The Safety Issue
A Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association member publication
March/April 2014 Vol. 2, No. 2
Promoting Safe Worksites
Calendar of Events
Advancing the professional landscape industry. MANAGING EDITOR Nigel Bowles LAYOUT & PRODUCTION Kyla McKechnie EDITOR Marnie Main ADVERTISING Erynn Watson
Landscape Alberta Green for Life is a publication for the professional landscape trade in Alberta. Editorial and Advertising Landscape Alberta 200, 10331 - 178 Street NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1R5 P: 780-489-1991 F: 780-444-2152 admin@landscape-alberta.com www.landscape-alberta.com Landscape Alberta does not assume responsibility for and does not endorse the contents of any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Landscape Alberta or its members. Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without the consent of Landscape Alberta. ISSN No: 1929-7114 (print) ISSN N0: 1929-7122 (online)
Landscape Alberta Executive Committee
March 3 - 7, 2014 13th Annual Irrigation Expo Water Centre, 625-25 Ave SE, Calgary, AB www.irrigation.org
March 5 - 7, 2014 Women's Arboriculture Conference 2014 Harrison Hot Springs Resort, Harrison Hot Springs, BC www.womenarborists.ca March 12, 2014 Landscape Alberta Annual General Meeting Glenmore Inn, Calgary, AB RSVP: 1-800-378-3198
March 12, 2014 Landscape Alberta Spring Workshop & Landscape Awards Dinner, Glenmore Inn, Calgary, AB www.laspringworkshop2014.eventbrite.ca 1-800-378-3198 March 14 - 23, 2014 Canada Blooms Direct Energy Centre, Toronto, ON www.canadablooms.com
March 18, 2014 Eagle Lake Professional Landscape Supply Expo Glenmore Inn, Calgary, AB For information: marilyn@eaglelakelandscape.com March 20, 2014 Tree Nursery Workshop Duncan Marshall Place, Olds College, Olds, AB treenurseryworkshop.eventbrite.ca 1-800-378-3198 March 21, 2014 Growing the Legacy Gala Olds College, Olds, AB 403-556-8232
President - TBA
1st Vice President - Chris Brown CRS Brown Landscape Services Ltd.
2nd Vice President - Dave Montgomery Green Oasis Services Inc. Treasurer - Arnold van de Ligt Manderley Turf Products Inc.
Past President - Gerard Fournier For Trees Company Ltd.
March 25 - 26, 2014 Landscape Industry Certified Technician Exam Olds College, Olds, AB To register, call Laura at 1-888-446-3499 ext. 8620
On the Cover: The Safety Issue Promoting Safe Worksites
Landscape Alberta Staff
Nigel Bowles, Executive Director nigel.bowles@landscape-alberta.com
Marnie Main, Member Services Director member.services@landscape-alberta.com
Erynn Watson, Member Services Assistant erynn.watson@landscape-alberta.com Valerie Stobbe, Trade Show Coordinator valerie.stobbe@landscape-alberta.com
Kyla McKechnie, Admin Assistant & Communications admin@landscape-alberta.com Cheryl Teo, Bookkeeper accounting@landscape-alberta.com
A Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association member publication
The Safety Issue Promoting Safe Worksites
Follow us on Twitter @landscapeab Green for Life March/April 2014 I 3
Industry and Association News...
Year-Round Landscaping Earns the National Award of Landscape Excellence for Construction Project at U of C Winners of the National Awards of Landscape Excellence were announced at the 11th annual gala ceremony in St. John’s, NL on January 29, 2014. Eight awards were given out to members across the country that showcased excellence in the landscape, garden centre and nursery sectors of the industry.
Landscape Newfoundland and Labrador hosted the event in conjunction with its provincial Awards of Landscape Excellence. Competition was fierce in the landscape category, with 41 entries coming in from across Canada. The National Awards of Landscape Excellence were presented to the following companies: • Caterpillar Award for Commercial Construction/ Installation to Year-Round Landscaping Inc. in Alberta • Caterpillar Award for Residential Construction/ Installation to Edengrove Landscapes Ltd. in Ontario • DynaSCAPE Award for Landscape Design to Betz Pools Ltd. in Ontario • John Deere Award for Commercial Maintenance to Boot’s Landscaping & Maintenance Ltd. in Ontario • John Deere Award for Residential Maintenance to Shades of Summer Landscaping & Maintenance in Ontario • Garden Centre of the Year Award to Sheridan Nurseries in Ontario • Grower of the Year Award went to Winkelmolen Nurseries Ltd. in Ontario • Green for Life Community Award went to the Veterans Memorial Parkway Community Program in Ontario
EEEL Building, University of Calgary
The National Awards of Landscape Excellence recognize companies whose work has significantly raised the level of professionalism in our industry. Congratulations to all of the winners, who truly represent the expertise and high caliber of work being achieved across the country.
