Company Safety Manual

Version 1 - September, 2015

SRI GANESH CONSTRUCTION
OPERATING PRINCIPLES

1.0 Occupational Health and Safety Act 3

1.1 Employee Responsibilities 3
1.2 Superintendent/Supervisor Responsibilities 4
2.0 Hazard Assessment 5
2.1 Hazard Identification 5
2.2 Health Hazard 5
3.0 Safe Work Practices and Job Procedures 5-6
4.0 General Safety Requirements 6
4.1 Enforcement of Health & Safety Rules 6-7
5.0 Personal Protection Equipment 7
5.1 Head Protection 7
5.2 Eye and Face Protection 7
5.3 Respiratory Protection 8-9
5.4 Hearing Protection 9
5.5 Hand & Wrist Protection 9
5.6 Foot Protection 9
5.7 Coveralls 9
5.8 Fall Protection 9-10
6.0 Maintenance Program 11
7.0 Training and Safety Meetings 11
7.1 Safety Orientation Training 12
7.1.1 Safety Training 12
7.1.1.1 Worker Training 12
7.2 Project Safety Committee Objectives 12
7.3 Tool Box Safety Meetings 12-13
8.0 Incidents/Accidents 13
8.1 Definitions 13
8.2 Reporting Procedure 13
8.2.1 First Aid and Medical Treatment 14
8.3 Emergency Evacuation 14
9.0 Modified Work Program 15
10.0 Alcohol and Drug Policy 15
11.0 Standard Working Hours 15
12.0 Fire Prevention and Protection 16
12.1 Fire Prevention Equipment 16
12.3 Flammable Waste and Spills 16
12.4 Electrical Equipment 16-17
13.1 Vehicles 17
13.2 Traffic Violations 17-18
13.3 Driving of Company Vehicle 17-18
13.4 Tools 18-19
13.5 Materials 19
14.0 Training 20
14.1 Confined space 20
14.2 Job Hazard Analysis 21
1.0 Occupational Health and Safety Act

 All personnel must understand their obligations under the provincial

Health and Safety Act and be aware of the regulations contained in the
act.
 This information is contained in the Occupational Health and Safety
Regulations, available from all project superintendents.

1.1 Employee Responsibilities

Each employee is expected to perform his job in the safest possible manner
in order to protect the well–being of him self and fellow workers. The Safety
Program is designed for the protection of each employee. Acceptance of the
rules and regulations for safe operations is of vital importance in the success
of the entire accident prevention effort.
Responsibilities include the following:
 Familiarizing themselves and complying with Safety Legislation and
Regulations.
 Familiarizing themselves and complying with the safe work practices
and safe work procedures as outlined in the company safety manual.
 Each employee must learn the proper and safe way to do his job. He
must ask the foreman or supervisor about any aspect of his job in which
there may be a doubt.
 Use all personal protective equipment provided as deemed necessary
for safe execution.
 Take no unnecessary chances or short cuts.
 Report all inquiries, no matter how minor, to the foreman or supervisor
and obtain immediate first aid attention if needed.
 Report all unsafe conditions which may be observed.
 Co-operation in any incident/accident investigation procedure so that
the cause may be determined and appropriate corrective actions can be
taken.
1.2 Superintendent/Supervisor Responsibilities

 Ensure that safety regulations, safe work practices and operating

instructions are correctly applied.
 Conduct a New Employee Orientation to ensure employees understand
the hazards and safety regulations of the job.
 Ensure tools and equipment provided are safe and suitable for the job.
 Take action in case of deliberate infractions of safety rules and
regulations.
 Ensure that a worker works in a manner and with the protective
devices, measures and procedures required by the Occupational Health
and Safety act and Regulations.

2.0 Hazard Assessment

 Health hazards, occupational factors or illness, arising in and from the

work place, which may cause impaired health and well being, sickness
or significant discomfort and inefficiency must be identified, monitored
and controlled.

