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WORKPLACE HAZARDS

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A workplace hazard is any practice or condition that


can result in injury or illness to people, or damage to
property or the environment.
Some hazards are visible (e.g. sharp edges, smoke or
a spill) and other hazards may be invisible (e.g. laser
beam, pathogen agents, chemical vapour, noise).
Types of hazards will depend on your workplace, the
materials and equipment present, and the activities
conducted
When controlling workplace hazards, the following
HIERARCHY OF CONTROLS should be followed:
Elimination of hazard
Substitute (replace the hazard)
Engineering controls (e.g., ventilation, shielding)
Administrative controls (e.g., standard
procedures, shift rotation and training)
Personal protective equipment (PPE) (e.g., lab
coat, respirators, gloves, eye protection and face
shields)
In many cases, a combination of controls is required. Taken from: http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/

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YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT HAZARDS There is a hazard at the root of almost every
workplace death, injury or sickness. A hazard
Some people say that what you dont know can take many forms. Sometimes more than
cant hurt you. Thats not true at work. On one hazard can combine to make an even
some jobs, what you dont know can kill bigger hazard. You need to know about the
you. A hazard is anything that could hurt hazards in your workplace before you start
you or hurt the people you work with. All of working. Always be on the lookout for
us have heard about a worker or group of hazards to yourself or others. Before you start
workers who were killed on the job. We your work day, ask yourself questions like:
have heard of workers falling from heights,
getting caught in equipment or being
electrocuted and burned. Events like these Is any of the machinery broken?
send a shock wave through the workplace Are there warning labels or signs?
and the community, and it is tragic for the Is there any moving equipment I could get
victims family and friends. Unfortunately,
caught in?
this kind of event happens not once or
twice but dozens of times each year in Is there something I could slip or trip on?
Ontario. Do I need protective equipment?
Do I know how to do this job safely?

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WHAT ARE EXAMPLES OF HAZARDS?


Workplace hazards also
Workplace hazards can come from a wide range of sources. General include practices or
examples include any substance, material, process, practice, etc. conditions that release
that has the ability to cause harm or adverse health effect to a uncontrolled energy like:
person under certain conditions. an object that could fall from
a height (potential or
EXAMPLES OF HAZARDS AND THEIR EFFECTS gravitational energy),
WORKPLACE HAZARD EXAMPLE OF EXAMPLE OF HARM a run-away chemical reaction
HAZARD CAUSED (chemical energy),
THING KNIFE CUT the release of compressed
SUBSTANCE BENZENE LEUKEMIA gas or steam (pressure; high
temperature),
MATERIAL ASBESTOS MESOTHELIOMA
entanglement of hair or
SOURCE OF ENERGY ELECTRICITY SHOCK, ELECTROCUTION clothing in rotating
CONDITION WET FLOOR SLIPS, TRIPS, FALLS equipment (kinetic energy),
or
PROCESS WELDING METAL FUME FEVER
contact with electrodes of a
PRACTICE HARD ROCK MINING SILICOSIS
battery or capacitor
(electrical energy).

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Recognizing, Assessing, Controlling and Evaluating TYPICAL HAZARDS FOUND IN AN


Workplace Hazards UNIVERISTY

Supervisors and managers are responsible for knowing how Biological Hazards
to identify and eliminate or control workplace hazards and Chemical Hazards
to evaluate the controls. Ergonomic Hazards
Recognize the hazard Physical Agent Hazards
Observe the work, talk to workers, participate in Mechanical Hazards (working near
workplace inspections, review reports and records machinery)
and listen to concerns. Electrical Hazards
Assess the hazard Noise and Vibration
Understand the likelihood of a worker becoming Temperature Extremes
injured or sick, the applicable legislation and Falling from Heights
standards and the seriousness of injury or illness.
Slips, Trips and Falls
Control the hazard Working near Motorized Vehicles
Apply the hierarchy of controls Radiation Hazards
Evaluate the hazard Workplace Violence & Harassment
Understand how well the controls are working by
talking and listening to workers and observing the
work.
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Below is a list of the most common workplace hazards found in the University:
Biological
Chemical
Downtown Campus Environment
Hazardous Waste
Machine, Tools, Equipment (Using or working near machinery)
Musculoskeletal Disorders (Ergonomics)
Radiation
Slip, trips and falls

The University is a diverse workplace, and some locations and/or types


of work may involve particular hazards in addition to those listed.

Your supervisor, manager, or department will provide you with guidance


regarding other hazards that may arise in your particular workplace.

