Zone Comfort
Health and Safety / Work and Home
September 2025 vol 24 issue 09
Pass on your safe work practices to new hires
Workplace safety is not just about avoiding fines or meeting compliance standards— it’s about ensuring that every employee returns home safely each day. Experienced employees help shape newer staff’s attitudes by mentoring, transferring knowledge, and reinforcing a culture of safety across generations.
Throughout years—sometimes decades— of dedicated service, older employees accumulate not only technical skills but also an intuitive sense of workplace hazards, best practices, and the subtle nuances that can mean the difference between a safe day at work and a dangerous accident.
New hires, especially those entering the workforce for the first time or switching industries, may be unfamiliar with the unique
• Don’t use wrong PPE
• Travelling with allergies
• Goodbye summer, hello routines
• School bus safety reminders
• Ways to improve time management
• Pallet wrapping machine safety
• How to handle “hanger”
• Read and heed the SDS
hazards of their new environment. While formal training programs are essential, they cannot replace the personalized, ongoing support of a mentor who can answer questions, clarify doubts, and correct behaviour in a positive way.
Mentoring involves more than instructing new employees on tasks. It requires effective communication, patience, and the demonstration of appropriate behaviours in clear and memorable ways.
The following strategies can assist experienced employees in mentoring new hires on safe working practices:
Lead by example. New employees observe and learn through both instruction and observation. Experienced employees should consistently follow the rules, wear proper
• Avoid phantom power drain
• Time to clean your water bottle
• Stop fruit and veg contamination
• Ticks an issue all year long
• Watch for downed power lines
• Prepare your car for rain
• Safety meeting: Situational Awareness
protective equipment, and always implement safe procedures. This consistency shows safety is essential in the workplace.
Share stories—not just rules. Real examples of incidents, near-misses, and successes effectively teach the value of safety protocols and clarify the risks of not following them.
Perform walkthroughs together. Guided tours of the workspace enable mentors to identify hazards, demonstrate the correct use of equipment, and explain the reasoning behind specific safety measures. Walkthroughs enhance safety training by showing the real live situation.
Encourage questions and feedback. Mentors should encourage questions, concerns, and feedback from new employees. Addressing all inquiries supports risk identification and promotes a positive safety culture.
Reinforce good behaviour. Recognition that the new person is “doing it right” supports continued compliance. Acknowledging correct actions emphasizes the importance of safe practices.
Address mistakes immediately—but constructively. Unsafe behaviour should be addressed quickly, focusing on education over discipline. Clarifying risks and showing correct methods encourages safer practices.
Teach the importance of reporting.
Reporting all accidents, near-misses, and safety concerns without delay is essential for preventing escalation of minor issues and maintaining shared responsibility for safety.
Publisher: Stefan Dreesen
H&S Communication Specialists: Alan Haycroft | Liz Slobodin | Kevin Harvey
Editor: Kate Van Hoof-Peeren
Contributing Writer: Bryden Winsby
TOLL FREE: 1-888-655-4800
info@smartworkplace.ca www.smartworkplace.ca
Using the wrong PPE is as hazardous as no PPE
Personal protective equipment (PPE) serves as the “last line of defence” against workplace health and safety risks, yet some of us do not consistently use it as required. We come up with all kinds of reasons for not wearing PPE, including discomfort, concerns about appearance, difficulties locating equipment, time constraints, and a lack of awareness regarding requirements. When regulations or organizational policies mandate the use of PPE for certain tasks, compliance is not optional. Employers are authorized to enforce PPE use, and non-compliance may result in disciplinary action, given the potential risk to all involved.
Surveys indicate that eye and hearing protection are among the most frequently overlooked forms of PPE. Data shows that approximately three out of five workers who sustain eye injuries are either not wearing eye protection or are using inappropriate equipment. When it comes to noise-induced hearing loss, proper measures can effectively prevent it, but if you are not wearing the right hearing protection, it can’t help you.
