Bridge to Red SealConstruction Language for NewcomersLanguage
Transcript
- Pages 1-10
- Pages 11-20
- Pages 21-30
- Pages 31-36
Page 1 – CONSTRUCTION LANGUAGE FOR NEWCOMERS
Terms and Scenarios to Work Safely for Welders, Carpenters, Millwrights, and Lathers.
Page 2 – Disclaimer
The purpose of this document is to provide a general description of safety protocols, equipment and procedures that may be applicable to health and safety for the performance of construction in Canada.
It is not intended to be and shall not be construed as a representation of all health and safety laws, regulations, bylaws and/or ordinances applicable to construction. Readers of this document and participants in the Bridge to Red Seal program are expected to familiarize themselves with all federal, provincial, and municipal health and safety laws, regulations, bylaws and/or ordinances applicable to any construction work they perform in.
This may include the completion of mandatory training at the participant’s own expense.
Page 3 – Contents
- Glossary
- Fire Extinguisher Classes
- Jobsite Safety Basics
- Employer Safety Rules
- 10 Life Saving Rules
- Worksite Safety in Action
- Summary
Page 4 – Language Supports
To enable text to speech or translation:
-
- Right click anywhere on webpage
- Set your preference from the options (Read aloud or Translate to)
Page 5 – Glossary
CSA – Canadian Standards Association: Standards designed to protect the public and improve safety.
EH – Electrical Hazard: A potentially dangerous situation that can cause injury or death.
FIT TEST – Checks if the respirator fits the worker’s face to ensure protection from airborne hazards.
FR – Flame Retardant: Clothing designed to slow flames and reduce burn severity.
LOTO – Lockout / Tagout (LOTO) is a safety procedure that should ensure energy isolation during repair.
Page 6 – Glossary (continued)
HVSA – High Visibility (high-viz) Safety Apparel (HVSA) is required on job sites to ensure workers can be seen.
MUSTER POINT – A pre-determined area where everyone gathers in case of an emergency.
PPE – Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is clothing or equipment worn to minimize exposure to hazards.
SDS – Safety Data Sheets (SDS) provides information about occupational health and safety for use of products and substances.
STOP THE DROP – A saying to raise awareness about prevention and the dangers of dropped objects.
Page 7 – Fire Extinguisher Classes
Class A: Ordinary combustibles
-
- Wood, paper, cloth, trash, plastics, and other solids that are not metal.
Class B: Flammable or combustible liquids
-
- Gasoline, oil, petroleum, greases, tars, oils, oil-based paints, solvents, lacquers, alcohols, flammable gases.
Class C: Electrical
-
- Energized electrical equipment (plugged-in).
Class D: Metals
-
- Magnesium, titanium, zirconium, sodium, lithium, and potassium.
Class K: Combustible cooking
-
- Grease or oil, such as vegetable oils, animal oils, or fats in cooking appliances.
Page 8 – Jobsite Safety Basics
Jobsite safety means being aware of dangers and taking steps to stay safe.
How to Work Safe:
- Be aware – Look around using the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take 20 seconds and look 20 feet around you.
- Know emergency plans – Know where your nearest muster point is in case of an emergency.
- Take action – Stop working if something is unsafe. Remove the hazard before you start your work again.
- Spot hazards – Do a field level hazard assessment before you start your work. Check for any changes after every break or new task.
- Follow safety rules – Wear the right safety gear (PPE), read signs, and use the correct tools or equipment.
- Ask if unsure – If you don’t know, ask!
Page 9 – Your Employer’s Safety Rules
Your employer will have safety rules in place.
A Field Level Hazard Assessment (FLHA) or Site-Specific Hazard Assessment is a safety check done before starting work. It helps identify dangers on the job site. Workers must do this before each shift or new task.
Training: Before you start a job, find out what safety training is required. You will need to show proof of training for the courses you have completed. If you do not have the training, your employer will require you to complete it before you can start working.
Here are some courses that may be mandatory on your jobsite:
- Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) gives employers and workers information about hazardous materials in the workplace. It is mandatory to have this if hazardous materials are present.
- Confined Space Entry and Monitor provides important information about working in tanks, silos, manholes, tunnels, and pipelines. The training covers hazard identification, atmosphere monitoring, emergency procedures, and PPE.
- Fall Protection training makes sure every worker knows how to use and maintain fall protection equipment.
Page 10 – Common Safety Rules
- Wear PPE (safety gear).
- No loose clothing.
- Tie back long hair.
- Read and follow signs.
- Keep the worksite clean and tidy.
- Follow housekeeping rules.
- Store tools properly.