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Congratulations once again to Year-Round Landscaping Inc. of Calgary on their win. Employees Fred Berdusco and Ken Robinson were in attendance to accept the award on behalf of their company. To see the award-winning projects, visit http://bit.ly/1bzfW2S.
CFIA - Consultation Regarding Ash Dieback Pathogen Ash dieback, caused by Hymenoscyphus pseudoalbidus, is a serious emerging plant pest attacking ash trees in Europe. The disease is characterised by a rapid dieback of the crown, associated with the presence of cankers or lesions girdling the affected plant parts, which usually leads to plant death. If introduced into Canada, it is expected that H. pseudoalbidus could result in the death or decline of large numbers of ash trees in forests, parks and urban landscapes, as well as in nurseries, and could lead to significant negative economic and environmental impacts. The CFIA is asking for feedback from industry members please visit http://bit.ly/1jkzcGe to view the Risk Management Document for H. pseudoalbidus which examines the risks associated with the introduction ofthis disease into Canada, and outlines risk management options. Please provide your feedback to the CFIA by March 24, 2014 by email at horticulture@inspection.gc.ca or by fax at (613) 773-7163.
City of Edmonton Tree Standards Meeting Landscape contractors, nursery growers and the association’s Executive Director met with City of Edmonton Forestry staff on Wednesday, January 15 to discuss a number of issues that occurred during the previous year’s construction season, and to review statistics for the Construction Completion Certificate (CCC) and the Facility Acceptance Certificate (FAC). In 2012, 11.2% (691/6157) of trees had to be replaced at CCC and 6.3% (345/5468) at FAC. Prior to the meeting, contractors and growers jointly developed the agenda with City staff, which included: consistency of inspections at CCC and FAC, local purchases of plant material, pre-inspection of trees in the nursery, the tendering process, CNLA Standards, 2014 Landscape Construction Standards, and a number of specific issues such as root flare and pests. The meeting was constructive and resulted in the formation of a subcommittee to review planting detail in the Construction Standards Manual and to develop a dispute mechanism. Landscape Alberta and the City’s forestry department will work together to organize workshops in the spring to assist contractors in planting methods that are acceptable to the forestry department. Landscape Alberta Governance Changes In October 2013, members met to develop a five-year strategic plan for the Association. One of the outcomes was a recommendation to change how the association is
governed. Subsequently, a governance committee was formed and they recommended the elimination of the executive committee in favour of an eight-person elected Board of Directors. At their December 2013 meeting, the current Board approved the changes, which will take effect at the 2014 Annual General Meeting on March 12, 2014 in Calgary. What will this new board look like? Members will no longer elect a President, Vice President, etc., but instead elect eight members to serve on the Board for a two-year period. The Board will then elect the Chair at its first meeting in April. It is hoped that this new structure will encourage members to serve the association without a long commitment to a succession of board positions, as in the past. A Board Development Committee has also been formed - they will encourage and nominate members to serve on the new Board. The Board Development Committee members are Phil Paxton, Bruce Kay, Brian Gibson and Eric Heuver. Greening of the Highways Research Project Tree mortality is high along highways and boulevards in Canada. This research project aims to determine feasible site remediation and plant selection to suit diverse environmental conditions. The expectation is to expand the markets for green infrastructure in the nursery and landscape sector. Experiments aim to develop effective site preparation protocols, planting specifications, and nursery production techniques to expand the current opportunities for installing green infrastructure in urban and denuded areas. This includes incorporating more and different kinds of nursery
products into planting selections and establishing baseline protocols and classifications in order to ensure the success of these plantings. The project is being led by Dr. Darby McGrath, Research Scientist at the Vineland Research and Innovation Center in Ontario. The project is currently based in Ontario, but as noted in the Nursery Growers Update, funding has been approved to establish test sites in Alberta next year.