2.1 Hazard Identification

The overall hazard assessment process is comprised of five basic elements

including:
 Six direction hazard.
 Recognizing hazards or hazard potential.
 Identifying the hazards.
 Evaluating the loss potential.
 Controlling potential loss.
2.2 Health Hazard
 Occupational health hazards are generally divided into four categories,
which include:
Chemical Hazards
 Chemical compositions, which come in contact with the human body
causing harm, are known as Chemical hazards. These chemicals may
consist of mists, vapors, gases, dusts, and liquids.
Physical Hazards
 Physical hazards causing harm or adverse effects to the human body
include radiation, noise, temperature extremes, barometric extremes,
illumination, vibration, lasers, humidity extremes, dusts and
microwaves.
Biological Hazards
 Mold, viruses, bacteria, fungi, parasites, insects, snakes, plants and
animals, which may cause adverse effects to the human body, are
classified as biological hazards.
Ergonomic Hazards
 Physical disorders and stress which cause harm to the human body
resulting from poor work posture, improper manual handling of
material, improper seating support, fatigue, monotony and improper
work/rest cycles are considered ergonomic hazards.

3.0 Safe Work Practices and Job Procedures

Based on legislation, has developed extensive Safe Work Practices and Job
Procedures, which will be applied to each task assigned to you and your co-
worker.
The following list is a summary only and is not all-inclusive. For the complete
list, see the Safety Binder located outside the shop foreman’s office.

 Material Handling, Storage and Disposal

 Lockout and Tagging
 Ladders
 Scaffold
 Welding & gas cutting
  Fire Protection
 Cleaning Solvents and Flammable Products
 Tools-Hand & Power
 Grinding
 Cable Clips and Clamping Wire Rope
 Use of Compressed Air
 Power line Hazards
 Propane
 Motor Vehicles, Mechanized Equipment
 Signs, Signals and Barricades
 Use of an Airless Sprayer
 Floor/Wall Openings and Stairways
 Electrical
 Install Thermal systems Insulation and Building Materials Remove
and/or contact Procedures
 Ceramic Fiber
 Storage, Handling and Distribution of Material

4.0 General Safety Requirements

 Each employee shall learn the proper safe way to do his/her job.
Foreman and supervisors shall supply training on new tasks which
workers are unfamiliar with.
 Use and maintenance of required personal protective. Ensure that a
worker uses or wears the equipment, protective devices or clothing,
that SRI GANESH CONSTRUCTION requires to be worn.

4.1 Enforcement of Health & Safety Rules

Compliance with company and legislative safety standards is necessary

to maintain a safe and healthy work environment. As with any program,
corrective disciplinary measures may be required to deal with non-
compliance issues.
The following are guidelines for disciplinary action resulting from safety
infractions expecting in reference to the Alcohol and Drug policy.
• On first offence, employee will be given a written warning.
• On second offence, employee will receive a written notification and meet
with his/her Foreman and supervisor.
• On third offence, employee’s employment will be terminated.
• IF THE SAFETY VIOLATION IS OF A SERIOUS NATURE, EMPLOYMENT MAY BE
TERMINATED WITHOUT NOTICE

5.0 Personal Protection Equipment

SRI GANESH CONSTRUCTION will provide at the time of hire safety helmet, 1
pair of Safety Shoes, fire hydrant Jacket and 1 pair of safety glasses at no cost
to the employee. It shall be each employee’s responsibility to maintain the
safe use of these items. Replacement will be the employee’s responsibility.

5.1 Head Protection

Head protection will be worn on all construction operations in which
there is a possibility of injury from impact, falling or flying objects, or from
electrical shock and burns. Safety helmet shall be CSA or ISI approved
Class B and marked as approved. Safety helmet should be visibly checked for
defects daily.