- Inspect tools before use.
- Report any safety hazards.
- Complete required safety training.
Page 11 – Right to Refuse Unsafe Work
Under Canadian law, you have the right to refuse unsafe work.
Unsafe work may include:
- Working near or with machines or equipment that are not properly inspected.
- Correct PPE is not provided.
- You are not qualified or trained to do the task.
- Workplace violence.
If you or someone else is in danger, stop working, and tell your supervisor right away.
Pages 12 to 20 – 10 Life-Saving Rules
Every job site you work at will have safety rules that you must follow. Company and job site rules are based on federal (Canada-wide) or provincial regulations.
Failing to follow important rules could result in injury, death, or job loss.
- Working at Heights – Use harnesses.
- Slips, Trips & Falls – Watch surfaces.
- Moving Equipment – Communicate with operators.
- Lockout / Tagout – De-energize machines.
- Hot Work – Use permits.
- Confined Spaces – Use valid entry permits.
- Pinch Points – Stay clear of moving parts.
- Ladder Safety – Use 4:1 ratio.
- Stop the Drop – Secure tools.
- Fire Extinguishers – Use correct type.
Page 21 – Worksite Safety in Action
7 Safety Stories
- Safety Barriers Are Important
- Dressing for Winter
- Keep the Worksite Clean
- Lockout/Tagout Saves Lives
- Mental Health Matters
- Use the Right PPE!
- Hot Work Permits, Safety First
Page 22 – Scenario 1
Safety Barriers Are Important
Alex is a carpenter apprentice.
They leave their measuring tape near a steel beam. When they return, they see the area is blocked with red tape that says “DANGER: DO NOT ENTER.” The area looks empty and quiet, so Alex decides to quickly grab the tape. They duck under the barrier and step inside.
At that moment, workers above are loosening bolts on a scaffold platform. A speed wrench falls out of a worker’s toolbelt and drops to the ground below.
“Watch out!” someone yells.
Alex stops just in time as the speed wrench crashes nearby. Shaken, they quickly leave the danger zone. A supervisor approaches them.
Page 23 – Safety Barriers Key Lessons
- Do not enter restricted areas.
- Danger tape protects you from unseen dangers.
- If you leave a tool in a dangerous area, report it to a supervisor.
- They will help you retrieve it safely.
- Hazards aren’t always visible.
- Overhead work, loose equipment, and falling objects can be deadly.
Page 24 – Scenario 2
Dressing for Winter
Solomon is new to Canada.
Solomon starts his construction job in the summer. When winter arrives, he is not prepared for the cold.
During the first heavy snowstorm, his bus is delayed due to the weather, making him late and stressed. On-site, he walks around outdoors. His boots are uninsulated, and his socks are thin. Within an hour his feet are soaked and cold. His only pair of gloves are wet from the snow. His hands are numb.
At lunch, he drinks hot coffee to try and warm up, but it’s not helping.
He is shivering and his freezing hands and feet make him clumsy. While climbing down a ladder, he loses his grip and falls, twisting his ankle. A coworker helps him get first aid.
Page 25 – Dressing for Winter Key Lessons
- Plan for winter delays.
- Snow can slow buses and cars—leave early to arrive on time.
- Wear warm, waterproof gear.
-
Use CSA approved insulated boots, thick socks, and warm gloves.
-
Use waterproofing spray on your boots for extra protection.
-
Bring an extra set of clothes, so you can change if you get wet.
-
Wear multiple layers of clothes to keep warm.
-
-
Some companies provide winter PPE or an allowance —ask your employer.
-
- Pay attention to your body.
- Stay hydrated in the heat and eat more in the winter to stay warm. Avoid excessive caffeine in the cold as it reduces blood flow to your hands and feet.
Page 26 – Scenario 3
Keep the Worksite Clean
Jiwan is an experienced drywall worker.
Jiwan is working on a new apartment building project. He is carrying drywall sheets with a coworker. The hallway is messy, and there are boxes of drywall screws and empty energy drink cans. The air is dry and dusty from the taping crew who are sanding the drywall compound.
As Jiwan and his coworker walk, they go around boxes of trash and panels. Jiwan’s foot gets caught in an extension cord. He falls hard, dropping the drywall sheet and landing on his knees, hurting his back.
His coworker asks him if he’s ok. Jiwan says he’s fine. He doesn’t want to cause any trouble, but his back is in a lot of pain. He rests for a few minutes, but he doesn’t feel better. He tells the foreman he can’t lift sheets right now and is told to report to first aid.
Page 27 – Clean Worksite Key Lessons
- Keep the worksite clean.
