Workplaces have a responsibility to identify hazards in the workplace. A hazard is any situation, condition or thing that may be dangerous to the safety or health of workers. Whenever possible, hazards should be eliminated. If this is not possible, hazards must be controlled. Control means reducing the hazard to levels that do not present a risk to worker health. Controls, in order of preference, include:
- Engineering Controls
- Administrative Controls
- Personal Protective Equipment
Biological hazards are organisms that present a health hazard. Exposure to a biological hazard in the workplace may result in a significant impact on the workforce unless preventative measures are taken to address the spread of the virus. The cold and flu are just two common biological hazards that a workplace needs to address by implementing preventative measures. You can reduce the effects and spread of a biological hazard through the following administrative controls:
- Education – Signs for hand washing in the kitchen and washrooms & education sessions on boosting immunity through proper sleep and fitness
- Hygiene – clean surfaces daily (disinfect with wipes)
- Hand Sanitizer at each workstation, entrance to the building, in board rooms and washrooms with a base of 60-90% alcohol.
- What is the ‘Working for Workers Act’? - December 16, 2021
- COVID-19 testing enhancements for the upcoming winter - November 23, 2021
- New Ontario reopening guidelines - October 26, 2021
