General Safety Orientation Guideline For The Oil & Gas Industry
General Safety Orientation Guideline For The Oil & Gas Industry
General Safety Orientation Guideline For The Oil & Gas Industry
Scope ............................................................................................................................................................. 2
Appendix 2: 10 Questions Young and New Workers in Alberta should ask their employer ...................... 15
Appendix 3: British Columbia OHS Guideline on Young or New Worker Orientation and Training ........... 17
References .................................................................................................................................................. 28
SCOPE
This document is not designed to interpret Canadian Provincial Occupational Health and Safety laws. It is
not intended to be used in court. The information in this document is intended for general use and may
not apply to every circumstance. It is not a definitive guide to government regulations and does not
exempt any employer from their responsibilities under applicable legislation.
Where a conflict exists between this document and any applicable governmental Act, Regulation, or
Code, the legislation shall have precedence.
This document does not contain Company specific, Prime Contractor Specific or Site Specific
information.
As well, all employers regardless of jurisdiction are required to conduct and participate in site specific
orientations to cover the specific hazards, conditions, equipment, procedures, rules and regulations
where the work occurs. This includes but is not limited to oil and gas well sites, plant sites, pipeline
construction sites, seismic and other exploration operations, in situ operations, concurrent operations,
and other active oil and gas work sites.
Orientation is the process of introducing new, young, inexperienced, and transferred workers to the
organization, their supervisors, co-workers, work areas, and jobs.
When working in British Columbia: The British Columbia Occupational Health and Safety Regulation
section 3.23 requires employers to provide young and new workers with a safety orientation. In BC any
worker under the age or 25 is considered young. Section 3.23 outlines the specific information that an
occupational health and safety orientation must address.
When working in Saskatchewan: The Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Act, 1993, and The
Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 1996 require the employer to provide all new,
inexperienced, and transferred workers with a basic health and safety orientation. Orientation
requirements are set out under section 19 of the regulations (Training of Workers). Orientation must
include training a worker on all matters that are necessary to ensure the health and safety of the worker
at work, and must also include providing the worker with information on the specific matters set out in
sub-section 19(2) of the Saskatchewan regulations.
Scope 2
When working in Alberta: the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 2(1), and OHS
Regulation Sections 12, 13, 15 require all employers to do everything reasonably practicable to ensure
the health and safety of workers under their employment or direction. They must conduct a written
hazard assessment and implement controls and ensure that workers are aware of their responsibilities
and duties under the OHS Act. Employers must ensure that all equipment used at a work site is properly
maintained and safe for use and that workers completing work are either competent to do so, or under
the direct supervision of a worker who is competent. Every employer must ensure that workers are
adequately trained in the safe operation of equipment, including safety protective equipment and that
they are adequately trained in the use of safe operating procedures, including any procedures designed
to minimize the workers exposure to a harmful substance.
The initial period of employment is critical. During this phase, each worker develops the knowledge,
skills, attitudes, and abilities that are necessary to work successfully. Unfortunately, workers are killed or
injured every year because they aren’t properly informed about workplace hazards or properly trained
to do their jobs safely.
Planning and organizing an effective orientation is vital to prevention, particularly when a worker starts
a new job or returns after an extended absence. Pay particular attention to workers who are:
transferred to jobs or work areas they are unfamiliar with
returning from an extended period away from work
new to the work force
The role of the Supervisor: The OHS legislation in BC, Alberta and Saskatchewan all contain a specific
section on Oil and Gas. In those sections the supervisor is specifically identified as responsible to ensure
a healthy and safe work place. The supervisor can also be held criminally liable in the event of a serious
incident under Section 217 of the Criminal Code of Canada which states:
“217.1 Every one who undertakes, or has the authority, to direct how another person does work or
performs a task is under a legal duty to take reasonable steps to prevent bodily harm to that person, or
any other person, arising from that work or task. Supervisors must ensure that all new, young,
inexperienced and transferred workers receive a site specific orientation.”
The Objective of Orientations: To inform and make new, young or inexperience workers aware of
hazards and action they are expected to take to prevent injury or illness.
Wokers on the job for less than month had four times as many injury claims as those who held their
current job for more than a year. (Breslin and Smith, 20006). To improve new worker safety and
prevent injury employers must provide new workers with information that assists them in avoiding
injury.
