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Safety Manual

STATEMENT OF SAFETY POLICY
Safety is Canadian Utility's NUMBER ONE concern. The objectives of Canadian Utility's safety program are to provide a safe and efficient working environment where personal injury is eliminated and property and equipment damage is minimized. The safety program also intends to educate and train employees in current safety issues and practices as well as provide employees with feedback on their individual performance. Through this program, employees will also receive instruction on record keeping requirements in accordance with Occupational Health & Safety Regulations and other recognized standards."Safety is everyone's responsibility" and as a condition of employment, everyone must accept their responsibility to comply with the Company Safety Program and conduct all work activities in a safe and reasonable manner.

DISTRIBUTION OF CUC SAFETY MANUAL
The Canadian Utility Construction Corp. Safety Manual is being provided to all employees in the Company for the purpose of increasing safety awareness and making employees aware of the regulations that directly affect field operations on a daily basis. A signature page has been provided for employees to verify that they have received reviewed, understand, and will comply with the CUC Safety Program. Each employee shall verify, through signature, that he/she will make the commitment to working safely, and the signed page shall be maintained in each employee's personnel file. The CUC Safety Manual contains safe work rules and helps the worker identify job site hazards, which may pertain directly to that individual while working on the job site. Each time a new employee is hired, he/she will receive the CUC Safety Manual and in turn will agree to comply with the guidelines contained within this manual.

CANADIAN UTILITY CONSTRUCTION CORP. MISSION STATEMENT
 The mission of Canadian Utility Construction Corp. is to strive to become an accident-free company by promoting safety awareness to enhance a safe working environment.

SAFETY OBJECTIVES

  • Provide a safe working environment. Eliminate personal injury. Meet all record keeping requirements. Minimize property damage and equipment damage. On a continuous basis educate, inform, and train employees on safe work methods. Employee right to know.
  • Teach employees that "Safety is everyone's responsibility."

SAFETY RESPONSIBILITIES
The area Manager/Division Superintendent is not the only individual responsible for implementing and maintaining Canadian Utility's Safety Program. Superintendents, foremen and employees must also contribute to keeping the safety program effective and intact. The following is a breakdown of the responsibilities both management and employees must assume in implementing CUC's Safety Program. Superintendents/Foremen

  1. Investigate on-site hazards observed or reported and see that action is taken to eliminate them. See that protective equipment and first aid supplies are available. Make sure that each job is planned and that everyone on the crew understands the plan and process of work. Make sure all accidents are reported immediately to your Supervisor. Conduct safety meetings.
  2. Plan work to protect against personal injury, property damage, and loss of production.

Employees

  1. Learn the right and safe way to do your job. Report all accidents immediately to your supervisor. Report any damage and/or deficiencies that you observe on trucks, trailers, equipment, tools, etc., immediately to your supervisor. Report any unsafe conditions that are out of your control to your immediate supervisor.
  2. Help and assist fellow employees to work safely and learn safely.

Each and every employee is responsible for understanding, following and enforcing this safety program and policy. It is the responsibility of each and every employee to exercise good judgment and common sense in the workplace to prevent accidents.

SAFE WORK RULES

I. EMPLOYEE CONDUCT

  1. Any employee performing his work in an unsafe manner and/or performing poor workmanship which could cause injury will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination. And, in addition, may be held accountable to local authorities depending on the seriousness of the situation.
  2. Any employee caught stealing any type of property from Canadian Utility, our customers, or any related thefts, will be subject to immediate termination and possible criminal charges.

II. CLOTHING/PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT

  1. Sleeved shirts, long pants and steel-toed shoes shall be worn on all job sites of Canadian Utility. Safety vests and approved hard hats shall be worn on all job sites. All sub-contractors will wear hard hats and safety vests on all CUC's job sites. Whenever it is not feasible to reduce noise levels to acceptable limits, ear protective devices will be worn. All employees are required to wear safety glasses when performing those job duties, which require eye protection.
  2. Jewelry should not be worn on the job.

