Health & Safety Orientation

WorkSafeBC                                                      

You must become familiar with the BC Workers’ Compensation Act and the WorkSafe BC Health and Safety Regulations 

The Right to Refuse Unsafe Work   

You have the right to refuse unsafe work as outlined under the BC Workers’ Compensation Act, and under procedures in Part 3 of the Worksafe BC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.

Occupational Health and Safety Committee

The Health and Safety committee meets monthly to review company safety activities. 

The members of the committee are:

  • Gio Zen – Co-Chair
  • Pauline Spence – Co-Chair
  • Geordie Irving – Employee Rep
  • Kevin Khangura – Employee
  • Jody Law  – Management Rep

A copy of the most recent meeting minutes can be found on the PWM Portal and the safety bulletin board.

Health & Safety Manual and Safework Practices   

There is a Health and Safety Manual that includes company safety policies, safework practices and forms.  A copy of the Safety Manual can be found on the PWM Portal

Health & Safety Policies                          

The safety policy outlines the responsibilities of employees, supervisors and managers.

It is the intention of the company to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees and visitors.

You must become familiar with the company safety policies, copies can be found within the health & safety manual.

  • Safety Policy
  • Discipline Policy
  • Bullying, Harassment & Violence Policy
  • Substance Abuse Policy
  • Training Policy
  • Preventative Maintenance Policy
  • Personal Protective Equipment Policy
  • Office Inspection Policy
  • Investigation Policy                                                            

Accidents/Incidents/Near Misses   

All accidents/incidents/near misses and unsafe conditions must be reported to Gio Zen, member of the Health & Safety Committee immediately.  They will initiate an investigation and report on findings and make recommendations. These will be made available on the safety bulletin board

Emergency Preparedness and Response Plan   

Personal and workplace safety are priorities. While being proactive, we know that at times we must also be reactive. When natural or man-made crises do arise, we must pull together. Pacific West Mechanical has developed a comprehensive Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan, with our foremost goals being the preservation of life, protection of property and restoration of operations as efficiently and promptly as possible. 

You will familiarize yourself with the contents of the Emergency Preparedness & Response Plan.

Fire Safety  – Office

If you discover a fire, activate the building alarm system by pulling the nearest fire alarm pull station. Telephone 9-1-1 and give your name, telephone number, location and nature of the fire/incident.

If you hear the fire alarm, please evacuate the building through the nearest fire exit and if applicable close your office door. Once evacuated, report to the muster station located in front of the building,in the parking lot.

Report any fire hazards that you notice to management or the health & safety committee

Fire Safety  – Field

If you discover a fire, activate the building alarm system by pulling the nearest fire alarm pull station. Telephone 9-1-1 and give your name, telephone number, location and nature of the fire/incident.  If you hear the fire alarm, please evacuate the building through the nearest fire exit.

Note: All company vehicles are equipped with a fire extinguisher.

First Aid – Office 

If first aid response is required you must call reception by Dialing 101. You must advise that a first aid attendant is required and who requires attention and their location within the office.

A first aid level I kit is available for use. The first aid kits can be found in the kitchen cupboard above the fridge and another at reception.

The office first aid attendant is : Gio Zen

First Aid -Field

All company vehicles are supplied with level I first aid kits.

Personal Protective Equipment       

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as gloves, hearing protection, face shields, etc. are required to safely undertake specific tasks. Your supervisor will ensure that you obtain the correct safety equipment.

WHMIS & MSDS                                          

All employees working with or near hazardous chemicals must be familiar with WHMIS and MSDS. If you are working with or near hazardous chemicals you must take a WHMIS course.  For course information and approval contact Human Resources.

The MSDS are located in the workshop and with HR. If you begin working with a new hazardous chemical you will report this to the Gio Zen so that he can obtain the MSDS.

Emergency Eye Wash        

Emergency eyewashes are required for areas undertaking work with chemicals. Portable eyewashes are located in the kitchen, and the workshop.

Field Work Safety – Working Alone                                      

Supervisors are responsible for going over field safety whenever you start to work on a new field job or are going to a new site.    

A check-in communication plan is in place. The minimum check-in frequency is at the start/end of the day and any time you move to the next worksite.  

General Safety Inspections  – Office

You will conduct a general safety inspection of your work space every day.  This includes looking for any tripping hazards, poor storage, damaged power cords, damaged office equipment, and more.  Report all deficiencies to Gio Zen so that the hazard can be eliminated.

General Safety Inspections  – Field

The company vehicle you are assigned is your workspace, you will maintain the organization of tools and equipment, for safe use. 

You will conduct regular general safety inspections of the assigned company vehicle, to ensure it is in a safe condition to drive.  You will report any deficiencies to Gio Zen and arrange for the required repairs and or maintenance.

Safe Operations of Equipment     

You will familiarize yourself with the safe operation of equipment, including ergonomic features of your furniture.  If you require specialized office equipment please let a member of the health and safety committee the know.

Emergency Contacts                              

911 –  Police, Ambulance, Fire, department 

  Then contact one of the following Managers: Brent, Jody, Daryl, Warren or Pauline.