HomeMy WebLinkAboutCOD-014-07
Clw:il1gton
REPORT
CORPORATE SERVICES DEPARTMENT
Meeting:
General Purpose and Administration Committee
Date:
April 10, 2007
Resolution #: E.'rA1- :::tOO=t
Report #: COD-014-07
File#:
By-law #:
Subject:
Joint Health and Safety Committee - 2006 Summary
Recommendations:
It is respectfully recommended that the General Purpose and Administration Committee
recommend to Council the following:
1. THAT Report COD-014-07 be received for information.
Attachment #1: W.S.I.B. Letter
Attachment #2: Municipal Health & Safety Association of Ontario article
Attachment #3: 2007 Joint Health & Safety Committee Member list
Attachment #4: 2007 Joint Health & Safety Committee Member list - Fire & Emergency
Services
Submitted by:
j~,
v
ord Weir, Co-Chair
Joint He & Safety Committee
Craig Ma Ie , Co-Chair
Joint Health & Safety Committee
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Reviewed by:
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Franklin Wu
Chief Administrative Officer
MM/GW/SS/CM/BT/gj
CORPORATION OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF CLARINGTON
40 TEMPERANCE STREET, BOWMANVILLE, ONTARIO L 1C 3A6 T (905)623-3379 F (905)623-5506
REPORT NO.: COD-014-07
PAGE 2
1.0 BACKGROUND
1.1 Report COD-014-07 has been prepared to provide Council with an update of
activities undertaken by the Joint Health and Safety Committee during the past
year. The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires the Joint Health and
Safety Committee provide the employer with an annual update if requested.
This report also provides a summary of incidents and accidents that occurred in
the workplace during 2006.
2.0 2006 HIGHLIGHTS
2.1 Terms of Reference for the Structure and Function of a Multi-Workplace
Joint Health and Safety Committee
The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires every worksite with twenty (20)
or more employees must have a Joint Health and Safety Committee. One of the
exceptions to this regulation is by development of a Multi-Workplace Joint Health
and Safety Committee. The establishment of this type of Committee must be
approved by a Director of the Ministry of Labour. The Municipality has been
working under this structure for numerous years. Over the past year, the
Committee has been working to update the Terms of Reference. The advantage
of the one committee will allow consistent application of JH&SC information,
training and sharing of resources including facility inspections.
2.2 Workwell Audit
In July of 2005, the Municipality was informed by the Workplace Safety and
Insurance Board that the WSIB was in the process of reviewing the Municipality's
safety performance. The frequency of injuries compared to other employers in
the same category was elevated. Accordingly, the WSIB advised they were
going to audit the Municipality's Health and Safety Program to determine why we
were experiencing elevated accident and incident frequencies compared to other
municipalities. The audit was mandatory and failure could result in a premium
adjustment and fines ranging up to $180,000.00
The Director of Corporate Services and the Human Resources Manager; with the
ongoing support of the CAO asked for volunteers from each Department to assist
in preparing for the audit. Senior Management from nearly all departments and
the Affiliated Co-Chair and Non-Affiliated Co-Chair rose to the challenge. In
February, an Interim Health and Safety Officer was appointed to work with the
committee and to assemble and coordinate the municipality's health and safety
policies.
Staff, supervisors, managers and department heads were involved in the
process. All staff developed a comprehensive understanding of Health and
Safety issues. Approximately thirty (30) policies were approved and introduced
to staff.
REPORT NO.: COD-014-07
PAGE 3
As a result of everyone's efforts, the Municipality scored an unprecedented score
of 100% on the first audit. This score has never been accomplished by any
employer in the province! A copy of the letter is attached. (See attachment #1) In
addition, the Municipal Health and Safety Association of Ontario has recognized
the Municipality's efforts and printed an article in their quarterly newsletter
advising other Municipality's of our success. (See attachment #2).
