Managing the main hazards in the field

Framework for managing hazards in the field

Managing hazards involving energy sources and moving vehicles

To manage risks involving energy sources, we continued to implement our 2020–2023 energy sources action plan. We also rolled out the 7th edition of the Work Safety Code, which presents the safety rules governing energy sources at our facilities. With these tools, we hope to effectively manage a significant risk associated with our core mission.

In the same vein, we provided refresher training to over 20,000 Hydro-Québec workers and suppliers. We also simplified and harmonized numerous standards and work methods to make it easier to understand and follow safety instructions.

To help prevent serious accidents and fatalities, Hydro-Québec adopted an occupational health and safety (OHS) approach focusing on its field operations and identified prevention measures for the nine main hazards associated with its activities. Under this new approach, it is now up to managers to manage these risks by taking advantage of opportunities such as start-of-shift meetings, field checks and prevention measure inspections.

In 2022, each team prioritized the three main hazards facing employees. OHS advisors provided their assistance, including information sessions and the following resources, which can help personnel respond to hazards in the field:

• Prevention measure inspection forms, for managers

• Posters describing the main hazards and the associated prevention measures

• Checklist to help managers lead OHS discussions during start-of-shift meetings with workers

In addition, we trained managers and OHS advisors on risk management tools. We also began evaluating the way managers respond to risks in the field in order to make recommendations in 2023. This approach encourages managers to pay greater attention to hazards specific to their operations. It also gives them a better understanding of the risk management process and the role of prevention activities, with help from the OHS advisors.

Given the scope of our operations across Québec, risks involving moving vehicles are relevant to many of our employees and suppliers. We continued our prevention efforts in 2022, in particular with the development of a training course on all-terrain vehicles to encourage better adoption of safe behaviors.

Because excessive speed presents a risk, defensive driving techniques are an important means of mitigation. We continue to manage speed violations carefully. In 2022, stickers were affixed to our vehicles indicating that they obey the speed limits.

Road sharing and road maintenance are also frequent causes of incidents, and Hydro-Québec continues to participate actively in road management committees, particularly for routes 385 and 389. These external committees bring together users and stakeholders responsible for the two roads, including provincial government departments, municipalities, the regional county municipality, local health authorities, businesses, etc. The committees’ main objective is to introduce consensusbased solutions to enhance safety on the roads.

Danger Awareness Campaign

In 2022 we pursued our danger awareness campaign, Conscience des dangers, which is designed to foster a culture of caring. Communications tools featuring employees and their family members dealt with such topics as working at heights, hazardous materials and moving vehicles.

An upgraded investigation and analysis process

In OHS matters, Hydro-Québec aims to become a learning organization. To that end, across the company, we apply a stringent investigation and analysis process to learn from accidents and take corrective measures. We established a multi-tiered investigation process based on incident severity, created a communication toolkit and formed a team to conduct investigations and analyses. Team members will also be responsible for coaching and training our managers and employees in order to advance learning within the organization.

Jobsite safety: Very real dangers

Hydro-Québec has forged a new relationship with various partners and government, union and employer associations to ensure our OHS-related messages are effectively formulated and conveyed.

From June to November 2022, we carried out a new campaign to raise awareness in the Québec construction industry about the importance of OHS. The goal was to reach as many people as possible—whether prime contractors, subcontractors or workers—and make them more aware of the hazards present on worksites. The campaign included billboards, radio spots and social media initiatives, as well as a web page, dangersbienreels.ca. As an extension of the campaign, we also launched internal communication activities geared to teams working at our various worksites.

Implementing the hazardous materials management plan

In 2022 and 2023, we are continuing to roll out our hazardous materials management plan. The plan focuses on risks considered to be top priorities as well as governance, infrastructure and corporate culture as they pertain to this issue.

We have stepped up the pace of the program’s deployment to reduce the risk that these materials pose to employee health and safety. Several steps have been taken, including:

• Communication, awareness and training program on hazardous materials for personnel

• Review, establishment and implementation of standards for storing and using hazardous materials

• Implementation of controls at the acquisition stage

• Development of standardized clauses on hazardous materials management for supplier contracts

• Improved management of hazardous material recovery areas

• Establishment of a senior management steering committee and creation of a dashboard to facilitate decision-making and resource allocation

Improving suppliers’ OHS performance

For a second year, we continued to implement our four-year OHS action plan. Actions taken include incorporating an OHS questionnaire on high-risk work into our service contracts and standardizing OHS general clauses by service category. More specifically, we drafted consistent requirements for six of the nine main hazards associated with our operations: moving vehicles, energy sources, unstable or overhead objects, excavation and unstable ground, working near water and confined spaces. Requirements for the remaining three critical hazards will be drafted in 2023.

We also work proactively with suppliers to promote best practices. To that end, we met with senior executives of businesses that have contracts with Hydro-Québec as well as with organizations awarding major construction contracts. We also organized a symposium for helicopter service providers. On April 28, the National Day of Mourning, we held a start-of-shift meeting with workers from all our Québec worksites, followed by a 60-minute OHS break for all personnel with a view to fostering adherence to the risk management cycle.