5.2 Eye and Face Protection

Employees shall use eye and face protection equipment when machine
operation present potential eye or face injury from physical, chemical, or
radiation agents.
If an employee requires eye protection and needs to wear prescription
glasses, goggles or shields will be provided which accommodate the need
for prescription glasses. Equipment should be kept in a clean, well
maintained condition. Metal-rimmed glasses are not permitted.
5.3 Respiratory Protection

 In all cases where employees are exposed to potentially harmful fumes,

gases, dusts, and similar contaminants, employees will be provided
with proper respiratory protective equipment.
 All respirators shall be inspected regularly and maintained in proper
condition.
 Each employee shall be trained in the proper use, limitations, and
maintenance of respiratory equipment.
 Respirators shall be stored in a clean, convenient, sanitary location.
 Respiratory Protection Program is located in section 5.3 of the SRI
GANESH CONSTRUCTION Safety and Loss Prevention Manual.
Equipment is mandatory.
 Plan your task so “chances” or “shorts cuts” are removed from the
completion of the task. Because shortcut make your life short.

 Report all injuries or incidents to your foreman or supervisor

immediately for corrective measures.
 Report all unsafe conditions which may be observed, to your
supervisor.
 Co-operate in any accident/incident investigation procedure so that
cause may be determined and appropriate corrective action can be
taken.
 Suggestions for improving the safety performance should be reviewed
with the foreman or supervisor.
 All Federal, Provincial and Local regulations along with company and
client procedures and policies shall be practiced.
 Firearms and weapons are not permitted on/or within SRI GANESH
CONSTRUCTION’s property or areas of responsibility.
 No radios shall be allowed on any job sites.
 Beards or excess facial hair are not permitted on projects were
respirators or breathing apparatuses are used.
 Fighting, horseplay, practical jokes or otherwise interfering with other
workers may be cause for dismissal.
  Housekeeping is considered part of every task; therefore each
employee is responsible for his/her work area.
 Clothing must be appropriate for the task being performed. (Ie. No
loose fitting clothing around moving machinery.)
 Defective tools and equipment shall be removed from service and
discontinued until a qualified person makes repairs.
 Theft, vandalism or any other abuse or misuse of company property is
grounds for dismissal and/or criminal charges.
 Cellular phones are not permitted in work areas.
 Company policy forbids the sexual/physical harassment of any
employee by creating an intimidating, hostile or offensive working
environment by such conduct.
 Personnel shall obey all directions listed on scaffold tags.
 Green - Scaffold Ready for use.
 Yellow - Caution: Incomplete.
 Red - Do Not Use.

5.4 Hearing Protection

Wherever employees are exposed to an uncontrolled noise level, which the

Occupational Exposure Limits outlined below, hearing protection devices
will be provided.
Occupational Exposure Limits (O.E.I.)
Maximum Permitted Duration Sound Level
Hours per Day dBA
16 80
8 85
4 90
2 95
1 100
½ 105
¼ 110
⅛ 115
0> 115
5.5 Hand & Wrist Protection

The company will provide gloves as deemed necessary for material cutting,
shaping and handling. Gloves should be selected according to the specific
work to be performed. Gloves and wristlets will also be provided for
protection for both hot and cold temperature extremes.

5.6 Foot Protection

Employees will supply and wear ISI approved, Class 1 protective footwear. In
an explosive environment, worn steel-toed boots where metal is showing
shall not be permitted on site.

5.7 Coveralls

Employees will be required to supply and wear coveralls while handling

insulation.
When required, fire hydrant jacket must be wearied by all SRI GANESH
CONSTRUCTION employees.

5.8 Fall Protection

 Provincial Regulations shall be consulted for use restrictions and

exemptions of Lifelines, Lanyards and Safety Harnesses.
 Employees working 3 meters or more above ground level unprotected
from a potential fall (i.e. Guardrails) shall wear a five-point safety
harness with either safety ropes or lanyards.

