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October 11, 2023

By 2023 Speakers

Chris Wells of Transport Canada made a presentation called “TDG Regulations Update – Amendments in Progress

Chris talked about upcoming changes to the TDG regulations. The training requirements in Part 6 are to be clarified to improve overall safety. Fees will be modernized. Progress has included the formation of a General Policy Advisory Council, webinar & consultation period (completed). Next steps include reviewing the proposal based on CGI comments, preparing digital consultations & developing guidance materials & awareness activities. The fees will only apply for initial and renewal applications. Cost payable every 5 years. On-line portal for submission and payment.

The International Harmonization Update of Part 12 for Air is proposed to modernize TDG domestic requirements by air to align with international codes. Consultations, support and consultation has already occurred. Next steps are reviewing proposal based on CGI comments and going in the Canada Gazette in early spring 2025.

Issues and gaps in Means of Containment in Part 5 are being internally consulted. Next steps include pre-consultation with industry in late spring 2024.

Consultations and amendments are found at https://tc.canada.ca/en/dangerous-goods/safety-awareness-materials-faq/recent-regulatory-consultations-upcoming-regulatory-amendments

Contacts:

Katy Joncas, Monica Blaney & Rakesh Virahsawmy of Transport Canada made a presentation called “TDG – On-Line Client Identification Database

Katy talked about Part 17, Site Registration Requirements for the On-Line Client Identification Database. The progress to date is: legislative amendment was tabled in the fall of 2022; digital solution is close to completion; pilot testing continues; CGI in June 2022 followed by a 70-day consultation period; general support from stakeholders was received in fall of 2022; and regulatory package completed & approved. The next steps are finalizing awareness material for implementation; completing the digital platform; and CGII in fall of 2023.

The proposed changes are to repeal the extended information requirements. Modifications include: the reporting data based on previous fiscal year (rather than year); renewal date changed to within 30 days of anniversary date (previously anniversary date); update administrative information within 60 days of the change (previously 30 days); and 2 contacts per business (rather than per site). Modify Site definition and provide more guidance documents; and requires that all persons re registered prior to beginning the DG activities including a 12-month transition period.

For more information on the TDG Client Identification Database email TDGCID-BDICTMD@tc.gc.ca.

Monica introduced Rakesh Virahsawmy from TC who is working on CID implementation including a portal & support. The portal should be able to pull business info from the CRA. Monica added that this should mean less imputing data such as addresses & legal descriptions.

May 10th, 2023

By 2023 Speakers

Munir Maani from IBM made a presentation called “Cloud Computing & Quantum Computing”.

Munir talked about cloud-based services that go well beyond storage including sharing applications with customers, providing middleware or other services. To access cloud-based services, the user needs an operating system, middleware, servers, storage, network connection and back up storage for disaster recovery. The cloud can provide most of these services. It can provide infrastructure as a service.

You can utilize services and infrastructure of the cloud provider by renting runtime, middleware, OIS, virtualization, servers, storage and networking. Renting these services provides scalability to upsize or downsize as the company size and number of customers changes. Expansion costs such as new equipment, middleware, servers, hardware and networking, etc. is done by renting rather than purchasing. You can also expand into new territories by renting cloud services.

Security is enhanced with multiple layers of security reducing the vulnerability to ransomware, theft, outages and their associated costs. In terms of power outages, you can still operate during outages from another powered area where you can deal with disaster recovery. There are budgeting advantages allowing pay as you use, elasticity, reconciliation and forecasting. Tools allow you to track the services being used.

The future is Quantum Computing where super computers which are 5,000 times faster than existing computers. You can interact with a quantum computer without having one. At the moment, these types of computers can easily to hacked. Programmers are working on better security for these super computers.

February 1st, 2023

By 2023 Speakers

Gauravi Saini of Reclay Steward Edge Inc. made a presentation called “Introduction to Sustainability”.

Gauravi defined Sustainability as “Meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” She provided several examples of company sustainability such as being energy renewable, recycling packaging materials, using recycled packaging and reducing carbon emissions all by selected dates.

She talked about sustainability in the supply chain, including providing transparency.

Supply Chain Sustainability should be based on the ESG (Environment, Social and Governance) principles (non-financial variables) including:

  • Minimizing the impact of people & the planet, energy savings and reduction of pollutants.
  • Reviewing working conditions, relationships with clients & suppliers and human resource management.
  • Looking at the appointment & renumeration of executives and having respect for shareholders.

COVID-19 was a key disrupter in supply-demand activities. Supply Chain Management is not inventory management or cost cutting. It is redesigning for efficiency, cutting carbon emissions and increasing resilience. Companies should introduce sustainability by:

  • Starting small by educating staff about trends and tools.
  • Learning what the big players are doing.
  • Looking at consumption of energy, fuel & water.
  • Starting the sustainability conversation with first-tier suppliers.
  • Measuring your carbon footprint.

