Safety Policy

SAFETY GUIDELINES

Management Expectations

Supervisor/Foreman Expectations

Worker Expectations

New Employee Expectations

Personal Safety Policies:

a) Lockout Procedure
b) Equipment And Machinery
c) Fall Protection
d) Suspended Stages
e) Scaffolds and Ladders
f) Safe Lifting and Carrying

Housekeeping

Acetylene or Propane Devices

Workplace Hazardous Materials Informations System

Mieco Safety Group Health and Safety Committee

In accepting employment with a member of the MIECO Safety Group, you have joined a team dedicated to the production of quality work within a safe work environment. These safety guidelines form part of the terms and conditions of your employment. Safety is the result of effort and commitment from both the workers and the employer. The employees, together with their supervisors shall recognise definite hazardous situations and take the necessary steps to negate the hazard.

Occasionally, a hazardous situation or unsafe working condition may go undetected until after an accident. After an accident, we may learn that other workers have had a close call or had noticed the danger. In order to eliminate these types of accidents, it is essential that you discuss all near accidents with other workers and your supervisor. It cannot be left to the "other guy" to correct an unsafe situation. Working together, we can all identify potential hazards or accident situations. This identification followed by actions will reduce the potential of a hazardous situation and your chances of becoming injured.

As time goes on and you do the same job without any accidents, workers become complacent and feel they won't get injured. The hazards and potential for injury that existed when you first commenced work still exist. Therefore it is necessary to always think about safety and pre-plan any activity to be undertaken. Whenever performing an activity with two or more persons, ensure that there is constant communication to avoid one party taking an action when others are not ready or set.

A review of the accidents that have occurred in the past reveals that most if not all accidents can be prevented. Most times a previous near miss or hazard was previously discovered, yet there was no action to rectify the situation and there was a complete breakdown of communication between the workers working together. Whatever the reason, accidents are preventable.

With good employee/employer effort and co-operation, we can eliminate accidents caused by carelessness, complacency and lack of communication. By identifying potential accident situations and taking immediate steps to correct the problem, we can spare you, the potential injured worker, pain, anguish and frustration.

We trust that all of you will join the company in a personal dedication to loss prevention as a way of life.

A. Management will:

1. Provide the means and safety instruction and equipment to implement the company policy that has been established.

2. Enforce the company safety policy and ensure that any worker who wilfully disregards the Health and Safety Policy is appropriately reprimanded.

3. Require that all "contracted out" firms and employees are aware of and abide by this policy!

4. Conduct safety inspections and file reports of corrected safety violations.

5. Ensure we receive all Investigations on any and all accidents, and ensure all required reports are filed. Ensure all necessary corrective action has been taken.

6. Establish an appropriate first aid station for treating injuries.

7. Impose discipline, where appropriate, for health and safety violations.

8. Be familiar with the laws pertaining to safety, and any other basic requirements.

B. Supervisors/Foreman will:

1. Ensure all necessary personal protective equipment is worn, job safety materials, and first aid equipment is available and utilised.

2. Instruct all employees that safe practices are to be followed and safe conditions maintained throughout the work area.

3. Require all visitors to adhere to this safety policy and all safety regulations.

4. Encourage all people in their area to follow all safety regulations.

a) Document violations for future reference.
b) Report violations to proper representatives of Management.

5. Review all accidents with their staff to ensure all appropriate corrective action has been taken.

6. Have available copies of the current Occupational Health & Safety Act and Regulations.

7. Be familiar with the laws pertaining to safety and their basic requirements. (i.e. WHMIS, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Industrial & Construction Project Regulations).

8. Ensure that the workers are adequately trained and supervised to prevent unsafe work practices. Provide appropriate reprimand if an unsafe act is carried out.