New rules now in effect for foreign worker program, empowering officials to inspect workplaces Tough new regulations aimed at quelling fears that foreigners are snatching jobs from Canadians, kicked in on December 30, 2013. Government officials are empowered to conduct workplace inspections without warrants and to blacklist employers who break the rules.
The regulations will also allow government officials to interview foreign workers about their working conditions and to demand documentation from employers proving they’ve complied with the federal Temporary Foreign Worker Program.
The feds can conduct their workplace inspections for a period of six years, dated from the first day of employment of a foreign worker. Work permits will be revoked if an employer is discovered to have provided false information that is having, or will have, a significant negative effect on the labour market in Canada. STARLITE®
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Green for Life March/April 2014 I 5
Cumulative Duration for Temporary Foreign Workers Program. The lists of exceptions to the Cumulative The Temporary Foreign Workers (TFW) Program was established to address temporary Duration regulation are as follows: labour and skills shortages in Canada. • Managerial: National Occupational Classification (NOC) and professional The Cumulative Duration regulation establishes a maximum period that a TFW can (NOC A) occupations; work in Canada, in order to prevent foreign nationals who are working in Canada from • TFWs approved in principal for losing ties with their country of origin, and to encourage workers and employers to permanent residence; explore pathways to permanent residence. Under this regulation, once a TFW has • TFWs employed under an international accumulated four years of work, they will not be permitted to work in Canada until agreement such as NAFTA or the SAWP; another four years has passed. and • TFWs exempt from the LMO process The Cumulative Duration regulation does not apply to the Seasonal Agricultural Worker (e.g., spouses of high-skilled TFWs; Program (SAWP) as the SAWP operates according to international agreements charitable/religious workers; refugee between Canada and select countries. claimants; entrepreneurs, researchers etc. providing significant benefit to The regulation applies to most other workers in lower-skilled occupations, including Canada beyond the four-year limit. low-skilled workers entering Canada through the Agricultural stream of the TFW The four-year Cumulative Duration regulation came into effect April 1st, 2011. Work performed in Canada by a TFW prior to this date will not be counted towards the four year cumulative period. Citizenship and Immigration Canada anticipated the Cumulative Duration regulation to begin impacting applicants in spring 2013. For additional details on the Cumulative Duration regulation, please see: http://bit.ly/1di9b5l.
Landscape Industry Certified Technician Program The Landscape Industry Certified Technician designation provides individuals in the green industry with a means of proving a minimum standard of expertise in tasks typically required within the industry. A Certified Technician designation can be attained in four specialties; Softscape Installation, Hardscape Installation, Turf Maintenance and Ornamental Maintenance. 2014 Certification Exams When: March 25 & 26, 2014 Where: Olds College – Landscape Pavilion, AB To register, contact Laura Brinton at laura@cnla-acpp.ca or by phone at 1-888-446-3499 ext. 8620
Get Involved: Attend your AGM!
Find out how your association is changing New board structure & New strategic direction Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Registration and Breakfast opens at 8:00 am AGM start at 8:30 am Glenmore Inn, Calgary, AB
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RVSP to erynn.watson@landscape-alberta.com
Landscape Onsites
As a supervisor or owner you have an obligation to communicate to each of your employees how to work safely and effectively. CNLA’s Onsite sessions have been designed to provide the framework for short, basic training sessions to develop an informed, well-rounded employee.
Head protection: Staff should wear head protection at all times.
Hearing protection: Wear ear protection when noise levels are over 85 db. Make sure hands are clean before touching insert-type ear protection. Muff or cap-type protection covers the entire ear.
Eye protection: Includes glasses and sunglasses with impact-resistant lenses and It is recommended that you set a specific time aside flexible or cushion-fitting ventilated plastic goggles. Face shields protect against each week, for example every Tuesday morning at splashes and small flying particles, but not against heavy impact. To improve impact 7:00 a.m., to conduct a 15-20 minute meeting resistance, wear safety glasses or goggles under the face shield. based on the outlines in the Onsite manual. Foot protection: Safety boots should be worn on the job at all times. It’s your responsibility to practice what you preach and be a good role model for both safety and work Hand protection: Leather work gloves provide good gripping power and protect hands. habits on the job site. Sunscreen: Applying waterproof sunscreen several times a day should be considered Here is a sample lesson from the Landscape Onsites part of your personal protective equipment during the spring and summer months. manual.
Common sense safety also means watching out for the safety of your fellow workers. Speak up if they are putting themselves or someone else at risk.