Hardhats can save you from severe brain injuries and wearing the right gloves for the task you are doing could protect you from losing a finger or worse, but only if you are using your PPE properly.
Given the wide array of PPE options available today, suitable products can be found that balance protection with comfort, mobility, and appearance. If your PPE is not fitting well, is old, or is not appropriate for the task, these are good reasons to bring up with your supervisor. “Wrong protection is better than no protection” is not appropriate thinking when it comes working safely.
However, in some cases, your refusal to wear PPE might be based on religious considerations or allergies. You should then discuss your concerns with your supervisor to seek appropriate solutions.
Planes, trains and auto-injectors:
Travelling safely with allergies
(NC) Planning a trip should be exciting, not stressful. But for Canadians with food and insect bite allergies, the thought of managing a reaction midflight or in a foreign country can be nerve-wracking.
Whether you’re heading out of province or overseas, here’s what experts say you need to know:
1. Mind the temperature.
Epinephrine can lose effectiveness if it gets too hot or cold. It should be stored between 15°C and 30°C. Don’t leave them in hot cars, airplane overhead bins or beach bags. Use an insulated pouch or a medication travel case.
2. Pack more than one EpiPen. Always travel with two epinephrine auto-injectors and keep them with you, not in checked luggage. This lets you keep them at a stable temperature, and close to hand if they’re needed.
3. Carry a doctor’s note.
Airlines, airports and border crossings usually don’t question EpiPens, but having a note that explains your medical
need can help, especially with any language barriers. Research airline policies in advance.
4. Learn how to explain your allergy in another language.
If travelling internationally, carry allergy translation cards that clearly state your allergens in the local language. Apps and downloadable wallet cards can come in handy.
5. Call ahead about meals.
Airlines, resorts, and even museums may accommodate allergies, but only if you ask in advance. Communicate with them before your trip and avoid making assumptions.
6. Know the emergency number.
911 isn’t universal. Research how to call emergency services at your destination and note nearby hospitals.
7. Have an allergy action plan and share it.
Whether you’re with friends, family or a tour group, make sure someone else knows how to recognize symptoms and access and use your injector, if needed.
Goodbye summer, hello routines School bus safety reminders
As the final long weekend of summer draws to a close, Canadians across the country find themselves bidding farewell to carefree summer days and bracing for the familiar rhythm of school and work.
Labour Day holds a special place in our calendar. The statutory holiday is a recognition of workers’ rights, but has also become synonymous with family gatherings, last-minute barbecues, and back-to-school shopping sprees. For many, the Tuesday after Labour Day signals the true start of a new year far more than January 1 ever could. Children return to school halls, parents adjust their routines, and workplaces hum with renewed activity.
The transition from the slower pace of summer to the structure of autumn routines can bring its own set of challenges—especially on the roads. Each year, the return to school marks a significant increase in traffic, both in neighbourhoods and on major thoroughfares.
The Canada Safety Council reports that traffic volume increases by nearly 25% on weekday mornings in September, correlating with a spike in minor collisions and near-misses around schools. National statistics reveal that pedestrian injuries among children peak in the weeks immediately following Labour Day, highlighting the need for increased vigilance.
The end of summer doesn’t just bring
heavier traffic. Parents, students, and workers alike can find themselves out of practice with routines, sleep schedules, and time management. This adjustment period can lead to stressful mornings, hurried departures, and, unfortunately, lapses in attention or judgment on the road.
Here are a few strategies to help you and your family ease back into your routines:
• Begin shifting bedtimes and wake-up times gradually a week or two before Labour Day, so the first morning back isn’t a shock to the system.
• Prepare school supplies, work materials, and lunches ahead of time to avoid morning chaos.
• Review road safety rules with children, especially around school zones and crosswalks.
• Leave extra time for your commute, as roads will be busier and delays more likely.
• Always obey speed limits, especially in school zones.
