Reference no: EM133161513

The laser printer in the Human Resources Department at ABC Inc. is used by four computer users. The printer has been installed recently and there are loose wires that are protruding in the corridors. The printer area is a busy place as the users are constantly rushing to pick up their print jobs. Paula, who works in the Human Resources Department, injured her back as she tripped on the loose wires near the printer area. She had gone to pick up her print job when the heel of her shoe got caught in the wires. As she started to walk away, she tripped and fell, hit her head on the side of the printer table and injured her back.

The losses:

Losses resulting from the accident include:

1. injury to a valuable worker

2. Pain and suffering experienced by the worker and her family

3. workers' compensation costs. Paula was off work for two weeks, and has returned to work on a part time basis while undergoing physiotherapy

4. time spent by the employer, the joint health and safety committee in investigating the accident, completing forms,and submitting reports to the WSIB

5. costs to the health care system

Based on the accompanying case, we will form a Joint Health and Safety Committee. (Remember to refer to the duties and responsibilities of a JHSC in the Occupational Health and Safety Act).

 Choose half of the group to be worker representatives and the other half to be management representatives. Each group will choose its co-chair. List all members according to worker or management.

 We will simulate the deliberations of a JHSC by debating the above accident with a view to coming up with recommendations to be made to the Senior Management of ABC Inc. for follow up action. If possible, our recommendations should come with possible costs and a timeframe for implementation.

Some of the things we should consider during the deliberations:

Have you identified the hazard? Use sketches or photographs if necessary and include supporting information such as office layout, previous accidents and investigations, comments and suggestions from supervisors and workers in the area concerned.

Are there any existing standards such as office policy, Canadian Safety Association (CSA) standards that might apply?

Solutions must relate directly to the problem identified. It might be practical and possible to consider several options. In considering controls you might consider:

- the actual and potential seriousness of the problem- the range of possible solutions - sometimes the corrective action being proposed may be urgent but there may be practical or cost difficulties in getting them implemented; in such a case the JHSC might want to recommend an interim solution.

What were the causes of the accident?

Were there contributing factors? What about the role of housekeeping at ABC Inc? How are workstations organized? Have any filing cabinets been added recently? Does the company have any established safe work practices and procedures? What about the supervisor's role? Has he or she taken the time to ensure that the printer was properly installed and that the work area was kept uncluttered?