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Questions and Answers
What is a fundamental right of workers regarding unsafe work conditions?
What is a fundamental right of workers regarding unsafe work conditions?
Which of the following actions is NOT a responsibility of employers regarding workplace violence prevention?
Which of the following actions is NOT a responsibility of employers regarding workplace violence prevention?
What is an essential requirement for employers to ensure safety training is effective?
What is an essential requirement for employers to ensure safety training is effective?
Which duty belongs to workers in maintaining a safe workplace environment?
Which duty belongs to workers in maintaining a safe workplace environment?
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What is one of the primary roles of Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSCs)?
What is one of the primary roles of Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSCs)?
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What does the 'right to refuse' unsafe work allow employees to do?
What does the 'right to refuse' unsafe work allow employees to do?
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Which of the following is NOT a shared responsibility for occupational health and safety in a workplace?
Which of the following is NOT a shared responsibility for occupational health and safety in a workplace?
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What is a key focus of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation?
What is a key focus of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation?
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What must employers establish to fulfill their responsibilities in workplace safety?
What must employers establish to fulfill their responsibilities in workplace safety?
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Which of the following practices is essential for effective employee training on safety policies?
Which of the following practices is essential for effective employee training on safety policies?
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What is the first step to take in the accident investigation procedure after the injured worker receives medical attention?
What is the first step to take in the accident investigation procedure after the injured worker receives medical attention?
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Which of the following actions can workplace inspectors perform without a search warrant?
Which of the following actions can workplace inspectors perform without a search warrant?
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Which component is not required for a health and safety program to meet due diligence standards?
Which component is not required for a health and safety program to meet due diligence standards?
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What must be included in the due diligence defense for OHS offenses?
What must be included in the due diligence defense for OHS offenses?
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What is the role of designated senior managers in maintaining workplace safety?
What is the role of designated senior managers in maintaining workplace safety?
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Which action should not be taken during an accident investigation?
Which action should not be taken during an accident investigation?
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Which of the following is an acceptable action an inspector can take concerning documents?
Which of the following is an acceptable action an inspector can take concerning documents?
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During an investigation, obtaining a statement from which of the following is crucial?
During an investigation, obtaining a statement from which of the following is crucial?
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Match the components of the Internal Responsibility System with their descriptions:
Match the components of the Internal Responsibility System with their descriptions:
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Match the external health and safety standards with their purpose:
Match the external health and safety standards with their purpose:
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Match the workplace parties with their responsibilities in occupational health and safety:
Match the workplace parties with their responsibilities in occupational health and safety:
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Match the employer's duties with their descriptions:
Match the employer's duties with their descriptions:
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Match the key focus areas of OHSR with their definitions:
Match the key focus areas of OHSR with their definitions:
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Match the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation to their descriptions:
Match the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation to their descriptions:
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Match the authors of the textbook to their names:
Match the authors of the textbook to their names:
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Match the key issue to its focus in OHS legislation:
Match the key issue to its focus in OHS legislation:
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Match the term to its definition related to OHS:
Match the term to its definition related to OHS:
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Match the components of an effective workplace safety program:
Match the components of an effective workplace safety program:
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Match the province to its specific OHS legislation:
Match the province to its specific OHS legislation:
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Match the following key responsibilities of employers:
Match the following key responsibilities of employers:
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Match the following consequences of workplace injuries:
Match the following consequences of workplace injuries:
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Match the following supervisors' duties with their respective regions:
Match the following supervisors' duties with their respective regions:
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Match the following parties with their responsibilities under workplace safety legislation:
Match the following parties with their responsibilities under workplace safety legislation:
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Match the following workers' rights with their descriptions:
Match the following workers' rights with their descriptions:
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Match the following elements of safety obligations with their corresponding parties:
Match the following elements of safety obligations with their corresponding parties:
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Match the following actions to the correct duty of care under OHS regulations:
Match the following actions to the correct duty of care under OHS regulations:
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Match the following compliance roles with their functions:
Match the following compliance roles with their functions:
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Match the following rights of workers with their implications:
Match the following rights of workers with their implications:
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Match the following Alberta worker responsibilities with their descriptions:
Match the following Alberta worker responsibilities with their descriptions:
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Match the following WHMIS employer responsibilities with their descriptions:
Match the following WHMIS employer responsibilities with their descriptions:
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Match the types of workplace violence with their definitions:
Match the types of workplace violence with their definitions:
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Match the components necessary for addressing workplace violence:
Match the components necessary for addressing workplace violence:
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Match the definitions of harassment and its implications:
Match the definitions of harassment and its implications:
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Match the components of the Alberta OHS Code and BC OHSR:
Match the components of the Alberta OHS Code and BC OHSR:
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Match the types of training required for workplace safety:
Match the types of training required for workplace safety:
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Match the aspects of violence prevention measures for employers:
Match the aspects of violence prevention measures for employers:
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Match the following concepts related to workplace bullying:
Match the following concepts related to workplace bullying:
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Match the following types of penalties with their respective characteristics:
Match the following types of penalties with their respective characteristics:
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Match the following provinces with their maximum fines for first convictions:
Match the following provinces with their maximum fines for first convictions:
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Match the following components of a pandemic plan with their descriptions:
Match the following components of a pandemic plan with their descriptions:
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Match the following actions to their relevance in criminal liability for organizations:
Match the following actions to their relevance in criminal liability for organizations:
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Match the following OHS requirements to their context:
Match the following OHS requirements to their context:
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Match the following penalties to their associated types based on conviction:
Match the following penalties to their associated types based on conviction:
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Match the following elements with their roles in a pandemic plan:
Match the following elements with their roles in a pandemic plan:
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Match the following concepts with their definitions:
Match the following concepts with their definitions:
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Study Notes
Employer Duties
- Employers have a duty to ensure the health and safety of workers.