• Use breakfast or dinner as an opportunity for the family to check in, share plans for the day, and discuss any concerns or anxieties about the new routine. Talk with your children—and each other—about feelings around returning to school or work. Validate anxieties and celebrate small successes during the transition.
Despite clear traffic laws and the high visibility of school buses, drivers sometimes make critical errors around them. One of the most dangerous mistakes is failing to stop when a school bus displays its stop arm and flashing red lights. By law, vehicles must halt in both directions on an undivided road when a school bus is loading or unloading children. Unfortunately, some drivers believe they can quickly pass or may be distracted, putting children at extreme risk.
Impatience can lead to drivers moving before the stop arm is retracted or the lights stop flashing. Children are unpredictable and may still be crossing the road even after the bus signals begin to deactivate. Waiting those few extra seconds saves lives.
Some drivers assume that if they see the bus, they see all the children. However, kids might approach or leave the bus from blind spots or between parked cars. Not scanning the entire area increases the chance of an incident.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when you encounter a school bus:
• Always stop: When you see the stop arm extended and red lights flashing, stop well back from the bus—at least 20 metres if possible. Remain stopped until the signals are turned off and the bus moves on.
• Reduce speed: Obey all posted speed limits and be extra vigilant for children who may cross unexpectedly.
• Stay alert: Avoid distractions. Keep your attention on the road, especially near schools or bus stops.
• Anticipate sudden stops: Give school buses plenty of space; they often stop more frequently and suddenly than other vehicles.
• Watch for hand signals: Bus drivers may use hand signals to help children cross safely. If you see a driver signalling, be extra cautious.
Stay safe with pallet wrapping machines
Securing items on a pallet using stretch film ensures that they remain stable, protected from external damage and easy to handle during transport. The process can be manual or involve the use of machines, which, while much faster and more accurate, have some serious safety concerns. Injuries can occur during the operation, maintenance and even installation of pallet wrappers.
Some of the most common safety hazards associated with wrapping machines are:
• Being struck by moving machine parts.
• Loose clothing getting snagged in the wrapper.
• Injuries resulting from attempts to reattach the film after it has been torn off.
Different loads require specific settings and films. Fragile or irregularly shaped items may need specialized wrappers or additional protective layers. Automatic wrapping machines or machines designed to wrap unusual, large pallets should have a cordonedoff work area. Operators should also be trained to use the safety barriers as intended.
Before starting the wrapper, inspect it for any visible damage, loose components or wear.
The following precautions should be followed when operating the machine:
• Make sure the stretch film roll is properly loaded onto the wrapper and
that there are no tangles or tears in the film.
• Verify that the pallet to be wrapped is properly positioned and stable on the wrapper turntable.
• Test the controls and emergency stop button to ensure they are functioning.
• Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (gloves and safety boots).
• Start up the pallet wrapper according to manufacturer’s instructions, ensuring that all safety interlocks are engaged.
• Set the wrapping parameters such as wrapping speed, film tension and number of rotations based on the size and weight of the pallet.
• Position the stretch film so it overlaps the bottom of the pallet and engages the wrapper.
• Monitor the wrapping process, ensuring that the film is applied evenly and securely around the pallet.
• Be aware of any unusual noises, vibrations or odours during wrapping and investigate the cause if necessary.
• If any issues occur while wrapping, stop the machine immediately and troubleshoot the problem before resuming.
• After wrapping is complete, cut the film and secure the end to prevent unravelling.
• As with many pieces of heavy equipment, it is always good practice to make sure a pallet wrapper is turned off when not in use.
Ways to improve time management
In a highly connected world, finding uninterrupted periods for concentrated work can be challenging. Frequent notifications, numerous emails, and easy access to social media often divide attention. However, certain adjustments can help improve focus and time management.
Work environments often include both in person and technological distractions. These elements may contribute to reduced productivity throughout the day.
