b'CSAM NEWSPREPARING FORWORST-CASE SCENARIOSEnhancing emergency preparedness procedures for optimal employee safetyLast year, Manitoba experienced theEquipping employees withrescue plans, they should aligndevastating loss of two constructionthe necessary tools to initiatewith the fundamental principles of sites due to fires. Both projects werefirefighting efforts. hazard assessment: identification, destroyed, but fortunately, no injuriesThese requirements include havingcommunication and control.were reported. This serves as evidencereadily available first aid supplies,Identification involves recognizing that emergency evacuation procedureson-site first aiders (as mandatedand outlining existing and potential were effective. by Workplace Safety and Healthhazards that employees need to be It is of utmost importance that allRegulation Part 5.5(1)), fire extinguishersaware of, along with specifying the workplaces establish comprehensiveand any rescue equipment required forrequired emergency steps to be taken emergency preparedness plans andongoing tasks. if necessary.policies. However, fires are not the onlyRegarding fire extinguishers, theyCommunication entails informing potential hazards that employers andshould be suitable for the specific workemployees in advance about the owners should be prepared for. Otherand materials involved, in accordanceemergency procedures to follow, scenarios such as tornadoes, with the National Fire Code of Canada.such as site evacuation, so they are gas leaks, chemical spills and fallWorkers must also receive trainingprepared to respond when faced with protection rescues may also requireon their proper usage. The fire codesuch situations. The procedures should emergency procedures. stipulates that fire extinguishersinclude a means of communicating to Sean Scott, Executive Director of theshould be spaced no more thanall employees when an emergency is Construction Safety Association of75 feet apart in most buildings andunfolding, such as utilizing an air horn Manitoba, emphasizes the need forjobsites. They should be accessibleon sites without alarms. Emergency safe job procedures and correspondingat each stairwell entrance and everyprocedures are a crucial component of emergency plans tailored to theaccess/egress point of the building.orientations, and conducting toolbox specific work and hazards present onHowever, depending on the nature oftalks can serve as effective refreshers each site. Certain tasks or materials canthe task, exceeding these minimumfor these protocols.heighten the risk of fires, explosionsrequirements might be necessary. The final step is to clearly outline or injuries, and even pose health andWhen dealing with hot work, anspecific controlsrules, personal environmental hazards such as silica,extinguisher must be within arms reachprotective equipment (PPE), training asbestos or lightning. to enable an immediate response,or proceduresto be followed Management bears the responsibilityadvises Scott. Leaving a fire to retrieveconcerning specific tasks that mitigate of developing emergency proceduresan extinguisher may result in losingthe risk of employee injuries or the for significant hazards or tasks thatcontrol over it upon returning. occurrence of emergency scenarios.employees may encounter. In termsRegardless of the specific emergencyThe nature of emergency preparedness of general emergency response,procedures in place, whether theyplans can vary depending on the tasks, Canadian legislation outlines thepertain to fire response plans, aidingenvironment and materials present on following minimum requirements thatan injured worker or fall protectioneach jobsite.companies should be able to fulfill:Providing first aid to injured workers; If you require assistance in developing or enhancing your Arranging transportation to a companys emergency preparedness policies, CSAMs medical facility; safety advisors are available to help. Please contact us at Establishing means of contacting 204-775-3171 in Winnipeg or 204-728-3456 in Brandon.external agencies for assistance; andIssue 2 | Summer Edition | 2023 BUILD MANITOBA 29'