BP004 | September 2008

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES PART ONE - CHAPTER ONE
TABLE OF CONTENTS

Acknowledgements ······································································································································································ 2
Key Messages ···················································································································································································· 3

Sections
1 Introduction ················································································································································································ 5
2 What are the Laws for Occupational
Health and Safety? ····························································································································································· 9
3 Identifying and Controlling Hazards ················································································································ 19

4 Worker Competency and Training ······················································································································ 33

5 Reporting and Investigating
Incidents and/or Injuries · ············································································································································· 39
6 First Aid ··························································································································································································· 43

7 Emergency Response ······················································································································································ 47

8 Preventing Workplace Violence ··························································································································· 51

9 Working Alone ········································································································································································· 55

10 Physician Obligations Regarding Patient/Client

Workers under the OHS Legislation ·················································································································· 59

Appendices
A Glossary of Terms ································································································································································ 69
B Resources ····················································································································································································· 73
C Occupational Health and Safety Code ·········································································································· 77
D Sample Hazard Assessment Form ···················································································································· 81
E Sample Worker Orientation Record · ················································································································· 83
F Sample Record of Training · ········································································································································ 85
G Sample Incident Reporting
and Investigation Form · ················································································································································· 87
H Sample First Aid Record Form ································································································································· 89
I Sample Emergency Response Plan · ·················································································································· 91
J Sample Workplace Violence
Prevention Policy and Procedures ······················································································································ 93

Feedback Form ·················································································································································································· 95

Acknowledgements
This document, A Physician’s Guide to Occupational Health and Safety
Responsibilities has been developed through consultation with the College
of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA) and the Alberta Government
– Employment and Immigration (E&I), Workplace Innovation and Continuous
Improvement: Work Safe Alberta. We acknowledge the valuable contributions
of the people who participated on the working group.

It is also available on the website at: [Link] or by link from

the CPSA website at: [Link]

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Acknowledgements

Key Messages

This document, A Physician’s Guide to Occupational Health and Safety

Responsibilities, has been developed to assist physicians and their staff,
as employers and as workers, to understand and maintain compliance
SECTION 1:
with the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Regulation and
INTRODUCTION
Code to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their co-workers and
their employees. The focus is on the prevention of work-related illnesses
and injuries of workers.

In Alberta workers are protected by the Occupational Health

and Safety (OHS) Legislation
Employers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety SECTION 2:
of all workers at their work site. LAWS FOR OH&S
Workers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of themselves
and other workers while conducting their work at the work site.

Employers must:
• identify workplace hazards and conduct a written SECTION 3:
hazard assessment IDENTIFYING
• eliminate or control the identified hazards & CONTROLLING
• inform workers of existing or potential hazards HAZARDS
and methods of control

Employers must ensure that workers:

• are competent to work in a safe and healthy manner

• are trained in operation of equipment and tools

SECTION 4:
• are trained in procedures for working with harmful substances
WORKER COMPETENCY
• are trained in use of PPE
& TRAINING
Workers must:
• take part in and apply training

• not perform work they are not competent to perform

Employers must:
SECTION 5:
• report serious incidents and fatalities to the Government of Alberta
REPORTING &
(GOA) workplace health and safety INVESTIGATING
• investigate incidents that cause injury or have the potential
INCIDENTS/INJURIES
to cause a serious injury.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  KEY MESSAGES

Employers must:
• provide first aid services, supplies and equipment that meet the
SECTION 6:
FIRST AID requirements outlined in the OHS Code, Part 11.
• maintain first aid records for 3 years

Employers must:
SECTION 7:
• have a written emergency response plan that includes all the
EMERGENCY
RESPONSE
elements outlined in the OHS Code Part 7
• communicate this plan to all workers

SECTION 8: Employers must:

PREVENTING • consider workplace violence when conducting their

WORKPLACE hazard assessment and implement appropriate controls

VIOLENCE to protect workers

Employers must:
SECTION 9:
• ensure workers who are working alone have a means
WORKING ALONE
of communication to obtain assistance if required

SECTION 10: Physicians in Alberta have specific obligations under the

PHYSICIAN Occupational Health and Safety legislation to:
OBLIGATIONS • report notifiable diseases to the Government of Alberta, Workplace
REGARDING
Health and Safety, Director of Medical Services
PATIENT/CLIENT
• furnish reports on workers who have work-related illnesses or injuries
WORKERS UNDER
when requested by the the Government of Alberta, Workplace Health
THE OHS
LEGISLATION and Safety, Director of Medical Services

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  KEY MESSAGES

1

SECTION 1
INTRODUCTION
About this Document
This document, A Physician’s Guide to Occupational Health and Safety
Responsibilities, has been developed to assist physicians and their staff,
as employers and as workers, to understand and maintain compliance
SECTION 1:
with the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act, Regulation and
INTRODUCTION
Code to ensure the health and safety of themselves, their co-workers and
their employees. The focus is on the prevention of work-related illnesses
and injuries of workers.

The document has been developed for use by all physicians in Alberta in all work
settings such as, but not limited to:

Physicians in community practice including:

• Private offices
• Medical clinics
• After hours and walk-in clinics

College accredited diagnostic and treatment facilities:

• Non-hospital surgical
• Diagnostic imaging
• Medical laboratories
• Pulmonary function laboratories
• Clinical neurophysiology
• Cardiac exercise stress testing

Physicians as workers and directors of work in all work settings such as:
• Acute care hospitals
• Long term care facilities
• Primary care networks
• Other institutions

This document is meant to be read in its entirety to provide information on the

legislated roles and responsibilities for workplace health and safety in Alberta.
The laws for health and safety are minimum requirements. Some best practices1,
tools, forms and a list of resources are provided to assist physicians in meeting or
exceeding the minimum requirements.

For clarity, the legislated requirements (laws) are specifically identified in yellow
highlighted text boxes.

Not all requirements under the OHS Act, Regulations and Code are
discussed in this resource. This is not a definitive guide to the
legislation and does not exempt readers from their responsibilities
under applicable legislation. In case of inconsistency between this
resource and the occupational health and safety legislation or any other
legislation, the legislation will always prevail.

1. See definition under Glossary of Terms

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION

For more detailed information, refer to the OHS Act, Regulation or Code, and to the
employers’ safe work procedures. Employers’ safe work practices and site-specific
requirements may exceed the minimum requirements of the OHS Legislation.

Copyright and Terms of Use

This material, including copyright and marks under the Trade Marks Act (Canada)
is owned by the Government of Alberta and protected by law.

This material may be used, reproduced, stored or transmitted for non-commercial

purpose. However, Crown copyright is to be acknowledged. If it to be used,
reproduced, stored or transmitted for commercial purposes written consent
of the Minister is necessary.

Disclaimer
Information in this document is provided solely for the user’s information and
is provided strictly on an “as is” basis and without any warranty of any kind.
The Crown, its agents, employees or contractors will not be liable for any
damages, direct or indirect, or lost profits arising out of use of information
provided in this document or for information provided at any of the resource
sites listed in this document.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 1 – INTRODUCTION

2

SECTION 2
WHAT ARE THE LAWS
FOR OCCUPATIONAL
HEALTH AND SAFETY?
In Alberta workers are protected by the Occupational Health
and Safety Legislation
Employers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety KEY MESSAGES
of all workers at their work site. SECTION 2
Workers are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of
themselves and other workers while conducting their work at
the work site.

Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Legislation are laws that help
protect the health and safety of workers at work.

Alberta’s OHS legislation has three (3) parts:

1. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act
2. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation
3. Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code

The OHS Act:

• Sets minimum standards to protect and promote the health and safety
of workers throughout Alberta.
• Defines the obligations of employers and workers.
• Establishes the authority and powers of government officials
to enforce the law.
• Specifies maximum penalties
• Establishes broad rules of procedure in the case of a workplace incident.
• Creates the authority of the Regulation and Code.

The OHS Regulation:

• Establishes broad provisions (rules) that apply to all Alberta workplaces.
These provisions reflect government policies and are the minimum
requirement to ensure the protection of Alberta workers.
• Contains specified administrative processes.

The OHS Code:

• Contains detailed technical requirements for creating safe and healthy
workplaces. In some cases, the provisions specify an “objective” requirement
—which allows the use of options. In other cases, the provisions specify
precisely what is required—these provisions must be met in order to remain
in compliance.
• Contains references to recognized technical Standards (such as Canadian
Standards Association – CSA).

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 2 – WHAT ARE THE LAWS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY? 11
Where Do I Find the Legislation?
The Occupational Health and Safety legislation is available on the Government
of Alberta – Alberta Employment and Immigration (AEI) website at:
[Link]

Explanation guides to assist in interpretation of the legislation are available at:

[Link]

Official printed copies may be purchased from the Queen’s Printer at:
[Link]

or:

Edmonton Bookstore
Main Floor, Park Plaza
10611- 98 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2P7
Phone: (780) 427-4952
Fax: (780) 452-0668

Who is covered under the Alberta OHS Legislation?

The OHS Act, Regulation and Code affect most workers and employers
in Alberta including the healthcare industry and physicians.