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Any bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, prions, natural and/or recombinant DNA & RNA;
pathogens of plants or animals; tissues, cells, blood and/or body fluids from humans or
animals; any synthetic form of human pathogen or toxin; proteins or toxins produced
by, or derived from, a micro-organism and able to cause disease in a human

Biological Safety Program outlines the requirements and procedures


Biosafety Permit required
Additional training may be required

For more information:


Your supervisor; EHS (Valerie Phelan at 416-979-5000 x4212 or vphelan@ryerson.ca);
http://www.ryerson.ca/content/ryerson/irm/programs_policies/bio_safety.html

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WHAT ARE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS?


Hazardous materials are chemicals or physical
agents regulated under the provisions of the
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information
System (WHMIS) and the Transportation of
Dangerous Goods and Regulations (TDG)
legislation. These are dangerous products that
may cause short- or long-term health problems or
damage to the environment.

WHAT IS WHMIS?
The Workplace Hazardous Materials Information
System (WHMIS) is a Canada-wide system
designed to give employers and workers
information about hazardous materials used in the
workplace Canada is transitioning to the Globally
Harmonized System which will be called
WHAT IS GHS? WHMIS 2015.
The Globally Harmonized System of Classification
and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS) is an
internationally consistent approach to classifying
chemicals and communicating hazard information
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through labels and safety data sheets.
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WHMIS 2015 includes new harmonized criteria for hazard


classification and requirements for labels and safety data
sheets (SDS). The roles and responsibilities for suppliers,
employers and workers have not changed.

Suppliers, defined as persons who, in the course of


business, sell or import a hazardous product, will continue
to:
identify whether their products are hazardous products;
and,
prepare labels and SDSs and provide these to purchasers of
hazardous products intended for use in a workplace.
Employers will continue to:
educate and train workers on the hazards and safe use of
hazardous products in the workplace;
ensure that hazardous products are properly labelled;
prepare workplace labels and SDSs (as necessary); and,
ensure appropriate control measures are in place to protect
the health and safety of workers.

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Workers will continue to: Hazardous materials are a fact of life in many
workplaces, and if handled incorrectly, could
participate in WHMIS and
cause injuries, illnesses or fatalities. According
chemical safety training
to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board
programs;
(WSIB), 23,789 workers suffered lost-time
take necessary steps to injuries related to chemical exposure during
protect themselves and 1999 to 2008. When employees and employers
their co-workers; and, are aware of the hazards around them and know
participate in identifying how to take necessary precautions, the risk of
and controlling hazards. an injury, illness or fatality is significantly
minimized. Fill container
to line only
Ryerson PPT course and
quiz WHAT THE LAW SAYS
WHMIS applies to all workplaces governed by the Occupational Health and
Safety Act.
There are also responsibilities under theTransportation of Dangerous Goods
and Regulationsfor companies that ship, handle or receive dangerous goods.
People who handle, ship, carry or receive dangerous goods must be fully
qualified, trained and certified for their work.

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HOW HAZARDOUS MATERIALS CAN AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS


Most workplaces use one or more hazardous materials and these materials have the capability
of causing serious illness, potential death to your workers, and serious impact on the
environment. Explosions, fires and spills may also occur resulting in catastrophic loss to
buildings, equipment and supplies. The human and financial toll of improper handling,
storage and disposal could be severe.

WHAT YOU CAN DO


Waste must be
Make sure that your workplace has a WHMIS program in place and that your
labeled and in
employees have
appropriate
been properly trained on how to use and store these controlled substances.
container to be
If your company
picked up
ships, receives or carries dangerous goods, ensure that you are compliant
with TDG and that
your workers are fully qualified, trained and certified to do this work.
Contact your health
and safety provider for information about the WHMIS and/or TDG training
they offer.

For more information:


Your| supervisor;
RYERSON UNIVERSITY | INTEGRATED RISK MANAGEMENT | ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH & SAFETY
EHS (Valerie Phelan at 416-979-5000 x4212 or | www.ryerson.ca/irm | irm@ryerson.ca | @RyersonSafety |
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Waste collection for CHEMICAL, BIOLOGICIAL AND RADIOACTIVE


materials is coordinated through Integrated Risk Management

This includes waste sharps collected in special containers and non-household batteries
Proper waste labeling, packaging, and storage are the responsibility of the waste generator.