The safety rope or lanyard must be:

 No longer than 2 meters

  Tied off to prevent falls of more 1.5 meters and where possible, tied to
a structure above the work area to minimize the fall distance.
 Attached to a structure that will withstand the impact of a falling
worker (i.e., ten times the worker’s body weight) Individuals working on
a swinging-type (mobile) scaffold must tie their rope to a lifeline. The
lifeline will be fastened to the top of the tank, chimney or building
where the worker is working, and drop free to the ground, (protect the
lifeline from sharp edges).

6.0 Maintenance Program

 The operator of any mobile equipment, including trucks, shall be

directly responsible for the safe operation of that equipment and be in
possession of a valid operators permit or certificate. When the operator
has reasonable cause to believe that the equipment or the load is
hazardous, he/she shall report those defects and conditions affecting
the safe operation of the equipment to his supervisor or other
authorized persons.
 The operator of any hand or power tools and equipment shall be
directly responsible for the safe operation of that equipment. When
there is cause to believe that the equipment has become hazardous or
unsafe for use, it shall be tagged “out of service” and sent in to the
shop for repair or servicing with a report stating the deficiency.

7.0 Safety Orientation Training

The objective of the safety orientation program is to provide all workers with
consistent safety information; education and training sufficient for them to
develop and acquire the knowledge and awareness to protect themselves
and others from injuries.
Each person must know and understand their job related activities, duties
and responsibilities prior to commencement of work.
7.1 Safety Training

High standards of safety performance and loss prevention are achieved

primarily through education and training. Training initiatives are divided into
three groups: management training, supervisor training and employee
training.

7.1.1 Worker Training

Training requirements for each worker will be determined and identified by

the supervisors.

7.2 Project Safety Committee Objectives

The goal of the safety committee is to prevent accidents and injuries. The
prime objective is to develop and promote safe work injuries. The prime
objective is to develop and promote safe work practices and make
recommendations to improve the health and safety on the project. By
discussing procedures prior to undertaking difficult, complex or dangerous
work, safety risk can be reduced. If an accident does occur, the committee
must take the necessary action to prevent recurrence. To meet this
objective, the committee needs the cooperation of managers, supervisors
and workers. Project safety committee meetings will be held once a month.

7.3 Too l Bo x Safety Meetings

The purpose of the toolbox safety meeting is to provide timely information

on safety items, which relate to project activities. Weekly toolbox meetings
are conducted by foreman and provide an important communication link to
each crew.
At the toolbox meetings, the foreman reviews hazardous procedure
associated with the project.
Guidelines for the conduct of the toolbox safety meeting are as follows:
 All members of the crew shall attend. Each member must sign the
toolbox safety meeting form. Anyone missing must be informed about
the important items.
 The toolbox safety meeting will be held at least weekly.
 Topics for discussion should pertain to safety and loss prevention
matters only.

8.0 Incidents/Accidents

Incident: Any unwanted, unforeseen and unplanned event which have

potential to cause an accident loss of some kind (injury, Property loss and
environmental damage) is called Incident.

Accident : Any unwanted, unforeseen and unplanned event which

causes loss of some kind (injury, Property loss and environmental damage)
is called Accident .

8.1 Definitions

An incident is an unintended event that, under different conditions would

have resulted in harm to people or damage to property or equipment. An
incident is a “close call” or near accident, often called a “Near Miss”. An
accident is an unexpected or unintended event that results in injury, loss or
damage to people, property or equipment.

8.2 Reporting Procedure

All incidents/accidents must be reported immediately. Employees shall

report all incidents/accidents to their immediate supervisor, who will report
directly to the superintendent for investigation proceedings to begin. Each
investigation will evaluate the primary and secondary causes in order to
establish and implement control measures to reduce the potential of
recurrence.
8.2.1 First Aid and Medical Treatment

1. Report injuries IMMEDIATELY, no matter how minor, to your supervisor.

Treatment will be given and the incident will be recorded.
Should later medical treatment be needed, you will have fulfilled your
obligations.
2. You must notify your supervisor prior to leaving the job site because of
injury or illness, whether personal or work related.
3. If you get outside medical treatment for a work-related injury or illness,
you must notify your supervisor at the start of the next scheduled workday.
4. Never move an injured or seriously ill person unless necessary, to prevent
further injury. Non-trained personnel should not administer first aid. Know
your limits. Do only what you are qualified to do.

