All of us at CASS want to Welcome You to Our Organization! We pride ourselves on providing: quality, caring service to our clients quality, caring.

Welcome to CASS!

All of us at CASS want to Welcome You to Our Organization!

We pride ourselves on providing:• quality, caring service to our clients • quality, caring work place for our employees

and contractors. It is CASS’s goal to protect your health

and safety. To do this, we need your active participation.

Health and Safety Training

This is one of the training programs you will be involved in.

The purpose of this presentation is: To explain our policies and our commitment to

protecting your health & safety, and To explain your responsibility to ensure that you

and your colleagues are healthy and safe

Management’s Responsibility :

To promote employee’s health and safety while working by providing the tools and assistance needed. These include the following• Policy and Procedure Manual• Program specific Operations Manuals• Online training & workshops• Guidance and supervision • On the job training

Employee’s Responsibility :

A full commitment to actively participate in our health and safety program by:• Taking all the steps necessary to protect

the health and safety of all• Alerting your supervisor as soon as

safely possible regarding all safety incidents or situations which could immediately endanger anyone

• Alerting the Health & Safety (H&S) committee with work safety concerns or ideas

Health & Safety Committee’s Responsibility :

Make recommendations to the management team after gathering information through:• Conducting health and safety

inspections • Addressing each health and safety

incident/concern• Gathering ideas that will increase the

health and safety of CASS employees

Occupational Health & Safety ActAs an employee you are protected

under this provincial legislation and its accompanying regulations and codes. This law makes it possible for the company and each employee involved to be charged for • Failing to work safely• Failing to provide a safe work place• Causing harm to someone else

Occupational Health & Safety Act The Alberta Occupational Health and

Safety Act requires that we all work together to ensure we obey the laws, report hazards and incidents, and keep ourselves and others healthy and safe.

Health and safety feedback and ideas are welcomed!

www.worksafely.org

Right to Refuse Dangerous Work In Alberta, workers have the right to refuse work if they

believe it is dangerous. In fact, workers are obligated to do so.

No Employee should carry out any work if, on reasonable and probable grounds:• the worker believes that there exists an imminent danger to the health

or safety of that worker• the worker believes that it will cause to exist an imminent danger to the

health or safety of that worker or another worker present at the work site

Imminent Danger: In relation to any occupation…• A danger that is not normal for that occupation, or • A danger under which a person engaged in that occupation would not

normally carry out . If you have any reason to believe work is dangerous, advise your

immediate supervisor ASAP! If your supervisor is not immediately available contact Management at the

CASS office

Right to Know

In Alberta, workers have the right to know about hazards in their work place pertaining to their health and safety

The H&S committee and CASS Management and Supervisory team will: Inform every employee of all known hazards Provide H&S information and on the job

training Answer all safety questions or concerns

Risk Management

Managing risk is a simple three-step process: Identify any task which may be a risk to

your health and safety Determine the risk associated with that

task, including the likelihood and consequence of an injury occurring

Control the risk by eliminating it, or if this is not feasible, by reducing it as far as possible.

Hazard Ratings

This rating system is on the Hazard Report form. A – Major Hazard & Requires Immediate Action. A

condition or practice likely to cause permanent disability or loss of life

B – Serious Hazard & Requires Short Term Action (Soon). A condition or practice likely to cause serious injury or illness

C – Minor Hazard & Requires Longer Term Action. A condition or practice likely to cause minor, non-disabling injury or illness.

** We must manage our hazards. First by identification, then by elimination or control **

Your Duty to Report: Hazards All safety or hazard concerns/issues observed at a

CASS workplace will be reported to a supervisor via the Hazard Report Form

Conditions in the residence i.e., slippery sidewalks and no shovel, broken equipment, or an unsafe machine or equipment, etc.

Risks for our work: fatigue, stress, driving, working alone, infectious illnesses, back care (lifting and transferring people), unpredictability, and behaviours.

Forms are available on the CASS website under Staff Resources -> Forms and Documents after logging in (https://c-a-s-s.org/private/forms_docs/).

Policy 504.02

Your Duty to Report: Incidents or Near Misses Any injuries sustained and/or near misses that

occur while working will be reported to a supervisor via the Incident or Near Miss Report Form

WHY? Our legal and moral responsibilities So we can prevent them from happening

again. We report near misses in order to fix the

problem before an incident occurs. Forms are available on the CASS website under

Staff Resources -> Forms and Documents after logging in (https://c-a-s-s.org/private/forms_docs/).

Policy 504.02

Incidents involving vehicles, employee(s), and client(s)

If you are part of an incident involving a vehicle, during working hours, CASS staff are required to: Protect the accident scene; pull over, flashers on, etc. Make sure you

are out of the traffic. Call 911 for police and/or ambulance if necessary Give aid to the injured where advisable Contact CASS Complete an Incident or Near Miss Report Form CASS employees transporting clients in their own vehicle are required

to maintain a valid Class 5 Driver’s License, and inform their insurance provider their vehicle will be used for work and they will be transporting clients in their vehicles, and maintain current and appropriate vehicle insurance.

