Proper training is vital for workplace safety, not just for today, but for the long term.
With approximately 25,000 on-the-job accidents reported yearly in just the construction industry alone, the issue of workplace safety is no small concern. Many accidents are life-changing and some are even fatal.
'Before Day's End', a new documentary film commissioned by Christian Labour Association of Canada, provides deeply emotional first-hand accounts from victims and family members of those who have been injured or killed on the job. The film chronicles the details of five separate accidents and their devastating aftermath.
The message of the documentary is clear, that many take their lives and their work for granted. Viewers are invited to become aware not only of daily blessings, but of the importance of following safety precautions and of exercising care when working.
According to Mike Murray, Safety Coordinator for Industrial Electric in Weyburn, three key factors are compulsory for keeping the workplace safe - training, qualifications and competencies.
"Anything that's in the construction field or especially anything oilfield related, training is critical," said Murray. He said the protocols for documenting safety training must also be consistent in order to be effective. "It is not only critical for the guys' safety, but it is also a legislated requirement for any employer."
He added, "If we ask guys to do a task and it requires them to work at heights, we are required to ensure they have the training or to provide them with the training."
"Power mobile equipment training, for example, is if you're working with aerial lift platforms, requires hours of classroom and hours of supervised training and competency sign-offs."
Murray also added that employers prefer their potential employees to have foundational safety training certification, such as First Aid, H2S awareness, WHMIS, fall protection awareness, transportation of dangerous goods. However, most employers will provide any and all necessary training, along with client-specific or site-specific training.
Most safety training certifications require upgrading approximately every three years.
"It does require time, there's no two ways about that," said Murray, "but the time that is spent is very minimal to what it could cost if there was a serious injury or a fatality."
Murray noted that Industrial Electric follows the Three Fundamental Rights of Employees - the right to know what protection and compensation are available, the right to participate in workplace safety and the right to refuse unsafe work.
Following proper safety protocols is in everyone's best interest.
"It means whether they're going to be working for six months or sixteen years," said Murray. "If they are trained to do it and use the latest technology in training, chances are it's going to prolong their working career and hopefully they'll enjoy some retirement years."
Weyburn residents interested in learning more about the new amendments made to the Occupational Health and Safety Act will have the opportunity to attend an information session this fall. The Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety has scheduled 30 info sessions across the province to explain the legislative changes. Attendees will receive a guide that provides interpretations for each of the amended sections of the Act.
"These sessions are being offered to help explain the new rules," Labour Relations and Workplace Safety Minister Don Morgan said. "We're very pleased to have produced our first in a series of guides to help everyone in the workplace understand their OHS-related roles and responsibilities. Understanding the standards will improve compliance which will reduce the number of injuries and illnesses."
Highlights of the Occupational Health and Safety information sessions include 'Enhanced duties of employers, supervisors and suppliers', 'Duties of owners and prime contractors in the co-ordination of site safety on worksites with multiple employers or self-employed persons' and 'Procedures related to the creation and the effectiveness of occupational health committees and programs'.
The amendments will take effect following proclamation on September 3, 2012.
The local OHS information sessions will take place at the Weyburn Ramada on October 11 and November 15.
To register for a session, please call 1-800-567-7233 or 1-800-667-5023.