Scope 3
Performance Measures:
All new, young and inexperienced workers in the Canadian Oil and Gas industry shall:
Understand their rights and responsibilities
Know when and how to refuse unsafe work
Know How to report hazards
Know the industry rules, and where to find company policies, procedures and practices
Known how to recognize hazards
Know how to control hazards with:
Engineering controls
Administrative controls
Personal Protective Equipment
Know where to find the first aid equipment
Know how to report a workplace injury
Know their role in an emergency and where to find the emergency procedures
Know how and when to use a respond to a fire and use appropriate firefighting equipment
Understand the key elements of a Health and Safety Program/ Management System
Know common chemicals, how to use (Materials) Safety Data Sheets and how to read a label on a
chemical container
Know how to respond if there is a chemical spill
Scope 4
WorkSafe Saskatchewan Orientation Program Example:
General Orientation
Employment Parking and public Specific work rules Locker rooms and
Telephones Lunch facilities
contract transportation of the employer toilets
MSDSs and how to Specific WHMIS Reporting incidents Handling controlled Handling other Personal Protective
access them training and near misses products products Equipment (PPE)
Worksafe Saskatchewan (2011), Health and Safety of Workers Orientation and Training: A Guide for
Employers Revised: May 2011 pg 7.
Scope 5
General Safety Orientation Evaluation Process:
The intent of the GSO Guideline is to describe a streamlined process to reduce the number of redundant
orientations and provide companies in the industry to greater opportunity to focus on site specific
hazards.
The responsibility for work site safety is a shared responsibility, however the regulations place specific
responsibilities on the owner, operating companies (lease holders), and the Prime Contractor. The
responsibilities require them to ensure that new, young, inexperienced and transferred workers have
received a general safety orientation prior to accessing any active work site. To provide those
organizations with assurance that workers are receiving the required orientation that addresses the OHS
requirements.
Currently the Canadian Oil and Gas Industry recognize that workers that have completed any one of the
follow general safety orientation programs and have been made aware of and informed the general
safety expectations across the industry.
NOTE: For some Oil Sands Operations the following general safety awareness video is required viewing:
Oil Sands Safety Awareness Video (OSSA) from the Oil Sands Safety Association
NOTE: It is up to the owner or prime contractor to accept any of general safety orientations provided by
employers and their contractors.
For companies that do not use either of these general safety orientation programs they may submit
their orientation programs to Enform for evaluation. Those company programs that meet and/or
exceed the industry General Safety Orientation requirements will be endorsed by Enform. A unique
identifier will be provided to that company to imprint onto their worker orientation records and/or
wallet certificates.
Scope 6
General Safety Orientation Program Evaluation:
Program/Page #
General Safety Orientation Content
Where Covered
Opening Information:
Identity the various workers, visitors, and contractors that the health and
safety orientation applies to
Responsibilities
Behavior
Right to Know
Right to Participate
Reporting Hazards
Scope 7
Program/Page #
General Safety Orientation Content
Where Covered
regarding smoking
Physical Hazards: contact hazards that can cause injury such as cuts,
burns, abrasions, etc.
Scope 8
Program/Page #
General Safety Orientation Content
Where Covered
The worker shall be able to recognize hazards in the worker’s work area and job, how
they could cause harm, and what precautions must be taken. Examples:
Engineering Controls
Scope 9
Program/Page #
General Safety Orientation Content
Where Covered
Administrative controls
Respiratory Protection
Scope 10
Program/Page #
General Safety Orientation Content
Where Covered
Emergency Procedures (ERP) including Fire
recall the need to identify the locations of fire extinguishers, hoses and
fire alarms
Recall the needs to know the location, purpose and significance of the
material safety data sheets (MSDS)
ask the employer for procedures for handling hazardous and controlled
products.
Scope 11
Appendix 1: Example Employee Record of
Orientation
Employee name:
Position (tasks):
Date hired: Date of orientation:
Person providing orientation (name and position):
Company name:
Initials Initials
Topic Comments
(trainer) (worker)
d) __________________________________________
9. First aid
(a) First aid attendant name and contact information
By law, your employer must tell you about any hazards at the workplace.
Not all hazards affect you right away. Exposing to high noise levels over time, can lead to hearing loss. Working
with radiation, dusts and chemicals can increase your risk of diseases like cancer. Your employer must tell you
about these "hidden" hazards.
Your employer must make sure you have the skills to safely do your work. If you’re still learning, you must be
under the direct supervision of someone who has these skills. Learn all the skills ou need before you do a new job
on your own or alone.
Health and safety meetings are not mandatory in Alberta but if your employer holds them, it’s a sign of their
commitment to your health and safety.