III. FIRST AID

  1. Each crew will keep a Level I first aid kit on the work site. The first aid kit will be placed so that it is quickly accessible for immediate use. All employees will be educated as to the location of these first aid kits. Each crew is responsible for ensuring that all items contained within the level I kit are stocked. The crew will replenish any expired items and any items that have been used from the kits.
  2. Each crew will have at least one crew member that has received Level One First Aid training and Transportation Endorsement.

IV. ELECTRICAL

  1. Using electrical equipment improperly or using defective equipment can be fatal. Area managers are required to ensure that workers are provided with a safe source of electricity and tools that are in good condition. The Occupational Health & Safety Regulation requires that all temporary wiring (including extension cords) shall be protected by "ground fault circuit interrupters" or GFCI's or by an "assured equipment grounds conductor program." THE PURPOSE OF THE GFCI'S IS TO REDUCE THE POSSIBILITY OF AN ELECTRICAL SHOCK DUE TO AN UNINTENTIONAL ELECTRICAL SHORT CIRCUIT.
  2. In order to prevent electrocution or injuries related to electric shock, the foremen must ensure that:
    1. Extension cords are heavy duty or extra heavy duty, 3-wire type in good condition. All electrical tools are inspected before use and any defective tools should not be used and sent to the shop for immediate repair. Employees do not use electric tools while standing in water. All electrical tools are double insulated or 3-wire grounded types.
    2. Sources of electrical energy are shut down and locked out when working in confined spaces or when performing work on equipment

V. EQUIPMENT

  1. Keep especially alert around operating equipment and machinery. Avoid all pinch points.
    1. Never grease or oil machinery while it is running. Don't use gasoline to clean tools, equipment, hands, etc. Be sure all drives, transmissions and revolving parts are shielded. Never jump down from equipment. Use handrails and steps provided. Make sure all tools are put away and locked each night.
    2. All operators shall wear their seat belts at all times.

    Hand and Power Tools
    1. All hand and power tools and similar equipment, whether furnished by the employer or the employee shall be maintained in a safe condition. When power operated tools are designed to accommodate guards; they shall be equipped with such guards when in use. Unsafe hand tools will not be issued or used. Wrenches (including adjustable, pipe, and socket) shall not be used when jaws are sprung to the point that slippage occurs. Impact tools, such as drift pins, wedges, and chisels, shall be kept free of mushroomed heads. The wooden handles of tools shall be kept free of splinters or cracks and shall be kept tight in the tool. Extension cords used with portable electric tools and appliances shall be of three-wire type. The use of electric cords for hoisting or lowering tools shall not be permitted. The manufacturer's safe operating pressures for hoses, valves, pipe filters, and other fittings shall not be exceeded. All tools shall be used with correct shield, guard or attachment recommended by the manufacturer.
    2. Tools, such as hammers, chisels, and wrenches, shall be kept in safe workable condition and each employee shall be responsible for the condition of that equipment and tool which he/she uses.

  2. Pneumatic Power Tools
    1. Use tools for their intended purpose only. Safety clips will be used on all hose connections. The Manufacturers safe operating pressure for hoses, pipes, valves and other fittings will not be exceeded. Release hose pressure before connecting and disconnecting hoses. Compressed air streams will not be brought into close or direct contact with any part of the body due to the danger of air entering the blood stream and internal injuries. Use caution when jackhammering or tamping around underground utilities.
    2. Do not point pneumatic tools in the direction of people.

VI. FIRE PROTECTION

  1. Access to all available fire fighting equipment shall be maintained at all times. All fire extinguishers shall be conspicuously located. All fire extinguishers will be periodically inspected and maintained in operating condition. Defective equipment shall be immediately replaced. All fire extinguishers shall be rated ABC dry chemical.
  2. Fire extinguishers shall be located on all job sites when tying in gas lines or where uncontrolled sources of ignition could be present.

VII. SAFE EXCAVATION PRACTICES
All excavating shall be carried out by means of company approved equipment, and shall be completed in accordance with Workers' Compensation Regulations and Company safety standards.