- Employers are responsible for providing training and supervision to workers.
- Employers are responsible for posting copies of workplace legislation.
- Employers must establish OHS policies and programs.
- Employers must provide and maintain protective equipment, devices, and clothing.
- Employers must keep accurate records of workplace safety.
- Employers must cooperate with OHS officers.
- Employers must report all accidents and injuries that occur.
- Employers must ensure that workers are not underage.
Worker Duties
- Workers have a duty to work in compliance with workplace legislation.
- Workers must use protective devices and clothing provided by their employer.
- Workers must report any known workplace hazard.
- Workers are prohibited from engaging in horseplay or conduct that may endanger themselves or others.
- Workers must ensure that they are not impaired by alcohol, drugs, or other causes when working.
- Workers must cooperate with JHSCs and OHS officers.
Accident Investigation Procedures
- Accident investigations must occur soon after the injured worker has received medical attention.
- A WCB report must be prepared and filed.
- A statement must be obtained from the injured worker.
- Photographs and samples should be collected from the site of the accident.
- Witnesses should be interviewed.
- The interviews should be witnessed by a third party.
- Witness statements should be prepared and signed.
- The site of the accident must not be tampered with.
- A remedial action plan must be developed and implemented.
- Counsel should be considered during OHS investigations.
Enforcement
- Inspections can occur randomly or as a result of an incident.
- Inspectors have broad powers, including the right to enter workplaces, conduct tests, request worker and employer identification, question individuals in the workplace, speak to workers privately, compel the production of documents, remove equipment for testing, and issue stop work orders.
Due Diligence Defense
- OHS Offences are strict liability offenses, meaning that intent or negligence is not required for conviction.
- Due diligence is a defense that can be used to show that every reasonable precaution was taken to prevent the occurrence of an OHS event.
- A health and safety program that meets due diligence standards will likely include a designated senior manager responsible for compliance, a health and safety policy, safety orientations, regular safety inspections, monthly safety meetings, and employer support for the JHSC.
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR)
- The OHSR is a detailed regime for the prevention of workplace injuries and diseases.
- The OHSR requires management systems that emphasize the joint responsibility of all parties for occupational health and safety.
Preventing Accidents and Injuries at Work
- The Internal Responsibility System requires employers to establish mechanisms to combat hazards and to facilitate the right to know and right to refuse unsafe work.
- The Internal Responsibility System also requires the establishment of Joint Health and Safety Committees (JHSC).
- External health and safety standards are established through legislation and enforcement mechanisms.
Shared Responsibility
- Health and safety in the workplace is a shared responsibility, with each workplace party having a duty to ensure that the workplace is healthy and safe.
- These parties include employers, workers, supervisors, prime contractors, owners, suppliers, corporate officers, and directors.
- The focus of OHS legislation is on prevention.
Employer Duties (Cont'd)
- Employers have a duty to take all reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of all workers.
- Employers have many specific responsibilities to ensure workplace safety.
- All levels of management are accountable for the health and safety of workers as agents of the employer.
Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Legislation
- All provinces have legislation to prevent work-related accidents and illnesses and to compensate injured workers.
- Key Issues:
- Preventing accidents and injuries at work
- Enforcing OHS procedures and standards
- Compensating injured workers
Alberta Legislation
- Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA): Focuses on workplace injury and disease prevention.
- Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR): Provides detailed rules on how to apply the OHSA.
-
Workers' Compensation Act (WCA): Deals with consequences of workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Provides compensation and rehabilitation for injured workers.
BC Legislation
-
Workers' Compensation Act (WCA):
- Deals with the consequences of workplace injuries and illnesses.
- Provides compensation and rehabilitation for injured workers.
- Part 3 outlines the basic OHS framework.
- Statutory authority for OHSR.