Common Sense Safety Objective: To introduce the concept of common Visit the CNLA website at www.canadanursery.com to view other lessons from this sense safety culture. manual - you can download individual lessons or order the full Landscape Onsites Lesson: In many instances, working safely is simply manual. common sense. By paying attention to your surroundings and using common sense precautions you demonstrate the fundamentals of safety and accident prevention. You use plenty of common sense to keep you safe in your day-to-day activities. You look both ways before crossing a busy street. You protect your hands before removing a hot dish from the oven. You have practiced these common sense habits so often that they are now automatic.
On the job it is important to use common sense to keep you safe at work. Accidents often happen when people are rushed and not focused on the task at hand. A single lapse of attention can result in a serious, life-altering injury. Safety starts with common sense and being attentive to your surroundings. • You wouldn’t oil or adjust unguarded moving machinery • You wouldn’t chip or grind without safety glasses • You wouldn’t look for a gas leak with a lit match Can you come up with five more common sense safety rules for the landscape site? Common sense also means using personal protective equipment (PPE) whenever necessary.
Green for Life March/April 2014 I 7
Developing a Health and safety programs at the workplace aim to prevent injuries and illnesses. But sometimes, despite the best prevention efforts, injuries and illnesses occur. Planning for emergencies and having a First Aid Plan is not only the right thing to do legally and morally, it makes sense from a business point of view.
The purpose of this article is to describe the basics of a First Aid Plan, which is one component of an overall Emergency Response Program. It describes the factors to consider when developing and implementing a First Aid Plan, and includes explanations of what should be included in terms of first aid services, equipment, supplies, records, communication and transportation.
General considerations When planning for first aid at a work site, the first step is to review the hazards and the types of injuries and illnesses likely to occur. Consider information such as the number of workers at the work site, the type of work that is done, and hazards to which workers are exposed. This helps determine the potential injuries and illnesses and the extent of the first aid that may be required. How close medical treatment services are to the work site will also help determine the services and supplies needed. When developing a First Aid Plan, keep in mind the worst-case scenario. First aiders Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code (OHS Code), Part 11 First Aid, specifies the number of first aiders and the level of first aid training required at work sites, based on three criteria: 1 how hazardous the work is; 2 the time it takes to travel to a health care facility; and, 3 the number of workers per shift.
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When assessing a particular work situation, you may find that the supplies and services required by the OHS Code are insufficient to meet the needs of that situation. Employers are encouraged to exceed the minimum requirements in such circumstances.
The OHS Code states that designated workplace first aiders must have approved training. Approved training course are listed on the Workplace Health and Safety website and are updated on a regular basis. Before enrolling in a course, make sure it is approved by checking the website listing of approved first aid training agencies and courses. Equipment and supplies In addition to first aid services, the OHS Code specifies the equipment and supplies that are required at a work site. Where specialized equipment is made available, the employer must ensure that first aiders are trained and competent in the use of that equipment. It is recommended that medications not be included in first aid kits. Individuals designated to administer medication should have specific written medical directives from a licensed physician. Training standards for the designated workplace first aider do not include administering medications, although first aiders can assist workers in taking their own medications.
First aid record keeping Various written records must be developed and maintained as part of a First Aid Plan. The records to include are: names of first aiders, including their certificates and training records; • first aid supply and equipment inventories; • injury and illness records in accordance with the OHS Code;
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procedures for communication, including how to summon help; and, transportation plans for getting injured or ill workers to medical treatment facilities.
These records are important both for administrative purposes and to meet the legal requirements.
Transportation Employers must arrange for the transport of injured or ill workers to a health care facility where medical treatment is available. This is a requirement in section 180 of the OHS Code and applies to all work sites, regardless of the types of injuries and illnesses, the number of workers, the number and level of trained first aiders and the supplies and equipment required. Transportation arrangements must be made prior to dispatching workers to a work site, and therefore advanced planning is needed.
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how to summon the first aiders; what the check-in procedures are when working alone or at an isolated work site; where supplies and equipment are located; when to summon transportation; what type of transportation is available to get injured or ill workers to medical care; who to call to summon transportation; what the back-up plan is if the first type of transportation is unavailable; and, when to report incidents to Workplace Health and Safety.
Finalizing the plan Once developed, the plan should be endorsed by management and communicated to all workers. It should be in writing and accessible to everyone at the work site. No matter what or where injuries or illnesses occur, everyone at the work site should know how to respond and how to get help.
