Falls
This type of hazard can occur when a worker is carrying materials, slips on spilled liquids, trips on exposed nails/cables or falls into a pit during the installation of a pool. Workers need to be aware of these hazards in order to ensure controls are put in place. For example, where there is the risk of falling into a pit, a barrier should be provided at the top of the excavation wall.
Lifting
Using improper lifting techniques to move parts and equipment can lead to serious injuries. Whether loading/unloading a truck or moving a heavy piece of equipment, workers need to identify the task, understand its risk factors and practice safe techniques. For example, workers should ask for assistance when lifting heavy materials and, while lifting, keep their backs as straight as possible using their leg muscles to lift. They should also ensure work areas are safe by clearing a path and making sure any lifting devices work properly.
Equipment
Making sure equipment is certified and in good condition is critical to worker safety. It is also important to ensure that safety equipment, such as fire extinguishers, are inspected monthly to make sure they will operate in an emergency. Employers should identify specific types of personal protective equipment (PPE) required for every task they perform and make sure equipment use by employees is mandatory.
Step 4: Focus on continuous improvement
Once The Pool Shoppe established new health and safety policies and procedures to make their workplace safer, they started to build on it.
“It took us a while to see the benefits of health and safety,” says Simpson. “Once you have it, there’s a sense of professionalism and people begin to see that you’ve got it together. Yes, it’s an investment, but once you have the structure in place, you repeat and add on to it so that it stays current and relevant.”
A recent example of this was Bill 168, the new Ontario workplace violence and harassment bill that became law on June 15, 2010. The store prepared for the new law months in advance by researching various scenarios their staff may encounter while working at the store or at a worksite, such as dealing with irate customers and road rage. In response, the store developed policies and procedures to comply with the new law and make sure their staff remained safe at all times. Reporting, investigating and dealing with violent incidents are now an integral part of their safety program.
Investing in health and safety is not a one-off proposition. It’s not about developing a great program and walking away from it a few months later. It requires a commitment in order for it to be truly successful. Health and safety programs need to be sustainable, while reflecting the priorities of the organization. When it’s fully integrated into everyday business practices, pool and spa companies will see the benefits reflected in staff engagement and enhanced business processes.
“This year has been by far the best year ever in terms of staff morale,” Simpson says. “People enjoy working here and we’ve been fortunate to have a high retention rate. People have embraced the program and that’s affected safety, as there have been fewer workplace incidents. We’re working well as a team and that shows in the success of our business.”
One thing Simpson has learned in her journey is that health and safety never ends. “It’s not something you put on hold; you make it part of your routine so that it becomes a natural part of your business.” She adds that there are no secrets or shortcuts to making health and safety a business advantage, just hard work and a commitment to staff to create as healthy a work environment as possible.
“Nobody is perfect and sometimes things will happen. But I encourage staff to do their part by taking responsibility of their personal well-being and being honest when things don’t go right.”
Health and safety: A competitive advantage
As evidenced by The Pool Shoppe example, health and safety is a journey—one that does not happen overnight. However, once a commitment is made to ensure the health and safety of their employees, companies will flourish and prosper. The variety of safety programs are nothing new, but when pool and spa industry employers embrace them, they can use it as part of their competitive advantage and ensure the health and well-being of both their employees and business.
Norm Kramer is a Canadian registered safety professional with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. He has been a health and safety consultant for more than 15 years and has effectively assisted many service sector businesses in developing and implementing health and safety programs. Kramer can be contacted at nkramer@ossa.com.