October 26th, 2022

By 2022 Speakers

Yasir Khan of York Regional Police made a presentation call “Run-Hide-Defend”.

Yasir said that if there are active attackers the usual sequence by priority is to run, hide and defend if necessary. If the attacker is outside the building, you should get staff to secure exterior doors. If the attacker is inside, Code Silver protocols should include lockdowns, locking doors, turning off lights and turning off speakers and vibrators on cell phones. Staff need to know where to run including where the exits and stairs are. They need to call 911. If they need to defend, they will need to improvise defending tools.

  • Run tactics include: assisting others, leave personal items, facility awareness, evacuation locations, and letting employees now what to do.
  • Hide tactics include: hide if you can’t run, where to hide, securing windows & doors, and looking for cover.
  • Defend tactics include: defending as last resort, working as a team, identifying potential defensive tools and knowing your skills and ability.
  • Situational awareness is needed for staff. Notifications could be made by building PA, office PA, portable radios, email or calls.
  • Pre-indicators of an active shooter could be leakage such as someone who says they are going to burn down a building or shoot everyone. Other stressors could be mental health or financial strain.

Meeta Khanna, Energy Healer made a presentation on “Meditation for Peace”.

Meeta Khanna said there are 12 energy centres or chakras. The physical body has a conscience of its own. Meditation is to cleanse chakras. Meeta then lead the group for a 20-minute energy healing yoga session.

May 11th, 2022

By 2022 Speakers

Kapil Ghai of Toronto Board of Trade made a presentation on “Communication, Networking &; Team Building”. He talked about building relationships virtually and transitioning to going back to a hybrid or fully back to work. It is important to know how to transition from working from home to a hybrid situation. He believes in networking throughout the organization. You need to know the champions on each team in the organization. You should especially try and connect with new people on the team. One of his favourite expressions is “teamwork makes the dream work”.

March 9, 2022

By 2022 Speakers

Lisa Bolton and Zack Lebane from Sherrard Kuzz Employment & Labour Lawyers made a presentation on “COVID 19 Vaccination and the Workplace”. Lisa reviewed of the changing Federal and Provincial COVID requirements.

Zack talked about when a vaccination policy reasonable. In a unionized workplace, a vaccination policy should meet the “KVP Test”: it must be consistent with the collective agreement; reasonable; clear & unequivocal; brought to the attention of employees; employees must be notified that a breach of the policy could result in discharge; and it should be consistently enforced.

Zack talked about a number of legal decisions about “reasonableness”: The takeaways from Zack’s presentation included:

  • If indoors and in-person, a vaccination or test policy is likely reasonable.
  • In a workplace with higher risk of transmission, higher consequences and/or history of outbreaks, vaccination or leave of absence policy is likely reasonable. Discipline or termination can be contemplated as a later step.
  • Expect more vaccinate or terminate policies in the coming months in the health care sector.
  • Trajectory of COVID-19 will impact reasonableness.
  • Employers should be prepared to amend or update policies as needed.

Lisa concluded the presentation on vaccination and religious objection. Most human rights-based exemption requests are based on religious beliefs. Several legal decisions were reviewed. As a takeaway, Lisa suggested several questions to ask to support an accommodation request:

  • What religion/creed do you practice?
  • How long have you practiced this religion/creed?
  • Why does your belief in this religion/creed prevent you from being vaccinated against COVID-19?
  • Have you previously been vaccinated against any other illnesses? If so, why were those vaccinations permissible under your religion/creed?
  • Do you have objective documentation to support the position you are unable to be vaccinated?
  • Critically review information received since it is unlikely that claims based on an employee’s conscience will be sufficient, even if claim is that religion protects the ability to follow one’s conscience.
  • If accommodation is required, employees are not entitled to ‘choose’ a remote work arrangement if another arrangement is feasible (i.e., testing).

Ryan Wheeler of Trans-Northern Pipeline Inc. (TNPI) made a presentation on “A Summary of Trans-Northern 2021 Exercise Program”.

Ryan mentioned the 4 pillars of Trans-Northern Emergency Management Program as prevention/mitigation, preparedness, response and recovery. Ryan summarized TNPI annual exercise program which includes:

  • A full-scale exercise every 3 years.
  • Regional table-top exercises.
  • A business continuity/disaster recovery planning table-top exercise.
  • Quarterly drills testing TNPI’s call answering service.
  • Participation in the Western Canada Spill Services Cooperative drill/exercise.

The Full-Scale Exercise postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19 was held in November 2021. TNPI uses the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security Exercise Planning Model. The exercise focused on a security event at the Edmonton International Airport. A key lesson learned indicated that in the event of malicious activity an organization must consider the impact of law enforcement and crime scene management which will likely cause significant delays in site access and response.