2.3 First Aid I CPR and Certification and Corporate Training
In assessing training requirements, the JH&SC recognized there was a
deficiency in the number of staff qualified to perform first aid or CPR in the event
of a staff injury. The OH&SA required the first aid stations be within the
immediate vicinity of the workers and a qualified worker be in charge of the first
aid kit. There were only eight staff members at the MAC who held current
certification. The goal of the JH&SC was to certify 50% of the staff by 2007.
Since that time, forty-four (44) staff members at the MAC have been certified in
both First Aid and CPR; and seventy-six staff members at outside facilities have
been certified.
Other corporate training undertaken by various staff included:
. Workplace Inspections for Supervisors and JH&SC Members
. Accident Investigations
. WSIB Basic Certification
. WSIB Workplace Specific Certification
. Early and Safe Return to Work
. WHMIS
. Slips - Trips and Falls
. Ladders
. Confined Space Recognition
. Fall Arrest
. Traffic Control
. Hazard Awareness
. Fire Extinguishers
. Needles and Sharps
. Personal Protective Equipment
. West Nile
. Lock Out Procedures
In addition, various departments offered job specific training where required such
as:
. Spill Containment
. Brush Chipper
. Chainsaws
. Aerial Trucks
REPORT NO.: COD-014-07
PAGE 4
. Aerial Trucks
. Ice Water Rescue
. Trenching Hazards
. Ammonia Leaks
. Natural Gas Leaks
. Crime Prevention
2.4 2005 NEER Statement Results
Throughout the course of the year, the WSIB monitors the number of reported
incidents and accidents. Employers are required to advise the WSIB for any
injury that only requires medical aid and/or lost time. The cost value of these
claims is reported back to the employer monthly in the form of a NEER
statement NEER is referred to as the New Experimental Experience Rating The
individual employer's performance is measured through the WSIB Performance
Index utilizing the previous three (3) year injury history and; are used in part to
assess the employer's annual premiums. A rating of 1.0 is neutral; above 1.0
requires addition premium surcharges to be paid by the employer; and a rating
below 1.0, the employer receives a refund of premiums. These adjustments are
in addition to the base rate group premium of $1.70 per $100.00 of earnings.
Clarington has been in a refund situation for the past number of years. Refunds
for the past 3 years are as listed:
Year
2006
2005
2004
Performance Index
0.09
0.27
0.63
Refund
$41,681.75
$20.905.46
$30,940.37
The NEER program has been recently revised to reduce the number of
employers eligible to receive refunds. Based on the 2006 claims history, the
Municipality will be eligible for a similar premium refund in 2007.
3.0 EARLY and SAFE RETURN TO WORK PROGRAM
3.1 In order to reduce lost earnings costs to the above noted NEER program, the
WSIB encourages all employers to develop an Early and Safe Return to Work
program. The purpose of this program is for the employer to work with the
injured employee to return to work as soon as possible after experiencing a work-
related injury.
3.2 In most cases, employees who experience a work-related injury return to work
within 24 hours and do not incur lost wages. However, in more serious injuries,
employees may not be able to perform their normal duties. In the past, those
employees would have remained off work until they were able to return to full
duties. The Early and Safe Return to Work Program allows the employer to offer
the employee alternate duties that would be meaningful to the employer, and not
cause any further injury to the employee. By doing so, the employee returns to
REPORT NO.: COD-014-07
PAGE 5
work earlier than they normally may; the employee does not collect WSIB
payment for lost wages and the employer does not incur increased WSIB
premiums.
4.0 ACTIVITES
4.1 The Joint Health and Safety Committee (JH&SC) is co-chaired by municipal staff
representing both management and workers within the municipality. The
committee represents management workers, Canadian Union of Public
Employees Local 74 (both Inside and Outside Workers) as well as the Clarington
Fire Fighters Association Local 3139.
4.2 The committee consists of 14 members (7 management and 7 workers) plus 14
alternate members who attend meetings in the absence of a JH&SC Member;
and, assist with month facility inspections. (See attachment #1)
4.3 The Emergency and Fire Services also have an in-house JH&SC who meet
quarterly to review health and safety issues exclusive to their department. There
are four members on this sub committee, two management and two fire fighters.
