OHS hazards

Below is a list of some Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) hazards

Noise

Noise is a common hazard in the workplace. High levels of noise can cause temporary or permanent levels of hearing loss, depending on the type of noise (e.g. power tools, laundry equipment, helicopters and service equipment).

The occupational health and safety team works to implement control measures to ensure that workplace noise is kept at acceptable levels, as established by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists. In cases where noise levels exceed the acceptable criteria, workers are required to wear personal protective equipment in accordance with the Canadian Standards Association (CSA).

Respiratory

Eastern Health is committed to taking reasonable precautions to protect and maintain the health and safety of those exposed to airborne contaminants through their work activities. The organization is also committed to protecting everyone from the spread of infectious agents and other airborne contaminants.

Eastern Health has a Respiratory Protection Program, written in compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations, applicable Canadian Standards Association (CSA) standards and Eastern Health’s Personal Protective Equipment – Airborne Respiratory Protection HR-OH(o)-210 policy (login required).

Individuals required or permitted to work in a place where there is danger to health from airborne contaminants, and where accepted engineering controls and other controls are not practical, must wear respiratory protective equipment appropriate to the circumstances.

Chemical Spill

Eastern Health’s Chemical Spill Response Program was developed to address the responsibilities, preparation, procedures and tools necessary in the event of a chemical spill within any of Eastern Health’s facilities. A number of training courses (login required), guidelines and documentation are available for our employees and physicians. Employees should consult with their occupational health and safety coordinator for more detailed information.

Access training course for chemical spills on LEARN (login required).

Hazardous medications

We developed a program that protects employees who may be at risk of inadvertent exposure when handling medication that is designated hazardous by National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). This program requires us to follow prescribed procedures and to wear appropriate personal protective equipment as per the level of risk.

• Access training course for hazardous medications on LEARN (login required).

Asbestos

Recognizing that asbestos materials used in the historical construction of our facilities may represent a serious threat to health, we have developed an Asbestos Management Program to mitigate any adverse health effects. This program applies to all activities within the operation of Eastern Health facilities and to all staff, patients, residents, clients and visitors. Employees who wish to find out who the asbestos coordinator is for their site, or have any questions, should contact the Infrastructure Support Department at their site.

• Access training course for asbestos awareness on LEARN (login required).

Mould

Eastern Health has a Remediation of Mould Contamination Program in place. Exposure to moulds can cause symptoms such as nasal stuffiness, eye irritation, wheezing or skin irritation. Some people, such as those with serious allergies to moulds, may have more severe reactions. Employees should consult with their occupational health and safety coordinator for more detailed information around remediation.

Radiation

We ensure all staff and physicians responsible for delivering diagnostic and therapeutic services to clients follow Eastern Health’s Radiation Safety Policy and Procedures as well as applicable federal and provincial acts and regulations.

Eastern Health offers training and supports to ensure radiation safety. The organization also has a Radiation Safety Committee that recommends appropriate actions to increase safety and compliance. For further information on radiation safety, please contact the regional radiation safety officer.

• Access training course for radiation safety on LEARN (login required).

Musculosketal injury (ergonomics)

Staff whose work requires spending significant amount of the workday in an office may be at a risk of developing musculoskeletal injury due to awkward and/or sustained postures, repetition or direct pressure to a body part. We have an ergonomic program for such employees to determine if they are at risk of injury, and if so, to minimize or eliminate that risk. Please contact the occupational health and safety coordinator for more information.

Policy: Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention – Office Workstation Ergonomic Assessment (PDF)

Working Alone

We endeavour to provide and maintain a healthy and safe workplace. In keeping with occupational health and safety (OH&S) legislative requirements, our team ensures that all workers who may be required to work alone or in isolation are proficient in their program’s Working Alone operational guidelines. Employees seeking specific guidelines about working alone should consult with their program director.

Policy: Working Alone or in Isolation – Community Based Programs (login required).