The major exceptions are:

• Farmers and ranchers
• Domestic workers (such as nannies, housekeepers) and persons
LEGISLATED working at home
REQUIREMENTS • Workers in federally regulated industries (for example, banks,

transportation companies crossing provincial borders, television

and radio broadcasters)
Reference: OHS Act, Section 1(s)

General Obligations of Employers

Who is an employer?
Under the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act:

An employer means:
• A person who is self-employed in an occupation
LEGISLATED • A person who employs one or more workers
REQUIREMENTS • A person designated by an employer as the employer’s representative, or

• A director or officer of a corporation who oversees the occupational health

and safety of the worker employed by the corporation

Reference: OHS Act, Section 2 (1)

12 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 2 – WHAT ARE THE LAWS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY?
Application to Physicians
Physicians must consider their occupational health and safety responsibilities as
both employers—where they are the actual employer of staff (i.e. their private
practice office or clinic) and as workers. For example, physicians who work in a
hospital setting where they are not specifically the employer of workers, have
responsibilities as workers to ensure the health and safety of themselves and
other workers while engaged in their occupation.

Employer Responsibilities

Under the OHS Act, Section 2 (1), employers are responsible for
ensuring the health and safety of all workers at the work site. Specific
requirements are outlined throughout the OHS Act, Regulation and
Code depending on the work that is to be done.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
• Identifying hazards, conducting a written hazard assessment
and implementing controls
• Informing workers of any hazards on the job site

• Ensuring that workers are aware of their responsibilities and duties

under the OHS Act

• Ensuring that all equipment used at a worksite is properly maintained

and safe for use

• Ensuing that workers completing work are either competent to do so,

or under the direct supervision of a worker who is competent LEGISLATED

• Ensuring that workers are adequately trained in the safe operation REQUIREMENTS
of equipment, including safety equipment
• Ensuring that workers are adequately trained in the use of safe

operating procedures, including any procedures designed to minimize

the workers exposure to a harmful substance
• Properly labelling, storage and disposal of dangerous chemicals

• Ensuring workers perform their duties as required by the OHS

Legislation
• Monitoring workers who may be exposed to certain hazards such

as chemicals or noise, in some cases specific health examinations

may be required
• Establishing policies and procedures dealing with storing, handling,

using and disposal of biohazardous materials

Reference: OHS Regulation, Sections 12, 13, 15; OHS Code, Part 35

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 2 – WHAT ARE THE LAWS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY? 13
Some specific requirements are addressed throughout this document,
but employers must refer to the Alberta Occupational Health and
Safety Act, Regulation and Code (See list Appendix C) to determine
the requirements specific to their work and work sites.

For information on the meaning of “due diligence” and “reasonably practicable”

please refer to the Workplace Health and Safety Due Diligence bulletin available
at: [Link]

Worker Responsibilities
Workers have responsibilities under the OHS legislation as well. These are outlined
throughout the OHS Act, Regulation and Code and include, but are
not limited to the following:

Workers must:
• take reasonable care to protect the health and safety of themselves
and other workers while performing their duties
• not perform work they are not competent to do unless they are under

the supervision of a competent worker

• immediately report to their employer any equipment that is unsafe or

LEGISLATED not functioning properly

• follow health and safety work procedures developed by their employer
REQUIREMENTS
• participate in and apply training provided by the employer regarding

safe operations of equipment or harmful substances they may be

exposed to
• wear personal protective equipment required by their employer

• refuse to do work that may put them or another worker in

“imminent danger”
Reference: OHS Act, Sections 2(2), 35. OHS Regulation Sections 14, 15

Other Specific Requirements

Imminent Danger
Section 35 of the OHS Act outlines both the employers and workers responsibilities
in regard to the workers responsibility to refuse work where there exists an
imminent danger.

14 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 2 – WHAT ARE THE LAWS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY?
No worker shall:
• carry out any work, if on reasonable and probable grounds, the worker
believes that there exists an imminent danger to the health or safety of
that worker
• carry out any work if, on reasonable and probable grounds, the worker

believes that it will cause to exist an imminent danger to the health

or safety of that worker or another worker present at the work site, or
• operate any tool, equipment if, on reasonable and probable grounds,

the worker believes that it will cause to exist an imminent danger to LEGISLATED
the health or safety of that worker or another worker present at the REQUIREMENTS
work site
Imminent danger means “a danger that is not normal for that occupation,
or a danger under which a person engaged in that occupation would
not normally carry out the person’s work”
A worker who refuses to carry out work or operate a tool, appliance or
equipment shall, as soon as practicable, notify the worker’s employer at
the work site of the worker’s refusal and the reason for refusal
Reference: OHS Act, Section 35 (1), (2), (3)

On being notified of refusal to work under imminent danger,

the employer shall
• investigate and take action to eliminate the imminent danger
• ensure that no worker is assigned to use or operate the tool,
appliance or equipment or perform the work for which a worker
has made notification of refusal to work unless LEGISLATED
• the worker to be assigned is not exposed to imminent danger or REQUIREMENTS
• the imminent danger has been eliminated
• prepare a written record of the worker’s notification, the investigation
and action taken
• give the worker who gave the notification a copy of the record

Reference: OHS Regulation, Sections 12, 13, 15; OHS Code, Part 35

Example
An example of an imminent danger situation would be a healthcare worker
being asked to continue carrying out work in a facility with a known gas
leak resulting in a methane concentration of more than 1% (20% of the
lower explosive limit). As the healthcare worker is not competent or properly
equipped to handle fire and explosion emergencies, the worker must
refuse to carry out any work and notify the employer immediately.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 2 – WHAT ARE THE LAWS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY? 15
For further information on how to find information in the OHS Act,
Regulation and Code access the Workplace Health and Safety eLearning
program on the legislation at:
[Link]

Publications and bulletins are available on a variety of health and safety topics at:
[Link]

Role of the Government of Alberta

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Officers
Occupational Health and Safety Officers are employees of the Government of
Alberta. The role of the Occupational Health and Safety Officer is to ensure that
employers meet minimum legislated standards to provide healthy and safe worksites
as outlined in the OHS Act, Regulation and Code. Officers may conduct inspections
of worksites. Officers also investigate serious incidents and worker fatalities.

Officers may enter any work site at any reasonable hour, interview persons at the
work site, require the production of records, or take samples or photographs at
the work site.

Officers may write orders, stop work or stop the use of equipment if there are
unsafe or unhealthy conditions at that site. For more details on the roles of
Officers refer to the OHS Act, Section 9.

To file a complaint or report a serious incident call the Workplace Health

& Safety (WHS) Contact Centre toll-free at 1-866-415-8690, 24 hours a
day, seven days a week or go to the website at:
[Link]

16 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 2 – WHAT ARE THE LAWS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY?
Resources for OHS Legislation:
• e-learning program on the Legislation at:
[Link]
• OHS Act: [Link]
• OHS Regulation:
[Link]/documents/Regs/2003_062.cfm?frm_isbn=077971752X
• OHS Code:
[Link]
• OHS Code Explanation Guide: RESOURCES
[Link]
• Due Diligence:
[Link]
• Employer’s Guide: Occupational Health and Safety Act:
[Link]
• Employer’s Guide: Occupational Health and Safety Act:
[Link]
• Worker’s Guide: Occupational Health and Safety Act:
[Link]

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 2 – WHAT ARE THE LAWS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY? 17
18 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 2 – WHAT ARE THE LAWS FOR OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY?
3

SECTION 3
Identifying and
Controlling
Hazards
Employers must:
• identify workplace hazards and conduct a written

hazard assessment KEY MESSAGES

• eliminate or control the identified hazards SECTION 3
• inform workers of existing or potential hazards

and methods of control

Legislated Requirements
Hazard identification, assessment, and control is at the foundation of occupational
health and safety, and is a requirement under the Alberta Occupational Health
and Safety Code.

Employer responsibilities
Before work begins at a new work site:

Employers must:
• Assess a work site and identify existing and potential hazards
• Prepare a written and dated hazard assessment, including the
methods used to control or eliminate the hazards identified. LEGISLATED
• Where possible, involve workers in the hazard assessment
REQUIREMENTS
• Make sure workers are informed of the hazards and the methods

used to control the hazards

Reference: OHS Code, Part 2

Hazard assessment is not a one time thing. The laws require that:

An employer must make sure that a hazard assessment is done:

• At reasonably practicable intervals to prevent the development
of unsafe and unhealthy working conditions LEGISLATED
• When a new work process is introduced
REQUIREMENTS
• When a work process or operation changes

• Before the construction of a new work site

Reference: OHS Code, Part 2

Identifying and Assessing Hazards

What is a Hazard?