This committee provides updates to the municipal JH&SC at the regular
municipal JH&SC meetings. (See attachment #2)
4.4 The municipal JH&SC members meet every month with the exception of July and
August. All minutes are retained permanently and current minutes are posted for
all staff on the Health and Safety Boards located at every workplace within the
Municipality. A typical agenda may include:
. Agenda Review
. Introduction of Guests
. Approval of Previous Minutes
. Business Arising
. Introduction of Guestsl Department Head Update
. Review of Previous Month Workplace Inspections
. Accident I Injury Statistics Review
. Update from Emergency Services
. Update from Corporate Safety and Project Manager
. Workplace Inspection Assignments
4.5 The JH&SC members also conduct monthly inspections of municipal
workplaces.. On a monthly basis, there are at least fourteen inspections carried
out by the JH&SC. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OH&SA) states that
all facilities must be inspected monthly; and where it is not practical to for a
complete inspection, at least part of the facility must be inspected. In addition the
requirement to inspect municipal work sites, all other municipally owned facilities
(Board operated community centres) are inspected at least once per year.
Inspection forms are also retained and the current forms posted on the JH&SC
Boards for staff information.
REPORT NO.: COD-014-07
PAGE 6
5.0 INCIDENTS AND ACCIDENTS
5.1 As a result of the Work Well Audit, staff has become very aware of the
requirement to report all accidents and incidents to the employer. These
incidents and accidents are summarized by the type of incident and the resultant
actions. The summaries are used by the JH&SC to develop training specifics to
reduce future accidents and injuries. In 2006, the following types of accidents
were reported.
Back Injuries and Lifting Injuries
Footwear and Slipping Injuries
Burns
Eye Injuries
Hand and Finger Injuries
Elbow and Knee Injuries
Miscellaneous and Near Miss Incidents
Total
11
16
4
4
11
3
25
74
Treatment would include First Aid and Near Miss Incidents, Medical Aid or Lost
time.
First Aid
Medical Aid
Lost Time
Total
48
18
8
74
Comparison to previous year injury statistics is difficult as staff is now reporting
Near Miss Incidents which are incidents that occurred that may have caused an
injury or damage; but did not. These incidents are reviewed to determine what
caused the incident and what steps are required to avoid similar situations in the
future that may lead to an injury.
6.0 COMMENTS
6.1 Support for the Health and Safety Program within the Municipality has been
endorsed by all staff from the part-time occasional staff member to full time staff,
supervisors, managers, department heads, CAG and Council. This support has
been demonstrated by both reduced claims costs, reduced lost time costs.
Continued support for staff training programs and awareness will continue to
reduce injuries and costs within the workplace.
/
.A~ Workplace Safety &:
..~ Insurance Boarcf
CSPAAT-~ Commission de Ia so!curi~
~etdel'assurance
conlre les accidents du travail
Telephone: Telephone:
200 Front Street WE
Toronto Ontario
M5V 311
Gord Weir ATTACHMENT #1
Joint Health & Safety Committee
Emergency and Fire Services
(
RECEIVED
MAY 3 1 7006
EMERGENCY & FIRE SERVICES
Bruce Taylor- Corporate Health and Safety Officer
Gord Weir, Chief of Fire Department
Workwell Committee of :
Corporation of the Municipality of Clarington
May 26, 2006
1-8~63-6639
416-344-3878
Firm No 222111A
Account No. 1623737
Workwell Health and Safety Audit Final Results
Dear Mr. Taylor, Mr. Weir and Workwell Committee,
Thank you for spending time with me during the health and safety audit performed on May 24, 2006 and May 25,
2006. I am pleased to both advise your firm has passed and share my findings with you in the form of this letter and
audit report The report is based on time spent in discussions with you and members of your staff, plus
observations I made during the inspection of the workplaces.