9. Ensure that any unsafe conditions noted or brought to his/her attention on the work site will be corrected.

10. Instruct all workers in safe procedures, and job safety requirements - follow-up and insist on compliance!

C. All Workers will:

1. Work in accordance with good safety practices as discussed, instructed, and posted.

2. Refrain from any unsafe act that might endanger ones self or fellow workers.

3. Use all personal protective equipment and safety devices required or provided for the worker's protection.

4. Report any unsafe condition or act to their supervisor or safety representative immediately.

5. Assume their share of responsibility for thoughtless or deliberate acts that cause injury to ones self or their fellow workers.

6. Work in compliance with all requirements set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

D. New Employees:

1. Each new employee shall receive a copy of the company's policy and will be briefed by a company supervisor or member of management with respect to safety on the job.

2. Each employee will acknowledge and sign that they understand and will
follow the Safety Policy.

PERSONAL SAFETY

1. When operating any equipment or tools, ensure the appropriate safety equipment is utilised (i.e. gloves, safety glasses, ear protection and respirators).

2. Never operate tools or equipment unless you have been taught how to operate them properly and safely. If you wish to learn how to operate a specific piece of equipment or tool, consult your supervisor.

3. When doing any jobs requiring two or more people, ensure everyone is aware of what to do, when and how (Communicate).

4. After any close call or near accident, ensure that other workers are advised of the potential hazard as well as your supervisor. It's possible your near miss and subsequent dialogue may save someone else an injury.

5. It is important to always think about safety and recognise potential accident sites or situations. In addition, correct the hazardous situation, as others may not notice the hazard and have an accident.

6. Do not abuse or misuse equipment in any manner. Horseplay and fighting will not be tolerated.

7. No alcohol or illegal substances are permitted in the workplace. Anyone under the influence of alcohol or illegal substances will not be permitted to work and will be subject to disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment.

8. All employees must be suitably clothed to prevent injury from the elements and/or harmful substances.

9. Ensure that your supervisor is aware of any condition or situation which makes operating equipment or working at a height dangerous. Alternative duties will be assigned whenever possible.

10. Ensure all injuries and accidents are reported promptly to your supervisor. Failure to do so, could allow an unsafe situation to go uncorrected and be the cause of further injuries. In addition, your claim for Workplace Safety & Insurance Board benefits may be jeopardised

11. You have a legal right to refuse to do work that you believe is unsafe - use it, and then report your concerns to your supervisor.

LOCKOUT PROCEDURE

The goal of the lockout procedure is to ensure that machine hazards present during adjustments, repairs, and maintenance of equipment are minimized by the creation of a "zero energy" state in in that equipment. All employees are responsible for ensuring that the following safeguards are complied with during adjustments, repairs or maintenance of equipment.

1. Locate the area and identify the equipment or machinery to be worked on.

2. Identify all power sources affecting the equipment or machinery, such as electrical, pneumatic, hydraulic, steam, gravity or momentum.

3. Locate and identify all power source components on the equipment or machinery.

4. Determine whether it is physically possible to lock each power source.

5. If lockout is required, check with qualified operations personnel (supervisor).

6. Have your supervisor shut down the equipment or machinery. Install your personal safety lock with tag indicating name, time/date and work location.

7. Any power or product remaining in the equipment or machinery must be discharged or disconnected by authorized personnel only.

8. Look for any movement or signs of operation.

9. If there is no movement, try to restart.

10. Carry out work assignment.

11. When work is complete and the area is ready to resume operations, remove all locks, tags and lock-out devices. Check that all personnel are clear of the equipment or machinery. Ensure that all guards are in place.

12. ONLY QUALIFIED PERSONNEL ARE PERMITTED TO ATTEMPT TO RESTART EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY!!!!

EQUIPMENT AND MACHINERY

1. Equipment is to be operated and maintained by only competent trained and authorized personnel. All machinery and equipment is serviced and maintained by maintenance professionals. Management will ensure all scheduled maintenance is carried out at scheduled intervals or when there is a malfunction.