It is unlawful to dispose of hazardous


waste down drains (even if neutralized)
OR placed in regular garbage THIS INCLUDES ANY SINK WITHIN
A BUILDING OR AN OUTSIDE
DRAIN

For more information:


Your supervisor; EHS (Valerie Phelan at 416-979-5000 x4212 or vphelan@ryerson.ca); http://
www.ryerson.ca/content/ryerson/irm/programs_policies/chemical.html

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Employees work with machines, tools and HOW MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT SAFETY WHAT YOU
equipment every day. Workplaces couldn't CAN AFFECT YOUR BUSINESS CAN DO
operate without them; however,
interacting with them has potential for A safe environment is a productive workplace.Health Machinery
serious injuries or fatalities if they are not and safety is not simply a legal obligation: it is a and other
used and maintained properly. business opportunity.You can boost your bottom line workplace
by improving health and safety performance, which equipment
The potential hazards are numerous, and reduces the costs associated with avoidable losses can be
include: and lost-time injuries, and leads to higher dangerous if
Safety hazards productivity. not used
Contact with moving parts properly.
Contact with electricity, heat, fire, cold, Anyone using
WHAT THE LAW SAYS equipment in
and other energies
Contact with pressurized gas or liquid Workplace machine safety law in Ontario is based on the
Health hazards the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). workplace
Contact with harmful chemicals or Regulations specified under the Act that are needs to be
biological hazards applicable to specific workplaces. thoroughly
Contact with harmful noise, radiation, trained in its
and/or vibration In the Act, the sections dealing with responsibilities operation
Exposure to ergonomic or MSD hazards of employers (s.25), supervisors (s.27) and workers and kept up
(s.28) set out general duties with respect to machine to date.
safety.

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Here are other ways to help staff stay safe when using Keep hands away from the cutting head and all
equipment. moving parts.
Avoid awkward operations and hand positions:
Keep the work area clean, tidy, well swept/washed, and
sudden slips could cause the hand to move into the
well lit; floors should be level and have a non-slip
cutting tool or blade.
surface.
Do not leave machines unattended: turn the power
Do not remove any guarding devices; make sure that
off.
they are in position and in good working condition
Avoid distracting an operator; horseplay can lead to
before operating.
Follow lock-out procedures before measuring, cleaning injuries.
Avoid wearing loose clothing, gloves, neckties, rings,
or making any adjustments.
Check and adjust all safety devices before each job. bracelets or other jewelry that can become
Wear appropriate personal protective gear as entangled in moving parts; confine long hair; do not
use rags near moving parts of the machine.
prescribed, including CSA-approved safety glasses with
Return all portable tooling to their proper storage
side shields (prescription eye wear is nota substitute).
Ensure that all cutting tools and blades are clean and place after use.
Clean all tools after use.
sharp; they should be able to cut freely without being
Do not use cutting fluids to clean hands.
forced.
Use a vacuum, brush or rake to remove any cuttings.
Ensure there is enough room around the machine.
Do not use compressed air to blow debris from
Ensure that all stationary equipment is anchored
securely to the floor. machines or from worker clothes.
For more information:
Your supervisor; IRM-EHS Cate Drum at 416-979-5000 x 7086 or cdrum@ryerson.ca

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WHAT ARE MSDs? WHAT THE LAW SAYS HOW MSDs CAN AFFECT YOUR
Employers are BUSINESS
MSDs are injuries that affect
muscles, tendons, ligaments required by law to MSDs account for 43% of all work-
and nerves. Injuries can take every reasonable related injuries, 43% of all lost-time
develop when the same precaution to protect claim costs, and 46% of all lost-time
muscles are used repetitively, workers from hazards, days. (Source: MOL: Prevention
or for a long time without including those that Workplace Pains and Strains! Its
adequate rest. This type of may result in MSD time to take action!) Between 2003
injury increases if the force injuries. The MSD and 2007, MSD claims resulted in 2.5
exerted is high and/or the job prevention guideline, million days off work. During this
requires aw awkward posture. announced in same period, Ontario employers paid
Some examples of MSDs February 2007, is more than $1 billion in direct and
include back pain, carpal clear about indirect costs related to MSDs.
tunnel syndrome, tendonitis employers Indirect costs include overtime,
and tenosynovitis. MSDs do not obligations. equipment modifications,
include musculoskeletal Numerous sections administration, retraining and lost
injuries or disorders that are under the productivity. Employers can improve
the direct result of a traumatic Occupational Health their bottom line and employee
event, such as a fall, being and Safety Act (OHSA) morale by fitting the work
struck by or against an object, and regulations relate environment to the worker. Less
being caught in or on to MSD prevention strenuous tasks make it easier to
something, a vehicle collision, and ergonomics. train workers. Healthy workers, free
or workplace violence.
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from discomfort, are more efficient. |
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Whats wrong with how this worker is


sitting while working on the computer?

