Annual Safety Update 2024

Welcome to the MSPCA-Angell Annual Safety Update.

All MSPCA employees are required to complete this Annual Safety Update prior to the deadline on March 29, 11:59PM.

This course will take you approximately 10 minutes to complete and consists of a brief review of safety program updates followed by a 6 question knowledge review.

Your progress will not be saved if you leave or reload the page. You must complete all pages and click the Submit button at the end for credit. You will receive an email confirmation once you have successfully submitted.

We want to hear from you!

If you have a safety concern or an idea to improve safety let us know! Contact safety@mspca.org with your comments and ideas.

6. New EHS Intranet Page & Revised Policies and Documentation

Safety content has a new home on the Intranet!

This page can be accessed by clicking the "Safety First" icon on the Intranet Homepage or by navigating to Administration > Human Resources > Environmental Health & Safety using the Intranet top menu.

A direct link is also available here: http://inet/administration/hr/Pages/Safety.aspx

Many policies and informational handouts are located on this page and it will continue to be developed and improved over time. The page includes links to forms, policies, and contains subsections on numerous health & safety topics.

Contact safety@mspca.org if you have any questions. 

Complete the fields below and then read the Knowledge Review instructions.

Knowledge Review Instructions

The Knowledge Review consists of 6 questions. The following pages each contain a summary of a single safety topic and then a multiple choice question pertaining to that topic. The correct answer to the question can be found in the summary.

• You will have one chance per attempt to select the correct answer.
• You will be able to reset the Knowledge Review at the end and begin a new attempt if you do not score 100%. You have unlimited attempts.
• You must score 100% to submit the form and receive completion credit.
• Once all questions are answered correctly the Submit button will appear.

There is no time limit, however your progress will not be saved until you submit.

When you are ready to continue, check the acknowledgement box below then click Begin to start the Knowledge Review.

Fire Extinguishers

Fire extinguishers are located at all MSPCA facilities. You should familiarize yourself with their location and use. Each site should have a designated person responsible for checking the fire extinguishers on a monthly basis and ensuring they are serviced at least annually. Fire extinguishers are designed to prevent the spread of a fire that is in it's incipient phase - the fire is small, has just started, and is relatively contained. If a fire has grown past this stage or human or animal life is threatened call 911.

In order to use a fire extinguisher:

1. Pull the pin from the handle
2. Aim the nozzle of the extinguisher at the base of the fire
3. Squeeze the handle and the extinguishing agent will be released
4. Sweep from side to side across the base of the fire

If a fire extinguisher is used you must notify your supervisor and EHS (safety@mspca.org). 

Accident Documentation

It is important that all workplace accidents are documented. There are two main reasons why we document accidents:

1. Addressing Workplace Hazards

We can only fix issues that we are aware of. By notifying your supervisor after an accident they can investigate the issue and explore changes to processes or equipment in order to make the accident less likely to happen again. 

2. Worker's Compensation Insurance

When you are injured at work you are covered by Worker's Compensation Insurance. This insurance is designed to cover medical expenses and lost time as a result of a work place accident and it is provided to you at no cost. However, in order for us to submit a claim on your behalf you must provide us with all of the information requested on the Employee Accident Form. This information is required by our Worker's Compensation Insurance provider.

Chemical Safety

We have over 1000 different chemicals in use across our organization and the majority of them do not pose a serious health risk. However, certain hazardous chemicals may be potentially dangerous and require specialized handling. These products may include cleaners, soaps, medications, foams, solutions, scrubs, powders, etc.

If you use any chemical products that are potentially hazardous you must recieve the following:

1. Proper training on how to use the product safely.
2. Access to PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) that is in good working condition.
3. Guidance on how you can access the product's Safety Data Sheet.

Sharps Safety

Sharps are defined as "medical items used in health care, which have sharp points or cutting edges and are capable of causing injury to, or piercing human skin, when handled". This definition includes scalpels and syringes. Mishandling of sharps results in over 385,000 injuries to healthcare workers annually. CDC - Sharps Safety for Healthcare Settings

Sharps injuries are preventable and should be taken seriously. Some of the steps you can take, at work and at home, to prevent these injuries include:

1. Never leave sharps out unattended, especially if they are uncapped.
2. Ideally do not attempt to recap needles. Recapping needles and "missing" the cap is a major source of sharps injuries.
3. Dispose of sharps only in approved sharps containers.

If you must recap a needle as part of your job you should utilize a needle recapping device or the "one-hand scoop" technique.

Lifting Safety and Ergonomics

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) are a common cause of occupational disability and include discomfort, aches, pains, and inflammation to a worker's body. Over 50% of all workers will develop a WRMSD at some point in their career and approximately 1/3 of these injuries are to the lower back. WHO - Musculoskeletal Health

You can protect yourself by ensuring you always follow safe lifting guidelines whenever you lift an object, this includes lifting a patient. Make sure you always do the following:

1. Position yourself close to the object.
2. Bend at your knees, keeping your upper body upright.
3. Grasp the object with both hands.
4. Stand with your legs to lift the object.
5. When lifting a heavy object, use a partner and/or lifting tools for assistance.

Building Evacuations

Ensure you are aware of the steps you will need to take in the event of a building evacuation.

• Familiarize yourself with the nearest building exits to your work area.
• Discuss with your supervisor where your designated assembly location is.

In the event of an evacuation your primary duty is to notify others and evacuate using the nearest exit. Do not go back to your office. If there is time, close doors and windows on the way out but do not lock doors. Proceed to your designated assembly location and await further instructions.

Note - Some departments/teams have additional responsibilities in the event of an evacuation. Make sure you discuss these responsiblities with your supervisor.

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