Appendix A WORKPLACE-SPECIFIC HAZARDS AND SAFE PRACTICES FOR WASTE COLLECTION OPERATIONS General. The job of collecting garbage is an inherently hazardous occupation for both the driver and the loader. By recognizing workplace-specific hazards and following safe practices, employees can greatly reduce, if not eliminate, the possibility of work-related injury, disease, and fatality. 1. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Always wear the appropriate PPE as prescribed by the Ontario Occupational Health & Safety Act and the Corporation of the City of Thunder Bay (the employer),. PPE includes safety eyewear, hearing protection, puncture-resistant rubber gloves, double-palmed leather gloves, winter mitts, orange overalls or coveralls, orange work jackets, rainwear, and Class 1 CSA-approved work boots (leather boots, rubber boots, winter boots). Always wear a long- or short-sleeved shirt muscle shirts and tank tops are not acceptable. Wear the appropriate PPE in accordance with prevailing weather conditions. Wear sunscreen on sunny days, year round. 2. Weather and Road Conditions. Consider changing weather and road conditions on a daily basis and adjust your driving and loading activities accordingly. Factors such as rain, snow, sleet, ice, mud, and gravel can create potential hazards (e.g. slip-and-fall incidents, vehicle collisions and damage, etc.) due to slippery surface conditions. During the summer months, rain and fog can impair the vision of both the driver and the loader. During the winter months, blowing snow and seasonal periods of extended darkness can also impair the vision of both the driver and the loader. Take extra precautions when working under these conditions. 3. Vehicular and Pedestrian Traffic. Always pay attention to the flows of vehicular and pedestrian traffic in the vicinity of the packer. The loader is particularly vulnerable to injury in the event of a vehicular collision because unlike the driver, he is outside the limited protection provided by the cab of the packer. Both the driver and loader must exercise additional caution when working on roads (e.g. highways, rural roads, etc.) where posted speed limits are higher than those normally encountered in built-up areas. 4. Back the Packer Safely. Both the driver and the loader are responsible for safely backing the packer. The driver must never back the packer without the loader s assistance. The loader can see hazards that the driver cannot see and he must guide the driver back by using proper hand signals. The loader must never ride the riding step of the packer when it is traveling in reverse. Although the driver should follow the directions of the loader, he must also watch for hazards that the loader might not see from his vantage point. If the driver cannot see the loader, or if he is unsure of the loader s directions, he must stop the truck and remain stopped until he is sure the way is clear and safe. Remember: when in doubt, it is better to err on the side of safety. Furthermore, section 56 of Regulation 851 of the Act specifically addresses the procedure that must be followed when the operator W&R H&S Practices Page 1 of 8
of a vehicle does not have a full view of the intended path of travel of the vehicle (e.g. when the vehicle is traveling in reverse): Where the operator of a vehicle, mobile equipment, crane or similar material handling equipment does not have a full view of the intended path of travel of the vehicle, mobile equipment, crane or similar material handling equipment or its load, the vehicle, mobile equipment, crane or similar material handling equipment shall only be operated as directed by a signaller who is a competent person and who is stationed, (a) in full view of the operator; (b) with a full view of the intended path of travel of the vehicle, mobile equipment, crane or similar material handling equipment and its load; and (c) clear of the intended path of travel of the vehicle, mobile equipment, crane or similar material handling equipment and its load. 5. Duties of Workers. Always work in compliance with the provisions of the Act. Specifically, the Act outlines the duties of workers in section 28: A worker shall, (a) work in compliance with the provisions of this Act and the regulations; (b) use or wear the equipment, protective devices or clothing that the worker's employer requires to be used or worn; (c) report to his or her employer or supervisor the absence of or defect in any equipment or protective device of which the worker is aware and which may endanger himself, herself or another worker; and (d) report to his or her employer or supervisor any contravention of this Act or the regulations or the existence of any hazard of which he or she knows. No worker shall, (a) remove or make ineffective any protective device required by the regulations or by his or her employer, without providing an adequate temporary protective device and when the need for removing or making ineffective the protective device has ceased, the protective device shall be replaced immediately; (b) use or operate any equipment, machine, device or thing or work in a manner that may endanger himself, herself or any other worker; or (c) engage in any prank, contest, feat of strength, unnecessary running or rough and boisterous conduct. W&R H&S Practices Page 2 of 8