5. Is there safety equipment I'll be expected to wear? Will I receive training in how to use it? When?
Lungs and ears...The law requires employers to provide personal protective equipment (PPE) where there is a
breathing hazard or where legal noise limits are exceeded. However, your employer isn’t required to provide hard
hats, safety boots, flame resistant clothing or eye protection. If PPE is necessary, your employer must make sure
you use it.
You must be trained in emergency procedures – in case of fire, chemical spills, etc. If you’re working with
chemicals, special training is required before you start work.
7. Where are fire extinguishers, first aid kits and other emergency equipment located?
Your employer must control the hazards at your workplace by providing fire extinguishers and other special
equipment. You must be told where this stuff is and how to use it.
If you’re injured, get first aid and report your injury to your employer as quickly as possible. The law says your
employer must provide on-site first aid equipment. Most employers are required to have people present with first
aid training.
Appendix 2: 10 Questions Young and New Workers in Alberta should ask their employer 15
9. What are my health and safety responsibilities?
You are expected to do your best to protect your own and your co-workers’ health and safety. This means if you’re
asked to do something that may put you or your co-workers in danger, the law says you must refuse to do that
task.
If you have a health or safety question, the first person you should ask is your employer, usually your supervisor, as
they know your workplace the best.
Workplace health and safety is a partnership between workers and their employer. When the partnership is
working well, it might look like this.
Employer Worker
Provides fire extinguishers Know where they are and how to use them
Provides trained first aid staff and kits Know who and where they are
Sometimes workers may have to take the lead for the partnership to work effectively. Then it may look like this.
Employer Worker
Asks you to do something dangerous Don’t do it. Talk it out. Take a stand. Share this
information with them.
Courtesy of: Alberta Workplace Health and Safety (2010), Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Employer:
http://www.employment.alberta.ca/SFW/5373.html
Appendix 2: 10 Questions Young and New Workers in Alberta should ask their employer 16
Appendix 3: British Columbia OHS Guideline on
Young or New Worker Orientation
and Training
Regulatory excerpt
Section 3.23 (Young or new worker orientation and training) of the OHS Regulation ("Regulation") states:
Appendix 3: British Columbia OHS Guideline on Young or New Worker Orientation and Training 17
Purpose of guideline
This guideline is to assist employers and workers in implementing the requirements of s. 3.23. It
provides information on:
The objectives of the orientation and training requirements listed in section 3.23
Possible means of delivery of these requirements
Where to get further information to assist with the orientation
The guideline also provides an overview of age-related requirements regarding children in the
workplace under the BC Employment Standards Act, for information only, should this issue arise at a
workplace.
Under section 3.23 employers will be required to provide young and new workers with orientation and
training about safe work procedures and how to recognize hazards on the job. It lists a number of topics
that must be addressed.
In many workplaces some of the requirements in section 3.23 will already be in place as part of the
general safety measures in the workplace. To conduct proper orientation, the topics must be provided
to young and new workers.
There may be topics beyond those listed in section 3.23 that an employer would wish to include in the
orientation. The Regulation sets a minimum standard, which employers may exceed. In some cases, one
or more of the topics may not be applicable in a given workplace and would not need to be included.
In the discussion below any reference to "worker" means "young or new worker."
The worker must be trained in the workplace health and safety rules applicable to the workplace
Appendix 3: British Columbia OHS Guideline on Young or New Worker Orientation and Training 18
and the tasks the worker will perform. The rules are expected to address any hazards that the
worker may encounter, including various types of controls, such as work procedures, use of
personal protective equipment, and the safe means of operating equipment.
In part, this topic is already covered under topics (c), (d), and (e). However, instruction in this topic
will ensure that the worker is given an understanding of the overall measures in the workplace for
protection from violence.
(h) Location of first aid facilities, the means of summoning first aid, and reporting illnesses and
injuries
The worker must be advised of the location of first aid facilities, the identity of the first aid
attendant(s), and how to summon an attendant. This topic also covers the employer's obligation
to inform the worker of the procedures to follow to report an illness or injury to WorkSafeBC.
Appendix 3: British Columbia OHS Guideline on Young or New Worker Orientation and Training 19
and addresses other aspects of emergency response, such as evacuation in the event of fire, or if
hazardous substances are handled, how to contain a spill of the substance.
(j) Instruction and demonstration of the worker's work task or work process
The worker must be provided with both instruction and demonstration - not simply a verbal
description - of work tasks that the worker will be required to perform when he/she begins work.
Further training may be required as new tasks are assigned.