(
As explained, no points were awarded for programs that are not documented, were incomplete or were in
development. The scoring scheme gives either full points (100%) or no points at all (0%). Overall, your firm scored a
total of 970 out Of a possible 970 or 100%.
Congratulations, this score indicates that a formalized health and safety program exists. I compliment you and your
staff on the positive actions you have taken to help prevent workplace injuries and illness. Your ongoing challenge
Is to keep up the good work and build on the steps aiready taken to implement your health and safety program. To
support you in this respect, I will monitor your performance for the next six months and follow up with you to provide
any additional guidance you might need.
Experience has shown that health and safety pays off, regardless of the size or nature of a business. The time,
energy and resources a firm devotes to the development, implementation and improvement of a health and safety
program are much less than the costs asscciated with accident recovery. I hope that this new health and safety
initiative results in a consistent decrease in risk, accidents, and loss.
I compliment you on your dedication and hours of hard work.
Yours sincerely,
~
Lissa Belnap
Workwell Evaluator, Central East
Prevention Services Branch
The WSIB sends a copy of employer correspondence about Worl<weIl audits to the Ministry of Labour end the HeaNh & Sefety Association (HSA). All
information is confidential. We share" to help reduce workplace injuries and illnesses. The Ministry of Labour reviews documents to spot hazard
trends. The HSA may contact employers to offer services to improve workplace safety.
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THE.MUNICIPALJTYOF CLARINGTON PR.O~'
100%~SIB WOR~WELL..CAN BE ACHIEVEDHl
.
The MuniCipllli!.V(l# CI$lington 1"!!CElnt!y u~ a
compul$Ol'Y WOrkplace Safety & Insurance. BOard
WorKvvell Core Audit .After several montI1!l dfi'.
preparation, Clarington scored an unprecec!eotec! 1Ql1'l1.
on all lipplicabkfelemeots during the initiallludit
.
For mUl1icipalitlell not familiar Vllith theprocells; the
Workwell Audit evaluates workplace health and
safet\l\~j'lle~qJrj.1!rves safety pra~and
procedures in "cti?9;inspects the workplace; and,
interviews both WCltkers and management staff.
Failing to Pass the lnitialliudit leads to a second
alld~\I\Iitl;l!!;\lIiJ(.m90thll.lf the sacl)l1(1 audit is
unsuccessful, WSIB premium surcharge from 10 - 75
percent lup.amaxlro\lm of $600,000.001 can be
i01pleme.~.ln Clarington's casa, the surcharge
. coUld flave been in the ~OO,OO(} range,
AWARD
.
Michael Muscat, Area Manager of MHSA, was
appointed to the Order of St.john in the grade of
serving member. This has been sanctioned by the
Governor General on behalf of Her Majesty the
Queen. Michael has been a Standard First Aid and
CPR instructor for 26 years. This picture was taken
at Queens Park in the Lieutenant Governor's Office
on Saturday, June 3rd, 2006. Congratulations
Mike!
.
Michael Muscat, Area Manager of MHSA
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"~lluccessfvl CQmpletiollof this audit was fed by
Mayor John Mutton and Council and Chief
Administrative Officer Franklin Wu. Also, all
Department Heads were committed to successfully
passing the audit.
WOrking with Ingrid Kalnins, Area Manager for the
Municipal Health and Safety Association, the
Committee developed a project model to follow to
meet the time lines established for the audit
The WorkWell Audit has been a positive experience
for Clarington. Aside from the first workplace in
Ontario to achieve a perfect score, all f11'J. municipal
staff (full time, part-time andvolumee......have' all
expanded awareness and kn<lvvleQge .!:If workplace
safety. Both the. Municipal ~.~.althl!! .~af!tty.
