[TITLE: Health and Safety in a Veterinary Clinic]
[TITLE: Jenna; Health and Safety Inspector, Ministry of Labour]
JENNA >> Hi, I’m Jenna, an occupational health and safety inspector with the Ontario Ministry of Labour. Today, I’m at a veterinary clinic to conduct a workplace inspection. I’ll be checking for compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations to ensure that worker health and safety is protected.
[Jenna walks inside the clinic and meets two of the staff who work there.]
JENNA >> Hi there, thank you for joining me on the inspection today. Why don't we start with taking a look at your health and safety board?
VETERINARIAN >> Great, thank you. Follow me.
NARRATOR >> Health and safety boards should be posted in a common area accessible to all workers. Employers are required to post their health and safety policy, a copy of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, the Ministry of Labour prevention poster, and the names and locations of the joint health and safety committee members.
JENNA >> What practices are in place to prevent back injury and strains?
NARRATOR >> Employers must provide training and implement controls to minimize ergonomic-related hazards caused by lifting large or heavy animals, restraining animals and awkward postures.
JENNA >> So can you tell me how workers have been trained in chemical safety? And are Safety Data Sheets available?
NARRATOR >> Workers must be trained to safely use chemicals. Labels and safety data sheets must be available. An eyewash station must be readily available and workers must be trained on its use.
JENNA >> What infection prevention and control measures are in place to protect workers?
NARRATOR >> Workers must follow appropriate infection prevention and control practices. This includes proper hand hygiene, correct use of personal protective equipment and safe handling and disposal of sharps and other biomedical waste.
JENNA >> Have you registered the x-ray machine with the Ministry of Labour’s Radiation Protection Service?
VETERINARIAN >> Yes, we have.
JENNA >> Great. So what do workers wear to protect themselves from the hazard of radiation when taking x-rays?
NARRATOR >> Safe work practices for x-ray sources must be implemented. Dosimeters and personal protective equipment must be worn by the worker. The x-ray source must be registered with the Ministry of Labour.
JENNA >> So can you tell me what would happen if you got injured in the workplace?
VETERINARIAN >> I would first start by notifying my supervisor and then seeking medical attention.
VETERINARIAN >> And then we would fill out an incident report.
JENNA >> We all have the right to work in a safe and healthy environment. For more information on your rights and responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act please visit our website at Ontario.ca/labour.
[TITLE: Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Contact Centre, 1-877-202-0008, ontario.ca/labour]
NARRATOR >> Thank you to the Allandale Veterinary Hospital in Barrie, Ontario, for participating in the making of this video.