A hazard is any situation, condition or thing that may be dangerous to

LEGISLATED
the safety or health of workers.
REQUIREMENTS
Reference: OHS Code, Part 2

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS 21
Hazards may be grouped into four main categories:

• Liftingand handling loads e.g. manual materials handling

• Repetitive motions
• Slipping and tripping hazards e.g. poorly

maintained floors
• Equipment

• Fire

• Electricity e.g. poor wiring, frayed cords

• Excess noise

• Inadequate lighting
Physical Hazards
• Extreme temperatures

• Vibration

• Ionizing radiation

• Workplace violence

• Lasers

• Saws

• Cautery equipment

• Sharps

• Chemicals e.g. solvents, cleaners, medications

such as antineoplastics, cytotoxics
• Sterilizing agents such as glutaraldehyde

• Bleach

• Dusts e.g. from procedures such as bone dust

• Smoke

• Fumes e.g. laser, cautery

Chemical Hazards • Mists and vapours

• Gases such as anaesthetic gases, oxygen

• Liquid nitrogen

• Formaldehyde

• Mercury – from broken thermometers or

sphygmomanometers
• Hydrogen Peroxide

• Latex

• Viruses, fungi, bacteria e.g. influenza, varicella, rubeola

• Moulds

• Blood and body fluids – Hepatitis B and C; HIV

Biological Hazards
• Sewage

• Anthrax – bioterrorism
• Respiratory airborne pathogens

• Working conditions
• Stress

• Fatigue

Psychosocial Hazards • Shift

work
• Working alone
• Workplace violence

• Working with chronically ill and dying patients (stress)

22 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS
How to Conduct a Hazard Assessment…
There are a number of ways to find hazards in the workplace including:
• Walk around and look at your workplace and at how work is done.
Ask your workers what they consider unsafe.
• Think about what could possibly go wrong and don’t overlook the things
that people may have ‘worked around’ for years. Ask yourself “what if….?”
• Review any information you may have on a particular piece of equipment
(manufacturer’s specifications) or chemical (Material Safety Data Sheets
(MSDS)) to see what it says about work practices, conditions of use and
safety precautions.

Questions to Ask When Looking for Hazards

• What is your working environment ie: office, clinic, laboratory?
• How suitable are the things you use for the task?
Are they easily accessible?
• How might people be hurt directly by equipment, machinery and tools? Questions
• How might people be hurt indirectly through noise, fumes, radiation etc? to Ask
• How might people be hurt by using chemicals and/or other materials

(solvents, cleaning agents, lasers, gases, biological samples, wastes)?

• Are workers using equipment and materials correctly?

• Are workers at risk of exposure to violence?

For further information on Hazard Assessment and Control access

our eLearning Program at:
[Link]

Eliminating and Controlling Hazards

The employer is responsible for identifying, eliminating or controlling all hazards
at their work sites.

Whenever possible, hazards should be eliminated. If this is not possible they

must be controlled. Control means reducing the hazard to levels that do not
present a risk to worker health. The preferred hierarchy of controls is outlined
in the OHS Code, Part 2, Section 9. Controls, in order of preference are:

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS 23
• First try to eliminate the hazard completely. This could
mean removing trip hazards on the floor or disposing
of unwanted chemicals, outdated equipment etc.
• If it is not practical to eliminate the hazard completely,

try to substitute it with something safer, such as using

a less toxic chemical, ordering supplies in smaller
1st Choice
Engineering controls packages for easier lifting etc
(Preferred method) • Isolate the hazard: for example, use sound proof

barriers to reduce noise levels, shield from radiation;

use remote control systems to operate equipment
• Use mechanical lifts to move heavy loads

• Ventilation – ensure general ventilation air exchanges

are appropriate to work activity and local exhaust

ventilation is in place where needed

• Use safe work procedures

• Provide training and supervision for workers
• Ensure regular maintenance of machinery
2nd Choice Administrative controls and equipment
• Limit exposure times by using job rotation

• Staff immunization programs

• Includes gloves, hearing and eye protection,

protective clothing, respirators, proper footwear,
face shields etc.
• Ensure that

• The right type of PPE is selected for the job

• PPE fits properly and is comfortable under
3rd Choice
Personal Protective working conditions
Equipment (PPE) • Workers are trained in the need for PPE, its use,
proper donning and doffing, limitations
and maintenance
• PPE is stored in a clean and fully operational
condition
• Workers are fit tested for use of respiratory
protective equipment (RPE) where it is required
based on the hazard assessment

• Engineering
Combination • Administrative
of the above • PPE

24 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS
Worker Responsibilities

Workers must use the equipment provided for lifting, lowering, pushing,
LEGISLATED
pulling, carrying, handling, or transporting heavy or awkward loads
REQUIREMENTS
Reference: OHS Code, Part 14: Lifting and Handling Loads

Legislation Applicable to Chemical Hazards,

Biological Hazards and Harmful Substances
Legislation related to chemical and biological hazards and harmful substances is
found in several sections of the OHS legislation. Part 4 of the OHS Code outlines
some specific requirements related to worker exposures and monitoring.

Harmful substance means a substance that, because of its properties,

LEGISLATED
application, or presence, creates or could create a danger, including
REQUIREMENTS a chemical or biological hazard, to the health and safety of a worker
exposed to it.
Reference: OHS Code, Part 1, H

Schedule 1, Table 2 of the OHS Code lists the Occupational Exposure Limits
(OEL’s) for chemical substances in Alberta. Employers must be in compliance
with these exposure limits for the chemicals used at their work sites.

26 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS
Legislation Applicable to Biological Hazards
Legislation related to biological hazards may be found in several sections of the
OHS legislation, including, but not limited to, Part 4 and Part 35 of the OHS Code.

OHS Code , Part 35: Health Care and Industries with Biological Hazards

Employer Responsibilities

Sharps containers
An employer must:
• provide sharps containers and ensure that they are located as close
as reasonably practicable to where sharps are used
• ensure that a sharps container has a clearly defined fill line and is
sturdy enough to resist puncture under normal conditions of use
and handling

Policies and procedures

An employer must:
• establish policies and procedures dealing with storing, handling,
using and disposing of biohazardous material
• ensure that workers are informed of the health hazards associated
LEGISLATED
with exposure to the biohazardous material
REQUIREMENTS
• ensure that worker exposure to biohazardous materials is kept
as low as reasonably practicable

Limited exposure
An employer must ensure that worker exposure to biohazardous
•

materials is kept as low as reasonably practicable

Post-exposure management
An employer must establish policies and procedures for
•

the post-exposure management of workers exposed to

biohazardous material

Reference: OHS Code, Part 35: Health Care and Industries with Biological Hazards

Worker Responsibilities

Sharps containers
• A worker must use the sharps container provided
LEGISLATED
REQUIREMENTS
Recapping needles
• A person must not recap waste needles
Reference: OHS Code, Part 35

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS 27
Biohazardous material means a pathogenic organism, including
a bloodborne pathogen, that, because of its known or reasonably
LEGISLATED believed ability to cause disease in humans, would be classified as Risk
REQUIREMENTS Group 2, 3 or 4 as defined by the Medical Research Council of Canada,
or any material contaminated with such an organism
Reference: OHS Code, Part 2, B

Best Practices for Safe Handing and Disposal of Sharps

As a best practice, individuals working with sharps should consider the following:
• It is the personal responsibility of the person using the sharp to dispose of it
immediately and safely.
• Sharps should not be passed directly from hand to hand, and handling
should be kept to a minimum.
• Needles and syringes should be disposed of in one piece
• Always dispose of sharps at the point of use in a suitable container.
• Do not fill sharps containers more than two-thirds full or above the
manufacturer’s marked line.

References:
• [Link]
• [Link]
Appendix1/CentralServices/InfectionControl/[Link]
• [Link]
table=STANDARDS&p_id=10051

28 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS
Legislation Applicable to Radiation Safety
In Alberta the Radiation Protection Act and Radiation Protection Regulation
provide the legislative framework for a comprehensive system to protect
workers and the public from overexposure to radiation. Employer and worker
responsibilities are similar to those found in the OHS Act and Regulation. If
there is a conflict between the Radiation Protection Act and the OHS Act, the
OHS Act prevails.

The Radiation Protection Act

• Specifies that certain radiation equipment designated in the Radiation
Protection Regulation require registration certificates prior to use
• Requires owners of radiation equipment to investigate radiation incidents
or overexposures and take corrective actions
• Requires owners to establish and implement a quality assurance program
and a regular preventive maintenance program for their diagnostic
x‑ray equipment
• Authorizes radiation health officers to conduct inspections of radiation
facilities or radiation equipment
• Authorizes the Minister to issue written directives prohibiting the use of
a radiation facility or radiation equipment until it is in compliance with
the Act and Regulation

The Radiation Protection Regulation

• Specifies maximum exposure limits for ionizing and non-ionizing
(laser, radiofrequency electromagnetic fields) radiation
• Requires employers to ensure that radiation workers are provided with
and use a dosimeter to monitor their personal exposure to ionizing radiation
• Specifies that diagnostic or therapeutic x-ray equipment, cabinet x-ray
equipment and Class 3B or 4 lasers require a registration certificate prior
to use
• Requires owners of radiation equipment to ensure that shielding is adequate
to ensure that the maximum exposure limits for ionizing radiation are
not exceeded
• Requires that the installation and use of medical diagnostic x-ray equipment
must comply with Health Canada’s Safety Code 20A “X‑ray Equipment in
Medical Diagnosis Part A:  Recommended Safety Procedures for Installation
and Use”
• Requires that the installation and use of lasers in a health care facility must
comply with Canadian Standards Association’s Z386‑08 “Laser Safety in
Health Care Facilities”

The Radiation Protection legislation is available on the Government

of Alberta – Alberta Employment and Immigration (AEI) website at:
[Link]

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS 29
Information on the registration of designated radiation equipment in private
and public medical facilities (including public dental facilities and podiatry
facilities), and access to Safety Code 20A, is available on the College of Physicians
and Surgeons of Alberta website at:
[Link]

For the use, storage, disposal or transportation of radiation sources produced by the
nuclear fuel cycle i.e. those used in nuclear medicine the Nuclear Safety and Control
Act (Canada) applies. This Act and its associated Regulations are available at:
[Link]

