JSHA vs FLHA – Part 1

Sometimes with all the safety talk going on, I forget that not everyone always knows what I’m talking about. I bring JSHA’s and FLHA’s up a lot. They’re one of the most valuable tools in the safety industry. Then it dawned on me… Some people might not know what I’m talking about. This is a terrifying thought but a real one. I worked on one site where there was a quick pre-work talk… mostly instructions for the day but no FLHA. When I asked about doing one, everyone looked at me like I had two heads. This wasn’t THAT long ago. So, sadly there may be some of you new to industry working on a site like this as well. For those workers and well… everyone, let’s take a few days to focus on one of the most important tools in your belt. 

JSHA and FLHA are not different names for the same thing. They each have their own purpose. JSHA stands for Job Site Hazard Analysis (keep in mind there are many names for both of these such as JSA, JHA and so on) This is completed by an employer for the entire site. If we want to get super technical here, the legislation in Alberta OH&S Code, Part 2, Section 7.1 states, “An employer must assess a work site and identify existing and potential hazards before work begins at the work site or prior to the construction of a new work site.” Section 7.2  further states, “An employer must prepare a report of the results of a hazard assessment and the methods used to control or eliminate the hazards identified.” This site wide hazard assessment can be viewed as the Job Site Hazard Assessment, or JSHA. They will use the hierarchy of controls to determine what is safe and practicable for each task. Come back tomorrow and we will go over the hierarchy of controls and all things JSHA and FLHA.

To learn even more about this topic head to our site and take our ABCS Hazard Assessment training course. It will provide you with some great tools for your safety belt and best of all… it’s free for limited time!

Boss vs Leader – Part 1

So you wear a white hat, have a company truck and an office space in a trailer; you are officially a “boss.” No matter if you are a foreman for a 3 person crew or a project manager for a huge site, you still have big responsibilities. The biggest responsibility that falls on your shoulders is to ensure your workers go home safe every night. Yes, of course there are deadlines, budgets and paperwork; all of that means nothing if the people who work under you, are having incidents, injuries or even worse! So what can you do to keep these people safe? You can be a leader! How is that different from a boss and how does this affect safety? Well let’s get into that. 

 

A boss knows the job and dictates what should be done, how it should be done and when it should be done, throwing a “do it safely” at the end of instructions. Which will probably get the job done… but will the end result be a good one? Will everyone involved leave unscathed?🤷 A leader will put in the time, communicate with and inspire workers to do their best and do it safely. I think you can break it down into those three categories… Time, communication and inspiration. 

 

When I say “putting the time in” I don’t mean punch your time card for 10 hours a day and poof! I mean go to site and spend time with your crew. Get to know them and their safety concerns. Take time out of your office or truck and head to the front lines, get your hands dirty and show your crew you’re part of the team. Also spend some time educating yourself. You are in charge of how up-to-date you are with safety standards and innovations. Remember, you have other workers’ well-being laying right on your shoulders, so keep current. 

 

Come back on Monday and we will finish up the last two keys to being a great leader. 

 

Check out Our YouTube Channel

When it comes to workplace safety, there is a lot to remember. I know it can be overwhelming, especially when you’ve had the same job day-in and day-out and all of a sudden you are expected to do something totally out of your comfort zone. Always ask questions, get clarity.  There are lots of people who want to help you….Like us! 

 

Obviously we offer many of the safety training courses you need, but also little helpers along the way. Say you’ve been fitting in a fab tent on site for the past 8 months but today needed for a tough fit up on the high line. You need to suit up, fill out a FLHA or JSA and a rescue plan. Great….. 😬 How do you don a harness again? What’s the formula for fall clearance for retractable restraint, oh wait is this a shock absorbing lanyard! That feeling of uncertainty can be daunting… I mean this could possibly be your life. So ask questions, get comfortable with what your task is. You can do this by heading to our YouTube channel. We go over some of the basics, everything from donning and doffing your harness, fall clearance calculations to basic hand signals. Obviously we are aware that you don’t have your phone on you, while on site to click on our YouTube channel (right?).  So ask your foreman if you can take a few minutes in the lunch trailer to get refreshed with what you’re doing. So, go over our videos, ask your safety crew, do whatever is necessary to feel confident in your safety while completing a task.

Now here’s my shameless plug😜… visit our ABCS YouTube channel, …and don’t forget to subscribe! Also checkout theABCS Safety Training Course Catalogue It has most of the courses you will be required to take in industry.

Hazard Assessment Process Now Online

We are excited to announce we are now offering the ABCS Hazard Assessment Process Training Course. This course will provide you with a better understanding of the hazard assessment process using both legislation and real life examples, making it very relatable. This 6 module course goes over safe work practices and procedures, the 4 steps of hazard assessment, how to calculate frequency and severity, the hierarchy of controls and so much more. With a certificate of completion… It also looks great on a resume. This is a great course for those green workers, it really goes over everything to make you more confident in your role regarding job-site hazard assessment. Also a perfect refresher for those who have been doing this for years and might be missing a step or two and of course everyone in between. Go to our website and check it out. You can do it on any device… Even a cell phone, while in jammies on a Sunday morning. You’re welcome. 😜 

 

Happy New Year!

It’s the end of the year… The time when we can chalk up all our mistakes to a “bad year”, make resolutions to hope this new year is better than the last and really take a look at our future. However, when it comes to safety, a mistake won’t go away with the clock striking midnight. An incident at work could leave you struggling for years. So when you choose your resolutions this year, make your safety a priority on the list… And stick with it all year. It’s more realistic than cutting carbs or chocolate out of your diet, I can vouch for that one. Seriously though, your safety at work is something you should always be trying to improve. Now, eat as much chocolate and carbs as you can before midnight and have an incredible New Year!

Rigging and Overhead Crane Operations

Who doesn’t love a good sale, especially at Christmas time. For the month of December we are offering our in-house rigging and overhead crane operations combo course for $280. (Regular $350). Offered weekly on Mondays at our Edmonton training facility. This 10 hour course will provide you with the skills needed to safely and proficiently […]

Remembrance Day 2022

For 100 years we have been remembering those who gave their lives for our freedom. The men and women who fought so we could have the life that we do. Please take the time at 11 am today to remember those who selflessly gave their lives for ours. 

 

“I am a Canadian, free to speak without fear, free to worship in my own way, free to stand for what I think right, free to oppose what I believe wrong, or free to choose those who shall govern my country. This heritage of freedom I pledge to uphold for myself and all mankind.”

—John Diefenbaker

I’m Baaaaaaaack!

After a quick 5 month hiatus to hang with the newest member of the ABCS family, I’m back to being the ever so annoying voice of safety in your head. It’s the little faces like this guy pictured that we all have at home, whether it’s our kids, nieces, nephews, brothers, sisters, etc, etc. These are the reasons we need to make it home safely every night. They are the future and they learn from us… so let’s teach them the safe way. 

Happy Father’s Day

 

Happy Father’s Day to all the hard working Dads out there. We hope you enjoy your day with your family and when you head back to work tomorrow, remember they are the reason why you always play it safe at work. However today… Enjoy your sleep in, new coffee mug and endless hugs from your littles!

Happy Victoria Day

Awwwww it’s official… With Victoria Day long weekend, summer has officially kicked off. Even if the weather is horrible this weekend, let the camping season begin!  Please enjoy your long weekend responsibly. Take extra care on the roads; no speeding, no distracted driving and definitely no drinking and driving. Also, take care when it comes to your campfires and fireworks. You don’t want to be held responsible for a wildfire. Other than that, enjoy your soggy tents, port-a-potties, and burnt marshmallows. Happy Victoria Day to everyone!