8.3 Emergency Evacuation

Personnel may be informed of an evacuation by means of:

 Word of mouth
 Plant alarm
 Repeated crane whistle
All personnel working on the project will be required to observe the
following procedure in the event of an evacuation of the project.

Upon Notification:
 All work is to be stopped.
 All loads to be lowered if possible.
If any worker is in doubt concerning their safety roles or responsibilities, they
should contact their respective first line supervisor for clarification before
commencing or continuing any work-related activities.
Each person must also have a clear understanding of company expectations
with respect to health and safety.
9.0 Modified Work Program

It is the policy of SRI GANESH CONSTRUCTION to accommodate injured

employees by participating in a Modified Work Program.
The Modified Work Program has been designed, implementing the principles
of modern ergonomics, to accommodate the limitations of the injured
employees so they recover from their loss of function, while earning full
wages.
This program will be available at the discretion of SRI GANESH
CONSTRUCTION as applicable, and as prescribed by a physician.
All project supervision shall participate in the maintenance of the program by
observing the prescribed limitations of the employees involved.

10.0 A alcohol and Drug Policy

In order to maximize the safety of our workers, SRI GANESH CONSTRUCTION

has implemented an Alcohol and Drug Policy.

11.0 Standard Working Hours

SRI GANESH CONSTRUCTION’s standard working hours are from 8:00 AM to

5:00 PM, Monday
to Saturday. The office must approve any variation to these hours.
A 60 minute lunch break will be taken at 12:00 Noon
A 10 minute tea break shall be taken at 3:30 PM
If, for any reason, you are unable to be at work, you must phone the office
prior to the start of your shift in order for us to facilitate your absence.
12.0 Fire Prevention and Protection

12.1 Fire Prevention Equipment

 Fire fighting equipment must be used only for its intended purpose.
 Do not block access to fire fighting equipment or material. Access to
fire extinguishers must be kept open.
 Know the location of the fire extinguishers in your working area.
 Fire extinguishers, which have been used, shall be removed from the
area and returned to lockup.

12.3 Flammable Waste and Spills

Observe good housekeeping practices at all times and keep your work area
free of combustible materials. Dispose of all flammable wastes quickly and
efficiently in approved metal containers.

12.4 Electrical Equipment

All electrical equipment to be intrinsically safe.

Group Fault Circuit Interrupters. All 220 & 440 volt, single phase, 15 or 20
ampere receptacle outlets on construction sites, which are not part of the
permanent wiring of the building or structure and which are in use by
employees, must have approved ground-fault circuit interrupter for personal
protection.

13.1 Vehicles

 All trucks shall be kept clean inside and out at all times. Remember that
it is the company’s image that you are presenting and not your own.
 When refueling, the oil shall be checked each time.
 All flat tires shall be repaired immediately.
 All trucks shall be locked in the yard at the end of the day.
 If you are going to be late returning to the yard, you are to phone the
shop to make arrangements to have it put away.
 Equipment and emergency sources to be shut down.
  All employees to proceed to the nearest designated emergency point.
 Employees to report to supervisor for a name check-off (Foreman will
assist in name check-off ).
 Site security measures to be established in the area as necessary to
keep non-essential people well back (for obvious safety reasons).
 Work to be resumed only the direction of the project superintendent
(Where work permits have been issued, they must be validated).

 The name of the Insurance Company, the policy number, and the
expiration date of insurance for every vehicle involved in the accident.
 A diagram of the accident scene.
 The employee’s immediate supervisor must be notified of all accidents
as soon as possible, along with the appropriate authorities.

13.2 Traffic Violations

 All parking should be done at right place.