The Radiation Protection Act and Regulation do not apply to the installation and
use of diagnostic ultrasound equipment. However, Health Canada has published
Guidelines for the Safe Use of Diagnostic Ultrasound available at:
[Link]
[Link]

Guidelines for the safe use of ultrasound physical therapy equipment can also be
found on Health Canada’s website at:
[Link]
[Link]

30 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS
Resources for Hazard Assessment and Control:
• Appendix D: Sample Hazard Assessment form
• Work Safe Alberta e-learning program at:
[Link]
• e-learning program Back and Bums: Applying basic Ergonomics at:
[Link]
• Prevention and Control of Occupational Infections in Health Care:
[Link]
• Infection Control Guidelines: Hand Washing, Cleaning, Disinfection and
Sterilization in Health Care at: [Link]
• Preventing the Transmission of bloodborne pthogens in healthcare and public
service settings at: [Link]
• Mercury at the Work Site:
[Link]
• Solvents at the Work Site:
[Link]
• Fatigue and Safety at the Work Site:
[Link]
• Fatigue, Extended Hours and Safety in the Work Site:
[Link]
• Respiratory Protective Equipment: An Employer’s Guide:
RESOURCES
[Link]
• Medical Assessment of fitness to Wear a Respirator:
[Link]
• Respiratory Protection Against Infection for Health Care Workers:
[Link]
• Waste Anaesthetic Gases, Hazards of:
[Link]
• Lasers – Health Care Facilities:
[Link]
• Laser Plumes – Health Care Facilities:
[Link]
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety:
[Link]
• Immunizations for Worker Exposure:
[Link]
• Health Canada: Canadian Immunization Guideline:
[Link]
• Public Heath Agency of Canada: [Link]
• Part 26, OHS Code and OHS Code Explanation Guide: Ventilation Systems
• ANSI/ASHRAE Standards 62.1 2007 -Ventilation for Acceptable Indoor
Air Quality: [Link]/standards

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS 31
• Association for the Advancement of Medical Instrumentation,
Chemical sterilization and high-level disinfection in health care
facilities, ANSI/AAMI ST58 : 2005
• [Link]
• [Link]
Ap pendix1/CentralServices/InfectionControl/[Link]
• [Link]
table=STANDARDS&p_id=10051

RESOURCES
Radiation:
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
• [Link]
[Link]
• [Link]
23-securite/[Link]

32 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS
4

SECTION 4
Worker Competency
and Training
Legislation Specifically Applicable to Health Care Settings
Legislation related to lifting and handling may be found in several sections of the
OHS legislation. Part 14 of the OHS Code provides some specific requirements:

Employer Responsibilities

Equipment
A heavy or awkward load includes equipment, goods, supplies,
persons, and animals
An employer must:
• provide, where reasonably practicable, appropriate equipment for lifting,
lowering, pushing, pulling, carrying, handling or transporting heavy
or awkward loads
• ensure that workers use the equipment provided
Adapting heavy or awkward loads
If the equipment provided is not reasonably practicable in a particular
circumstance or for a particular heavy or awkward load, the employer
must take all practicable means
• to adapt the load to facilitate lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling,
carrying, handling or transporting the load without injuring workers
• or to otherwise minimize the manual handling required to move
the load LEGISLATED
REQUIREMENTS
Assessing manual handling hazards
Before a worker manually lifts, lowers, pushes, pulls, carries, handles or
transports a load that could injure the worker, an employer must perform
a hazard assessment that considers
• the weight of the load
• the size of the load
• the shape of the load
• the number of times the load will be moved
• the manner in which the load will be moved
Muscuoskeletal injuries
If a worker reports to the employer what the worker believes to be work
related symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury, the employer must promptly
• Review the activities of that worker, and of other workers doing similar
tasks, to identify work-related causes of symptoms, if any
• Take corrective actions to avoid further injuries if the causes of the
symptoms are work related

Reference: OHS Code, Part 14: Lifting and Handling Loads

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 3 – IDENTIFYING AND CONTROLLING HAZARDS 25
Employers must ensure that workers
• are competent to work in a safe and healthy manner

• are trained in the safe operation of equipment and tools

• are trained in procedures for working with harmful substances

KEY MESSAGES
• are trained in use of PPE
SECTION 4
Workers must
• take part in and apply training

• not perform work they are not competent to perform

Legislated Requirements
General requirements for worker training are included throughout the OHS
Legislation1. These include, but are not limited to the following:

Employer responsibilities

If a worker may be exposed to a harmful substance at a work site,

the employer must:
• establish procedures that minimize the worker’s exposure to the

harmful substance
• ensure that a worker who may be exposed to the harmful substance LEGISLATED
is trained in the procedures, applies the training, and is informed of the REQUIREMENTS
health hazards associated with exposure to the harmful substance
Employers must ensure that a worker is trained in the safe operation
of the equipment the worker is required to operate.
Reference: OHS Regulation, Section 15

If the hazard assessment indicates the need for personal protective

equipment (PPE) an employer must ensure that workers are trained in LEGISLATED
the correct use, care, limitations and maintenance of the PPE REQUIREMENTS
Reference: OHS Code, Part 28, 228(1)

Competent Worker

If work is to be done that may endanger a worker, the employer must

ensure that the work is done LEGISLATED
• by a worker who is competent to do the work or REQUIREMENTS
• by a worker who is working under the direct supervision of a worker

who is competent to do the work

Reference: OHS Code, Part 28, 228(1)

1. See definition under Glossary of Terms

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 4 – Worker Competency and Training 35
What is a competent worker?

LEGISLATED “...adequately qualified, suitably trained, and with sufficient experience

REQUIREMENTS to safely perform work without supervision or with only a minimal
degree of supervision”
Reference: OHS Regulation, Section 1

Worker Responsibilities

• A worker who is not competent to perform work that may endanger

the worker or others must not perform the work except under the direct
supervision of a worker who is competent to perform the work
• A worker must immediately report to the employer equipment that:

• is in a condition that will compromise the health or safety of workers

using or transporting it
LEGISLATED • will not perform the function for which it is intended or was designed
REQUIREMENTS • is not strong enough for its purpose, or
• has an obvious defect
Reference: OHS Regulation, Section 14

Workers must:
• participate in the training provided by an employer
• apply the training
Reference: OHS Regulation, Section 15

Specific requirements for worker training are identified throughout the

OHS legislation. Refer to these for job specific requirements.

36 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 4 – Worker Competency and Training
Resources for Worker Competency and Training:
• Appendix E: Sample Worker Orientation Record
• Appendix F: Sample Record of Training
• Best Practices for Cleaning, Disinfection & Sterilization, Provincial
Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC), Ministry of Health and
Long-Term Care/Public Health Division/Provincial Infectious Diseases:
[Link]
diseases/best_prac/bp_cds_2.pdf
• Flash Sterilization in Health Care Settings, Provincial Infectious Diseases
Advisory Committee (PIDAC) Ontario Hospitals Association:
[Link]
RESOURCES
pidac/fact_sheet/fs_flash_sterile_20080117.pdf
• Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in the Physician’s Office,
BC Centre for Disease Control, 2004: [Link]
PDFs/Infection_Control_In_Physician_Office_Final.pdf
• Infection Control in the Physician’s Office, The College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Ontario, Infection Control in the Physician’s Office, 2005:
[Link]
• Infection Prevention and Control Best Practices for Long-term Care,
Home and Community Care, including Health Care Offices &
Ambulatory Clinics, Canadian Committee on Antibiotic Resistance,
2007: [Link]
[Link]

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 4 – Worker Competency and Training 37
38 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 4 – Worker Competency and Training
SECTION 5 5

Reporting and
Investigating Incidents
and/or Injuries
Employers must:
• report serious incidents and fatalities to the Government of Alberta
KEY MESSAGES
(GOA) workplace health and safety
SECTION 5
• investigate incidents that cause injury or have the potential

to cause a serious injury.

Legislated Requirements

Under Section 18 of the OHS Act, if a serious injury or accident occurs at

a work site or if any other serious injury or other accident that has the
potential of causing serious injury to a person occurs at the work site,
the employer shall:
• Report it to Government of Alberta Workplace Health and Safety

• Carry out an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the

serious injury or accident LEGISLATED

• Prepare a report outlining the circumstances of the serious injury
REQUIREMENTS
or accident and the corrective actions, if any, undertaken to prevent
the recurrence of the serious injury or accident and
• Ensure that a copy of the report is readily available for inspection

by an officer
• Retain the report for 2 years
Reference: OHS Act, Section 18

For more information please refer to the Workplace Health and Safety Reporting
Injuries and Incidents bulletin available at
[Link]

To report incidents or concerns call the Workplace Health and Safety (WHS)
Contact Centre at:

Edmonton and surrounding area: 780 415-8690

Throughout Alberta: 1-866-415-8690
or go to [Link]

Also refer to the e-learning program on the investigation of incidents at:

[Link]

Two of the events that employers must report to Government

of Alberta Workplace Health and Safety that may be seen in
a healthcare setting include:

• An injury or accident that results in death

• An injury or accident that results in a worker being admitted LEGISLATED
to a hospital for more than 2 days REQUIREMENTS

Reference: OHS Act, Section 18 (see OHS Act for complete list)

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 5 – Reporting and Investigating Incidents and/or Injuries 41
Note: There are also separate requirements for reporting injuries to the Worker’s
Compensation Board (WCB). These are covered under the Worker’s Compensation
Act, which is different from the Occupational Health and Safety legislation. For
more information and access to WCB publications and forms, go to: [Link]

Promptly Investigate All Incidents and Near-Misses

Employers should investigate all incidents and near-misses.