Here are several strategies to help you:
• Use technology constructively. Tools such as website blockers can limit access to non-work-related sites and support focus on essential tasks.
• Schedule designated breaks for app use. Allowing brief access to distracting sites during structured breaks may help maintain productivity between intervals of focused work.
• Set priorities effectively. Identifying and addressing the most important tasks first can help ensure key responsibilities are completed. Completing high-priority items may also increase motivation to address less urgent tasks.
• Check email at set intervals. Allocating specific times to review and respond to email can reduce interruptions and promote efficiency. The optimal frequency can be determined based on individual or industry needs.
• Evaluate meeting participation. Meetings occupy a considerable number of working hours. When invited to meetings, it can be beneficial to clarify the agenda and determine if attendance for the entire duration is necessary. Attending only relevant portions of meetings may allow more time for other tasks.
• Use ‘Do Not Disturb’ features. Setting these statuses on messaging platforms while focusing on work can minimize distractions from informal conversations and help protect blocks of focused time.
• Choose quieter workspaces if your workplace offers them. In workplaces with frequent disruptions, seeking out less trafficked areas such as conference rooms or secluded spaces can support concentration and productivity.
Put down the donut if you are feeling “Hangry”
Hanger—feeling irritable when hungry—is real.
A blend of “hungry” and “angry”—is more than just a colloquialism. When blood sugar levels fall, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline, which can heighten irritability and impatience.
Hanger can manifest as difficulty concentrating, sudden mood dips or even outbursts over minor frustrations. It’s a biological response designed to nudge us to refuel, but in modern life, it can make everyday situations feel overwhelming or tense until we eat something nourishing.
Food-guide.Canada.ca recommends avoiding snacks high in refined grains and added sugars (like cookies, donuts, or chips), as these cause glucose spikes and crashes that worsen hanger. Instead, choose minimally processed foods with simple ingredients, less sugar and salt, and some protein or fibre.
Here are some healthy options to keep with you at work if you are not bothered by allergies to these suggestions.
Remember drinking water with snacks also helps, as dehydration can affect mood. Try:
• apples
• oatmeal
• nut butter
• canned fruit
• canned tuna
• plain popcorn
• whole grain crackers
• nuts, pumpkin or sunflower seeds
Try preparing snacks in advance to so you can nip that hangry mood in the bud:
• Chop extra vegetables when cooking so you’ll have some for snacks.
• Make muffins or homemade granola bars and store them in the freezer.
• Hard-cook eggs on the weekend. They will keep for a week in the fridge with the shell on.
• Make your own trail mix. Take whole grain cereal and nuts and seeds and toss them together.
Read and heed those safety data sheets
The old saying “What you don’t know can’t hurt you,” or variations of it, suggests that ignorance can protect a person from distress or harm. However, while not knowing certain things might do that in the short term, it could also lead to terrible consequences in the long term. That’s certainly the case with the use and handling of chemicals. Lack of knowledge can lead to injury or death as well as property damage. That is why Canada has something called the Workplace Hazardous Materials information System (WHMIS). It classifies hazardous materials based on their potential risks and requires that containers of such products have clear labels indicating the hazards and necessary precautions.
WHMIS has been updated to align with the Globally Harmonized System of Classification and Labelling of Chemicals (GHS). This means the systems used in Canada are consistent with those used internationally.
A key component is the safety data sheet, often referred to simply as the SDS.
SDSs are crucial for communicating the hazards of a product to those who work with or are exposed to it. They provide details on safe handling, storage and disposal procedures, and what to do in case of spills, leaks, fires or other emergencies involving the product.
From a worker’s perspective, an SDS is useless if it’s not looked at until something goes wrong.
Being familiar with how the document’s information is presented and being able to understand it is key.
An SDS typically contains 16 sections, which include:
Identification. Product name, manufacturer information, and emergency contact details.
Hazard(s) Identification. Classification of the product’s hazards (flammable, toxic, corrosive etc.).