2. An operator must never leave the controls of running equipment unattended.

3. In the event that the view of an operator is obstructed, he/she shall request the assistance of a competent signal person.

4. Hydraulic equipment must not be left unattended while any part is in a raised position (i.e. forklift)

5. Hoisting equipment is to be operated by only certified personnel.

6. Loads being hoisted are not to be passed over workers, or handled in such a manner which might endanger workers.

7. The operator of hoisting equipment must obtain full visibility. In the event that his view is obstructed, he shall request the assistance of a competent signal person.

8. At no time should the operator of the hoisting equipment attempt to lift an object or load, which is in excess of the maximum load rated capacity. The operator must always ensure that he maintains full control of the load being carried.

9. Loads are not to be left suspended, unless an operator is at the controls of the hoisting equipment.

10. Log Books and Operators Manuals must be maintained for mechanical/electrical machinery or equipment that is being acquired.

11. The logbook will identify previous inspections, contain details of these inspections, frequency of inspections, maintenance and repairs. Logbooks must be maintained as prescribed in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and are to be available for review and viewing at any time.

12. Operator's Manuals must be maintained as supplied by the manufacturer, supplier, or equivalent for all mechanical or electrical equipment being acquired.

13. All equipment/tools must be effectively guarded and used in a safe manner.

14. Ensure electrical tools are effectively grounded. (GFI-Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters). If the cord is cut or frayed, or the motor casing is defective, they must not be used until properly repaired.

15. Do not operate electrical power tools or run electrical cords in very damp or wet areas. GFI must be used with all electrical tools used outdoors.

16. Do not leave power tools/equipment on when unattended.

17. Only competent and authorized persons are to use vehicles, man-lifts, lift trucks, or powered equipment or machinery.

18. Operators must always work cautiously and ensure that at no time is the operation of their Vehicle/Machine/Equipment placing themselves or others in danger.

FALL PROTECTION

FULL BODY HARNESS

1) The use of a safety belt with the D-ring rope attachment in the middle of your back is now not considered an appropriate means of fall arrest or travel restraint. Full-Body Harness is the only acceptable method.

2) A full body harness is required for all fall arrest applications. These should be CSA certified. These should be snug fitting and worn with all hardware and straps intact and properly fastened. A fall arrest system consists of:
(a) Full body harness
(b) 5/8" diameter nylon or equivalent lanyard.
(c) rope grab/shock absorber
(d) lifeline and lifeline anchor

3) A competent person on the proper use and wear of a fall arrest system must train all workers'. Each worker must have written record they have undergone proper training. This training not only deals with when to wear, but, how to wear, adjust and inspect the equipment to be used to ensure it is in proper working order

GUARDRAILS

1) Never work on an elevated floor or platform of any kind where you may fall 2.4 metres or more without the protection of a guardrail at its perimeter or around any openings. If work must be conducted without a guardrail, a travel restraint or fall arrest system is mandatory.

2) The guardrail shall consist of a top rail not less than 0.9 metres and not more than 1.1 metres high, with an intermediate rail midway between the top rail and the toe board which is not less than 19 millimetres by 89 millimetres. The toe board is to be not less than 100 millimetres. The use of approved prefabricated steel guardrail sections is also permissible.

SUSPENDED STAGES

1) Workers on a suspended scaffold/platform must wear a full body harness connected to a fall arrest system.

2) An engineer must certify in writing that the equipment meets appropriate standards. A maintenance log of repairs and inspections is to be attached to the machine near the operators station.

3) A professional engineer is required to inspect the set up of the suspended scaffold/platform, stating in writing that it has been erected in accordance with the design drawing.

4) All workers who operate a powered elevating device must be given oral and written
instruction before using it for the first time

SCAFFOLDS AND LADDERS
1) Ladders must extend three feet above the top landing.

2) Always ensure the siderails and rungs are strong, not cracked or broken. Ensure the ladder base is in good repair and fully functional; if not in full operational condition, do not use.

