4.0 Workplace Environment
Standard: All human beings are protected in the workplace with practices that ensure compliance with
all local and national laws relating to workplace health and safety.
Expectation: Responsibility to protect worker safety and security. Systems are in place to prevent,
detect and respond to potential risks to the safety, health and security of all human beings which
includes, but is not limited to, communication and training on emergency planning and safe work
practices.
4.1 Emergency Training and Communication:
• An established “Environment, Labor, Health & Safety Committee” is in place and composed of
members representing a variety of shifts, functions, and personnel. This committee meets on a
regular basis, at least quarterly, unless law requires more often.
• Documented procedures are established which identifies health and safety training needs
including appropriate training materials and methods for new and existing people within the
facility.
• Everyone (including temporary & migrant workers) is trained on job-specific health & safety
training and education prior to starting a new job. This minimally includes the safe operation of
machinery, proper use of PPE, safe handling of waste, hazardous material and operating
equipment.
• Anyone who performs authorized maintenance and servicing activities receives appropriate training
on lock-out/ tag-out procedures and practices, prior to conducting any work. This includes
an overview of the relevant lock-out/ tag-out process; enabling them to recognize implementation
of energy controls; understand the purpose of the procedure; and the importance of not
attempting to start or use any machine or piece of equipment that has been locked out.
• Communication and training is provided on emergency planning and safe work practices. This
includes sufficient information to understand basic emergency action plans, including alarm signals,
emergency shutdown procedures, primary/secondary exit routes, and assembly areas pertaining to
their work assignments. They should know how to evacuate safely from their work areas during
emergencies.
• Everyone designated as part of an emergency response team should be trained on the
proper use of fire extinguishers.
• All individuals within the facility are knowledgeable and informed of fire prevention
procedures. Fire prevention procedures include hot work permits, storage and handling of
combustible materials, good housekeeping, and fire hazard identification.
• Training is provided on the prevention of potential transmission of communicable diseases from
contact with bodily fluids. Training includes education on blood-borne diseases, including
symptoms and modes of transmission; methods to reduce exposure; applicable PPE selection;
actions to take in an emergency involving bodily fluids (including how to report), and post-
exposure evaluation. Additionally, signs, labels, and color coding are used to prevent and control
exposures.
• Facility trains everyone on what to do in the event of an injury or illness on the job.
• Injury and accident records are maintained, tracked, and acted upon. These records are
analyzed periodically to identify occurrences or trends, and to determine and evaluate corrective
and preventative actions.