Safety Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Policy

Policy Number: CS-1405-2018

Policy Title: Safety Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Policy

Policy Owner: Chief Human Resources Officer

Effective Date:

 

On this page:

  1. Purpose
  2. Application and Scope
  3. Definitions
  4. Principles
  5. Accountability Framework
  6. Roles and Responsibilities
  7. Safety Risk Assessments
  8. Policy Revision Date
  9. Attachments
  10. Specific Links

1. Purpose

This policy provides a process for the identification and assessment of safety hazards in the workplace and a process to effectively manage or control safety hazards to acceptable levels.

 

2. Application and Scope

This policy applies to all employees and contractors of Mohawk College. Contractors may use their own company's risk assessment procedures provided there is coordination with their Mohawk College hiring contact person.

 

3. Definitions

"Controls" are protective or preventive measures that reduce the level of risk associated with a piece of equipment or activity.

"Hazard" is a potential source of harm including injury, disease, death, environmental, property and/or equipment damage.

"Incident" is an unplanned event that results in, or could result in, an injury or damage to equipment, property or environment.

"Manager" includes supervisors as defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

"Probability" is the likelihood that a hazard will occur and cause injury or harm.

"Risk" is a function of the probability of occurrence of harm and the severity of that harm (e.g. low, medium, high).

"Severity" refers to the degree of harm that a given hazard can pose (e.g. minor, moderate, major).

"Supervisor" refers to a person who has charge over a workplace or authority over a worker as defined by the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

"Worker" refers to a person who performs work or supplies services for monetary compensation and to students (secondary school, college or university) who perform work or supply services for no monetary compensation under a program - approved work experience placement as defined in the OHSA. All employees, including paid students (e.g. CSEP), and students working in unpaid placements at Mohawk College, are workers under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

 

4. Principles

  • Risk assessments will be conducted to identify and control hazards.
  • Controls will be implemented to reduce the risk of injury or harm to acceptable levels.
  • Employees will be informed about safety hazards in the workplace and provided with the instructions, training and supervision necessary for their protection.

 

5. Accountability Framework

5.1 Accountability Framework

This policy has been approved by the Senior Leadership Team.

5.2 Compliance

The Chief Human Resources Officer is responsible for monitoring this policy according to an established schedule or more frequently in response to feedback from the College community.

 

6. Roles and Responsibilities

6.1 Managers

Conduct safety hazard risk assessments for work tasks/activities, in consultation with employees in accordance with the Safety Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Procedure (Appendix A), and using the Safety Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Form (Appendix B).

Implement controls to eliminate or reduce the risk of injury or harm to acceptable levels.

Ensure employees are aware of safety hazards associated with their areas or assigned tasks and provide information, written instruction, training and supervision necessary for their protection.

Retain copies of risk assessments for reference and review and provide copy to Occupational Health and Safety.

6.2 Employees

Report any/all safety hazards or incidents to your Manager.

Participate in hazard assessments, training or information sessions as required.

6.3 Contractors

Conduct safety risk assessments and implement controls for the protection of their employees using the Mohawk College Safety Risk Assessment procedure, or, that of their own company, as applicable.

Where using the Contractor's safety risk assessment procedure, coordinate safety risk assessments with their Mohawk College hiring contact person.

Provide copies of safety risk assessments to the hiring contact person and provide copy to Occupational Health and Safety.

6.4 Occupational Health and Safety Office

Provide assistance and advice for the identification, documentation and management of hazards.

Review and store copies of safety risk assessments.

 

7. Safety Risk Assessments

  • Safety risk assessments are required under the following situations:
    • Moderate to high level of risk of injury/harm;
    • Using new equipment or hazardous substances;
    • Required by legislation; and
    • Newly identified risks.
  • Safety risk assessments will be conducted in accordance with Safety Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment Procedure (Appendix A).

 

8. Policy Revision Date

8.1 Revision Date

May 2021

8.2 Responsibility

The Chief Human Resources Officer will review this policy every three years or earlier when required.

 

9. Attachments

 

10. Specific Links