Ingredients. Details about the chemical
components of the product.
First-aid Measures. Immediate actions to take if someone is exposed to the product.
Firefighting Measures. Guidance on how to extinguish fires involving the product.
Accidental Release Measures. Procedures for containing and cleaning up spills or leaks.
Handling and Storage. Recommendations for safe practices.
Exposure Controls/Personal Protection. Engineering controls and personal protective equipment (PPE) needed.
Physical and Chemical Properties. Characteristics such as boiling point, melting point, flash point, etc.
Stability and Reactivity. Information on the product’s stability and how it reacts with other substances.
Toxicological Information. Details about the potential health effects of exposure.
Ecological Information. The product’s potential impact on the environment.
Disposal. Guidance on proper methods.
Transport. Details for safe transportation of the product.
Regulatory. Applicable regulations and safety information.
Other Information. Additional details not covered in the other sections, such as the date of the last revision.
Safety data sheets contain signal words that indicate the level of hazard associated with the substance. The two signal words used are “Danger” and “Warning.” “Danger” indicates a severe hazard, while “Warning” indicates a less severe hazard.
SDSs also contain pictograms that provide visual representations of the hazard associated with the substance. By understanding the meaning of the pictograms, you can quickly identify potential risks associated with the substance.
Pull the plug on phantom power
Whether we’re streaming content, checking social media or asking our smart speaker do its magic, we love being connected – but at what cost?
The average Canadian home has 25 or more electronic devices plugged in, and the standby or phantom power these devices use can account for five to 10 percent of a household’s electricity bill. Most of these appliances are only used five to 30 minutes each day and the rest of the time they’re on standby.
Pull the plug on phantom power with these simple tips:
• Use power bars with timers. Group things together, like the TV, stereo, speakers and gaming consoles, and use a timer to shut them off while you’re not at home or asleep.
• Unplug chargers for your cell phone, tablet, vacuum, power tools, electric toothbrushes and other appliances when they’re not in use or use a power bar with a timer to turn on only at night.
• Finished getting ready? Unplug your hairdryer, straightening iron or curling iron before you head out the door.
• Turn it off. Some appliances like ovens and microwaves have a powersaver mode to turn off unnecessary displays. Beyond saving energy, unplugging electronic devices is essential for home safety. Devices left plugged in, especially those with heating elements or faulty wiring, can pose a risk of electrical fires or shock. Even when not in active use, appliances may experience power surges or malfunctions that could spark a fire or damage the device. By making it a habit to unplug items like hair styling tools, chargers, and seldom-used electronics when they’re not needed, you not only conserve electricity but also help protect your home and loved ones from potential hazards.
When was the last time you cleaned your water bottle?
Staying hydrated is essential to good health, and carrying a reusable water bottle has become a daily habit for many people. However, few realise that neglecting to clean your water bottle regularly can lead to significant health risks. Studies have shown that water bottles can harbour a surprising number of bacteria when not cleaned properly or frequently.
According to a 2017 study by TreadmillReviews.net, the average reusable water bottle contains about 313,499 colony-forming units (CFUs) of bacteria per square centimetre—more than a typical dog bowl or kitchen sink. In fact, certain squeeze-top bottles contained up to 900,000 CFUs per square centimetre. These bacteria can include E. coli and staphylococcus, both of which have the potential to cause illness. Another study found that bottles reused without adequate cleaning may even harbour more bacteria than a toilet seat.
The type of water bottle you use also matters. Stainless steel and glass bottles are generally safer options compared to plastic, as they are less porous and do not retain odours or stains, making them less likely to become breeding
grounds for bacteria. Plastic bottles, especially those not labelled BPA-free, can deteriorate over time, developing scratches and crevices where bacteria can hide and multiply.