Association and the WSII'Wlltil~_i~...
to the Municipality thrOUlJ/lOL!t .ttle$K:\it<pl'pce~ '\i'
TRAINING
EXCELLENCE
Project staff includes: LF Ingrid Keelmins MHSA,
Bl Kari Manninen MHSA, HL2 John Parish MHSA,
Fe Pennyjane Murray, FR Janis Seaman, BR Michael Whitson,
Be Martin Albinger, BR2 Wagish Yajaman
The Municipal Health and Safety Association, in
partnership with the Industrial Accident Prevention
Association, received a "Canadian Award for
Training Excellence (External Learning Program)"
for the Confined Space Entry Program. The award
was granted by the Canadian Society for Training
and Development at their ceremony heid on
November 7, 2006 at the Metro Toronto Convention
Centre.
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JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2007
(All Phone Numbers - 905-623-3379 unless otherwise noted)
ATTACHMENT #3
NON-AFFILIATED MEMBERS ALTERNATES
Ext Ext
Gord Weir' - Co-Chair 243 Nancy Taylor 259
Emeraencv Services - HQ Finance - 1" Floor MAC
Lori Gordon' 244 Patti Barrie' 254
Finance - 1" Floor - MAC Clerk's - 2" Floor MAC
Marie Marano 237 Mark Berney' 243
Corporate Services- 1" Floor - MAC Emeraency Services - HQ
Sheila Schweizer' 225 Jennifer Cooke' 407
Corporate Services - 1" Floor MAC Corporate Services - 1" Floor MAC
Steve Myers' 435-1061 Phil Broome' 263-2291
Community Services - SCA Operations - Hampton
Andrew Piggott 263-2291 Jenny Bilenduke 205
(Operations - Hampton) Enaineerina - 3" Floor MAC
George Acorn 405 Dan Welsh 623-3392
Community Services - 3" Floor - MAC Community Services - CFC
Gerry Jordan 258
Corporate Services _1" Floor MAC
Affiliated Members Alternates
Craig Macklem' - Co-Chair 300 Rob Groen' 414
Clerks DeDt - 2" Floor - MAC Operations - 1" Floor - MAC
Paul Neto' 343 Adrian Coolen' 286
Operations - Basement - MAC Enaineerina - 3" Floor - MAC
Andrew Crossen' 623-3392 Marc Ladouceur 623-5126
Community Services - CFC Emeraency Services
Steve Grigg 338 Gary Dusseldorp' 623-5126
Finance - 1" Floor - MAC Emeraency Services
George Evans 263-2291 Bryan Rogers 623-5126
Operations - Hampton Emergency Services
Frank Azevedo' 623-5126 Aidan McConkey 623-5126
Emergency Services Emeraencv Services
Sue Arends 263-2291
Operations - Hampton
Secretary Alternate
Ellen Atkinson 273 Jenny Bilenduke 205
Finance Engineerina
Advisor Corporate Safety & Project Manager
Franklin Wu - CAO Bruce Taylor' 224
CAO's Office - 2" Floor - MAC Corporate Services
, Certified Members
I:\HEAL TH & SAFETYlCommittee\JHSC Members.doc
Effective Date: January 3, 2007
Date Printed: April 2, 2007
ATTACHMENT #4
Cl~
JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE MEMBERS 2007
(Emergency and Fire Services)
NON-AFFILIATED MEMBERS AFFILIATED MEMBERS
Ext Ext
Gord Weir* - Co-Chair 623-5126 Frank Azevedo* 623-5126
Emeraencv Services - HQ Emeraencv Services
Marc Bernie 623-5126 Marc Ladouceur 623-5126
Emeraencv Services Emeraencv Services
ALTERNATES
Bryan Rogers 623-5126
Emeraencv Services
Aidan McConkey 623-5126
Emeraencv Services
Secretary Corporate Safety & Project Manager
Sheila Roman 623-5126 Bruce T aylor* 623-3379
Corporate Services x224
. Certified Members
I:\HEAL TH & SAFEmCommittee\JHSC Members - Fire.doc
Effective Date: April 2, 2007
Date Printed: April 2, 2007