Near-misses are incidents that cause no visible injury or damage but that
could have caused serious injuries or property damage under slightly different
circumstances. They should be investigated because they point to conditions or
work practices that must be changed to prevent future incidents.

Everyone at the workplace has a role to play in an incident investigation.

Workers must report incidents to their supervisors. The owner, employer, or
supervisor should promptly start investigations of incidents. If possible, one
employer representative and one worker representative should participate in the
investigation. After the investigation is complete, an investigation report must
be prepared.

For more information on incident investigation visit the Workplace Health & Safety
eLearning program on Incident Investigation at:
[Link]

Resources for Reporting and Investigating Incidents and Injuries:

• Appendix G: Sample Incident Investigation form
RESOURCES
• eLearning program on Incident Investigation at:
[Link]
• Reporting Injuries and Incidents:
[Link]

42 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 5 – Reporting and Investigating Incidents and/or Injuries
SECTION 6
First Aid 6
Employers must:
• provide first aid services, supplies and equipment that meet
KEY MESSAGES
the requirements outlined in the OHS Code, Part 11. SECTION 6
• maintain first aid records for 3 years

Legislated Requirements

First aid means

“the immediate and temporary care given to an injured or ill person at
a work site using available equipment, supplies, facilities, or services, LEGISLATED
including treatment to sustain life, to prevent a condition from becoming REQUIREMENTS
worse or to promote recovery”
Reference: OHS Code, Part 1

In Alberta, workplace First Aid requirements are outlined in Part 11 of the

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code. Specific requirements are listed
in Schedule 2 of the OHS Code and are determined based on:
• How hazardous the work is
• The time taken to travel from the work site to a health care facility (hospital)
• The number of workers on each shift

Employer Responsibilities

Employers are responsible for:

• Providing first aid services, supplies and equipment in accordance
with Schedule 2 of the Code
• Ensuring that the services, supplies and equipment are located near

the work site they serve and are maintained, available and accessible
during all working hours
• Communicating the information about first aid to workers LEGISLATED
• Ensuring arrangements are in place to transport injured or ill workers REQUIREMENTS
from the work site to the nearest health care facility
• Ensuring that first aiders are trained

• Ensuring that injuries and acute illnesses are reported to the employer

and recorded, and that records are kept confidential

• Maintain first aid records for 3 years.

For more detailed requirements refer to Part 11 and Schedule 2 of the OHS Code.

Acceptances
Under the OHS Code, Part 11, Section 178(1), an acceptance may be granted by
the Director of Medical Services for services that provide equal to or better worker
protection than those outlined in the legislation.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 6 – First Aid 45
Director of Medical Services means a physician appointed by
LEGISLATED the Minister for the administration of the Occupational Health
REQUIREMENTS and Safety legislation.
OHS Act Section 1 (h), 5

Resources for First Aid:

• Appendix H: Sample First Aid Record Form

RESOURCES
• List of approved first aid training agencies is available at:
[Link]
• Publication on First Aid Records at:
[Link]

46 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 6 – First Aid
SECTION 7
Emergency response
7
Employers must:
• have a written emergency response plan that includes all the KEY MESSAGES
elements outlined in the OHS Code Part 7 SECTION 7
• communicate this plan to all workers

An emergency may be defined as “any situation or occurrence of a serious nature,

developing suddenly and unexpectedly, and demanding immediate attention”.2

In Alberta, the OHS Code, Part 7 requires employers to establish an emergency

response plan for response to an emergency that may require rescue or
evacuation.

Also reference the emergency response plan for your region for more information.

Legislated Requirements

• Employers must establish an emergency response plan in case of

an emergency that may require rescue or evacuation. The plan must
be written, and affected workers must be consulted in the development
of the plan.
• The emergency response plan must include:

• The identification of potential emergencies (based on the hazard

assessment)
• Procedures for dealing with the identified emergencies
• The identification of, location of and operational procedures LEGISLATED
for emergency equipment REQUIREMENTS
• The emergency response training requirements
• The location and use of emergency facilities
• The fire protection requirements
• The alarm and emergency communication requirements
• The first aid services required
• Procedures for rescue and evacuation
• The designated rescue and evacuation workers
Reference: OHS Code, Part 7

Resources for Emergency Response Planning:

• Appendix J: Sample Emergency Response Plan form
• Alberta Emergency Management Agency: [Link]
• Alberta Health and Wellness: Pandemic Information: RESOURCES
[Link]
• PHAC Emergency Preparedness and Response:
[Link]

2. See definition under Glossary of Terms

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 7 – Emergency response 49
50 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 7 – Emergency response
SECTION 8
Preventing
Workplace
Violence
8
Employers must consider workplace violence when conducting SECTION 8:
their hazard assessment and implement appropriate controls PREVENTING
WORKPLACE
to protect workers.
VIOLENCE

The potential for violence in the workplace is increasingly recognized as a hazard

at healthcare workplaces in Alberta. Under the OHS Code, Part 27, employers are
required to consider workplace violence when conducting their hazard assessment.
Identifying situations where workers may be exposed to violence assists the
employer in the implementation of controls such as policies and procedures to
decrease the possibility of their workers being exposed to violence.

Legislated Requirements
Employer Responsibilities

Employers must:
• Ensure that workplace violence is considered as a hazard.
• Develop a policy and procedures for potential workplace violence LEGISLATED
• Ensure workers are instructed in the recognition, reporting and REQUIREMENTS
response to workplace violence
Reference: OHS Code, Part 27

Categories of Workplace Violence

Violence in the workplace may fall into one of the following categories:
• Stranger violence (such as a robbery/drug seekers)
• Client/customer violence
• Co-worker violence
• Violence related to domestic issues

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 8 – Preventing Workplace Violence 53
Factors to consider when assessing the risk of workplace violence
Does the work involve any of the following?
• Working alone or in small numbers
• Working between 11 pm and 6 am
• Providing emergency interventions
• Working with patients in a healthcare setting
• Working with unstable or violent individuals
• Working at or near a site targeted by protestors or action groups
• Working with or having controlled substances on-site
• Working in proximity to businesses that experience an elevated risk such as:
• retail, especially with money, prescription drugs, jewellery
• where alcohol is sold or consumed
• law enforcement, correction, security or any other inspection
or regulatory occupation
• Working in or near areas of increased crime
• Working in isolated or remote areas
• Working with persons where domestic violence is a concern
• Visiting clients/patients in their homes

Resources for Preventing Workplace Violence:

• Appendix I: Sample Workplace Violence Prevention Policy
and Procedures
• Alberta WCB: Preventing Workplace Violence:
[Link]/workingsafely/[Link]
• Work Safe Alberta: Preventing Violence and Harassment at the Workplace:
[Link]
RESOURCES
• WorkSafeBC: Injury Prevention Resources for Healthcare - Violence:
[Link]
• Joint Statement on Family Violence, College of Registered Nurses of
Alberta, College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta, College
of Licensed Practice Nurses of Alberta, 2008: [Link]
[Link]/Carna-Admin/Uploads/joint_stmnt_family_violence_web.pdf
• Staff Abuse: Prevention and Management (This one may also be
appropriate for Hazards Assessment and Control):
[Link]

54 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 8 – Preventing Workplace Violence
SECTION 9
Working Alone

9
Employers must ensure workers who are working alone have SECTION 9:
a means of communication to obtain assistance if required. WORKING ALONE

A worker is “working alone” if they are at a work site and assistance is not readily
available in case of emergency, injury, or illness.

Legislated Requirements
Employer Responsibilities

Employers must ensure that an effective communication system is

in place between a worker who works alone and persons who can
provide assistance in case of an emergency, illness, or injury
This may include one or more of the following methods: LEGISLATED
• Radio, telephone, or other electronic communication REQUIREMENTS
• Visiting or contacting the worker at intervals appropriate

to the nature of hazards of the work

Reference: OHS Code, Part 28

Resources related to Working Alone:

• Work Safe Alberta: Working Alone Safely: a Guide for Employers
and Employees: [Link]
WHS-PUB_workingalone.pdf
RESOURCES
• Working Alone – Working with Patients: [Link]
oshanswers/hsprograms/workingalone_patients.html
• Working Alone – Off-Site: [Link]
hsprograms/workingalone_offsite.html

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 9 – Working Alone 57
58 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 9 – Working Alone
SECTION 10
Physician obligations
Regarding Patient/Client
Workers Under ThE Alberta
OCCUpational health and
safety legislation
10
Physicians in Alberta have specific obligations under the
Occupational Health and Safety legislation to:
• report notifiable diseases to the Government of Alberta, Workplace
SECTION 10:
Health and Safety, Director of Medical Services
KEY MESSAGES
• furnish reports on workers who have work-related illnesses or injuries

when requested by the the Government of Alberta, Workplace Health

and Safety, Director of Medical Services

In addition to their responsibilities for health and safety as employers and as

workers, physicians have specific obligations under Alberta Occupational Health
and Safety legislation related to workers who they see as clients/patients. Basic
information on these obligations are provided in this section.

