ouldn’t it be great if we were warned before an injury occurred? For example, if we knew that a worker was going to be badly cut while using a saw, we could give the worker safety training before the incident. However, we don’t always know when incidents are going to happen. But we can reduce the number of incidents by assessing hazards and reducing the risk of injury. Hazard assessment includes: Hazard identification: finding hazards that could cause accidents in the workplace. Hazard assessment: judging the degree of danger that the hazard poses to workers (the risk factor) Hazard control: developing a plan to reduce or remove a hazard before it causes accidents An incident is often referred to as a near miss or an event that could have led to an accident. Accidents may result in injuries to: Workers Property damage Environmental damage Loss of process. Accidents include minor injuries (e.g., cut finger) as well as fatalities (death). Hazards Defined A hazard is an act or condition that could cause an incident that may end in injury, illness or loss. A hazard can be a ladder or tool left lying on the ground and not returned to its proper place. It can also be chemicals that a worker may have to use. Reporting all incidents is important for reducing hazards. It helps improve the safety of all workers doing similar jobs.
The Act also has that covered! Section 28 states: No person shall dismiss or take any other disciplinary action against a worker because that person did what this Act told them to do. The purpose of the OH&S Act is to protect you at work. Always remember: No one can force you to do something at work that you think is unsafe. If you refuse to do work that you think is unsafe and are fired, the following actions may be taken: Section 28.1 (OH&S Act) What is the OH&S Act? What is the purpose of the Act?
Processing and packaging: Light fixture assembly, meat processing, bakeries Manufacturing: Metal work, sawmills, concrete mixing plants Construction Trades: Oil field maintenance, water well drilling, residential construction Transportation, communication and utilities: Trucking services, warehousing, movie theatres Wholesale and retail: Grocery stores, clothing stores, book stores, car dealers Retail trade services: Hardware stores, service stations, car repair shops Government departments and agencies Business, personal and professional services: Staffing agencies, veterinary clinics, hair salons, restaurants, hotels Businesses that do not require workers’ compensation coverage include: Animal grooming services Museums Baby sitting services Banks Accounting services Domestic help Golf courses Modeling agencies Telemarketing Farming (exempt from OH&S) Real estate agencies Travel agencies Medical offices
certain non-profit recreation or athletic programs, and school bus drivers are entitled to not less than 2 hours pay at the minimum wage if they are employed for less than 2 hours. All other workers are entitled to not less than 3 hours at the minimum wage if they are employed for less than 3 hours and they are available to work for the full 3 hours. • A deduction for a meal or lodging cannot reduce the minimum wage by more than the following amounts: $2.89 per meal consumed and $3.82 per day of lodging. Payment of Earnings Workers must be paid not later than 10 days after the end of each pay period. When employment ends: 1. If the employer terminates an worker’s employment: a) with notice and/or pay in lieu of notice - pay is due not later than 3 days after the last day of work; b) and no termination notice is required to be given - pay is due not later than 10 days after the last day of work. 2. If the worker terminates their own employment: a) by giving a termination notice - pay is due not later than 3 days after the last day of work; b) and no termination notice is required to be given - pay is due not later than 10 days after the last day of work; c) and fails to give the required termination notice - pay is due not later than 10 days after the date on which the notice would have expired had it been given. Statement of Earnings and Deductions Workers must receive a detailed written statement of earnings and deductions for their retention each pay period. An employer may deduct from a worker’s earnings amounts permitted by an Act, regulation, judgment, order of a court or amounts personally authorized in writing by a worker. No deduction can be made from a worker’s earnings for faulty workmanship, or cash shortages or loss of property if anyone other than the worker had access to the cash or property. Hours of Work Hours of work must be within a period of 12 consecutive hours in any one day. An exception to this requirement exists for