It is recommended that plans be tested before being finalized. Even the best plans can have gaps. It is important to have drills at least once a year, or more often if work locations, workers or other factors change. Before conducting drills, be sure to let emergency response personnel know ahead of time. An effective First Aid Plan is one that provides appropriate, immediate and temporary Transporting injured or ill workers in urban settings first aid and, when necessary, medical treatment in a timely manner so that health is is straightforward and does not normally require preserved, safety is protected, and injury and illnesses are not aggravated. any additional, specialized planning since appropriate supplies and transportation services Quick Links are readily available. There may be cases where Occupational Health and Safety Code: http://bit.ly/1i6dsgP potential work exposures require specialized Approved First Aid Agencies: http://bit.ly/1avPK5N treatment and in these situations, municipal First Aid Records: http://bit.ly/1hyryEE emergency services may need to be contacted ahead of time so that any specialized supplies, Source: Work Safe Alberta equipment, or specific arrangements for transportation or treatment are in place. More planning is generally required for rural and remote locations where workers may be isolated or working alone. Once again, it is important to consider the extent of possible injuries and illnesses that may occur. The goal for the transportation section of the First Aid Plan is to get medical treatment as soon as possible.
Injured or ill workers can be transported by any mode of transportation that meets the requirements of the OHS Code, including a designated vehicle, a ground ambulance from a municipal ambulance service, or emergency air transportation. Prior arrangements should be made with the ambulance service that may be summoned. When appropriate, highly specific latitude and longitude coordinates may need to be provided. It is important to provide specific directions with highway, township or range road numbers and landmarks so that those responding can find the work site. Communication Communication is one of the most important elements of the First Aid Plan. Communication involves informing workers about: • who the designated first aiders are;
Green for Life January/February 2014 I 9
Ten Common Safety Mistakes
Companies with safety programs “on the books” often wonder what went wrong when serious injuries or accidents continue to occur. The following are some mistakes that are commonly made: • Viewing safety as a “cost” rather than a means to reduce costs. Committing time to regular tailgate safety training, company-wide safety meetings and other safety efforts does mean time away from the job. Yet the cost of spending just 10 minutes per week on a short tailgate safety lesson is far less than the cost of a serious back injury, the loss of a finger or hand in a rotating blade or ─ worse yet ─ an employee fatality. When you think about safetyrelated costs, also consider insurance claims, rising insurance premiums and the human costs of a preventable injury or death.
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Welcome to Our New Members
Able Landscape Wayne Thomas 208 – 17 Street SE Calgary, AB T2E 8V7 (403) 651-0078 Fax: (403) 274-9765 info@ablelandscaping.com
Calgary Plants Rick Bron 3107, 13045 - 6 Street SW Calgary, AB T2W 5H1 (403) 454-2213 Fax: (403) 455-6051 rick@calgaryplants.com www.calgaryplants.com Create Escapes Landscaping Chris Jensen Comp 45, Site 5, RR 8 Calgary, AB T2J 2T9 (403) 237-6300 Fax: (403) 237-6301 mail@createescape.ca www.createescape.ca
Failing to involve employees at all levels in your safety program. Ask yourself these questions: Are employees at all levels represented on your safety committee? Are injuries/incidents regularly reviewed with managers, supervisors and affected employees? Do employees with expertise in certain areas have the opportunity to lead brief tailgate training sessions? Skipping safety training sessions during your busiest seasons. The busiest times are also the times when shortcuts and other unsafe behaviours are most likely to occur. Failing to conduct regular hazard inspections. Busy times or not, it only takes a few minutes to check a work site and equipment for hazards. A hazard such as wet, slippery terrain or a damaged safety shield could result in injury if time isn’t taken to discuss it and, when possible, correct it. Believing a safety program can be successful without top management’s strong support. Having a program on paper isn’t enough; employees know if top managers truly support safety or are just paying lip service. Remember: Actions speak louder than words. Failing to make safety as high a priority as doing good work for customers and completing jobs on time. Safety should go hand-in-hand with these other important goals. If an injury or accident does occur on the job, more time will be lost than if the employee had worked safely to begin with. Also, recurring safety issues can result in the loss of good customers. Thinking that safety is someone else’s responsibility. While it is important to delegate certain safety duties in order to involve others, safety must still start at the top. That means top management is ultimately responsible