To minimise your risk, it’s recommended to wash your water bottle daily, especially if you use it for beverages other than water or if it’s been left in a warm environment. A simple rinse or wash with soap and water can help limit bacterial growth. Here are a few other tips on how to clean your water bottle from Healthline.com:
Baking soda scrub: Make your own paste using 1 tablespoon baking soda and 1 tablespoon water (or equal parts depending on the size and number of containers to be cleaned).
Vinegar solution: White vinegar can sanitize most household items and features. In this case, stir one-part white vinegar and four parts water. Fill a bottle, let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse in hot water.
Rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide: Use 1:1 equal parts hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol to water. Wipe the outer surface down and allow it to fully air dry.
Keep veggies and fruits safe from contamination
(NC) Canada’s food guide encourages us to eat plenty of vegetables and fruits, as research shows there are many health benefits, including a lower risk of heart disease. But it’s important to handle them safely to keep harmful microorganisms at bay.
Fortunately, by following these simple precautions, you can safely pack your plate:
1. Buy cold and frozen food at the end of your shopping trip.
2. Examine vegetables and fruits carefully and avoid buying bruised or damaged items. Cut away any bruised or damaged areas on vegetables and fruits, since harmful bacteria can thrive in these areas. Cut produce needs to be refrigerated, frozen or eaten right away. Be sure to clean your knife with hot water and soap before using it again.
3. Rinse produce thoroughly under fresh, cool, running water, even if you plan to peel them. This helps prevent the spread of any bacteria that may be present. Use a clean produce brush to scrub items that have firm surfaces like oranges, melons, potatoes and carrots. You don’t need to use a special produce wash or soap.
4. Ready-to-eat leafy greens in sealed containers that say “pre-washed” don’t need to be cleaned again before eating. However, leafy greens sold in unsealed bags or containers should be rinsed before eating.
5. Refrigerate cooked vegetable leftovers within two hours. Eat leftovers within three to four days or freeze for later use (for as long as two to three months).
6. Most frozen packaged vegetables need to be cooked before eating, even if you plan to use them in cold dishes like salads or smoothies. Just thawing and eating them can put you at risk for foodborne illness, as they may be contaminated with harmful microorganisms. Always cook frozen vegetables according to package directions, then cool them in cold water and drain well before using in cold dishes.
Learn more food safety tips at canada. ca/foodsafety.
Ticks an issue all year long
Ticks are no longer a fleeting summer nuisance, but a persistent, year-round concern in every province and territory.
Ticks have evolved several adaptations that allow them to endure winter conditions. Contrary to popular belief, ticks do not simply die off when the first frost hits.
Instead, they employ a range of survival strategies:
• Ticks shelter in leaf litter, brush, and soil for warmth and humidity. Snow insulates them from extreme cold.
• During winter warm spells above freezing, ticks may become active and attach to hosts.
• Some species use diapause, a hibernation-like state that slows their metabolism to save energy and moisture until conditions improve.
Because of these behaviours, ticks not only survive winter but, in some cases, thrive—particularly as climate change lengthens warm periods. Studies have shown that overwintering success is increasing for ticks across much of southern Canada, which in turn allows their populations to grow and expand.
Ticks are rapidly extending their range northward and into previously unaffected areas. In the past, blacklegged (deer) ticks were primarily found in southern Ontario, Quebec, and parts of British Columbia. Now, reports of tick bites and Lyme disease (usually associated with blacklegged ticks) have emerged in Manitoba, the Atlantic provinces, and even as far north as southern Yukon.
While the tick threat is real, there are many steps we can take to protect ourselves, our families, and our pets year-round:
• Wear protective clothing: When venturing into wooded or grassy areas, wear long sleeves, long pants tucked into socks, and closed shoes. Lightcoloured clothing makes it easier to spot ticks.
• Use tick repellent: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET or icaridin to both skin and clothing, following the instructions on the product label.
• Stick to trails: Avoid brushing against tall grasses, bushes, and overgrown areas. Stay on marked paths when hiking or biking.