Many workplaces have ergonomic-related
safety hazardsthat can cause repetitive
stress or musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs).
And although MSIs arent generally
considered serious injuries under the OHS
laws, they do account for a high
percentage of workplace injuries overall
and workers comp claims.
For example, the worker in this X-ray is
hunched over in a posture that places
stress on his back, neck and shoulders.
Such poor posture and positioning while
working on a computer can lead to carpal
tunnel syndrome, tendonitis and other
MSIs.

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Tips for Correct Posture

TheOHS laws in all Canadian jurisdictionseither expressly or implicitlyrequire employers to
protect workers from ergonomics-related hazards, even in office spaces. So if your workers
spend time at a desk or workstation or in front of a computer, make sure they maintain an
ergonomically neutral posture, which is one in which:

Hands,wristsandforearmsare straight, in-line and roughly parallel to the floor;
Headis level (or bent slightly forward), facing forward, balanced and in line with the torso;
Shouldersare relaxed;
Upper armshang normally at the side of the workers body;
Elbowsstay close to the body and are bent between 90 and 120;
Feetare fully supported by the floor or a footrest if the desk height isnt adjustable and are
slightly forward;
Backis fully supported with appropriate lumbar support when the worker is sitting vertically or
leaning back slightly;
Thighsandhipsare supported by a well-padded seat thats parallel to the floor; and
Kneesare about the same height as the hips.
The positioning of the computer screen is also important for preventing MSIs:
The worker shouldnt be too close to or far from the computer screen20 to 40 inches is
optimal.
The screen shouldnt be tilted too far left or right. It should be tilted no more than 35 degrees
to either side.
The screen or keyboard also shouldnt be too high or low to use in a neutral posture.
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SET UP OF WORKSTATION
GUIDE FOR A HEALTHY WORK POSTURE
http://www.humanscale.com/form_function/ErgoGearGuide.cfm

You may have the finest products on the market, but even the best of the best ergonomic tools need to
be used properly to provide their full range of benefits.

Use the following guidelines to maintain healthy work posture and get the most out of your ergonomic
investment.

Sit
Raise or lower your seat so your thighs are parallel to the floor and your feet are flat on the floor or a
footrest.
Adjust the depth of your seat pan so you have at least 2 of clearance between the back of your knees
and the front of the seat.
Adjust the height of your backrest so it fits comfortably on the small of your back.
Adjust your chairs recline tensionif necessaryto support varying degrees of recline.Avoid using
recline locks.
Lean back and relax in your chair to allow the backrest to provide full support for your upper body.

Type
Position your keyboard support 1 1.5 above your thighs and angle the keyboard so it slopes slightly
away from your body. Be sure to keep your wrists in a straight, neutral posture while typing, and rest
the heels of your palmsnot your wristson a palm support.
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Mouse
Position your mouse close to the keyboardpreferably on a mousing platformto
minimize reaching.Avoid anchoring your wrist on the desk.Instead, glide the heel
of your palm over the mousing surface and use your entire arm to mouse.

View
Position your monitor at least an arms length away with the top line of text at or
just below eye level. Tilt the monitor away from you slightly, so your line of sight is
perpendicular to the monitor.

Illuminate
Position your task light to the side opposite your writing hand. Shine it on paper
documents but away from your monitor to reduce glare.

Align
Align your monitor and the spacebar of your keyboard with the midline of your
body. Arrange frequently used work materials within easy reach to minimize
twisting and reaching.

Rest
Take two or three 30- to 60-second breaks each hour to allow your body to recover
from periods of repetitive stress.
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WHAT YOU CAN DO STEPS YOU CAN TAKE:


Handle MSD risk Familiarize yourself with MSD
factors the way you hazards in your workplace
would any other Perform your own audit
workplace hazard: Establish controls to reduce
identify where workers worker exposure to MSD risk
could sustain an MSD factors
injury and eliminate or Have a well-documented MSD
control it. Make MSD program visibly in place
prevention a key Implement MSD-specific
element of your strategies, tools and training
workplace health and Train workers about the MSD risk
safety program. Apply factors in their job and in the
ergonomic principles workplace
early in the design Encourage workers to report MSD
phase of a new symptoms or concerns
For more information: process or task to save
Your supervisor; IRM-EHS (Cate Drum at 416-979-5000
money. x7086 or cdrum@ryerson.ca ); http://
www.ryerson.ca/content/ryerson/irm/ergonomics/index.html

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PEDESTRIAN SAFETY AROUND CAMPUS


Ryerson is in downtown Toronto. There are city streets
criss-crossing the campus. That means sharing the
campus with other people and various types of vehicles.