  1. Excavation shall not commence until all utilities have been accurately determined. All workers on the job shall be adequately informed of the job at hand. No trench shall exceed 4 feet in depth without adequate shoring or sloping. No worker shall enter a ditch that exceeds 4 feet in depth unless adequate shoring or sloping has been provided.
  2. A trench line should be evaluated on an ongoing basis to ensure that the trench is intact and safe for workers. Re-checking should take place when there is anything that would change the status of ditch safety (i.e. heavy rainfall, uncontrolled escapement of gas, etc.).

VIII SIGNS AND BARRICADES

  1. Signs and barricades shall be used on all job site according to safe work practices. Signs shall be clean and easy to see from a reasonable distance from the job site. Construction areas shall be posted with legible traffic sign at points of hazard. All traffic control signs and devices used for protection of construction workmen, shall conform to acceptable standards put forth in the Ministry of Transportation and Highway's Work on Roadways Manual and with the municipality in which work is taking place. When operations are such that signs and barricades do not provide the necessary protection on or adjacent to a highway or street, flag people or other appropriate traffic control devices will be used.
  2. Flag people will be positioned far enough ahead of construction that oncoming traffic can slow down and stop safely, if necessary

IX. PROPER LIFTING METHODS

  1. Take a deep breath when lifting and hold it until load is in a comfortable position. This will tense the back and stomach muscles and make them less likely to be injured. The best protection against a strain is proper position, which is keeping the back straight, bending the knees and lifting with the legs. REMEMBER, if something is heavy, get help! Don't twist at the waist while lifting, carrying or lowering a load, turn your whole body.
  2. Each person must know where to go when two or more people are carrying something.

X. REPORTING OF INJURY AND PROPERTY DAMAGE REPORTS

    1. In the case of an injury sustained at work during work hours each employee is required to report injury immediately to his supervisor who will assist the injured worker in filling out the necessary paper work involved. It is mandatory that this paperwork be generated in every instance of injury that occurs on the job. (O. H. & S. Core Requirements)
    2. This paper work consists of the W.C.B. form that is required to be submitted within 3 working days of the accident or injury. Canadian Utility requires a supplemental form to be filled out for our office purposes.
    1. Property damage reports are generated in every case where damage is caused as a result of CUC excavation. Primarily in the cases where there is a broken utility which could generate billing through some outside organization (i.e. Hydro, Water Company, or a public works organization).
    2. The foreman is required to generate this paperwork so that it is clear which invoices are to be paid and CUC is responsible for.

XI. TRAFFIC CONTROL

  1. All CUC excavations on roadways shall take place according to the rules set forth in Part 18 of the O. H. & S. Regulations.
  2. The foreman shall determine what safety measures are required on a job-by-job basis.
    1. The foreman shall also follow those directives regarding traffic control that are indicated on the service order or through municipal guidelines.
    2. The foreman is responsible for all aspects of the excavations taking place. He determines what action with regard to traffic control is necessary. Please direct any concerns or suggestions to the job site foreman.

OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY REGULATIONS

The Occupational Health & Safety Regulation has been implemented to protect worker safety and represent the minimum requirements required by employers and workers to ensure a safe work environment. The Workers' Compensation Board (from this point to be called the Board) regulates and enforces the O. H. & S. Regulation. This regulation represents the minimum requirements and applies to all persons working in or contributing to the production of those industries coming within the scope of the Workers' Compensation Act of British Columbia. Board Responsibilities

  1. Inspection of places of employment. Issuing orders and directions, which prevent injuries or industrial diseases. Accident Investigation. Providing advice and education to employees and employers.
  2. Providing education and training pertaining to safety matters in British Columbia.

Workers' Responsibilities
Employees must report as soon as practicable to the employer in every case of injury or disabling industrial disease.

Employers' Responsibilities
An employer shall report to the Board within three days of the occurrence of any injury or disabling disease arising out of and in the course of employment. Accidents shall be investigated by the employer in conjunction with the employee. Reports detailing the accident shall be compiled and submitted (as per Part 3.11), corrective action shall be initiated by the employer.

CUC maintains a comprehensive Safety Manual for its employees. The above is an general outline of the manual.