Regional Table-Top Exercises focused on initial strategies and tactics for spills into bodies of water. The exercise was used to review existing aerial surveillance, how industry resources could improve capacity, and notifications with regional stakeholders. In the exercise used a Mentimeter to facilitate a quiz approach.

Regional Preparedness Exercises focused on responding to a stalled pipeline inspection gauge (PIG).

The Business Continuity/Disaster Recovery Planning Table-Top Exercise evaluated a cyber security threat to its operational technology and included a presentation on best practices promoted by Canada’s Cyber Security Centre. The exercise also tested mitigation, response and recovery measures to protect and recover critical business operations.

TNPI also does quarterly Call Answering Service Drills and is involved in the Western Canada Spills Services Oil Spill Cooperative Drills.

December 15, 2021

By 2021 Speakers

Julia Lok of the Ontario Workplace Safety & Prevention Services made a presentation “COVID Best Practices at the Workplace”. Julia went over the legal requirements related to COVID including the Occupational Health & Safety Act, Reopening Ontario Act, Regulation 364/20, Employment Standards Act and local health orders and measures.

A COVID-19 safety plan includes screening, physical distancing, limiting capacity, cleaning & disinfection, PPE and face coverings. Safety plan best practices include:

Best practices for screening include:

  • Screening all workers & non-workers before they enter including a questionnaire, RAT and self-monitoring tool.
  • Screening visitors before arrival and on-site.
  • Maintaining attendance records.

Risks can be controlled by limiting capacity in any congregating areas, utilizing outdoor spaces, using surgical & procedure masks, and using the ventilation checklist (www.ohcow.on.ca/posts/ventilation-checklist-covid-19/) and ventilation calculation tools (www.ohcow.on.ca/posts/classroom-ventilation-calculation-tool/).

Where there is a potential exposure you need to determine the contacts using cohorts & attendance information under Public Health guidance, communicate the exposure and have response procedures and return to work programs in place.

To manage risks you must regularly identify, access, recommend controls and evaluate hazards and potential harassment, threats & violence to workers and factors contributing to negative mental health.

To evaluate if your COVID safety plan is working you should have scheduled reviews, worker feedback, involve the health & safety representative and committee, and conduct monthly inspections.

WSPS COVID-19 Resources are available at (https://covid19.wsps.ca/) and on the WSPS website (https://www.wsps.ca/).

Rob Read of Environment Canada made a presentation on “Public Notifications under the E2 Regulations”.

Rob Read began the presentation on companies that E2 Regulation apply to having a substance on the list over prescribed limits. The responsible person for E2 should have detailed info including a description of measures. To communicate to the potentially impact areas of the potential consequences and the measures taken if an environmental emergency occurs. The presentation focused on the requirements under E2 Regulations for public notification.

Notification is required for the possibility and potential consequences of an environmental emergency, a description of the measures taken to protect life, health and the environment and the measures to communicate with the public during and after an emergency.

Before an emergency, the public that may be impacted outside of the facility by an emergency should be notified of potential emergencies, consequences and measures that will be taken if there is an emergency. Notification could include door to door, phone calls, email, town hall meetings and mailing pamphlets, etc. ECCC doesn’t prescribe how notifications are done. Examples of notifications prior to an emergency were shown including a Superior Propane notification letter and a Nestle plant notification in a newsletter. Rob said that notifications during and after an environmental emergency should include the measures taken and actions to reduce harm. He mentioned a text alert from Nuclear.

September 23, 2021

By 2021 Speakers

Edy Haddad and Brian Mabee of Peninsula Canada made a presentation called “Your Roadmap for Vaccines and COVID-19 in the Workplace”. They talked about what to do if staff refuse the vaccine. You need to educate staff, talk to staff about the vaccine and have a clear policy on vaccinations. Companies need to treat vaccination information like medical records. To keep your workplace safe & compliant you need to track staff vaccination status to help with recalling staff & keeping employees safe.

To reopen your workplace you must assess the workplace capacity for safety and ensure the compliance your health & safety policies for social distancing, disinfection and masking, etc. You need to review your existing COVID procedures, their effectiveness, staff compliance, staff & visitor screening and legislative changes. You should develop policies to recall staff considering phasing recalls, criteria to base recalls on such as seniority or order of layoff, etc. and recall notices. Employment contracts and handbooks should be updated incorporating legislative changes, human rights concerns, addressing vaccination policies and clarifying responsibilities and expectations.

Addressing vaccination in policies and contracts helps to: mitigate risk; clarify expectations; resolve disputes; outline responsibilities; makes training & enforcement easier; and protects from compliance violations.

Penalties for violating ESA and OHS are: financial; legal costs even when winning; cost of wasted management time; poor employee relations & morale; adverse publicity; and reporting to other agencies such as Canada Revenue Agency.