3) Ensure all ladders are tied off at the top. Do not work off any ladder from either the top or second rung.

4) Avoid carrying any material up or down the ladder. Always use both hands when climbing up or down a ladder.

5) Ensure the scaffold is on solid footing. Use mud sills, base plates, etc. All horizontal braces, pins and clips are to be appropriately installed to ensure the strength and integrity of the scaffold frame.

6) Scaffold planking must be 2 x 10 rough number one grade spruce secured or cleated to prevent slipping.

7) Toprails must be not less than 38millimetres x 89 millimetres, intermediate rails must be not less than 19 millimetres x 89 millimetres and toeboards must be not less than 100 millimetres.

8) All scaffold platforms must have an appropriate means of access/ egress. No worker should be climbing up and down the scaffold frames.

9) Scaffold platforms must be a minimum 460 millimetres wide, but when scaffolding platform is more than 2.4 metres from the ground, the platform must be the full width of the scaffold.

10) Once scaffold is erected, it must be fully inspected by a competent worker, ensuring having been built correctly and in compliance with standards outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act prior to allowing workers or supplies on it.

11) Scaffold towers over 15 metres in height, shall be designed by a professional engineer.

12) All components of a rolling scaffold must be properly secured or locked together.

13) All scaffold wheels must have proper braking devices locked when scaffold is not being moved.

14) Rolling scaffolds over 3 metres high are not to be moved with workers on top.

15) No rolling scaffold shall be higher than three times its least lateral dimension including outriggers when used.

SAFE LIFTING AND CARRYING

Proper methods of lifting and handling protect against injury and also make the job easier.

The following are basic steps in safe lifting and handling;

(1) Size up the load and check overall conditions. Do not attempt to lift alone if it appears too heavy or awkward. Check adequate space for movement and good footing.

(2) Make certain of good balance. Feet shoulder width apart; one foot beside and the other foot behind the article to be lifted. Stand as close as possible to the item being lifted.

(3) Bend the knees; do not stoop. Keep the back straight. Tucking in the chin straightens the back.

(4) Grip the load with palms of the hand and the fingers. The palm grip is more secure. With grip taken, tuck in the chin to make certain the back is straight.

(5) Use the body weight to start the load moving and then lift by pushing up with the legs, as the legs are our strongest set of muscles.

(6) Keep the arms and elbows close to the body when lifting.

(7) Do not twist the body. To change directions shift the foot position and turn the entire body.

(8) If the load is to be lowered bend the knees; do not stoop. To deposit the load on a bench, shelf or table, place it on the edge and push it into position.

(9) When equipment is available and conditions make it practical, mechanical devices should be used for lifting and carrying. Cranes, hoists, elevators, conveyors, lift trucks and similar units are made for this purpose.
(10) When loading material onto scaffolding, you must either place all loads over frame or have the platform double planked. Once loaded, all guard rails must be fully re-installed

HOUSEKEEPING

One of the major causes of accidents includes material or debris being in places it should not be or not properly stacked.

1) Ensure your immediate work area is clear of loose materials. If you notice material laying loose, do not assume other will move it. Move it yourself or ensure that appropriate supervisor is immediately notified.

2) Ensure material and waste is stacked in a safe manner to avoid injuries of tripping or knocking material onto other workers.

3) Ensure all refuse is removed/ properly stored away from work areas as required to maintain a clean, safe and organized site. This is a daily requirement. All workers have a responsibility to maintain a clean and safe site on a daily basis.

4) Ensure main pathways or corridors are free of material, water or ice. If such exists, take steps to correct the problem prior to commencing work in the area.

5) All blocks and bricks are to be properly stacked and not left scattered about. Pieces of bricks and blocks should be kept away from aisles or corridors, to avoid a tripping hazard.

6) Co-operate in keeping lunch and storage trailers, toilets and drinking water facilities clean and sanitary. They are provided for your convenience and health. Use them as if they were your own.