 Any traffic offences or violations shall be the responsibility of the driver.

13.3 driving of company vehicles

 Our expectation is that all company vehicles are driven according to

traffic laws, and in a safe and courteous manner. Any employees who
do not will be held accountable for their actions.
 NO driver under the age of 25 is to drive any company vehicle unless
approval from management has been provided. In the event of a
Journeyman/Apprentice working together, the Journeyman will be
required to drive the company vehicle.
 There is inherent danger in using a hand-held cell phone while driving.
 Whenever possible, cell phone use while driving should be deferred
until you arrive at your destination. When it is not possible to wait, it is
our expectation that you first pull over before continuing the
conversation.
  Our insurance company will be requesting regular driver’s abstracts,
and will be notifying us of any “problem” drivers:
 Employees with a serious conviction (impaired driving, careless driving,
driving while suspended) will be immediately disqualified from driving a
company vehicle.
 Employees with 4 moving violations (speeding tickets or at-fault
accidents) in the preceding 3-year period will be disqualified from
driving any company vehicle.
 Employees who have a questionable driving record may also be
disqualified from driving a company vehicle.
 Any employee who drives a company vehicle, or is on company
business whatsoever, while under the influence of alcohol or narcotics
will be immediately disqualified from driving a company vehicle, and
may also be considered for dismissal.
 Any safety concerns regarding the company vehicle are to be
immediately reported to the employee’s supervisor, and appropriate
steps taken to ensure the continued safe operation of the vehicle.
 Any driver involved in an accident with a company vehicle, regardless of
fault, must remain at the scene of the accident and obtain the following
information:
 The name, address, and driver’s license number of each driver. In
addition, the name of any passengers, and any witnesses to the
accident.
 The name of the owner of the other vehicle, if different from the other
driver.
 License number plate & safety number of every vehicle involved in the
accident.

13.4 Tools

 All company tools that are in your possession must be locked up in your
gang box when not in use.
 All tools that are not used in your day-to-day requirements are to be
returned to the shop for the use of others.
  No power tools are to be left in the trucks overnight. They are to be
brought into the shop nightly for safekeeping.
 Any loss or theft of company tools is to be reported to the office
immediately.
 Ladders are not to be left on job-sites unattended, they must be
returned to the shop. If you do not have a truck, phone the shop to
request them to be picked up.
 Employee’s tools will be the sole responsibility of the employee.

13.5 Materials

 All materials and supplies for a job must be requested on a production

card.
 No one is to enter the storage rooms, or storage areas, without prior
authorization.
 When returning materials from job-sites, they are to be placed in the
designated areas.
 All materials that are returned from a job must be credited to the job
on a production card.
 Place your garbage in the proper place.
 All packing slips must be turned in daily.
When you need to purchase goods at suppliers, you must phone the office
for authorization, prior to the transaction.
14.0 Training

• All employees are required to have W.H.M.I.S (Workplace Hazardous

Materials Information System) training
W.H.M.I.S Hazardous Symbols
A. Compressed Gas
B. Flammable and Combustible
C. Oxidizing Material
D. Poisonous and Infectious Material
1. Material causing immediate and serious toxic effects
2. Material causing other toxic effects
3. Biohazardus infectious material
E. Corrosive Material
F. Dangerous Reactive Material

14.1 Confined Space

This chapter describes the procedures and responsibilities for employees to

safely enter con-fined spaces and be able to distinguish between permit-
required and non-permit-required confined spaces.

Responsibility

The employer will identify and evaluate all confined spaces and whether
entry requires a permit. It is the employer’s responsibility to take all
precautionary measures necessary for safe confined-space entry and to
instruct employees in the nature of hazards involved, precautions to take,
the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and any
emergency equipment required. The entry supervisor in charge will have
the responsibility of initiating the confined-space entry permit before
allowing anyone into the confined space. Employees are responsible for
following the guidelines set by management.
14.2 Job Hazard Analysis