Occupational Health - COR Element 14
COR Element 14 deals with Occupational Health
In the construction industry, workers are sometimes exposed to chemicals used for building of infrastructure or installation of equipment. These activities may also generate physical agents such as noise and/or vibration. Working outside can exposure workers to ultraviolet lights. Ontario has several legislations that govern the use of chemical and physical agents. Their purpose is to ensure workers are trained, agents are measured and controlled by the employer, and medical surveillance programs are in-place to monitor the impacts on workers. The regulations outline the allowable exposure limits for working around chemical and physical agents. Some of the applicable regulations are listed below:
R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 860: WORKPLACE HAZARDOUS MATERIALS INFORMATION SYSTEM (WHMIS)
R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 833: CONTROL OF EXPOSURE TO BIOLOGICAL OR CHEMICAL AGENTS
O. Reg. 381/15: NOISE
O. Reg. 490/09: DESIGNATED SUBSTANCES
O. Reg. 278/05: DESIGNATED SUBSTANCE - ASBESTOS ON CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS AND IN BUILDINGS AND REPAIR OPERATIONS
Exposures to chemical and physical agents can lead to chronic (long-term) or acute (short-term) occupational illnesses. For example, a worker exposed to an airborne toxic environment may suffer impacts to their respiratory system. All employees that may be exposed to physical and/or chemical agents require training on how to safely use PPE. They must also demonstrate proper comprehension and application of Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) to protect themselves from exposure. Special care and training are to be provided so that workers know how to carry out their tasks to mitigate acute or chronic exposures.
The COR audit tool verifies that an organization being audited meets the implementation and use requirements of investigation and reporting. A COR Auditor will examine and evaluate the following:
Documentation of the organization’s risk assessment for occupational health hazards.
Presence of controls that have been developed and implemented for each of the above hazards.
Availability of safe job procedures for the handling of chemicals, physical agents, and hazardous materials.
Evidence of chemical spill clean-up kits on-site and adequate numbers of workers trained in their use.
Proper procedures for the handling and storage of hazardous materials.
Documented confined space entry procedures and records.
Verification that personnel have been properly trained on occupational health procedures.
Availability of appropriate sanitary services on site, including the supply of potable drinking water.
Proper application of all MSDS stipulations and requirements.
Any organization that can provide positive responses to the above is in a good place, and likely on its way to building a proactive workplace safety environment.
If you would be interested in a mini assessment of your current COR journey or are looking for an external auditor, we would be happy to help you. Please feel free to contact us at:
roger.belair@onsitehse.com or inquiry@cssp-inc.com
Presented by Roger Belair and Jason Colucci - Approved COR Associate Auditors.
