Workplace Safety and Safety Culture

Summary

The video from the Faculty of Applied Sciences at SFU emphasizes the importance of workplace safety for future engineers. It covers safety culture, the significance of a proactive approach to safety, and the benefits of a positive safety culture for employees and employers. The script also discusses mandatory training, the role of professional bodies like Engineers and Geoscientists BC, and the legal framework provided by the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. It highlights the role of WorkSafeBC, workers' rights, risk assessment, and the dangers of complacency, urging viewers to remain vigilant for safety.

Takeaways

• 🏛️ Welcome to SFU's Faculty of Applied Sciences, where you'll learn not only engineering skills but also workplace safety.
• 🛠️ Safety on the job is an active behavior; be proactive in asking about safety and assessing the safety culture of your workplace.
• 👨‍🔧 Develop a 'safety first' approach to all work activities and encourage a positive safety culture among colleagues.
• 💼 A positive safety culture can retain good workers, improve morale, increase productivity, and save the company time and money.
• 📚 Training is crucial; ensure you are properly trained before operating machinery or conducting processes, and document your training.
• 🎓 As an engineer, understand the risks associated with your decisions and follow the high legal standards set by professional bodies.
• 📖 Familiarize yourself with the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) and the Workers Compensation Act's OHS provisions.
• 🏥 WorkSafeBC provides a no-fault insurance system and promotes workplace safety through various means, including inspections and education.
• 🚫 You have the right to refuse unsafe work and report unsafe conditions to your supervisor or escalate the issue if unresolved.
• ⚠️ Risk assessment is key for evaluating and mitigating hazards; always be aware of risks and avoid complacency in your work.

Q & A

What is the importance of safety culture in the workplace?

A positive safety culture is crucial as it can help retain good workers, improve morale, increase productivity, reduce the number and severity of safety incidents, and save the company time and money by avoiding accidents and legal disputes.

How can an individual contribute to a positive safety culture?

Individuals can contribute by developing a safety-first approach to all work activities, being proactive in asking about safety, and encouraging others to do the same.

What are the benefits of a positive safety culture for a company?

A positive safety culture can help a company retain good workers, improve employee morale, increase productivity, reduce work-related incidents, and potentially lower insurance premiums. It can also enhance the company's reputation as a socially conscious and safe employer.

What is the role of training in ensuring workplace safety?

Training is essential as it equips workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to perform their duties safely. Employers are obligated to provide training, and workers should not operate machinery or conduct processes until they have been properly trained.

What are some of the online courses offered by SFU related to workplace safety?

SFU offers online courses such as WHMIS and orientation to the bullying and harassment policy, which are mandatory for workers. As a future engineer, understanding the risks associated with decisions is also important.

Why is it important for engineers to understand the risks associated with their decisions?

In Canada, engineering is a regulated profession, and registered members are held to a high legal standard. Understanding risks is crucial to adhere to the high safety, health, and welfare standards outlined in the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of BC (APEGBC) code of ethics.

What is the purpose of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR)?

The OHSR aims to promote occupational health and safety and protect workers and others from work-related risks to their health, safety, and well-being.

What does WorkSafeBC provide and how does it contribute to workplace safety?

WorkSafeBC provides a no-fault insurance system, health and safety information, standards and guidelines, education, worksite inspections, collaboration with agencies, and access to prevention resources to ensure workplace safety.

What rights do workers have regarding unsafe work conditions?

Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work, including tasks they are not properly trained for. They should report unsafe conditions to their supervisor, and if unresolved, the issue can be escalated to the joint health and safety committee or Union group, and eventually to WorkSafeBC.

Why is it important for engineers to perform risk assessments?

Risk assessments are crucial for evaluating hazards associated with work and mitigating risks. They should be conducted for new tasks, process changes, new equipment, chemicals, or any potential source of hazard introduced into the work environment.

How can complacency lead to accidents in the workplace?

Complacency can cause workers to skip safety checks or steps in the work process, leading to a higher chance of accidents. It's important to remain actively aware, follow procedures, and take time when working with hazardous tasks.