-
Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR):
- Provides a detailed regime for workplace injury and illness prevention.
- Requires management systems for occupational health and safety, with joint responsibility for all parties.
Preventing Accidents and Injuries at Work
-
Internal Responsibility System:
- Employers must establish mechanisms to combat hazards and facilitate the "right to know" and the "right to refuse" unsafe work.
- Joint health and safety committees (JHSC) are established.
-
External Health and Safety Standards (Legislation):
- Minimum health and safety standards are established with mechanisms for enforcement.
Shared Responsibility
- OHS is a shared responsibility requiring all parties to ensure a healthy and safe workplace. Parties include:
- Employers
- Workers
- Supervisors
- Prime contractors
- Owners
- Suppliers
- Corporate officers
- Directors
- The focus is on prevention.
Employer Duties
- Employers have a duty to take reasonable precautions to protect the health and safety of all workers at the workplace.
- Specific responsibilities and accountability are required at all levels of management.
Supervisor Duties (Alberta)
- No specific reference to supervisors in the OHSA, but they have obligations that include:
- Those of the employer (as its agent):
- Ensuring, as reasonably practicable, the health and safety of workers.
- Ensuring workers are aware of their rights and responsibilities.
- Those of the worker:
- Taking reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves and other workers.
- Cooperating with the employer in protecting health and safety at the worksite.
- Those of the employer (as its agent):
Supervisor Duties (BC)
- Distinct duties for supervisors are established in the OHSR. These include:
- Ensuring the safety of the workers they supervise.
- Knowing and complying with WCA and OHSR rules relevant to the workplace.
- Ensuring workers are aware of health and safety hazards.
- Working with JHSC.
- Cooperating with WCB officers.
Duties of Others
- Prime Contractors: Ensure all parties at the workplace comply with the WCA.
- Owners: Ensure the worksite is safe and complies with WCA, OHSR, and other regulations and orders.
- Suppliers: Provide tools and equipment in safe operating condition and ensure materials and equipment comply with WCA and regulations.
- Officers and Directors: Take all reasonable measures to ensure compliance with the Act, regulations, and any orders.
Worker's Rights
- Right to Participate: Participate in the health and safety process.
- Right to Refuse: Refuse unsafe work.
- Right to Know: Be informed about workplace hazards.
Right to Know: WHMIS
- Workers have the right to know about potential workplace hazards.
- WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) applies to all industries and workplaces.
- Employer WHMIS responsibilities:
- Prepare and maintain an inventory of hazardous materials.
- Label hazardous materials.
- Prepare and maintain Product Safety Data Sheets (SDSs).
- Provide training about hazardous materials.
Workplace Violence and Bullying
- Violence: Threatened, attempted, or actual conduct that is likely to cause physical injury.
- Employers must address incidents of violence and take steps to prevent it.
- Harassment: Unwanted physical or verbal behavior that offends or humiliates.
- BC: Expanded the scope of "violence" in 2013 to include bullying and harassment.
- AB: Added harassment in 2018 as a workplace hazard with requirements for assessments, training, and control measures.
External Health and Safety Standards
- Alberta's OHS Code and BC's OHSR: Extensive detailed standards applicable to all employers or specific industries, occupations, and trades.
- Industry-Specific Standards and Regulations: Address a wide range of subjects.
-
Administrative Penalties:
- Penalties for individuals or corporations (both are "persons").
-
BC:
- Maximum for first conviction: $724,644.41 + $36,232.25/day (as of Jan. 2020).
- Maximum for subsequent convictions: $1,449,288.80 + $72,434.44/day.
-
AB:
- First conviction: $500,000 + $30,000/day.
- Subsequent convictions: $1,000,000 + $60,000/day.
- Fines are adjusted annually to reflect inflation.
Criminal Liability of Organizations
- The Criminal Code makes it illegal to not take reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm arising from work.
- Organizations are liable for the combined effects of several employees or the actions of senior officers, members, agents, and employees.
- Summary Conviction: Less serious offence with fines under $100,000.
- Indictable Offence: More serious offence with no maximum fine, and potential for life imprisonment.
Emergency Response: Planning for a Pandemic
- OHS legislation does not currently require pandemic preparedness, but safety measures are required.
- Pandemic plan components include:
- Provide credible, up-to-date information.
- Screening customers, suppliers, and the public.
- Minimize interactions through social distancing.
- Avoid unnecessary travel.
- Alter physical workspace.
- Provide personal protective equipment.
- Implement higher standards of cleanliness.
- Changes to absence management policies.
- Extra stocks of critical supplies.
- Working from home.
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Description
This quiz covers the essential duties of both employers and workers regarding occupational health and safety. It explores responsibilities related to training, safety equipment, record-keeping, and compliance with workplace legislation. Test your understanding of these important concepts!