Obligation to Report Notifiable Occupational Diseases

Physicians are required to report notifiable occupational diseases to the Alberta
Government, Workplace Health and Safety, Director of Medical Services.1

Legislated requirements

When a physician, in the course of the physician’s practice as a physician,

finds that a person examined by the physician is affected with or is
suffering from a notifiable disease, the physician shall, within 7 days after LEGISLATED
the diagnosis of that disease, notify a Director of Medical Services in REQUIREMENTS
writing of the name, address and place of employment of that person
and the name of the notifiable disease.
Reference: OHS Code, Part 22

1. The Director of Medical Services means a physician appointed by the Minister for the administration of
the Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Reference OHS Act Sections 1 (h), 5. The Director of Medical
Services is an occupational health physician who is a member of the staff of the Government of Alberta,
Workplace Health and Safety.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 10 – PHYSICIAN OBLIGATIONS REGARDING PATIENT/CLIENT WORKERS 61
What is a notifiable disease

A notifiable disease means a disease or a state of ill health designated

in the OHS Regulation as a notifiable disease.
Reference: OHS Code, Part 22

The following are notifiable diseases for the purpose of Section 22 of the OHS Act:
• asbestosis

LEGISLATED • mesothelioma

REQUIREMENTS • asbestos-induced lung cancer

• asbestos-induced laryngeal cancer

• asbestos-induced gastrointestinal cancer

• coal worker’s pneumoconiosis

• silicosis

• lead poisoning

• noise-induced hearing loss

Reference: OHS Regulation, Section 6

For more detailed information and to access the notifiable disease sample
reporting form go to the WHS Publication: Notifiable Occupational Diseases
– Information for Physicians at: [Link]
WHS/WHS-PUB_mg030.pdf

Health Assessments, Medical Monitoring

and Reporting Requirements
Health assessments for workers exposed to asbestos, silica, or coal dust
Section 24 of the OHS Act outlines that workers who are employed in a hazardous
occupation or at a hazardous work site may be required to have regular medical
examinations. The specific requirements for these examinations are outlined in
Part 4, Section 40 of the OHS Code.

62 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 10 – PHYSICIAN OBLIGATIONS REGARDING PATIENT/CLIENT WORKERS
Legislated Requirements

Requirements for workers who may be exposed to asbestos,

silica or coal dust include:
• A health assessment of the worker must include the following:

• The identity of the worker and the employer

• The date of the medical examination, chest x-ray and spirogram
• A 35 centimetres by 43 centimetres postero-anterior view chest x-ray,
including a radiologist’s report
• A spirogram, conducted by a pulmonary function technician, including
determinants of force expiratory volume in the first second and forced
vital capacity
• A history covering
• occupational exposures to asbestos, silica, coal dust, or other industrial
dusts and carcinogens
• significant exposures to asbestos, silica, coal dust, other dust and
carcinogens during non work-related activities
• significant symptoms that may indicate silicosis, pneumoconiosis,
asbestosis or cancer.
• past and current medical diagnosis of respiratory disease and LEGISLATED
• the worker’s smoking history REQUIREMENTS
• A written interpretation and explanation of the results by a physician of
the health assessment to the worker not more than 60 days after the tests
are completed
The physician must give the written interpretation and explanation of the
results of the health assessment to the worker not more than 60 days after
the tests are completed.
The physician must ensure that the records of the health assessment are
kept for not less than 30 years.
The person with custody of the health assessment record must ensure that no
person, other than the worker or health professional who conducts the health
assessment, the staff supervised by the health professional or another person
authorized by law to have access, has access to the exposed worker’s health
assessment unless:
• the record is in a form that does not identify the worker, or

• the worker gives written permission for access by another person.

Reference: OHS Code, Part 4, Section 40

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 10 – PHYSICIAN OBLIGATIONS REGARDING PATIENT/CLIENT WORKERS 63
Medical monitoring for lead
Legislated Requirements

Under the OHS Code, Part 4, Section 43, employers have responsibilities to ensure
workers exposed to lead at a work site have access to blood lead testing.

Employer Responsibilities

• An employer must ensure that blood lead testing is available to a worker

if the worker at a work site could reasonably be expected to have an
elevated body burden of lead.
• An employer must ensure that a worker exposed to lead is informed

LEGISLATED
of the availability of the blood lead test
• The employer must pay the cost of a blood lead test.
REQUIREMENTS
• An exposed worker may refuse to undergo a blood level test by giving

the employer a written statement refusing it

• An employer must not coerce, threaten or force a worker into refusing part

or all of the test.

Reference: OHS Code, part 4, Section 43

Physician Responsibilities
Physicians have a responsibility under Section 22 of the OHS Act to report
elevated blood lead results to the Director of Medical Services, as outlined under
Notifiable Disease Reporting. A worker with a blood lead level greater than 2.5
umol/L or symptoms diagnosed as a result of a lead exposure, is considered to have
lead poisoning. The Director or Medical Services must be notified if a worker has
a blood lead level of 2.5 umo/L or greater.2

2. Lead at the Work Site: [Link]

64 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 10 – PHYSICIAN OBLIGATIONS REGARDING PATIENT/CLIENT WORKERS
Medical Reports

A physician who performs or supervises a medical examination of

a worker as required under the OHS legislation shall, on the request of
a Director of Medical Services, furnish any medical reports that a Director
may require. LEGISLATED
A physician, nurse or first aid attendant who attends a worker who became ill or REQUIREMENTS
was injured while engaged in an occupation shall, on the request of a Director of
Medical Services, furnish any reports that a Director may require.
Reference: OHS Act, Section 23

NOTE: There are separate reporting requirements for the Worker’s Compensation
Board (WCB). For information on WCB reporting go to their website at:
[Link]

Resources for Physician Obligations related to patient/client workers

• Notifiable Occupational Diseases – Information for Physicians at:
[Link]
• Release of Medical Information: A Guide for Alberta Physicians, College RESOURCES
of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta (CPSA)
• Lead at the Work Site:
[Link]

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 10 – PHYSICIAN OBLIGATIONS REGARDING PATIENT/CLIENT WORKERS 65
66 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  SECTION 10 – PHYSICIAN OBLIGATIONS REGARDING PATIENT/CLIENT WORKERS
Appendix A: Glossary of Terms

Acute Illness or Injury – A physical injury or sudden occurrence of an illness

that results in the need for immediate care.

Alberta Employment and Immigration (AEI) – The government ministry

responsible for the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code. Its
job is to work with employers and workers to ensure legislation is followed as much
as possible to prevent workplace incidents, injuries and illnesses, and to ensure
employers and workers are educated in their occupational health and safety duties.

Best Practice – For the purpose of this document, a best practice in health and
safety is defined as a program, process, strategy or activity that: has been shown to
be effective in the prevention of workplace injury or illness; has been implemented,
maintained and evaluated; is based on current information; and is of value to, or
transferable to, other organizations. Best practices are living documents and must
be reviewed and modified on a regular basis to assess their validity, accuracy and
applicability. They may and often do exceed the requirements of OHS legislation.

Competent Worker – An adequately qualified, suitably trained person with

sufficient experience to safely perform work without supervision.

Director of Medical Services – a physician appointed by the Minister for the

administration of the Occupational Health and Safety legislation. Reference OHS
Act Sections 1 (h), 5. The Director of Medical Services is an occupational health
physician who is a member of the staff of the Government of Alberta, Workplace
Health and Safety.

Due Diligence – The level of judgment, care, prudence, determination and activity
that a person would reasonably be expected to do under particular circumstances.

Emergency – Any situation or occurrence of a serious nature, developing suddenly

and unexpectedly, and demanding immediate attention.

Employer – You are an employer if: you employ one or more workers; you are
designated to represent an employer; your responsibility is to oversee workers’
health and safety; or you are self-employed.

Equipment – A thing used to equip workers at a worksite; includes tools, supplies,

machinery and sanitary facilities.

First Aid – The immediate and temporary care given to an injured or suddenly
ill person at a worksite using available equipment, supplies, facilities or services.
First aid has three objectives: preserve life; prevent the injury or illness from
becoming worse; promote recovery.

First Aider (emergency, standard or advanced) – A competent individual

designated by an employer to provide first aid to workers at a worksite.

Hazard – Any situation, condition or thing that may be dangerous to the safety
or health of workers. There are four standard hazard categories: physical hazards;
chemical hazards; biological hazards; and psychological hazards.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix A: Glossary of Terms 69
Hazard Assessment – Careful evaluation of all equipment, machinery, work
areas and processes to identify potential sources of hazards that workers may
be exposed to.

Hazard Control – Control measures implemented to eliminate or reduce the risk

of harm to workers.

Imminent Danger – Any danger that isn’t normal for a job, or any dangerous
conditions under which a worker wouldn’t normally carry out their work. If workers
think their work may put them or another worker in imminent danger, they must
refuse to do it. Reference OHS Act.

Incident – An undesired event that results in physical harm to a person or damage

to property, including near misses.

Joint Health and Safety Committee – A group of worker and employer

representatives working together to identify and solve health and safety problems
at the workplace. In Alberta, the establishment of a committee is voluntary,
except for those workplaces required by Ministerial Order to have a committee.

Near Miss – An incident that did not cause visible injury or property damage but
that could have resulted in serious injury, personal harm, death or property damage.

OHS Act – The Occupational Health and Safety Act sets out legislative
framework to ensure workplace conditions are safe and do not pose a danger
of injury or illness. A general duty clause serves as a blanket statement that
employers are accountable for the health and safety of workers.