• Conduct tick checks: After spending time outdoors, check yourself, children, and pets thoroughly—especially in warm, moist areas like underarms, behind knees, around the ears, waistbands, and hairlines.
• Shower after outdoor activities: Showering within two hours of being outdoors can help wash away unattached ticks and provides a good opportunity to do a full body tick check.
• Protect your pets: Consult your veterinarian about tick prevention products for dogs and cats, and check your pets regularly, especially after walks in tick-prone areas.
• Manage your yard: Keep grass mowed short, remove leaf litter, and create a barrier of wood chips or gravel between lawns and wooded areas to reduce tick habitat near your home.
• Remove ticks safely: If you find a tick attached to your skin, use fine-tipped tweezers to grasp it as close to the skin’s surface as possible. Pull upward with steady, even pressure and clean the area with alcohol or soap and water. Monitor the bite site for symptoms and seek medical attention if needed.
Be aware of the dangers of downed power lines
Severe storms and forest fires can reshape our landscape, disrupt lives, and damage property. A serious but often overlooked danger from these events is downed power lines, which can cause fatal electric shocks and fires.
Power lines carry high-voltage electricity from power plants to our homes, relying on strong engineering for safety. Severe storms or forest fires, however, can damage these lines and cause them to fall.
A downed power line poses immediate danger, as electricity can energize the ground, objects, or water nearby. This “step potential” means even approaching the wire is hazardous.
Data from provincial utilities and the Canadian Electricity Association indicate that several hundred incidents involving downed power lines are reported each year as a direct result of severe weather or fires. For example, Hydro One in Ontario responds to more than 1,000 emergency calls related to downed lines annually, with a significant spike during storm seasons and after major wildfire events.
In British Columbia, the 2023 wildfire season resulted in dozens of reported incidents where power lines were brought down by burning trees or strong winds. The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates that weather-related power outages and damage—including those caused by downed lines—cost Canadians over $1 billion annually.
Not all downed power lines are immediately obvious. Some may be hidden in tall grass, under debris, or camouflaged by snow or ash.
Here are key signs to watch for:
• Any wire lying on the ground or dangling from a pole or tree.
• Sparks, smoke, or fire in unexpected places after a storm or fire.
• Unusual hums, crackling, or buzzing sounds near fallen trees or debris.
• Fences, puddles, or metal objects behaving strangely (e.g., vibrating or emitting heat).
If you see a downed power line:
• Keep your distance: Stay at least 10 metres (about the length of a school bus) away from the line and anything it may be touching, including fences, puddles, or vehicles.
• Warn others: Alert anyone nearby to stay clear of the area. Use your voice, not gestures, to avoid drawing people closer.
• Call 9-1-1: Immediately report the location to emergency services and your local utility provider. Provide as much detail as possible about the situation.
• Do not touch: Never attempt to move a downed line, try to rescue someone, or drive over the wire. Wait for trained professionals.
• If a vehicle is involved: If you are inside, stay put unless there is an immediate threat (such as fire). If you must exit, jump clear without touching the vehicle and the ground at the same time and shuffle away with small steps. Never assume a downed power line is safe — lines may be re-energized unexpectedly. Teach children to recognize these dangers and avoid playing near utility structures.
Prepare your vehicle for rain
A rainstorm does not merely dampen the roads; it can transform them into treacherous surfaces where traction is compromised, and reaction times are tested.
Heavy rain obscures your windshield, mirrors, and windows, making it hard to see other vehicles, signs, and pedestrians. When your tires lose contact with the road due to a layer of water, steering and braking become ineffective.
Wet roads reduce tire grip, increasing the distance needed to come to a complete stop and pooled water can hide potholes or debris and may stall engines.
Preparation is your strongest defence against the hazards of rain. Here’s how to safeguard your journey before you even turn the key:
• Check your vehicle: Inspect windshield wipers, headlights, taillights, turn signals, and brake lights to ensure they are fully functional. Replace wiper blades if they leave streaks.