Cochrane Landscape Supply Janelle Leary 108 Railway Street E Cochrane, AB T4C 2C3 (403) 851-0900 Fax: (403) 851-0950 janelle@cochranelandscapesupply.com www.cochranelandscapesupply.com
Jeffries Nurseries Ltd. Wilbert Ronald Box 402 Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3B7 (204) 857-5288 jeffnurs@mts.net www.jeffriesnurseries.com
The Landscaping Company Inc. Ryan Currie 9701 83 Street Fort Saskatchewan, AB T8L 3P7 (780) 233-7239 rcurrie@thelandscapingcompany.ca www.thelandscapingcompany.ca
K Plowman Contracting Ltd. Keith Plowman Box 534 Stn Main Athabasca, AB T9S 2A5 (780) 370-8450 keith@kplowman.ca www.kplowman.ca
Solid Landscape Construction & Design Inc. Chris Boyse 803 Allandale Road SE Calgary, AB T2H 1W7 (403) 217-6870 solid.landscapes@hotmail.com www.solidlandscapes.com
TreeTime.ca Drew Patterson 204, 9366 - 49 Street Edmonton, AB T6B 2L7 (866) 873-3846 Fax: 780-472-0460 sales@treetime.ca www.treetime.ca
Kazan Construction Ltd. Robert Kazanowsky 21 Springland Way, Calgary, AB T3Z 3N6 (403) 249-9073 Fax: (403) 242-9843 kazan@nucleus.com
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for all safety-related issues ─ both the good and the bad. Failing to give recognition to employees who engage in safe behaviours. It’s important for employees to be recognized ─ even with a simple “Thank you” ─ for working to be safe. There are many ways to do this. One good way is to carry a digital camera with you and take photos of workers you see acting safely. Then post these photos on your company bulletin board or in another location where co-workers will see it with a note underneath that states: “Congratulations (employee’s name) for being SAFE.”
Occupational Health and Safety Legislation
The OHS Act, Regulation and Code set out the minimum requirements for health and safety in Alberta workplaces. Officers enforce the legislation by issuing orders to employers. If an employer disagrees with the order, it may be appealed.
Administrative Penalties Administrative Penalties came into effect October 1, 2013. OHS administrative penalties can be imposed against any parties regulated by OHS legislation – workers, contractors, suppliers, and employers. These penalties aim to encourage improved compliance with health and safety regulations, and are meant to work as a persuasive deterrent against those who demonstrate a chronic disregard for health and safety.
Administrative penalties can be up to $10,000 per violation per day. The amount of an administrative penalty will be determined by OHS officials upon consideration of a variety of factors. These include past health and safety performance, the frequency of orders, tickets or other compliance interventions, and whether there appears to be an overall commitment to maintaining proper health and safety systems in the workplace. Administrative Penalties Brochure: http://bit.ly/1joed2p
Ticketing As of January 1, 2014, workers and employers in contravention of ticketable provisions of OHS legislation can be issued tickets by OHS officers. OHS tickets will be similar to a traffic ticket: they are an on-the-spot penalty given out following an infraction of the law. Ticket fines range from $100 to $500. Tickets can be paid at any Alberta courthouse. Like a traffic ticket, any party that wishes to plead not guilty will have the option of attending a court date. Ticketing Brochure: http://bit.ly/1jibxpH
Other Links: OHS Act, Regulation and Code: http://bit.ly/1igbuuk Source: Government of Alberta Human Services
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Making safety meetings and other events long, dull and boring. If you aren’t a good speaker, let someone else lead the monthly safety meetings. Limit the meetings to an hour or less and supplement them with 10-minute weekly tailgate training sessions on a single safety topic. Not taking safety seriously until after a traumatic injury, death or other incident occurs. Unfortunately, this is what sometimes happens. Don’t let your wake-up call be a preventable serious injury that results in a lengthy and costly insurance claim.
Source: Turfgrass Producers International, April/May 2009
Beat the Heat
Summer is almost here. With that comes hot weather, and working in the heat can be dangerous. Each year, thousands of workers get sick from exposure to heat on the job. This can be prevented by taking some simple precautions. When working outside during hot summer days, remember these three things: 1 Water: drink plenty of water throughout the day – about every 15 minutes. Do not wait until you are thirsty. 2 Rest: rest breaks help your body to recover. 3 Shade: resting in the shade or in air-conditioning helps you cool down.