 

March 10, 2021

By 2021 Speakers

Lisa Bolton of Sherrard Kuzz LLP made a presentation on COVID-19 Vaccination and the Workplace. The presentation was on screening customers/visitors for vaccinations; mandatory employee vaccinations; and compliance with current health & safety requirements to address COVID-19.

When considering if businesses should require proof of vaccinations, they need to weigh the objectives of protecting health & safety & minimizing potential liability under the Occupiers’ Liability Act and Bill 218; vs. the risks of Human Rights Code or privacy complaints/violations. She suggested not to implement vaccination screening for customers/visitors unless the benefit outweighs the risk. If implementing vaccination screening develop a policy you will need to identify why screening is a reasonable business requirement and confirm accommodation will be provided to those who cannot comply for a human rights-related reason. If collecting personal information follow Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act including identifying how information will be used, securely stored, safely destroyed, etc. and obtaining consent prior to collection.

Before implementing a vaccination policy, encourage voluntary compliance through education and incentives (if appropriate) assess objective vs. risk.

Vaccination status (currently) is not an exemption from compliance with public health and safety requirement. Businesses are obligated to ensure public health requirements and recommendations are followed by employees and the public on business premises.

Be prepared for a workplace inspection by having a COVID-19 workplace safety plan and following all health and safety requirements/guidance. Safety plan is a written roadmap addressing how business will address COVID-19 transmission risk. The plan includes education, workplace screening, physical distancing, mask or face coverings, cleaning & disinfecting and wearing of PPE.

January 19th, 2021

By 2021 Speakers

Jeff Yuan of Apotex made a presentation on Apotex COVID-19: Site Management Plan. The key points were:

The purpose of the Plan is to prevent and contain COVID-19 and demonstrate due diligence for Public Health, WSIB and MOL.

The Preventative Measures implemented include:

  • A working from home policy.
  • Self-monitoring & screening.
  • Screening contractors and vendors.
  • International screening.
  • Changing cafeteria arrangements.
  • Limiting the numbers of employees allowed in certain areas.
  • Eliminating the cross-over of shifts.
  • Restricting travel between Apotex sites.
  • Controlling locker room access.
  • Segregating of hallway traffic.
  • Sharing & communicating the Plan.
  • PA announcements & posted signage reminders of COVID-19 protocols.
  • Mandatory mask usage on site.
  • Restricting the number of entrances and temperature screening at entrances.
  • Employee training and testing.
  • No sharing of work vehicles.

Apotex is contact tracing for presumptive or positive cases.

Effectiveness checking is undertaken using audits of site controls, management walkthroughs, getting feedback from employees and regular reviews on updated COVID-19 guideline through Public Health.

Facility changes were made to the cafeteria, locker rooms, hallways & stairwells, temperature screening, cleaning and signage.

The presentation concluded with an outline on the managing process for confirmed cases, notifications for any workplace outbreaks and available resources.

November 18th, 2020

By 2020 Speakers

Mark Jasper of GHD made a presentation on Virtual Exercises and the Technology Used. The key points were:

How to run exercises while social distancing and limiting travel during the pandemic.

  • The Success of an Exercise in a virtual environment is dependent on: exercise planning; a strong exercise package; trained facilitators; leveraging existing communication technology platforms; and integrating innovative technology for participants.
  • To design a Virtual Exercise you need: objectives; a participant list; scenario selection; and a Master Scenario Event List (MSEL) that lays out the exercise play. He used an example of a virtual exercise in Winnipeg indicating that there is a need to interact with government agencies as if there is a real emergency.
  • To create a MSEL you need to consider: how you deliver the inject; who receives it; and what do you want them to do.
  • The evaluator of the Exercise needs to: observe the completion of objectives; clarify what may have been completed; and coach the participants. The results should not only have negatives, but focus on the positives as well.

There are various Digital Tools available for modelling, augmented reality, virtual reality and live drone feed integration. He showed examples of: graphics on top of air photos, drone images & plant schematics; modelling spills, transport and air dispersion; and camera tracking, photogrammetry and augmented reality.

Kevin Wallace of Spartan Response made a presentation on Decontamination & Disinfection Services

Kevin talked about Spartan’s programs and work plans to disinfect facilities per Covid- 19 recognized best practices, resulting in an efficient process while ensuring the safety of the Spartan staff and respecting client assets. They provide detailed verification that are protecting client’s employees from virus contact. The Standard Pre-Service client engagement includes: a site visit; identifying key client contacts, layout drawings and general operational details.  Upon engagement, Spartan would work with the client to identify the specific at-risk areas to disinfect (contacted by suspected carrier).