ACETYLENE OR PROPANE DEVICES

1) Only qualified persons are authorized to do flame cutting, speak to your foreman if you have a question about the qualifications.

2) Always wear proper shaded goggles.

3) Inspect equipment. Be sure it's in good condition and keep it that way.

4) Keep all compressed gas cylinders full or empty standing upright and tied off with valve protection caps in place except when in direct use.

5) Keep intense heat away from all acetylene or propane cylinders.

6) Use a cylinder cart wherever possible.

7) A class ABC fire extinguisher of adequate size must be kept ready for use near all acetylene or propane fire equipment in use.

8) Keep flame cutter operations and open fire heaters away from combustible materials and debris.

9) Protect all enclosed shafts etc., in buildings from entry sparks with flameproof barriers.

10) All workers who handle propane on a construction site (receive cylinders, transport cylinders) and who install, activate and refuel temporary heaters up to a limit of 400,000 BTU must have a record of training acceptable tp Fuels Safety. This training is currently only acceptable when provided by CSAO, IAPA or Ontario Propane Association registered or recognized trainers. Any equipment rated above 400,000 BTU must only be installed, operated, maintained, etc. by a certified Gas Technician

11) Propane heaters must be a minimum of 50 feet apart when in use. A maximum of 3 - 100 lb. cylinders may be connected to each heater. Cylinders must be at least 10 feet away from the heater.

12) No spare cylinders, full or empty, may be stored in a building or heated space.

13) Use natural gas or remote bulk propane tanks piped in wherever feasible.

14) Avoid improper combustion and carbon monoxide or dioxide. All propane fire devices require one square inch of ducted fresh air for each 1,000 B.T.U.'s. When in doubt have your foreman perform a test for carbon monoxide presence.

15) "Tiger" or hand propane torches must be attended by a competent worker at all times. Never use a liquid torch inside a building.

WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System(WHMIS) is an information system implemented under the federal Hazardous Products Act and provincial OHS Act and Regulations to ensure communication of information about hazardous materials in the workplace. The information delivery system under WHMIS requires labels. Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and worker education programs.

Definitions

A "controlled product" or ingredient meets the criteria for one or more of the following classes of hazards: compressed gas, flammable materials, oxidizing materials, poisonous and infectious material, corrosive materials, and dangerously reactive materials.

"In proximity" is the area in which worker health and safety could be at risk during storage, handling, use or disposal, maintenance operations, or during emergencies such as spills.

Labels

Every "controlled product" must be clearly labelled either with the supplier's label or with a workplace label disclosing:

(a) A product identifier identical to that found on the material safety data sheet for the controlled product,

(b) Information for the safe handling of the controlled product, and

No labels are necessary only in circumstances where the entire controlled product in a portable container is required for immediate use, or if:

(a) the controlled product is under the control of and is used exclusively by a worker who filled the portable container,

(b) the controlled product is used only during the shift in which the portable container was filled, AND

MSDS Procedure (WHMIS)

(1) When MIECO Safety Group Members buys a controlled product or ingredient it must request a Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) before goods are received in the yard. If the product is new, MSDS must be received and approved by senior management before entering the yard. All approved purchase orders for controlled products must be stamped "MSDS REQUIRED".

(2) Master MSDS records are to be kept in the office. The company must also maintains a separate file of MSDS records and is responsible for updating all data and ensuring current MSDS records are distributed to the employees for filing. If a MSDS is three (3) or more years old, the Company is responsible for obtaining an updated MSDS from the supplier. If this is not possible, senior management is to be informed.

Worker Education

Information and instruction will be provided to all workers who work with, or in proximity to, controlled products. Employees or supervisors who believe that they have received insufficient information or instruction about a controlled product should immediately bring this to the attention of management

MIECO SAFETY GROUP HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE

It is our firm belief that through joint education programs, joint investigations of problems and joint resolution of these problems, the workplace will be safer and healthier for all employees. In furtherance of this objective MIECO Safety Group members will co-operate in establishing Joint Health and Safety Committee ("Joint Committee") which subscribes to the following general guidelines:

1. The Joint Committee shall be comprised of a minimum of two (2) members, one (1) chosen by the Company and one (1) chosen by the employees. The names of current Joint Committee members shall be posted for examination on the bulletin board.