It’s also important to know the signs of heatrelated illnesses. Acting quickly can prevent serious medical conditions. • Heat Stroke is the most serious and requires immediate medical attention. Symptoms include confusion, high body temperature, and hot, dry skin or profuse sweating. Call 911 if a co-worker shows signs of a heat stroke. • Heat Exhaustion is also a serious illness. Symptoms include headache, nausea dizziness, weakness, thirst and heavy sweating. Heat fatigue and a heat rash are less serious, but they are still signs of too much heat exposure. If you or a co-worker show symptoms of heatrelated illness, tell your supervisor right away. If you can, move the person to a shaded area and loosen his/her clothing, give them water, and cool them down with ice packs or cool water. For information on working safely in the heat, visit http://bit.ly/1dNXhBi.
Green for Life March/April 2014 I 11
When an Incident Occurs
By Sabrina Granese, Marsh Canada Limited
Knowing what to do in the event of an incident can go a long way towards strengthening customer relationships and mitigating potential claims. Although a claims adjusting company usually adjusts or settles a claim, your insurance broker should be able to assist in the claims process should the need arise. Below are some tips to follow when an incident occurs:
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Names, addresses and details of any other parties involved, including all injured parties and witnesses. If it is an automobile incident, please obtain insurance information from the other drivers; names and address of passengers, any injured parties, and all witnesses; and a description of the vehicles involved, including license plate numbers.
Do not admit fault. Complete and forward an Insurance Incident Report immediately following the incident with the following information recorded: • The date, time, and place of the incident; • A description of the incident including any relevant details (e.g. circumstances surrounding the incident and description of the property damaged or injury sustained―where possible take photographs); Liability Incidents • Name and badge number of any investigating police officer(s); and Incidents Involving Bodily Injury • If an accident occurs involving an injury, immediately ask if the injured person requires medical attention. If they do, call an ambulance, the nearest hospital, or an emergency medical organization for assistance. • Do not try to move or transport the injured person yourself. Do not attempt to treat the injured person(s) unless you perceive a life threatening situation and are fully trained and certified to do so. • Gather the information necessary to complete an Insurance Incident Report including any witness details or statements. Do not unnecessarily detain an injured person. Medical attention is the primary concern. • Thank the injured person for their patience and understanding, and ask them to call if any questions or problems arise. Although the goal is to prevent accidents, it must be recognized that they will occur. Once they do happen, the primary concern is the well-being of the injured party. This is accomplished through prompt, efficient, and courteous treatment. • Do not discuss the accident with anyone except those authorized by the insurer, the adjuster, or the insurance broker, and then only after they have properly identified themselves. • Any person acting on behalf of the injured person should be referred to your adjuster or your broker service team, as should any correspondence received.
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Special Instructions for Liability Incidents • Immediately after the incident, inspect the exact location of the incident. If a housekeeping deficiency existed at the time of the accident (e.g. wet floor, iced
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walkways, etc.), which may have contributed to or caused the accident, make sure it is corrected immediately and note this on the Insurance Incident Report accordingly. If you believe a physical deficiency other than housekeeping (e.g. broken pavement, cracked linoleum, etc.) may have caused the incident, make a note in the Insurance Incident Report. If you believe someone else is responsible for the incident, this should also be included in report.
Automobile Incidents In Case of Injury to a Third Party • Immediately ask the injured party if they require onsite medical attention. If they do, call an ambulance, the nearest hospital, or an emergency medical organization for assistance. Do not try to move or transport the injured person yourself. Do not attempt to treat the injured person(s) unless you perceive a life threatening situation and are fully trained and certified to do so (e.g. CPR). • If it is a serious injury (e.g. head trauma, paralysis, shock, severe bleeding, multiple fractures, etc.) or death is involved, call your insurer and/or insurance broker immediately. • If your vehicle is damaged to the extent it is no longer operable, have it towed from the scene to a repair shop, but do not authorize repairs before advising your claims adjuster. Authorization to repair the vehicle should only be given when an agreement is reached on the cost of repairs between the insurer and the repair facility.
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It is important to protect and save damaged property that may still have some sale value. The proceeds of the sale of such property belong to the insurer and serve to help offset the loss settlement it pays. If required, the appropriate civil authorities should be notified as well as any individuals responsible for the damage.