• Tire maintenance: Adequate tread depth and correct pressure are crucial for gripping wet roads. Bald or underinflated tires greatly increase the risk of hydroplaning.
• Defrosters and air conditioning: Fogged windows are common in wet weather. Make sure your defrosters and air conditioning are working properly to keep glass clear.
• Fuel and fluid Levels: Keep your gas tank at least half full and top up your windshield washer fluid with an antifogging solution if possible.
• Plan your route: If possible, select routes with better drainage and fewer low-lying areas prone to flooding.
If you are caught in a severe storm it is important you slow down and avoid sudden movements. Do not use your cruise control in these conditions and steer clear of standing water if you can. If visibility drops to near zero or the road becomes impassable, find a safe spot— preferably a parking area or the shoulder of the road—and wait until conditions improve. Do not stop in the middle of the road.
Zone Comfort
Safety Meeting
Read this part of
Try harder to expect the unexpected
Even if you’ve had good training on the hazards you could encounter, there is always the possibility of something completely unexpected happening.
A sudden emergency could occur that has little or nothing to do with your job, such as a fire, an explosion, release of a hazardous substance, an earthquake or a sudden, vicious storm.
Unintended consequences are a fact of human life, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t try to anticipate them. From an occupational health and safety standpoint, trying to be constantly mindful of the potential for something to go wrong is a good way to expect the unexpected.
This is often referred to as situational awareness — being aware of what is happening around you, where you are supposed to be and whether anyone or anything around you is a threat to your health and safety.
Situational awareness is the ongoing process of perceiving what is happening in one’s surroundings, understanding how that information relates to current and future risks, and anticipating how those dynamics could change. It is much more than simply noticing what is around you; it involves actively assessing information, recognising subtle cues, and making informed decisions to ensure one’s own safety and the safety of others. In practice, situational awareness blends observation, comprehension, and projection, allowing individuals to remain alert to both ordinary routines and new, emerging hazards.
Within a working environment, situational awareness plays a vital role in preventing accidents and responding effectively to emergencies. Workers who develop strong situational awareness are better equipped to identify potential dangers before they escalate, communicate relevant information to colleagues, and adjust their behaviour in response to changing conditions. Whether in an office, on a construction site, or in a laboratory, maintaining situational awareness contributes to a culture of safety by fostering vigilance, preparedness, and proactive risk management.
There are several factors that can compromise your situational awareness and make you less likely to respond adequately when something unexpected occurs:
• Complacency.
• Working too quickly.
• Frustration.
• Distraction.
• Fatigue.
We can improve our situational awareness by developing the habit of regularly pausing to make a quick mental assessment of their working environment. When doing so, consider the following questions:
• Is there anything around me that poses a threat to my health and safety and if so, to what extent?
• Is the threat big enough that I should stop working?
• Is there anything I can do to reduce that threat in order to carry on working safely?
You can also use the SLAM technique, which consists of four simple steps:
STOP. Engage your mind before your hands. Consider the task you are about to perform.
LOOK at your workplace and find the hazards to you and your workmates. Report these immediately to your supervisor.
ASSESS the effects that the hazards could have on you, the people you work with, equipment, procedures, pressures and the environment. Ask yourself if you have the knowledge, training and tools to perform the task safely. Do this with your supervisor.
MANAGE. If you feel unsafe, stop working. Tell your workmates and let your supervisor know what actions you think are necessary to make the situation safe.
Assessment of your working environment should occur continually, but especially when beginning work on a new project, when you think the work environment has changed since a risk assessment was done and when working with new or different co-workers.
Today’s safety meeting is about situational awareness and how we can use it to work
Zone Comfort Zone Comfort
Try harder to expect the unexpected
Even if you’ve had good training on the hazards you could encounter, there is always the possibility of something completely unexpected happening.
should always think about the task you are about to perform before doing it.
Attendance Sheet
Try harder to expect the unexpected