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From the PresidentSearch
| Safety Notes |  |
Data on work related accidents
Data on work-related accidents
Periodic reviews of accidents help to determine trends and weaknesses in the system. They provide information that can be used to plan and implement corrective measures.
This report provides a comparative look at workplace accidents over the past two years. It gives information that, if acted on, will provide guidance in systems corrections and help minimize human and material losses.
While
disabling accidents increased by only two, from 19 to 21, there was a
moderate increase in non-disabling accidents and in total accidents reported;
these increases, however, are in line with provincial and national statistics
for the same period.
|
Fig. 1 Accidents reported by Unit Fig. 3. Types of Accidents 1999-2000 Fig. 4. Types of Accidents 2000-2001 Fig. 5. Part of the Body Affected |
Types
of accidents
Falls constitute the most common workplace injury. Other significant contributors
were sprains and strains caused by body reaction and overexertion, and
being struck by objects.
Part of body affected
We saw dramatic decreases in the number of injuries to the head, face
and neck, arm and shoulder, and leg. The number of back injuries remained
relatively constant, while injuries to fingers more than doubled.
Nature of injury
As in other years, injuries fall into three major categories, accounting
for nearly 80 per cent of the total: sprains and strains, bruises and
contusions, and cuts, lacerations and abrasions.
Prevention
Accident analysis should be used as a tool for planning and initiating
prevention programs. Each unit should review its accident statistics and,
where necessary, develop a program of safety awareness.
Prevention strategies might include employment safety training, adjustments
to workplace facilities, and improving the work process.
Getting employees involved through teamwork, workplace monitoring and
committees will do much to enhance their commitment to the safety and
accident prevention program.
The Office of Safety and Environmental Services is ready to help with
all campus safety issue. Don’t hesitate to call us for help.
Department
of Facilities Management
Safety and Environmental Services
Tel: 709.737.4393
Fax: 709.737.2339
safety@mun.ca
www.mun.ca/facman/
Emergency Procedures
When unknown
suspicious powders are found Memorial University has a plan in place to
deal with emergency situations and these are outlined in the red pages
at the beginning of the internal telephone directory.
If you discover an unknown suspicious powder in a campus building, these
are the steps to follow.
1. Move
people away from the substance, but have them remain in the area in case
they have to be checked or decontaminated.
2. Do not handle the powder or its packaging.
3. Isolate the area around the material so that no one disturbs the item.
4. Wash your hands with warm water and soap for one minute if you have
touched the powder or the package.
5. Notify or have someone notify Emergency Services as soon as possible
by calling
St. John's Campus 4100
Health Sciences Centre 6444
Marine Institute 0456
Ocean Sciences Centre 9-911
Grenfell College 9-911
If you call 911 direct, follow up with a call to Campus Enforcement
at 4100.
6. After Campus Enforcement, Police and/or Fire Department arrive on the
scene, advise the officer-in-charge of the details of the substance.
7. Follow the directions of the emergency responders.
Be vigilant, but remember that false alarms needlessly tie up emergency response.