OHS Code – The Occupational Health and Safety Code sets out specific health
and safety rules for work-related operations and practices within Alberta’s various
industries to ensure that workplace conditions are safe and do not pose a danger of
injury or illness.

OHS Regulation – The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation sets out
requirements for specific workplace conditions and work practices that must be met
in order for a workplace to be considered in compliance with OHS legislation.

Partnerships in Health and Safety – A voluntary Alberta program of Workplace

Health and Safety based on the concept that when employers and workers build
effective Health and Safety Management Systems the human and financial costs
of workplace injuries and illnesses will be reduced.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Equipment or apparel that when worn

lessens the potential harmful effects of a known hazard (i.e. gloves, hard hats, steel-
toed footwear, etc.)

Reasonably Practicable – A legally defined term that is assessed using the

reasonable person test.

Reasonable Person Test – The assessment of what a dozen peers would consider
reasonable in a similar set of circumstances, resulting in a balanced and wise
judgment that could be defended to others.

70 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
Safe Work Practice – A written set of guidelines that establishes a standard of
performance for an activity.

Safe Work Procedure – A written, step-by-step description of how to perform a

task from beginning to end.

Standards – Standards are produced by voluntary organizations, such as the

Canadian Standards Association (CSA), American National Standards Institute
(ANSI) and the International Organization for Standardization (ISO). Standards do
not have the power of law. However, if they are adopted by legislation, they become
part of the law and are enforceable. For example, if the OHS Code states that
workers must wear footwear approved to a particular CSA standard, then the CSA
standard has the power of law.

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)

– A comprehensive plan for providing information on the safe use of hazardous
materials in Canadian workplaces. The information is provided by means of:
product labels; Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS); and worker education
programs.

Worker – A person engaged in an occupation, including managers, supervisors

and volunteers.

Workplace Health and Safety (WHS) – A division/department of Alberta

Employment and Immigration.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix A: Glossary of Terms 71
72 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix A: Glossary of Terms
APPENDICES

APPENDICES
Appendix B: Resources

Additional resources are available at the Alberta Government, Workplace Health

and Safety website at: [Link] or by calling the Contact Centre at:
1-866-415-8690

Legislation
• OHS Act: [Link]
• OHS Regulation:
[Link]/documents/Regs/2003_062.cfm?frm_isbn=077971752X
• OHS Code:
[Link]
• OHS Code Explanation Guide:
[Link]

Publications Online
General Legislation
• Employer’s Guide: Occupational Health and Safety Act:
[Link]
• Worker’s Guide: Occupational Health and Safety Act:
[Link]
• Due Diligence:
[Link]

First Aid
• Developing a First Aid Plan:
[Link]
• First Aid Records:
[Link]
• Workplace First Aiders and Legal Requirements:
[Link]

Incident/Injury Reporting
• Reporting Injuries and Incidents:
[Link]

Radiation
• Radiation Safety Institute of Canada: [Link]

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix B: Resources 73

e-Learning Programs listed below are available at [Link] or at:
[Link]

• Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Legislation

• Hazard Assessment and Control
• Incident Investigation
• Recognizing Hazards- See it again for the first time
• Shift Work and Fatigue
• Impairment and Workplace Health and Safety
• Basic Ergonomics: Backs and Bums
• Fall Protection
• Noise
• Basic Health and Safety
• Health and Safety Management Systems
• Fun Quizzes

Other Resources
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety: [Link]
• Canadian Society of Safety Engineering: [Link]
• Institute For Work and Health: [Link]
• National Safety Council: [Link]
• Workers’ Compensation Board- Alberta [Link]

Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

• Explanation Guide for Part 29 of the OHS Code, available online at:
[Link]
2006_p29.pdf
• WHMIS — Information for Employers: [Link]
documents/WHS/WHS-PUB_ch008.pdf
• WHMIS — Information for Workers: [Link]
documents/WHS/WHS-PUB_ch007.pdf
• Health Canada WHMIS Site: [Link]
occup-travail/whmis-simdut/[Link]

Materials Handling
• How Much Can I Lift?: [Link]
WHS-PUB_erg013.pdf

Worker Competency and Training

• Best Practices for Cleaning, Disinfection & Sterilization, Provincial
Infectious Diseases Advisory Committee (PIDAC), Ministry of Health
and Long-Term Care/Public Health Division/Provincial Infectious Diseases:
[Link]
diseases/best_prac/bp_cds_2.pdf

74 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix B: Resources

• Flash Sterilization in Health Care Settings, Provincial Infectious Diseases
Advisory Committee (PIDAC) Ontario Hospitals Association:
[Link]
pidac/fact_sheet/fs_flash_sterile_20080117.pdf
• Guidelines for Infection Prevention and Control in the Physician’s Office,
BC Centre for Disease Control, 2004: [Link]
PDFs/Infection_Control_In_Physician_Office_Final.pdf
• Infection Control in the Physician’s Office, The College of Physicians and
Surgeons of Ontario, Infection Control in the Physician’s Office, 2005:
[Link]
• Infection Prevention and Control Best Practices for Long-term Care,
Home and Community Care, including Health Care Offices & Ambulatory
Clinics, Canadian Committee on Antibiotic Resistance, 2007:
[Link]
[Link]

Preventing Workplace Violence

• Joint Statement on Family Violence, College of Registered Nurses of Alberta,
College of Registered Psychiatric Nurses of Alberta, College of Licensed
Practice Nurses of Alberta, 2008: [Link]
Uploads/joint_stmnt_family_violence_web.pdf
• Staff Abuse: Prevention and Management (This one may also be appropriate
for Hazards Assessment and Control): [Link]

Working Alone
• Working Alone – Working with Patients:
[Link]
workingalone_patients.html
• Working Alone – Off-Site:
[Link]
[Link]

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix B: Resources 75

76 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix B: Resources
Appendix C:
Occupational Health and Safety Code

The following lists summarizes all topics covered by the OHS Code. It is provided
here only to increase awareness of the many parts of the OHS Code. For the most
recent version access the Government of Alberta (GOA) Workplace Health and
Safety (WHS) website. If any Parts of the OHS Code apply to your work site refer
to the OHS Code and Explanation Guides available at: [Link]
ca/cps/rde/xchg/hre/[Link]/[Link]

Physical
Topic Hazards Part of OHS Code

Definitions and General Application Part 1

Hazard Assessment, Elimination and Control Part 2
Specifications and Certifications Part 3
Chemical Hazards, Biological Hazards and Harmful Substances Part 4
Confined Spaces Part 5
Cranes, Hoists and Lifting Devices Part 6
Emergency Preparedness and Response Part 7
Entrances, Walkways, Stairways and Ladders Part 8
Fall Protection Part 9
Fire and Explosion Hazards Part 10
First Aid Part 11
General Safety Precautions Part 12
Joint Work Site Health and Safety Committee Part 13
Lifting and Handling Loads Part 14
Managing the Control of Hazardous Energy Part 15
Noise Exposure Part 16
Overhead Power Lines Part 17
Personal Protective Equipment Part 18
Powered Mobile Equipment Part 19
Radiation Exposure Part 20
Rigging Part 21
Safeguards Part 22
Scaffolds and Temporary Work Platforms Part 23

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix C: Occupational Health and Safety Code 77
Physical
Topic Hazards Part of OHS Code

Toilets and Washing Facilities Part 24

Tools, Equipment and Machinery Part 25
Ventilation Systems Part 26
Violence Part 27
Working Alone Part 28
Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Part 29
Demolition Part 30
Diving Operations Part 31
Excavating and Tunneling Part 32
Explosives Part 33
Forestry Part 34
Health Care and Industries with Biological Hazards Part 35
Mining Part 36
Oil and Gas Wells Part 37
Tree Care Operations Part 39
Utility Workers – Electrical Part 40
Work Requiring Rope Access Part 41

78 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix C: Occupational Health and Safety Code
Note
The following documents are meant to be used as a foundation in developing
your company’s own forms and procedures. As no two workplaces are the same,
it will be necessary to customize these forms and procedures to your own specific
situation. The department makes no warranty as the applicability, completeness,
or effectiveness of any these documents in developing your specific health
and safety programs. It is strongly advised to use your own qualified safety
professional(s) and/or legal advisor to develop processes that meet or exceed
the minimum legislative requirements.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES 79

80 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES
Appendix D:
Sample Hazard Assessment Form

Step 1: On the Hazard Identification checklist, check off all the hazards or potential
hazards that are present at your work site. Add any identified hazards specific to
your work site to the list:

Hazard Identification
Physical Hazards Chemical Hazards

Lifting and handling loads Chemicals (identify types)

Repetitive motion Type: Glutaraldehyde
Slipping and tripping Type: Formaldehyde
Moving parts of machinery Type: Anaesthetic gases
Pressurized systems Type: Cleaning agents
Vehicles Type: Bleach
Fire Dusts
Electricity Fumes (identify types)
Noise Type: Cidex
Lighting Type: OPA
Temperatures Type:
Lasers Mists and Vapors (identify types)
Ionizing Radiation Type:
Non-ionizing Radiation Type:
Workplace Violence Type:
Other: Sharps Other:
Other Other:

Biological Hazards Psychosocial Hazards

Viruses Working conditions

Fungi (mould) Fatigue
Bacteria Stress
Blood and Body Fluids Other: Working Alone
Sewage Other:
Other: Other:
Other: Other:

NOTE: If you work in a high hazard industry, an industry specific checklist

may be required.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix D: Sample Hazard Assessment Form 81
Step 2: Hazard Assessment and Control Sheet (Sample – Page 2)
• Take the hazards identified on the checklist above and list them
on the Hazard Assessment and Control Sheet
• Identify the controls that are in place: engineering, administrative,
PPE or combination for each hazard

Company Location

Date of assessment Completed by

Controls in Place Follow-up

Date/Person
Hazard Action
Responsible
Engineering Administrative PPE Required

82 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix D: Sample Hazard Assessment Form
Appendix E:
Sample Worker Orientation Record

This is an example of a checklist you may wish to use when training new workers
on health and safety in your workplace.