Spartan summarizes the key information is a responder database, making it readily available to personnel for 7/24 call support. Spartan developed a specific training indoctrination for its employees to ensure best practices are understood and followed with respect to decontamination and PPE requirements. Kevin showed examples of incident reports and certificates are typically posted on Health & Safety billboards.

September 18, 2020

By 2020 Speakers

Sharon Walker of Vaughan Emergency Planning made a presentation on COVID 19: Innovations and Lessons Learned.

Sharon provided an overview of innovations and process improvements in operations and service delivery that resulted from COVID’s impact on the public service. The results were process improvements, financial efficiencies, productivity gains, improvements in customer satisfaction, enhanced service outcomes, partnerships, safety and employee morale.

There was a shift to e-services, many programs were delivered thru curbside programs. There were a number of innovations at the EOC and many systems upgrades at the City.

Ryan Wheeler on behalf of Trans Northern Trans-Northern Pipeline made a presentation on the 2019 Bleasdell Exercise.

Ryan did a presentation on the Bleasdell Exercise, a full scale emergency response exercise on Oct. 8 & 9, 2019 in Quinte West Ontario. The scenario was a pipeline rupture and discharge into the Trent River near the Trenton’s drinking water intakes. The objectives were to validate using ICS, communication, field protocols and procedures with Quinte West and other stakeholders; establishing a Unified Command, Joint Information Centre and Science Table; source water protection; and testing software.

The Exercise Learnings Strengths were:

  • The TRG IAP software was a good communication tool.
  • Support from TNPI shareholders Shell and IOL.
  • Collaboration and teamwork from participants.

Sat Anand of Anco Chemicals Inc. made a presentation on Security Awareness and Security Plan for Railway Loaders under Transport Canada.

Sat presented a security awareness and a security plan for Railway Loaders, Anco has under Transport Canada.

  • A railway security plan includes:
  • Goals & objectives.
  • Prevention, mitigation, response and recovery from security concerns.
  • A security policy.
  • Staff training for security awareness and security plan.
  • Dealing with risks from suspicious persons, behavior and objects.
  • Gate locking, signage, fencing, cameras and alarms.
  • Security checks & visitor sign in.
  • Procedures for opening & closing, emergencies and onsite response.
  • Back up records.
  • Security Plan risk assessment.

Sat also mentioned about CN Tariff 9000. A company can be fined by CN for any safety violation near a railway track in the facility; track maintenance; and or any equipment in operation near the track.

July 8, 2020

By 2020 Speakers

Ryan Wheeler of Trans-Northern made a presentation on COVID-19 Response for Business Continuity

Ryan said that Trans-Northern was designated as an essential business and used their Business Continuity Plan to develop a Pandemic Plan.

The objectives of the Pandemic Plan included: ensuring the safety of TNPI employees, consultants and contractors; maintain operations and assets; and mitigating operating risks. The strategies and tactics to implement the Plan included: communicating workplace guidelines; providing a self-assessment tool for staff; developing and implementing a line control mitigation plan; ensure the supply of safety equipment (PPE); identifying critical staff and 3rd party services; developing and distributing essential service engagement letters; implementing a communications strategy; and developing a recovery plan and workplace guidelines to prevent COVID transmission.

TNPI also implemented: virtual internal response planning exercises; liaising and community outreaching through on-line platforms; and face to face meetings with emergency responders.

Sat Anand of Anco Chemical made a presentation on Anco’s COVID Plan

Sat overviewed Anco’s response to the Coronavirus and flu prevention. A memo was issued and discussed with the staff explaining possible safety instructions with policy to follow including: staying at home when sick; washing hands; wearing masks; avoiding gatherings; cleaning surfaces (including providing hand sanitizers, cleaning sprays and wipes); asking some employees to work from home and some to work alternately in the workplace; only 1 employees per room was allowed; and providing guidelines for travel and gatherings. Security changes included locking all gates and office entrances; monitoring trucks entering the property; relocating pick up and drop off locations for couriers to the parking lot; and discussing the RDC security code and railway loader security plan.

The Continuity and Recovery Plan included: following the Public Health guidelines; conducting a workplace risk assessment; mitigating risks; adding PPE; and cautiously & safely bringing staff back to the workplace maintaining social distances with proper PPE.

Cathy Campbell and Catherine Wieckowska of Responsible Distribution Canada made a presentation on COVID-19

Cathy and Catherine made a presentation on RDC’s response to COVID-19. They talked about phone apps for COVID-19. Companies should consider the stress and fear involved with the pandemic and the return to work. Companies should show compassion in their response. They showed that the perceived risks of re-opening was higher among women.

Cathy overviewed that there are 2 million unemployed in Canada. 39% of worker were interested in teleworking. And there was a significant drop in emissions during the pandemic. Catherine said that compassion is a business imperative.