2. The Joint Committee will meet every three months at a time mutually agreed upon and at such other times, as the Joint Committee deems appropriate. A copy of the minutes of each meeting will be posted on the bulletin board with copies given to the members of the Joint Committee and the local union chairperson within 5 working days of the meeting.

3. The Joint Committee will inspect the physical condition of the workplace immediately prior to its regular meetings. During this inspection, Joint Committee members will identify any potential or existing hazards or substandard conditions on a workplace audit form, signed by both members of the inspection team.

4. A copy of the workplace audit form will be forwarded to the Company President (or designate) within two (2) days of the workplace inspection. Senior management will inform the Joint Committee of the status of the outstanding items prior to the next scheduled meeting.

5. Senior management will communicate in writing directly to the Co-Chairpersons with regard to the minuted recommendations of the Joint Committee. This correspondence will include an assessment of the problem, identify who is responsible for resolving the matter and establish the time frame in which the matter is to be resolved. This response will be provided within two (2) weeks of the Company President's receipt of the Joint Committee's minuted recommendations.

6. The Joint Committee will investigate all lost-time workplace accidents and complaints. The inspection team will include a worker member and the appropriate supervisor. The inspection team will be responsible for ensuring that the requirements of section 9(31) of the OHS Act are carried out and for providing an accident investigation report to the Joint Committee.

MODIFIED WORK POLICY

It is the policy of members of MIECO Safety Group to make every reasonable effort to provide suitable alternate employment to employees who are unable to perform their normal duties as a consequence of appropriately documented and confirmed injury, illness or diminished capacity.

Each Contractor will attempt to absorb employees who cannot perform the basic duties of their former position as a consequence of injury, illness or diminished capacity. When this is not possible, all members will co-operate in meeting attempts of locating suitable and reasonable alternate employment.

MODIFIED WORK PROGRAM

Purpose

The purpose of the Modified Work Program is, to the extent reasonable, to provide a safe, yet productive, environment for workers recovering from sickness and injury by using pre-selected work assignments that conform to the appropriate work restrictions imposed on the worker by their physician. While the MIECO Safety Group member's recognize and acknowledges its legal duty to accommodate disabled workers, the Modified Work Program is not intended to provide permanent "light duties" or easy assignments.

Designation

Specific jobs are to be designated as available for modified work. Supervisors shall make these designations after consultation with their respective Company. Designated jobs may be part-time in order to accommodate concurrent medical treatment. The Joint Health and Safety Committee will be regularly informed and, where appropriate, its advice sought.

Assignment of Work

Where modified work is available, the employee's physician will receive a letter informing him or her of the availability of modified work and encouraging him or her to authorize use of the program for the patient. The letter will ask the employee's physician to include on the return-to-work notes: (1) specific work restrictions, and (2) expected duration of restrictions. The Company will be permitted to seek clarification of these restrictions where it is deemed appropriate. Where the Company requests that an employee undergo an additional medical examination or medical certification, the costs of such examination or certification will be paid by the Company.

The Company in conjunction with the WSIB will assess the circumstances of all candidates for the Modified Work Program in order to verify work restrictions, and assess the appropriateness of modified work assignments. Once approved and subject to the availability of work, workers will be assigned modified duties by the supervisor in their work area. If the worker reports that they are unable to perform the duties assigned, they will be referred back to the Company and the WSIB. Extensions of the duration of modified work should not be made routinely, rather they shall be made only after careful review.

Parameters

It may be necessary to set limits as to the number and entry level of participants. Records will be kept in order to monitor the success of the program.