Policy 504.05

Forms are available on the CASS website under Staff Resources -> Forms and Documents after logging in (https://c-a-s-s.org/private/forms_docs/).

Inspections – Facilities

A safety checklist and/or site inspection will be conducted every time a client starts work/volunteering/living in a new environment

Residential inspection will be conducted on a semi-annual basis

Corrections will be made ASAP or in a reasonable time

Written documentation will be kept of inspections and completions of corrections/changes

Inspection forms are available on the CASS website under Staff Resources -> Forms and Documents after logging in (https://c-a-s-s.org/private/forms_docs/).

Policy 504.02

Personal Protective Equipment- PPE

CASS will determine what, if any, PPE is required for you to safely perform your job duties.

Examples of PPE are hard hats, steel toe boots, safety glasses, and gloves.

PPE requirements in this field of work are rare, the most commonly used PPE are gloves.

If necessary, a hazard assessment will be done of the work to determine what PPE is needed.

Each program’s operations manual will identify what PPE is supplied by CASS.

Know where PPE is located so you can better protect yourself.

Health Protocols Employees should be familiar with &

comply with Communicable Disease Regulations. To learn more research this on the http://www.albertahealthservices.ca/ website or contact them directly 403-944-7075

Universal Precautions are actions that you take to place a barrier between yourself and potentially infected body fluids

Universal Precautions

Blood and bodily fluids are passed from one person to another:• Through open areas of the skin• By splashing in the eye• Through the mouth• Unprotected sexual activity • Injury with contaminated needles or

other sharps• Prenatally (mother to baby) and during

delivery

Universal Precautions (continued)

Protect yourself from blood and body fluids by:

Having the injured person treat their own wound

If they are unable to take care of themselves then use gloves

If gloves are not available use plastic bags (trash, shopping, sandwich) over your hands to create a barrier

*Wear Disposable Gloves*

Universal Precautions (continued)

How to clean surfaces that have blood and body fluids on them: Wear Disposable Gloves Use disposable cleaning materials if possible Wash the area with soap and water, and then dry

the area Disinfect the surface with a solution of 1 part

bleach to 10 parts water (or use pre-mixed bleach cleaners e.g. Lysol). Allow the area to remain wet for 3 minutes

Dispose of cleaning materials and gloves in a sealed plastic bag

Wash hands with soap and running water (or disinfectant waterless hand sanitizer if soap and water are unavailable)

Proper Lifting TechniquesPlan ahead before liftingLift close to your bodyFeet shoulder width apartBend your knees and keep your back

straightTighten your abdominal musclesLift with your legs If you're straining, get helpWear a belt or back support

Proper Approach to Patient Transfers or Lifts The key elements to reducing injuries are: the

physical layout of the workplace, equipment, staffing, workload, and the approach to the transfer or lift

Proper documentation and communication should inform the caregiver of the client's abilities, transfer needs, physical stability, and tendency, if any, towards aggressive acts.

The caregiver should anticipate what actions would be necessary if the client loses balance or falls.

The procedure for the transfer should be clearly communicated and understood by any other caregiver assisting and the client.

The client should be transported the shortest possible distance

Do not rotate or twist the spine. Move your entire body in the direction of the transfer.

Proper Approach to Patient Transfers or Lifts (continued)

Never grab the client under his or her armpits as this could injure the client.

Position yourself close to the client and assure footing is stable.

Try to maintain eye contact with the client and communicate while the transfer is in progress.

Never allow the client to grasp you around the neck as this could result in injury.

Agree on the timing of the transfer with the client and other caregiver(s) and count together.

Assure that the path of the transfer or lift is clear from obstructions and that furniture and aids that the client is being transferred to are properly placed and secure.

Ergonomics for Computer StationThere are five areas that a computer user should

be aware of: Place the monitor as far away from you as possible while

maintaining the ability to read without consciously focusing. Keep a minimum distance of 20 inches. Place the center of the screen at a 15 degree down angle from your eyes with your neck only slightly bent holding your head perpendicular to the floor.

The office lighting should be moderately bright. A mix of incandescent and fluorescent lights reduces flicker and provides good light color

Position the keyboard slightly below the elbow to allow the wrists to remain straight when you are sitting

Place the mouse on the same level as and immediately next to the keyboard tray.

Use chair arm rests. Place the lumbar support slightly below the waist line. Adjust the height of the chair so your feet can rest completely on the floor. Allow 1-3 inches between the edge of the seat and the back of your knees.

