Fall 2011 OHS Bulletin

Summer is all but over and most of us have returned to work after vacations. ? It is important to remember to ease ourselves back into our jobs. ? Remind yourself to think carefully and always be alert for occupational hazards. ? These hazards can exist in many forms and employers and employees must know how to identify and monitor them.

Chemical Hazards

  • Liquid (e.g. acids)
  • Dust (e.g. total, silica, wood dust)
  • Fume (e.g. metallic fume from welding operation)
  • Mist (e.g. oil mists)
  • Gas (e.g. CO, H2SO4, CH4)
  • Vapour (e.g. solvents such as toluene, acetone, formaldehyde)

Physical Hazards

  • Noise
  • Vibration (i.e. whole body, hand/arm etc.)
  • Radiation (i.e. ionizing/non-ionizing)
  • Lighting (i.e. inadequate or inappropriate lighting)
  • Temperature Extremes (i.e. too hot or cold)
  • Pressure Extremes (i.e. in aviation and deep sea diving)

Biological Hazards

  • Bacteria
  • Viruses
  • Fungi
  • Enzymes

Ergonomic Hazards

  • Awkward posture, excessive force, increased frequency & duration of exposure as a result of:
  • Workplace design, or
  • Equipment design.

Occupational Hygienists

When is it necessary to use outside health professionals to assist with hazard identification, assessment, and mitigation?

It is necessary to consult with a health professional such as an Occupational Hygienist, when an employer is no longer able to ensure:

  • The protection of employees
  • Compliance with provincial regulations
  • Complaints or requests regarding hazard exposure are addressed
  • Adequate engineering controls

Why Hire an Occupational Hygienist?

Hygienists are able to provide assistance with:

  • Identifying hazards
  • Monitoring worker exposure
  • Interpretation of results
  • Recommendations and solutions for unsafe work environments

Hygienists are:

  • Professional
  • Reliable
  • Knowledgeable
  • Trusted
  • Ethical

Worker Exposure Monitoring

Airzone can provide assistance in assessing worker exposures to occupational hazards. ? Our occupational hygienists have the knowledge and skills to assess work exposure to chemical, physical, and biological hazards. ? We can also assist with health and safety program development.

OHS Updates

Reminder: ? Ontario has updated O.Reg. 833 as of July 1st 2011. ? Exposure limits for biological and chemical agents can be found in Table 1 of the regulation. ? Should the agent not exist in Table 1, then the ACGIH Table applies and must be referenced. ? Exposure cannot exceed the TWA, STEL, or Ceiling values.

Bill 160

The Occupational Health and Safety Statue Law Amendment Act received Royal Assent on June 1st, 2011. ? As a result changes were made to the OHSA and the WSIA. ? The primary change was that the Ministry of Labour has taken over responsibility for workplace injury and illness prevention from the WSIB.

If you would like further information or if we can help you with any questions or assessments relating to occupational hygiene, please contact us and we will be more than happy to assist you with your needs.

Ryan Dignard: (905)-890-6957 ? Ext. 103 or 416-892-6924

Charles Geen: (905) -890-6957 ? Ext. 104