6. Employee Responsibilities. Always work in compliance of the provisions of the American National Standard Institute (ANSI) safety requirements for garbage collection (the Standard). Specifically, the Standard outlines employee responsibilities in section 6.2: 6.2 Employee responsibilities Employees who drive, operate, load, clean, service, maintain, or repair mobile collection and transportation equipment which is subject to the provisions of this standard shall be responsible for: 6.2.1 Receipt of training Performing work, as authorized by the employer, in and around mobile collection and transportation equipment which is subject to the provisions of this standard only after being properly instructed and trained in safe work practices relative to the work assigned; 6.2.2 Compliance with regulations Complying with [provincial], federal, and local occupational safety and transportation safety regulations; 6.2.3 General work practices 6.2.3.1 General equipment operation Operating all equipment in accordance with the manufacturer s instructions; 6.2.3.2 Driving and riding positions When driving or riding in the vehicle: (a) Following the employer s instructions regarding driving and riding positions, (b) Riding only in the cab, except where riding steps are provided, and not anywhere else on the vehicle, (c) Keeping all doors closed and latched during transit, (d) Remaining in driving or riding position(s) during collection activities until the vehicle has come to a complete stop and the brakes are set, (e) Wearing seat belts at all times when the vehicle is in transit, except as necessary during collection (see clause 3.4), (f) When a vehicle is being operated in reverse, ensuring that the area behind the vehicle is clear, W&R H&S Practices Page 3 of 8
(g) Not crossing or standing behind a vehicle operating, or about to operate, in reverse, and (h) Making sure the locations of all co-workers are known before operating the vehicle in reverse; 6.2.3.3 Personal protective equipment Using personal protective equipment as required by the employer; 6.2.3.4 Work near other mobile equipment Maintaining appropriate separation from mobile equipment which may be operating near the employee s work area; 6.2.3.5 Special work areas Entering posted special work areas only if trained and authorized to do so and observing all safety related requirements and instructions posted for that area; 6.2.3.6 Energy control procedures Adhering to the employer s procedure for the control of hazardous energy sources (lockout/tagout) when repairing or servicing mobile equipment; 6.2.4 Safety features 6.2.4.1 General Using all applicable safety devices and protective equipment related to operation, maintenance, and use of equipment; 6.2.4.2 Reporting defects Reporting to the employer any safety related deficiency or defect in the equipment; 6.2.4.3 Access doors and service covers Ensuring that all access doors and service opening covers are closed and secured before operations begin; 6.2.4.4 Disabling of safety equipment Ensuring that no one disables or bypasses safety equipment or other protective devices and that mobile equipment is not operated unless these devices are fully functional; 6.2.5 Equipment operating practices 6.2.5.1 Overhead clearance Ensuring that there is adequate overhead clearance with all equipment positioned for normal transit, as posted in the vehicle; W&R H&S Practices Page 4 of 8
6.2.5.2 Tailgates On vehicles so equipped, ensuring that all persons are clear of the tailgate before the tailgate is shut and the operator shall warn all persons not to cross under an open tailgate; 6.2.5.3 Packing and material handling controls On vehicles so equipped, ensuring that all persons are clear of the point of operation before actuating any packing cycle or material handling controls, and remaining at the controls, ready to stop the packing cycle or material handling operation, if necessary; 6.2.5.4 Riding steps When operating or working on any vehicle equipped with riding steps; (a) Ensuring that no person(s) ride on the steps when the vehicle is exceeding 17 kph (10 mph), operating in reverse, or when the distance traveled exceeds 0.3 km (0.2 mi), (b) Ensuring that no person(s) ride on the loading sill or in the hopper of a compactor equipped vehicle, (c) Ensuring that no person mounts or dismounts riding steps unless the vehicle is completely stopped, (d) Ensuring that no person attempts to collect refuse while riding on the step, and (e) Ride facing the side of the vehicle with both hands on the handholds. 6.2.5.5 Vehicles equipped with stand-up or secondary drive positions When operating vehicles so equipped from the stand-up or secondary position; 6.2.5.5.1 Speed limitations Limiting speed in the stand-up position to a maximum of 32 kph (20 mph); 6.2.5.5.2 Mirror adjustments When changing driving positions, adjusting mirrors so as to provide adequate visibility from the new position; 6.2.5.5.3 Secondary drive position restraining devices When in transit, while driving in the secondary position, using the restraining devices specified in clause 8.3.6; 6.2.5.5.4 Work brakes W&R H&S Practices Page 5 of 8
On vehicle so equipped, using the work brake feature only to maintain the vehicle at rest after bringing it to a complete stop with the service brake, and not as a primary means of stopping the vehicle. Driver-Specific. By following safe practices, the driver can prevent damage to the packer and public or private property, and avoid inflicting personal injury to himself, the loader, and innocent third parties. A packer is a large, powerful piece of heavy equipment that must be operated safely at all times. 