Mark Jasper, Ben Scott and Danielle Chambers of GHD made a presentation on COVID-19

Ben Scott talked about the changes to business’s internal operations such as: Office closures, working remotely, self-isolation, limited field work and PPE for employees. He talked that GHD has a Boarding Pass app and is identifying innovative solutions for clients. The talked about the app is a self-assessment app with a temperature check and questionnaire.

Danielle Chambers from the GHD Waterloo office talked about specific services offered for COVID-19 including assisting clients with preparing plans, assessment, screening, training, movement strategies, messaging and education, mitigation, industrial hygiene audits, FIT testing and training for care and PPE use.

January 15, 2020

By 2020 Speakers

Mitchell Gibbs from First Response made a presentation on Clandestine Drug Labs which had a special focus on emergency responders, removing waste and remediation. He said it is very dangerous for emergency responders to deal with drug labs. Fire and explosions are the primary risk. Meth labs contain hazardous unknown chemicals. Most chemicals are not labeled. There is no WHMIS or TDG. Many of the unknown hazardous chemicals are dealt with on site by responders. The sources of many of the chemicals to make meth can be purchased at drug stores and hardware stores. Owners are responsible for the cleanup of the site.

Mitchell said that anyone can buy a book on-line on how to make meth. He showed the group many examples of the locations of drug labs. He concluded his presentation mentioning the Meth Watch Program and that local chemical companies must watch who they sell to and a lot of the chemicals are brought in via trucks and shipping containers.

November 13, 2019

By 2019 Speakers

Jennifer Threndyle from WSPS made a presentation on Violence and Harassment. She defined workplace violence and workplace harassment. She outlined the need to prepare policies to prevent violence and harassment including:

  • Developing and maintaining programs to implement the policies.
  • Assessing the risks of workplace violence based on the nature of the workplace and type of work.
  • Developing measures and procedures to control the risks.
  • Taking reasonable precautions to protect workers who are at risk of physical injury.
  • Alerting certain workers to the risk of workplace violence from persons with a history of violent behaviour.

The WSPS is able to complete a Workplace Violence Risk Assessment specific to a workplace, assist in developing a program and present an awareness session. At the end of the presentation, Jennifer mentioned various online resources such as the WSPS Workplace Violence & Harassment Toolbox; MLTSD Resources and the Excellent Program which replaces all other Health & Safety Rebate programs.

September 11, 2019

By 2019 Speakers

Poonam Chodha of Amazon toured the CAER group around the Amazon Fulfillment Centre in Brampton. The Brampton Fulfillment Center is an 80,000 sq. ft. facility on 4 floors which services the Canadian market from Brampton. The operations are made up of inbound and outbound departments. Inbound receives products from hundreds of vendors. Once received, these products become available on the Amazon website to order. Outbound operations, fulfills customer orders by picking, packing and shipping customer orders within specific and tight deadlines. The group toured the facility seeing robots, belt conveyors, packing stations and the shipping of the outgoing goods.

May 8, 2019

By 2019 Speakers

Sat Anand of Anco Chemicals made a presentation called “E2 Planning” at the CANECT Conference. E2 planning has 4 steps: prevention, preparedness, response and recovery.

Prevention involves: identifying in advance the risks, studying past emergencies, predicting scenarios, containing spills, operating procedures, preventive maintenance, facility design, operator competence, leak detection/alarms, incident investigation and compliance to standards. Prevention is essential for reducing the frequency and severity of E2 through preventive action, corrective action and risks managed. Prevention success stories should be prepared. A risk management program should be implemented in advance including process design and operation, training and smooth facility operation. RMP is far less expensive than dealing with the human health problems and environmental damage.

A risk management program includes: hazard identification, risk analysis, reduction of risk and response plans. Preparedness means involving first responders and nearby stakeholders, communicating risk and controls to surrounding facilities, communities and the public. Providing adequate resources to responders including mutual aid agreements, maintaining equipment, testing the plan and informing the public. Preparedness success stories should be prepared.

Quick and effective response relies on sound planning, pre-established partnerships and regular testing. Effective response includes quick activation of the plan, adequate resource mobilization, rapid assessment of the emergency, notification to first responders and alerting public, evacuation, accounting for personnel and adequate reporting. Partners include: other industries, communities, local organizations and government.

Recovery means restoration of environmental damage during the emergency. The best method is to discuss among all involved parties, to assess the damage and agree on a restoration plan. The objective of recovery is to provide sufficient direction to minimize recovery time and reduce impacts. The longer the recovery takes, the higher the ultimate cost.


