Health and Safety
Prioritizing Safety and Good Health Practices
At Woodfield Fire, safety is a priority. Each year we review our health and safety policies, and work with our employees to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. We regularly perform safety checks, provide the necessary education and training, and maintain the functionality of our worksites.
The following is a summary, covering some (but not all) of the methods we use to maintain a safe working environment.
Injury Prevention Policies
We believe that the key to maintaining a safe work environment is injury prevention and education. As such, we require our employees to adhere to strict safety regulations, and receive regular training on safety practices.
Personal Safety
Our employees are required to wear appropriate clothing in order to prevent injury. Clothing must be of proper-fit, shirts and long pants must be worn at all times. While on a jobsite, a CSA or ANSI certified safety hat and CSA certified grade 1 protective footwear are a requirement. Work boots must always be fully laced and tied, and deteriorating equipment (such as protective head gear with cracks) must be replaced immediately. When there is a potential for eye injuries, safety goggles or suitable eye protection must be worn. Further, we strive to make sure all workers have hearing protection available to help prevent hearing loss. We regularly assess our jobsites and provide safety equipment when necessary.
Fall Prevention
When a worker is exposed to a fall hazard of 3 meters or more, a fall arrest system is mandatory. All harnesses must fit the worker snugly, and meet key safety goals in order to maximize effectiveness. Lifeline use is limited to one worker at a time, and lifelines are regularly checked for quality and wear.
Ladder Safety
Ladders are often used on a daily basis, but are potential sources of injury. Our workers are taught to only use ladders when placed on a stable, level surface. Mud sills are used when a firm level surface is unavailable. We try our best to tie off straight and/or extension ladders to minimize movement, and never place ladders on inappropriate surfaces such as carts, boxes, or scaffold platforms. When a worker is climbing a ladder, they must always have three points of contact (two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands). We do not condone the use of ladders as scaffold substitutes or for other purposes they have not been designed for.
Scaffold Safety
Scaffolds are always assembled and disassembled within the presence of an experienced and competent worker. Fittings are always installed per manufacturer instructions, and all scaffolds are equipped with appropriate guardrails. Further, all scaffolds are tied at vertical intervals, or via the use of guy lines. Regular quality checks are made to ensure that scaffold planks are not deteriorating and are in good quality. If ice, snow, oil, grease, or other adverse materials are found, they are immediately removed in a safe manner. A professional engineer designs all scaffolding systems, and platforms are maintained in accordance with the design.
Lighting
Work areas are adequately lit at all times. When a light bulb is used as temporary lighting, it is enclosed by a mechanical protection device.
Fire Protection
Fire extinguishers are kept at readily marked locations, and are easily accessible in case of a fire. They are inspected at minimum twice a month for defects or deterioration, and meet all required quality standards.
Job Site Maintenance
Waste material, debris, and other obstructions are removed when necessary (at minimum once per day) in order to maintain a safe workplace. All materials are carried down from elevated locations, and never thrown. Materials and equipment are stored in safe locations that do not obstruct workers. All hazardous materials are identified in accordance with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Workers are always trained to recognize and understand WHMIS labelling, and are provided with safety data sheets. Only experienced workers handle or dispose of hazardous materials. In the case of an emergency, first aid kits are available on site.
Continued Commitment
Woodfield Fire is committed to an ongoing review of safety practices in order to maximize workplace safety and protect our employees from injury. By complying with the Ministry of Labour Green Book, The Ontario General Contractors Association and and other governmental regulations, we continually strive to keep our workers safe in all situations.
At Woodfield Fire, safety is a priority. Each year we review our health and safety policies, and work with our employees to ensure a safe and comfortable environment. We regularly perform safety checks, provide the necessary education and training, and maintain the functionality of our worksites.
The following is a summary, covering some (but not all) of the methods we use to maintain a safe working environment.
Injury Prevention Policies
We believe that the key to maintaining a safe work environment is injury prevention and education. As such, we require our employees to adhere to strict safety regulations, and receive regular training on safety practices.
Personal Safety
Our employees are required to wear appropriate clothing in order to prevent injury. Clothing must be of proper-fit, shirts and long pants must be worn at all times. While on a jobsite, a CSA or ANSI certified safety hat and CSA certified grade 1 protective footwear are a requirement. Work boots must always be fully laced and tied, and deteriorating equipment (such as protective head gear with cracks) must be replaced immediately. When there is a potential for eye injuries, safety goggles or suitable eye protection must be worn. Further, we strive to make sure all workers have hearing protection available to help prevent hearing loss. We regularly assess our jobsites and provide safety equipment when necessary.
Fall Prevention
When a worker is exposed to a fall hazard of 3 meters or more, a fall arrest system is mandatory. All harnesses must fit the worker snugly, and meet key safety goals in order to maximize effectiveness. Lifeline use is limited to one worker at a time, and lifelines are regularly checked for quality and wear.
Ladder Safety
Ladders are often used on a daily basis, but are potential sources of injury. Our workers are taught to only use ladders when placed on a stable, level surface. Mud sills are used when a firm level surface is unavailable. We try our best to tie off straight and/or extension ladders to minimize movement, and never place ladders on inappropriate surfaces such as carts, boxes, or scaffold platforms. When a worker is climbing a ladder, they must always have three points of contact (two feet and one hand or one foot and two hands). We do not condone the use of ladders as scaffold substitutes or for other purposes they have not been designed for.
Scaffold Safety
Scaffolds are always assembled and disassembled within the presence of an experienced and competent worker. Fittings are always installed per manufacturer instructions, and all scaffolds are equipped with appropriate guardrails. Further, all scaffolds are tied at vertical intervals, or via the use of guy lines. Regular quality checks are made to ensure that scaffold planks are not deteriorating and are in good quality. If ice, snow, oil, grease, or other adverse materials are found, they are immediately removed in a safe manner. A professional engineer designs all scaffolding systems, and platforms are maintained in accordance with the design.
Lighting
Work areas are adequately lit at all times. When a light bulb is used as temporary lighting, it is enclosed by a mechanical protection device.
Fire Protection
Fire extinguishers are kept at readily marked locations, and are easily accessible in case of a fire. They are inspected at minimum twice a month for defects or deterioration, and meet all required quality standards.
Job Site Maintenance
Waste material, debris, and other obstructions are removed when necessary (at minimum once per day) in order to maintain a safe workplace. All materials are carried down from elevated locations, and never thrown. Materials and equipment are stored in safe locations that do not obstruct workers. All hazardous materials are identified in accordance with the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Workers are always trained to recognize and understand WHMIS labelling, and are provided with safety data sheets. Only experienced workers handle or dispose of hazardous materials. In the case of an emergency, first aid kits are available on site.
Continued Commitment
Woodfield Fire is committed to an ongoing review of safety practices in order to maximize workplace safety and protect our employees from injury. By complying with the Ministry of Labour Green Book, The Ontario General Contractors Association and and other governmental regulations, we continually strive to keep our workers safe in all situations.