Continued Learning

Click on the following links to learn more about ergonomics and workplace hazards

http://work.alberta.ca/elearning/ergonomics/data/ergonomics.html

http://work.alberta.ca/occupational-health-safety/3109.html

Emergency Evacuation All of our buildings have an exit plan During your orientation tour, we will show

you the exits (do not take elevators in case of a fire)

We have Fire Wardens who are identified by their red hats and will guide you

You will go to the muster point Wait until the Fire Department gives our

Fire Wardens the ‘all clear’ Only then, will we re-enter the building CASS performs mock fire drills

Emergency Evacuation (continued)

During your orientation tour you will receive the following information: Location of exits Location of muster point

• Parking lot of 2315 30th Avenue Northeast (Concept Control INC.) which is located directly west of the CASS building

Details on fire pull stations, extinguishers and

first aid kits for each location How to identify if there is a fire or another

emergency requiring evacuation (intercom, alarm bells, smoke detectors)

You will receive a package with the emergency response numbers and other information for you to keep with you.

Working Alone: Defined Working Alone:(a) a worker is working alone at a work

site, and(b) assistance is not readily available if

there is an emergency or the worker is injured or ill.

Occupational Health and Safety Code- Part 28 If you are working in the community

one to one with a client during office hours you are NOT working alone.

Office hours are Monday- Friday 8:30am-12:00pm and 1:00pm-4pm excluding statutory holidays

Working Alone: Communication

CASS follows the working alone legislation found in the Alberta OH&S Code (www.worksafely.org).

Communication between the supervisor and employee is essential when working alone.

The supervisor and employee will devise a system of communication which will allow the employee to contact someone if they are encountering a hazardous situation.

In case of emergency the first call you will make is 911

In case of a non-life threatening emergency, use the emergency contact sheet received during orientation

Working Alone: Be Aware

It is expected that all CASS employees work safely at all times by:• Knowing the environment you are working in• Knowing and understanding the nature of the client(s) and their

support needs (medications, behaviours, lifestyle etc.)• Be aware of emergency procedures• Be aware of others who may be present at the residence (pets, family,

friends, roommates)• Be aware of the physical environment (reputation of neighbourhood,

condition of building)• Inform your supervisor or co-worker of your whereabouts, how long

you plan to be there, and a contact number.

If you have doubts or concerns during your shift, contact your supervisor.

Policy 504.06

Journey Management CASS employees must inform their supervisor of travel

plans outside of regular program operations, (i.e., taking a day trip to Banff etc. ) by filling out and submitting a Journey Management Form

ALL trips must be pre-approved. In case of travel for longer than one day, the following is

required: Approximate time of departure and arrival at destination Who will be in each vehicle Colour, make, model, and license plate of vehicle Planned routes, roads, and highway numbers Any planned stops Schedule of events when out of town Phone numbers where you can be reached (this will be

arranged on an individual basis with the supervisor)The Journey Management Form is available on the CASS website under Staff Resources -> Forms and Documents after logging in (https://c-a-s-s.org/private/forms_docs/).Policy 504.07

Alcohol or Controlled Drug Policy Employees are not permitted to start work

or remain at work if they possess or are using any of the following: Alcoholic beverages, regardless of the alcoholic

content Any controlled substance, illegal drug or

derivative thereof Any other substance that could impair an

employees ability to work competently and/or safely

This applies from beginning until end of the shift

Policy 501.08

Disciplinary Process

An employee who does not follow the health and safety policies, procedures, and operations of CASS and their position will then begin a disciplinary process of • A verbal warning followed up with written

documentation• A written warning • Suspension • Demotion• Dismissal

All situations are handled on a case by case basis.

Policy 503.03

Training: Mandatory

First Aid/CPR (refresher every 3 years)

Health & Safety TrainingValues based practicesAbuse Awareness Training*Crisis Prevention and InterventionPositive behaviour supports trainingAdditionally, every employee will

also receive on the job training specific to their position

*Includes PDD Abuse Protocol Training Policy 401.02

Training: Other

Medication Administration/AssistanceMental Health First Aid for all

supervisorsMedical Issues – specific to the clientEmergency ProtocolsFood SafetyProper lifting techniques In-services

Communication

There are a number of opportunities to communicate and learn about health and safety ideas/concerns • Office meetings• Program meetings• H&S meetings • CASS Management Team meetings• Safety bulletin board at the main CASS office• CASS newsletter and website

Communication (continued)

Employees are always welcome to contact a member of the Health & Safety Committee or speak to their supervisor. 403.283.0611 [email protected]

Employees are encouraged to raise health and safety topics they wish to have addressed or investigated.

Documentation

At CASS we maintain all records pertaining to any and all health and safety activities

During your on the job training, you will be advised of forms and locations so you can do your part to ensure this important documentation is kept.

The Legislation in Alberta If you want to see the legislation, the

main office will have a copy for you to review.

You can also access this information on the Alberta Government Website: www.worksafely.org (“Workplace Health & Safety” is the box to click on)

1-866-415-8690 is their number

Questions or Concerns?

Please contact your supervisor with any questions you may have before proceeding with the online quiz

Once you understand the information presented please proceed with the online quiz

Thank you for joining our team at CASS!