there is a loss of traction between a person and the walking surface, generally leading to a fall. To avoid slips:
Avoid walking in areas not designated as walkways whenever possible.
Always clean up liquid spills from walking surfaces in a timely manner.
Clear snow and ice as much as possible from entrances, exits and walkways.
Apply grit sand or other traction-enhancing materials to walking surfaces.
Always wear appropriate, flat-soled, slip-resistant footwear when exposed to slippery walking surfaces.
Always use any PPE that may be provided that helps with traction control.
Trips occur when a person loses their balance, generally leading to a fall. To avoid trips:
Observe all rules regarding avoiding slips.
Observe all rules regarding ergonomics and back safety.
Always look in the direction of travel, keeping a clear view of the walking surface along the path.
If possible, plan your route and remove trip-hazard obstacles prior to travelling the path.
Observe and implement proper housekeeping standards.
Keep your hands out of your pockets and use your arms to help maintain balance and help break falls if they should occur.
Avoid having tools or equipment residing permanently in walkways, and ensure temporary installations are maintained in a fashion that minimizes trip hazard.
COMMUNICATION
A combination of hard-copy postings, distributions and electronic posting will be used to communicate safety and health program information within River East Transcona School Division.
TRAINING
All stakeholders shall be trained to their required level of involvement in the workplace safety and health management system to become familiar with its structure, organization, and how to look up and access information both electronically and in hard copy form through:
New employee orientation, employee manuals or employment information packages
Return to work or remedial programs, as required on an individual basis
Planned ongoing training through team meetings, individual coaching or other methods as developed or adopted.
IMPLEMENTATION, MONITORING, COMPLIANCE
Ultimately, the superintendent shall be responsible for the sustainability of the workplace safety and health management system and shall enforce compliance to standards at a divisional level.
Workplace safety and health management system compliance shall be managed through the application of performance management and progressive discipline policies and procedures.
Worker failure to comply with provisions of the River East Transcona School Division safety program may lead to discipline, up to and including discharge from employment and / or other remedies available at law.
REFERENCES
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act or equivalent legislation as applicable
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation or equivalent legislation as applicable
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation Part 02 – General Duties
Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Program Element 01 – Safety Policy and Management Commitment
All other associated and applicable workplace safety and health management system documents.