Marsh offers general liability and vehicle coverage as part of the HortProtect Insurance program, exclusively for association members across Canada through the Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA). The Marsh representative for Alberta is Leah Lefebvre and she can be contacted at 1-877-484-1966 or leah.lefebvre@marsh.com. Landscape Alberta Spring Workshop Wednesday, March 12, 2014 Glenmore Inn, Calgary, AB
A one-day, power-packed workshop to help your business prosper! Recruiting, Retaining and Training Employees and
The New Landscape of Social Media Plus! Don’t miss our Annual General Meeting and Landscape Awards Dinner
To register, visit: laspringworkshop2014.eventbrite.ca
Property Losses In the Event of Water Damage • Ensure that tenants move all furniture off the carpeting or place aluminum foil between the carpeting and the legs of furniture. • Immediately remove the water by whatever means available to help minimize damage.
In the Event of Fire Damage • Board all open windows and doors that cannot be closed as a result of the fire. Attempt to contain the smoke damage to the area affected by fire to the extent practical without exposing yourself to injury. Property losses include all losses or damage to property owned by you or for which you are responsible for managing (e.g. buildings, contents, stock, equipment, etc.) caused by fire, water, windstorm, flood, etc. • If repairs are initiated prior to inspection of the damaged property by the insurer or adjuster, special care must be taken to retain the damaged property for insurer inspection at a later date (initiating repairs should only be done in emergency circumstances in order to reduce loss). • It is recommended that photographs of the damaged property be taken prior to initiating repairs.
Green for Life March/April 2014 I 13
April is Safe Digging Month
Alberta has a very comprehensive and complex underground infrastructure that provides essential goods and services to all Albertans. Each year there are numerous instances where the integrity of this infrastructure is jeopardized by improperly conducted ground disturbances. Failure to Call Before You Dig to have buried facilities identified and their locations marked prior to disturbing the ground, is the most frequent cause of buried facility damage.
The consequences of damage to buried facilities can include service disruptions, environmental contamination, property damage, personal injury and death. All ground disturbers can save time and money and keep themselves and our province safe and connected by following ground disturbance and buried facility damage prevention Best Practices. These include making that simple call to Alberta One-Call in advance of any ground disturbance project, waiting for the buried facility locates to be done, respecting the locate marks, exposing any conflicting buried facilities before using mechanical excavation equipment, and digging with care. As April is the traditional start up of the annual digging season, the Alberta Damage Prevention Council proclaims April as SAFE DIGGING MONTH and encourages all ground disturbers to always Call Before You Dig. 1-800-242-3447. www.albertaonecall.com.
One of your Landscape Alberta Member Benefits: LS Training System
LS Training System is a landscape equipment training service where your employees can learn basic operating technique and hazard awareness. It’s all online, so no software, no DVDs. LS Training has a library of 33 training videos, complete with interactive online exams. Pricing is $99/employee per year for access to all equipment videos. To obtain your CNLA membership discount code to access an additional 5% savings off your rates, contact the CNLA Membership Team at 1-888-446-3499. You can check out demo videos and learn more about the training at www.lstraining.com.
Hort Mart
Join Our Sales Team!
Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries is looking for a
Canadian Prairie Sales Representative HML Construction is looking for a full time experienced landscape designer. Must be proficient in computer design, planting plans, and presentations. Capable of material takeoffs for construction. Must be a punctual, independent, and organized individual that is very presentable and personable. Please contact Jessica@hmlconstruction.com.
Aurora Design DESIGN, PRINT AND DIGITAL SERVICES FOR: • Advertising Design • Flyers • Brochures • Newsletters • Business Cards • Photography • Catalogues • Promo Inserts ... and much more Phone: (403) 273-6917 E-mail: auroradesign@shaw.ca 14 I Green for Life March/April 2014
We are looking for a dynamic, self-motivated, independent individual to work as a sales rep for our company. The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining and growing our existing customer base as well as expanding sales throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan & Manitoba.
Ideally you will have: - A min. 5 years experience in horticultural plant sales - Trained/experienced in effective selling techniques - Be result driven; desire to succeed and work independently - Strong customer orientation and communication skills - Strong computer skills - Attention to detail and deadline management - Be familiar with inventory product and levels - Must have a Smart Phone - Must have a valid driver’s license, full insurance and a reliable vehicle - Must be willing to travel overnight as needed Education: High School Diploma or higher
Wage: Base Salary with commission or straight Commission. (Will be determined after review of applicant). Benefits package available.
Fax resume to Specimen Trees Wholesale Nurseries at 604-465-8100 or email inquiry@specimentrees.com.