1. Daily Vehicle Inspection. Because both members of the packer crew alternate between loading and driving duties throughout each tour of duty, both members must participate in the daily circle check of the packer to ensure that it is mechanically fit and safe to operate. The driver must complete and sign a Vehicle/Equipment Inspection Report and keep the document with the vehicle throughout the entire tour of duty. The driver must turn in the completed form to the Supervisor at the end of each tour of duty. 2. Right Side of the Road. Except under circumstances allowed by law (i.e. collecting on one-way streets, in laneways, etc.), collecting garbage from both sides of the road at the same time is prohibited. This practice (a.k.a. mainlining ) poses a hazard to oncoming traffic and endangers the loader who must cross the road back and forth to collect garbage from the far side of the road. Driving a vehicle in the wrong lane is dangerous and prohibited by the Ontario Highway Traffic Act. 3. Overhead Hazards Report low-hanging wires to the Supervisor immediately and stay clear of them. If you pull down an overhead wire, stop the vehicle and contact the Supervisor immediately. If a downed wire contacts the vehicle, the driver must remain in the cab. The loader, if standing on the rear or side step of the packer, must not dismount the vehicle until the proper authorities (e.g. Thunder Bay Hydro, Ontario Hydro, Fire Services, etc.) safely remove the wire. Failure to do so may result in injury or death due to electrical shock or electrocution. Loader-Specific. Most work-related injuries occur when the employee is loading. The loader can avoid personal injury by following safe practices. 1. Travelling Between Pass-Bys. Typically, the loader rides the packer from one pass-by to the next. However, the loader is not required to ride the packer if two or more pass-bys are located so close together as to make riding the packer unnecessary or impractical. On the other hand, if the pass-bys are located more than 300 metres apart from one another, the loader must ride to the next pass-by in the cab of the packer. Nevertheless, the loader must exercise caution at all times when mounting, riding, and dismounting the packer. (a) Mounting the Riding Step. Use the three-point-contact mount procedure, check your footing, and mount only when the packer is at a complete stop. Never jump on a moving vehicle. W&R H&S Practices Page 6 of 8
(b) Riding the Riding Step. Facing the truck, hold on with both hands, keep both feet on the riding step, put your weight on the balls of your feet, and keep your knees slightly bent at all times. By keeping your body relaxed, you can soften any shocks to the body caused by rough road conditions. (c) Dismounting the Riding Step. Use the three-point-contact dismount procedure, check your footing, and dismount only when the packer has come to a complete stop. Never jump from a moving vehicle. 2. Proper Lifting Techniques. Proper body mechanics and safe lifting practices will greatly reduce the possibility of musculo-skeletal injuries to the loader. The loader must exercise caution at all times when lifting, carrying and placing garbage in the hopper. (a) Lifting Heavy Objects. When lifting garbage bags, containers, etc., carefully and firmly grasp the object, keep your back straight, bend your knees, and use your leg muscles to do the work. Move smoothly throughout the entire process; avoid jerking motions. Improper lifting technique can cause personal injury such as back problems, pulled muscles, strains and sprains, etc. (b) Lifting Garbage Bags. When lifting garbage bags, use proper lifting techniques and grasp the bag by the tuft of plastic at the tied end of the bag; never hug the bag by encircling the bag with your arms. Improper lifting technique can lead to potential cut and puncture injuries caused by hazardous objects placed in the garbage bag, such as needles, broken glass, nails, etc. (c) Polo-shooting or Hoop-shooting. Never pick up garbage by polo-shooting or hoop-shooting i.e. standing on the riding step of a moving packer, holding on with one hand, grabbing the garbage with the other hand, and throwing the garbage over the shoulder, around the back, etc. into the hopper. This practice is strictly prohibited as it can lead to serious injury. 3. Hazardous Objects. The loader must be alert to the possibility that hazardous objects may have been placed in the garbage. Some of these hazardous objects will be obvious, some will be hidden. (a) Hypodermic Needles. If you discover hypodermic needles or other sharps (e.g. lancets) in the garbage, do not attempt to handle them. Instead, immediately report to the Supervisor the location where you discovered the needles. (b) Sharp Objects. Exercise extreme caution when handling any objects with sharp edges or points (e.g. broken glass, jagged pieces of metal, nails, splintered wood, etc.). (c) Damaged Refuse Containers. Report to the Supervisor the location of damaged garbage cans, bins, boxes etc. that present a hazard to the loader. W&R H&S Practices Page 7 of 8
(d) Objects Longer than the Width of the Hopper. Do not place objects in the hopper if they are longer than the width of the hopper. Any portion of an object that protrudes outside the hopper during the compaction cycle may twist, bend or break off uncontrollably at the pinch point and may cause damage to the truck and/or injury to the loader. (e) Garbage Bin Lids. When collecting garbage from a bin with an attached lid, ensure the lid is safely secured in the open position to prevent it from falling unexpectedly. 4. Hopper Compaction Cycle. Stand to the side of the packer when the hopper is in motion. Never stand in the vicinity of the hopper until the hopper cycle has passed through the pinch-point stage. Never attempt to insert any material into the hopper when it is in motion. 5. Dumping the Packer. When dumping the packer at the John Street Landfill Site, position the vehicle sufficiently distant from any other vehicles engaged in dumping to: (a) (b) ensure that no-one is endangered by falling debris; and allow enough room for the loader to escape in the event the ground gives way and the packer tips to one side. Never walk under the tailgate when it is in the raised position. Never reach between the packer body and the tailgate when the tailgate is in the raised position. Always use the grab-hook to dislodge debris from the inside of the packer body or the tailgate when the tailgate is in the raised position. W&R H&S Practices Page 8 of 8