 

Sharon Walker of Vaughan Emergency Planning made a presentation at the CANECT conference on Planning E2 Exercises. The first step is to contact municipality for assistance and participation in exercise. Business must decide when to hold an exercise, weather considerations, time of day and implications to neighbouring industries/businesses. They must choose the types of exercise (notification, case study, table top, simulation cell and field exercise). When planning the exercise you do need to: know your goals and objectives; what you plan to achieve; what are you exercising (part of the plan or the whole plan); and is the training and practice for staff or the evaluation of relevance and effectiveness of the plan. She suggested to create a 5 year schedule to work up to the field exercise. The Exercise Planning Objectives should be simple, measurable, achievable, realistic and time specific. To develop your exercise: create a scenario, determine the scale or size of the incident, the internal and external participants and establish a planning team.

When Creating a Scenario she said to keep it real, based on risk assessment, painting a picture with words and avoid creating an Armageddon. She suggested using safety videos from the Chemical Safety Board http://www.csb.gov/videos/

Pre-Exercise Training includes building mini scenarios, creating hands on training activities and a walk-about. When conducting the exercise you should stay on schedule, control access to the site, ensure necessary resources are available, use props to simulate the incident, clearly identify Evaluator and Observers. Remember that Developers and Controllers do not actively participate and be prepared for real incidents during the exercise.

The Evaluation includes debriefing all participants. Evaluations should be confidential. Questions include: What went well? What could be done better? What do we need? What did you learn? After the evaluation an Action Report containing action items should put together.

March 20, 2019

By 2019 Speakers

Mitchell Gibbs
Mitchell Gibbs of First Response Environmental made a presentation: “The Deadly Environmental Malibu Fire”. Mitchell showed a news video early on in the Malibu Wildfire. He talked about the mixed messages on evacuations, the 18,000 structures that were burned over 250,000 acres and the 89 lives lost. He said that most of the deaths were inside vehicles attempting to leave the area late. 250,000 people were successfully evacuated. First Response dealt with the clean up afterwards. He mentioned that Community Emergency Response Teams (CERT) were available to help with evacuation, but were not recognized by local official and utilized.

Mitchell estimated that it cost $150,000 to clean up each house. LA County Fire and the US EPA paid for the initial clean up and teams like First Response complete the cleanup. Another issue during the fire was the decommissioned nuclear testing facility (Santa Susana Field Laboratory) where the soil was contaminated and nuclear waste was stored had been partially burned. After the fire, flooding and landslides were an issue since there was no vegetation remaining, 14,000 home were leveled and Pacific Gas & Electric & several insurance companies went bankrupt.

Mitchell wrote a book on the fire.


 

Sharon Walker
Sharon Walker of Vaughan Emergency Planning made a presentation called “Exercise Loco Motive”. This was the City of Vaughan’s annual exercise. The objectives were to practice: roles & responsibilities; emergency notification procedures; incident assessment & action planning; coordination, communication & interoperability; using Dashboard; implementing the Drinking Water Emergency Plan; identifying continuous improvements to plans & procedures; and compliance with the Emergency Management & Civil Protection Act.

The scenario was a tanker hit by a train which involved a derailment, fire, chlorine release, helicopter crash and drinking water issues. The exercise involved both CN and Alectra. The methodology was calling in with issues, with 2 shift changes and mock media briefings.

The lessons learned was that: communication was a strength; Dashboard worked well (a training session before the exercise worked); maps and GIS are valuable tools; training staff to keep their briefings short; and situational awareness.

What could be done better: need better audio visuals; drone view from above was great for mapping and video feeds; message; common maps approval needed; updating dashboard; mapping and video feeds further development; procurement form process; and streamline communication.

Recommendations: install audio-video systems in the EOC; purchase IMS colored vests; sections update procedures; investigate mapping software; develop more efficient public alerting; and on-going training.

January 23, 2019

By 2019 Speakers

Ryan Wheeler
Ryan Wheeler of Trans-Northern Pipelines made a presentation: “Improving Fire Safety and Emergency Preparedness at Trans-Northern Pipeline Terminals”. He outlined several Trans-Northern exercises including an annual exercise in Trenton and 4 table tops. They prepare various emergency scenarios and review tactical response plans and share GIS data. Facility specific plans are undertaken to deal with loss of containment and fire scenarios.

Ryan mentioned several changes and upgrades including: working to upgrade fire pre-plans; outreach to smaller Fire Departments; adding 3rd party support services; foam & resupply resources; emergency product movements; and suppression equipment and response.

Trans-Northern did fire preparedness sessions at GTAA, Farran’s Point and Calgary Airport. In 2019, Trans-Northern plans to revise fire pre-plans and facility response plans, add sessions, add site visits for firefighters and identify different contractors and consultants. The Trans-Northern Notification phone number is 1-800-361-0608.


 

Sat Anand
Sat Anand of Anco Chemicals made a presentation called “Ammonia Exercise”. This was on a Table Top Ammonia Exercise at Anco Chemicals. Sat overviewed ammonia’s properties. Office staff at Anco were asked questions about safety procedures. Sat outlined the scenario that there was a crack on top of a drum. He talked about the PPE requirements for ammonia.

