Background: Red Rooster Manufacturing is a reputable medium-sized company based in Alberta, specializing in designing and manufacturing industrial machinery and equipment. With a diverse workforce and a commitment to innovation, the company has been a key player in its industry for over two decades. However, as with any growing enterprise, it has encountered its fair share of challenges, particularly in the realm of occupational health and safety (OHS).

Ongoing Safety Concerns: In recent years, Red Rooster Manufacturing has faced several safety concerns and incidents that have raised red flags within the organization. These challenges have sparked conversations about the need for a more robust safety culture and a thorough understanding of Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation. Some of the key concerns include:

Incident Rate: There has been a noticeable increase in the number of workplace incidents, ranging from minor injuries to more serious accidents. These incidents have prompted discussions about the effectiveness of the company's safety protocols and training programs.

Training Gaps: Some employees have expressed concerns about the adequacy of their safety training, particularly when it comes to hazard recognition, lockout-tagout procedures, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE). This has raised questions about the consistency and comprehensiveness of training programs.

Aging Equipment: A significant portion of the company's machinery and equipment is aging, which has resulted in increased instances of equipment malfunctions and breakdowns. These incidents have emphasized the need for more proactive maintenance and a comprehensive equipment replacement plan.

The Conveyor Incident

Against this backdrop of safety concerns and incidents, a pivotal event takes place at Red Rooster Manufacturing. On June 15th, 2022, Sarah Thompson, a skilled and experienced maintenance technician with a strong health and safety record, is assigned to perform routine maintenance on a conveyor belt system used for transporting heavy materials within the production area. The conveyor belt is integral to the company's operations so used daily. Because of this, maintenance is often deferred. But lately, the conveyor system has been experiencing intermittent jams due to aging components. As Sarah sets out to clear a recurring jammed roller, she glances at the established lockout-tagout procedures and machine signage. Sarah received initial lockout-tagout training when hired three years ago but had not participated in refresher training. Sarah applies force to dislodge the jam. Suddenly and unexpectedly, the roller lurches into motion, entrapping Sarah's bare right hand between the moving roller and the conveyor belt. The result is severe. Sarahs right-hand fingers sustain severe crush injuries. Sarah is immediately admitted to the hospital for more than 4 weeks and is on leave from work for 12 months. Sarahs WCB claims manager contacts Red Rooster Manufacturing in June 2023 to coordinate Sarahs return to work.

Red Rooster Manufacturing Health and Safety Policy

At Red Rooster Manufacturing, our foremost priority is the safety and well-being of our employees, clients, and partners. Our commitment to maintaining a safe work environment is unwavering, and we recognize the significance of adhering to Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation. Our OHS policy is a comprehensive framework that outlines our dedication to creating a workplace where safety is paramount.

Policy Elements:

Safety Culture: We strive to foster a robust safety culture where every employee is accountable for their safety and the safety of those around them. Our goal is to promote a mindset that prioritizes hazard identification, risk assessment, and the implementation of preventive measures.

Compliance with Regulations: We are fully committed to complying with all applicable OHS laws, regulations, and standards set forth by Alberta's government. Our operations will consistently align with legal requirements to ensure the protection of our workforce.

Training and Education: We believe that proper training is the foundation of a safe workplace. We provide comprehensive training programs that equip employees with the knowledge and skills needed to identify hazards, operate machinery safely, and respond effectively to emergencies.

Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment: We encourage all employees to proactively identify potential hazards in their work areas. Through regular risk assessments, we aim to prevent accidents and incidents by implementing controls that mitigate risks effectively.

Communication: Open and transparent communication is vital for a safe work environment. We commit to sharing safety information, updates, and incident reports to ensure everyone is informed and aware of potential risks and corrective actions.

Lockout-Tagout Procedures: To prevent accidental equipment activation, we have established stringent lockout-tagout procedures. These procedures safeguard employees working on machinery and equipment, ensuring energy sources are isolated maintenance and repairs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The proper use of PPE is essential to minimize exposure to workplace hazards. We provide necessary protective equipment, and employees are expected to wear and maintain their PPE to safeguard themselves and their colleagues.

Emergency Preparedness: We maintain detailed emergency response plans an

d conduct regular drills to ensure our workforce is well-prepared to respond swiftly and effectively to emergencies, minimizing potential harm.

Incident Reporting and Investigation: Every incident, no matter how minor, is taken seriously. We encourage employees to report incidents promptly, and a thorough investigation is conducted to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Return-to-Work Support: Our commitment extends to employees' well-being beyond the workplace. We provide comprehensive support for injured employees through rehabilitation, modified duties, and a smooth reintegration process. Red Rooster Manufacturing recognizes that safety is an ongoing process. We are dedicated to continuously improving our OHS policies and practices through regular reviews, feedback loops, and engagement with employees. By fostering a culture of safety, we ensure a work environment where everyone can thrive without compromising their well-being.

1. Incident Analysis

Review the detailed incident description and identify the key facts contributing to the conveyor incident.

Analyze how these facts align or dont align with Red Rooster Manufacturings Health and Safety Policy.

2. Alberta OHS and WCB Compliance Assessment

Research three (3) relevant sections of Alberta OHS legislation and WCB regulations related to the incident.

Evaluate the company's compliance with these regulations based on the incident facts.

3. Return-to-Work Plan (RTW) Plan

Develop a comprehensive Return-to-Work plan for Sarah Thompson's recovery and reintegration, considering the physical, psychological, and logistical aspects.

Ensure the plan addresses modified duties, rehabilitation, psychological support, and workplace accommodations while adhering to OHS legislation, WCB regulations, and the company's OHS policy.

Adapt this template to develop a RTW Plan WorkSafe-SK-RTW-Plan-Form-Employer.pdf (worksafesask.ca)