Worker’s name

Date worker was hired Date of orientation

Supervisor’s name

Orientation Topics Covered? Written work procedures (list them here)

Yes No
Health and safety responsibilities

Health and safety rules

How to get first aid

Location of first aid kit

Location of fire exits and fire Other topics covered (list them here)
extinguishers

How to report unsafe conditions

Obligation to refuse unsafe work

WHMIS

Location of MSDSs

Use of personal protective

equipment
Comments
Dealing with violent clients

Working alone procedures

Emergency procedures
(list them here):

Completion of this form is not a requirement under the OHS legislation and does not
indicate competency of workers. It may be used as a record that training has occurred.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix E: Sample – Worker Orientation Record 83
84 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix E: Sample – Worker Orientation Record
Appendix F: Sample Record of Training

Company Name

Location

Type of Training

Date Printed Name Signature

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  APPENDIX F: SAMPLE RECORD OF TRAINING 85
86 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  APPENDIX F: SAMPLE RECORD OF TRAINING
Appendix G:
Sample Incident Reporting
and Investigation Form

Use this report to record the results of your Incident investigation.

Name of Worker

Position Department

Location of Incident

Date of Incident Time am/pm

Type of Incident: Near Miss Minor Injury Serious Injury

Date Incident Reported Time am/pm

Reported to

Nature of Injury (if any)

Witnesses

Damage to Equipment or Property

Description of incident

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix G: Sample Incident Reporting and Investigation Form 87
Identified causes (direct, indirect, root)

Recommended Preventative Action:

To be completed by: Date:

Follow-up
By: Date of follow-up:

Name of Person Investigating

Signature

88 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix G: Sample Incident Reporting and Investigation Form
Appendix H:
Sample First Aid Record Form

First Aid Record

Date of Injury or Illness (dd/mm/yyyy) Time am/pm

Reported to First Aider (dd/mm/yyyy) Time am/pm

Full name of Injured or Ill Worker

Description of the Injury or Illness

Description of where the injury or illness occurred/began

Cause of the Injury or Illness

First Aid Provided? Yes (If yes, complete the rest of this page) No

Name of First Aider

First Aid Qualifications

Emergency First Aider Emergency Medical Technician
Standard First Aider Emergency Medical Technician – Ambulance
Advanced First Aider Emergency Medical Technician
Registered Nurse Emergency Medical Responder

First Aid Provided

Confidential
Keep this record for at least 3 years from the date of injury or illness.

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix H: Sample First Aid Record Form 89
90 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix H: Sample First Aid Record Form
Appendix I:
Sample Emergency Response Plan

Company Name: ______________________________________________________________

Location: _____________________________________________________________________

POTENTIAL EMERGENCIES The following are identified potential emergencies:

(Based on Hazard Assessment)
Administrative

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES In the event of an emergency (type or general) occurring within or

affecting the work site, the (designated person) makes the following
decisions and the appropriate key steps are taken:

LOCATION OF Emergency equipment is located at:

EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT Fire Alarm:
Fire Extinguisher:
Fire Hose:
Panic Alarm Button:
AED:
Other:

WORKERS TRAINED IN THE USE 1.

OF EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT 2.
(List of names of workers 3.
trained) 4.

EMERGENCY RESPONSE Type of Training Frequency

TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix I: Sample Emergency Response Plan 91
LOCATION AND USE The nearest emergency services are located:
OF EMERGENCY FACILITIES Fire station:
Administrative
Ambulance:
Police:
Hospital:
Other:

FIRE PROTECTION
REQUIREMENTS
are located:

ALARM AND EMERGENCY

COMMUNICATION
REQUIREMENTS

FIRST AID First Aid Supplies are located at:

First Aid Kit Type:
Other: AED
First Aiders are:
Name:
Location:
Shift or hours of work:
Transportation for ill or injured workers is by:
Call:

PROCEDURES FOR RESCUE In case of (type of emergency/evacuation)

AND EVACUATION

DESIGNATED RESCUE The following workers are trained in rescue and evacuation:
AND EVACUATION WORKERS Name:
Location:
Name:
Location:

Completed On

Signed

92 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix I: Sample Emergency Response Plan
Appendix J:
Sample Workplace Violence
Policy and Procedures

The management of Company

________________________________
Name recognizes the potential
for workplace violence and other aggressive behavior directed at our employees.
We will not tolerate behavior from anyone that intimidates, threatens, harasses,
abuses, injures or otherwise victimizes our employees and will take whatever steps
are appropriate to protect our employees from the potential hazards associated
with workplace violence. We are committed to providing our employees with an
appropriate level of protection from the hazards associated with workplace violence.

Management Responsibilities

Management will:

• Inform employees if they are working in an area where there is a potential

for violence and identify any risks that are specific to that area.
• Ensure that appropriate procedures are in place to minimize the risk to
our employees from violence.
• Ensure that employees are trained in recognizing and responding to
situations involving workplace violence.
• Ensure that every reported incident of workplace violence is investigated
and potential areas for improvement are identified.

Employee Responsibilities

• Employees of Company
_____________________________
Name are required to be familiar
with and follow the procedures that are in place to protect them from
workplace violence.
• All employees must participate in the instruction of workplace
violence prevention.
• Employees are required to immediately report all incidents of workplace
violence to their supervisor or (identify alternate) ___________________
e.g. manager, foreman, security.
• Employees are also responsible for participating in work site hazard
assessments and implementing controls and procedures to eliminate or
control the associated hazards.

No employee can be penalized, reprimanded or in any way criticized when acting

in good faith while following the procedures for addressing situations involving
workplace violence.

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– –––––––––––––––––––––––
Signature of company owner/president Date

HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix J: Sample Workplace Violence Policy and Procedures 93
Procedures

In addition to a policy, procedures should be developed and communicated

to all workers. The procedures should address the following areas:

• How potential hazards will be identified and communicated to staff

• How to respond to workplace violence
• How to report workplace violence
• How to investigate and document incidents of workplace violence
• The support available for victims of workplace violence
• Training of workers

94 HEALTH AND SAFETY GUIDE FOR PHYSICIAN’S OFFICES  Appendix J: Sample Workplace Violence Policy and Procedures
Feedback Form
Alberta Employment and Immigration (AEI) would like your feedback
on the Occupational Health and Safety Guide for Physician’s Offices.
Please send the completed form to:
Sharon L. Chadwick, Senior Manager
WHS Program Planning, Research and Audit
Workplace Innovation and Continuous Improvement
8th Floor, 10808-99 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5K 0G5
or Fax to: 1-780-422-0014

Date survey completed

The following questions will help us determine the usefulness of the content available
in the guide. Please choose one answer.
Strongly Somewhat Somewhat Strongly No
Agree Agree Disagree Disagree Opinion

a) The information was easy to find.

b) The information was easy to understand.
c) The information was useful.
d) I will be able to apply this information
to my workplace.

e) There was enough information provided.

f) What information, if any, would you like to see added to the guide?

g) What information, if any, should be deleted from the guide?

h) What information was most useful to you?

i) Did you or will you use the information in the guide? j) Did you use the sample forms provided in the document?
Yes. Yes.
No – Why not? No – Why not?

k) Would you recommend this document to others?

Yes.
No – Why not?
Question Yes No
1. Were you aware of your responsibilities under existing Occupational Health and Safety legislation as:
i) A worker?
ii) An employer?

iii) A person directing the work of others?

2. Will you advise your staff/employees to review this guide?

If no: why not?

3. Do you anticipate making any changes to your practice

as a result of reviewing this guide?

If yes: what?

If no: why not?

4. Would you prefer to access this information online or in print format?

5. Do you have any suggestions for changes or additions to this guide?

5. Do you have any suggestions for changes or additions to this guide?

6. Other comments:
a) Which type of setting do you work/practice in? (select all that apply):
Physician’s Private Practice Office Non-hospital surgical facility
Diagnostic Laboratory Diagnostic Imaging
Medical Clinic Other diagnostic lab facility – please specify:
After hours and walk-in clinic Other:

b) How many workers are there at your work site?

Less than 10 40 – 99
10 – 19 100 or more
20 – 39

c) What is your current occupation or position? (select all that apply):

Physician Lab Technician
Registered Nurse Diagnostic imaging technician
LPN Other:
Clerical/Administrative Support Other – please specify:

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If you have any questions or comments about the feedback form, please contact
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Thank you for taking the time to provide us with your feedback. Alberta Employment
and Immigration values everyone’s opinion.
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Getting copies of OHS Act, Regulation & Code :

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BP004 | September 2008

© 2008-2009, Government of Alberta, Employment and Immigration

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