November 13, 2018

By 2018 Speakers

Lisa Bolton
Lisa Bolton of Sherrard Kuzz LLP made a presentation on cannabis in the workplace. Health Canada says that “Using cannabis or cannabis products can impair your concentration, ability to think and make decisions, reaction time and coordination. This can affect motor skills, including ability to drive. It can increase anxiety and cause panic attacks, paranoia and hallucinations.These effects can last 24 hours (or more).

Lisa described the 3 types of impairment: acute, residual and withdrawal. Acute impairment includes: perceptual changes, time distortion, euphoria-“high”, relaxed- “numb”, cognitive changes-memory and learning, attention and reaction time. Residual impairment includes: fatigue, comprehension issues, unclear mind, attention and reaction time. Withdrawal includes: anger, irritability, insomnia, nightmares, anxiety, anorexia and general malaise.

Lisa outlined the why employers should develop and implement a drug & alcohol policy including: providing a safe, productive workplace, controlling workplace activity, communicating standards of conduct, promoting consistent manager response and ensuring all employees are treated fairly and with respect. The scope of drug & alcohol policy should include all sources of intoxicating substances including alcohol, prescription & over-the counter drugs, cannabis (and related products) and Illegal drugs. Components of a drug policy include: detecting use, intoxication and response..

September 12, 2018

By 2018 Speakers

Hugh Fairweather
Hugh Fairweather of Safetyscope made a presentation that dealt with changes to OHSA, new offences, MOL proposals and clarification of Regulation 834. Under Section 66 fines have tripled and under Section 69 the MOL now has a year to lay charges. There were also changes to Regulations 213, 297, 860, 833 and 490.

Hugh talked about distracted driving under the Highway Traffic Act and chronic mental stress. There were also changes to the requirements for Workplace First Aid Kits under CSA Z1220-17.

Hugh also talked about future and proposed under Regulation 833–2018, clarifications under Regulation 834 for the construction, industrial and mining industries. And Hugh ended with a discussion on Tool Tethering.

May 9, 2018

By 2018 Speakers

Mike-Doherty

Sat Anand presented at CANECT 2018 conference.

Topic: Best practices in building and maintaining an effective and responsive E2 plan.

  • Prevention of, Preparedness for, Response to, and Recovery from Environmental Emergency (E2)
  • Benefits of involvement in E2 planning
  • Success stories & testing of an E2 plan
  • Public Notification

March 7, 2018

By 2018 Speakers

Mike-Doherty
Mike Doherty of E-Hazard / Blue Arc Electrical Safety Technologies made a presentation on Electrical Safety. He works at E-Hazard and chairs the CSA Z462 committee and worked for many years for Ontario Hydro. He talked about the CSA Z1600-17 standard and how it is essential when making recommendations to safety to use a standard rather than base the recommendation on your option. He said that Z462-18 just came out and deals with safety in the workplace and emergency management. CSA Z1600-17 which calls for companies to plan, do, check and act.

The key sections of Z1600 are: Scope, purpose & application; Reference publications; Definitions; Program management; Planning; Implementation; Program evaluation; Management review; and Annex A is on Guidance and Annex B is on conformity assessment tools.

He said that Program Management must have buy in from senior management, the program coordinator & program committee. Program Administration includes a program plan, policy, goals, objectives, integration, budget, records management and review. The elements of the Risk Assessment Procedure are to identify hazards, assess risks and implement risk control. Mike ended the presentation with a suggestion of using the term “Residual Risk” rather than Acceptable Risk.

January 24, 2018

By 2018 Speakers

David Clarke
David Clarke of FESTI made a presentation on the Incident Command System (ICS). He outlined the history of ICS. David explained why it is important to have an Incident Command System and it is necessary to correct communications first.

ICS is used to manage incidents and events. It is scalable where is can change size, type and complexity. ICS uses only 3 to 7 subordinates within a manager’s span of control. The unified command needs a commander, fire chief, police, transport, paramedic, and is some cases a provincial/state regulator. There is a need to use company experts (i.e., responsible agency/company) and emergency services.

David outlined the role of some of the key ICS command staff including: the Incident Commander oversees the incident; Safety Officer; Public Information Officer; and Liaison Officer.

The Operations roles are for the doers. They have expertise to deal with the incident and to contribute to strategies and tactics. The Planning of the incident response is done through the Incident Command Action Plan which can be changed on the fly as needed. Planning contains Resource, Situation, Document and Demobilization Units. The Logistics section includes units for: communications, medical, food, supply, facilities and ground support. David concluded saying that the Finance and Administration components include incident costs, financial considerations and procurement. Field Implementation includes preparedness, response recovery and mitigation.

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