The demonstration should address the aspects of the work that will involve safety risks if not
performed correctly. For example, if the worker will be operating a piece of mechanical
equipment, the employer will need to ensure that all safety points are demonstrated, including
the use of guarding and other safety devices, means of equipment startup, and how to follow safe
operating procedures.
If there are hazardous products in the workplace not covered by WHMIS, the orientation under
topics such as (c), (d), (h), and (i) should be given to address safety with those products.
(m) Contact information for the joint occupational health and safety (OHS) committee, or worker
health and safety representative
If applicable, the employer must inform the worker on how to contact the joint OHS committee,
or the worker health and safety representative.
Appendix 3: British Columbia OHS Guideline on Young or New Worker Orientation and Training 20
orientation or training in any manner, as long as the content intended by the topics is addressed.
For example, three of the topics involve contact information, and could be presented as a unit.
Two of the topics (first aid and emergency procedures) involve a common theme of emergency
response. The topics on working alone and violence often cover aspects of the same issue, and
could be presented together. Other combinations are also possible.
Use generic instruction and orientation coupled with site-specific information: Information on
some of the topics listed in section 3.23 may be applicable from one workplace to another while
site-specific instructions will only apply at the worksite in question. Generic instruction and
orientations can serve as a good basis on which an employer can add employer or site-specific
information. Generic instruction and orientation, coupled with site-specific information can be
particularly useful where a worker is performing the same work under different circumstances.
Examples include circumstances where
Employers have a number of workplaces
The industry has highly mobile workers, such as in construction
Workers are performing casual or temporary work, such as substitute teachers
In determining the right combination of generic and site-specific topics that will meet the requirements
of section 3.23, the circumstances of each scenario need to be considered. By way of example, generic
topics for workers under the above noted circumstances could include:
Employer and worker rights and responsibilities
Employer's occupational health and safety program
Generic aspects of WHMIS
Personal protection equipment
Appendix 3: British Columbia OHS Guideline on Young or New Worker Orientation and Training 21
Appendix 4: Industry General Safety Orientation Program Gap
Analysis
Petroleum Safety Training Pipeline Construction Safety Construction Safety Training Oil Sand Safety Awareness
(PST) ver. 1.25 2011 Training (PCST) 2011 System (CSTS) 2010 Video Orientation (OSSA) 2011
Regulations Work Preparation Your Worksite and the Law Security and Conduct
Occupational health and Legislative requirements Legislation Awareness Personal Identification
safety Employer duties and Employer Responsibility Photo/video Restrictions
Transportation of Dangerous responsibilities Employee Responsibility Smoking Areas
goods Employer rights and duties Training and Competency Fire Prevention
Environmental Responsibilities Personal conducts Reporting Requirements Violence prevention
Substance Abuse Prohibited Substances Communication Workplace Diversity
Physical Activities on the Work
site
Communications
Addressing Safety Issues
Meetings
Health and Safety Committees
WHMIS Personal Protective Equipment Personal Physical Care and Conduct Getting Around
Labels and Symbols (PPE) Review Fitness for Work Designated Walkways
Material Safety Data Sheets Purpose of PPE Working Outdoors Overhead Doors
WHMIS Education Basic PPE (Head, Eye, Hearing, Fatigue Management Gas Detection
Hand, Clothing, Foot) Stretching and Micro-Breaks Fire Alarms
Specialized PPE Back Care Plant Evacuation
Maintenance of PPE Personal Conduct Emergency Assembly Area
WHMIS Drugs and Alcohol
Alcohol and Drugs Guidelines /
Work Rule
Personal Protective Equipment Hazard Recognition and Control Personal Protective Equipment Reporting
Basic PPE Hazard Recognition Process PPE Defined Emergency Response
Personal Protective Introducing Hazards and the Basic PPE Reporting Emergencies
Clothing danger zone Use and Care of PPE Emergency Reporting Numbers
Danger zone near vehicles and Specialized PPE Emergency Reporting Procedure
Specialized PPE
equipment
Work Safe Alberta (2006) X-Treme Safety: A Survival Guide for New and Young Workers, Government of
Alberta, Alberta Employment and Immigration
WorkSafeBC (2007) Training and Orientation for Young and New Workers: an Employers Guide to the
Ammendments in Part 3 of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, WorkSafeBC
WorkSafe Saskatchewan (2011), Health and Safety of Workers Orientation and Training: A Guide for
Employers, Saskatchewan Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety
Construction Sector Council (2007) Pipeline Construction Safety Training (PCST) Course Ver. 2.0
Alberta Construction Safety Association (2010) Construction Safety Training System (CSTS)