VEHICLES THAT YOU WILL SEE


ON AND AROUND THE CAMPUS

Delivery trucks from various suppliers


Ryerson trucks, vans & forklift trucks
Various construction vehicles and equipment
School buses, Commercial Coach Buses
Emergency vehicles
Cars, Motorcycles, e-Bikes, Mopeds, Scooters
Cyclists, Skateboarders
Construction of the new Student Learning
Centre
at the corner of Yonge Street and Gould Street

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PEDESTRIAN SAFETY TIPS


Be Visible Use/Wear Reflective
Clothing/Tape
Walk without distraction -- wait to text or talk on
cell phones
Always follow the Walk/Dont Walk Signals use
pedestrian push buttons at crossings
Look left, right and left again before crossing
Know your surroundings slow down if the
conditions are wet or icy
Wear bright colours add reflective tape to your
coat, knapsack, clothes -- be seen night and day
Impaired walking can be dangerous
Stay on sidewalks walk facing traffic and use
crosswalks
Expect the unexpected walk defensively
Dont dart out from between parked vehicles
Watch out for parked cars that may suddenly move
out of a space
Keep your view of traffic clear at all times. Dont
block your view with packages, umbrellas or other
objects.

Be Patient Be Considerate Be Safe

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Radiation Safety Program outlines the requirements and procedures


for ionizing and non ionizing substances and devices
Consolidated Licence for all ionizing radioactive materials
Radiation Permit required
Additional training is required

For more information:


Your supervisor; IRM-EHS (Valerie Phelan at 416-979-5000 x4212 or
vphelan@ryerson.ca);
http://www.ryerson.ca/content/ryerson/irm/programs_policies/radiation.h
tml

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Slips, trips and fallsare among Common hazards


the leading causes of injuries
resulting in workers missing Consider the following slip, trip and
time at work in Ontario. fall hazards in your workplace:
slippery surfaces (oily or greasy,etc.)
Preventing such injuries is a key
goal of every safe and healthy seasonal slip, trip and fall hazards
workplace. (snow and ice)
spills of wet or dry substances
Employers must: changes in walkway levels and slopes
Provide information and unsecured mats
instruction to workers on slip, unsafe use of ladders
trip and fall hazards. poor lighting
Encourage workers to report falls from beds of trucks, trailers or
slip, trip and fall hazards. loads
Identify and assess the risk of debris and cables in walkways
job-specific slip, trip and fall smoke, steam or dust obscuring view
hazards. lack of guardrails on mezzanines and
Establish controls to eliminate balconies
or reduce workers exposure to unsuitable footwear
slip, trip and fall hazards. poorly maintained equipment
Ensure the control measures are (ladders, fall arrest,etc.)
working.
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Controlling Hazards
When a hazard has been identified, the employer must take every precaution reasonable
in the circumstances to protect workers. Employers must provide information, instruction
and supervision to workers to protect their health and safety.
Consider the following when establishing safe work practices for your workplace:
characteristics of physical work area
weather conditions (snow, ice, rain,etc.)
tasks performed
workers work practices Engineering controls
Control measures for slip, trip and fall hazards
may include: slip-resistant flooring and slip-resistant mats
Engineering slope of surface (ramps, handrails)
Administrative surface free of obstructions/holes
Safe Work Practices appropriate drainage
Personal Protective Equipment adequate lighting (minimize glare and contrast)
minimize environmental influences (blocking wind, preventing wet
surfaces from icing,etc.)
guardrails for raised floors, mezzanines and balconies
sound footing for ladders and work platforms.

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Administrative Controls Safe Work Practices

provide wet floor signage clean up spills


train workers to prevent slips, promptly
trips and falls remove debris, snow
establish safe work practices and ice
communicate a procedure for routinely clean floors
reporting hazards with appropriate
ensure prompt maintenance solutions
design jobs to minimize tasks use two hands to
requiring excessive climb\descend
pushing/pulling, line-of-sight ladders
obstruction and over-reaching maintain three-point
ensure shovels, mops and contact on ladders
buckets are readily available clean castors on
correct poor work practices wheeled carts
conduct Joint Health and Safety remove clutter from
Committee monthly inspections walking surfaces
review slips, trips and same- clean grease build-up
level fall incidents from slip resistant
mats

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Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)


Select appropriate footwear based on a risk
assessment of the job task.
Wear proper-fitting footwear that may include slip-
resistant soles.
Properly select, use and maintain fall protection
equipment.

All workers have the right to work in a safe and


healthy environment. A strong workplace health
and safety culture requires all workplace parties
to adhere to the OHSA and its regulations.
This includes paying constant and appropriate
attention to workplace health and safety issues.

For more information:


Your supervisor; IRM-EHS (Cate Drum at 416-979-5000
x7086
or cdrum@ryerson.ca)

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