- A tidy space is safer and more efficient.
- Report and document injuries.
- If you get hurt, tell your supervisor and get first aid. Your employer cannot stop you from reporting injuries. In Canada, there are health insurance programs to help you recover, but only if you report them to the jobsite first aid attendant. Make sure you get a copy of the first-aid report.
- Right to refuse unsafe work.
- If you are asked to do something that seems dangerous or likely to result in an injury, you have the right to refuse the task without fear of discipline. Your employer could plan a safer alternative, get better tools/technique, or improve the environment (better lighting, less trash).
Page 28 – Scenario 4
Lockout / Tagout Saves Lives
Miguel is an experienced millwright.
At a busy processing plant, a maintenance team is repairing a broken conveyor belt. Miguel, an experienced millwright, follows the lockout/tagout (LOTO) to de-energize the machine before starting the repair. Confident it’s safe, he starts working.
But he makes one serious mistake—he does not double-check that the work area and equipment are fully locked out and de-energized. As he starts the repair, the conveyor belt starts moving, pulling Miguel in. He is severely injured.
Page 29 – Lockout / Tagout Key Lessons
- Always verify equipment is off.
- Test it before working, never assume the lock out makes it safe. Double-check.
- Follow lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures.
- The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Z462 has rules for workplace electrical safety that must be followed. Read and follow the company safety practices to minimize risk.
- Complete training.
- Workers must complete Lockout / Tagout (LOTO) training to learn how to identify energy sources; how to apply locks and tags; and how to verify de-energization before starting work.
- Clear communication.
- Keep open communication with your team. Before working, confirm the lockout status and steps taken to verify it.
- Wear the right PPE.
- You must wear the right PPE based on the job’s hazards. For example, use eye and ear protection for flying debris and loud noises; use hand protection to prevent crushes and cuts.
Page 30- Scenario 5
Mental Health Matters
Meet Sam, a new employee.
Sam, a new employee, is excited to start working in construction. But the crew has a “tough-it-out” mentality, making Sam afraid to talk openly about the stress or mental health challenges they face.
The experienced workers see sharing struggles as a sign of weakness. Though Sam is facing challenges, they are afraid to speak out for fear of being mocked or losing their job. Sam tries to adapt to the culture, but over time, the pressure builds.
Sam is facing stress at work, at school, and at home. Drained and exhausted, Sam struggles to focus on work. One day, while operating heavy machinery, Sam was tired and distracted which caused a serious accident that injured a coworker.
Your mental health isn’t a weakness — it’s a safety priority and is just as important as PPE, training, and equipment handling.
Page 31- Mental Health Key Lessons
- Mental health is safety.
- Find a mentor or trusted coworker to check in with.
- Know where to get help— Check your Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs), mental health phone numbers, or union support services. If you’re unsure, ask HR, safety officers, or a job steward where to find them.
- Change the culture.
- It’s okay to take breaks or ask for support when you are overwhelmed.
- Check in on coworkers—sometimes a simple “You okay?” makes a difference.
- Speak up when you’re not fit to work.
- Do a quick self-check: “Am I focused? Am I alert?”
- Be clear and professional if you need a break:
- “I’m struggling to focus, and I don’t want to put anyone at risk.”
Page 32- Scenario 6
Use the Right PPE!
Joy is working for a scaffolding company.
The job is to dismantle an access scaffold from the outside of the building that is under construction. On the first day, she completed safety training and received her fall protection gear, including a double lanyard “universal” men’s harness.
During work, Joy lost her footing and fell through a hole in the platform. The shock absorber worked, reducing the impact. But the leg straps on her harness broke her femur bone.
The crew was able to get her out quickly, but the injury required hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation to help her walk again. She was off work for six months, seriously impacting her income and health. She will have chronic pain for the rest of her life.
Page 33- PPE Key Lessons
- Male and female harnesses are different.
- Females need female-specific harnesses for safety, comfort, strap placement, sizing, and adjustability.
- Check the fit.
- Check the fit of your harness and adjust it before working at heights. If it doesn’t feel right, ask for a better-fitting option—safety gear is not one-size-fits-all.
- Speak up for safety.
-
If your PPE doesn’t fit, talk to your supervisor before starting work. A proper harness can prevent injuries and save lives.
-
Page 34- Scenario 7
Hot Work Permit; Safety First
Jeds is a new welder.
Jeds, a new welder at the shipyard, wants to prove himself and make a good impression. The team is working on an important project in dock bottom near flammable materials, and they are under pressure to work fast.
Jeds’ supervisor, Ken, is with the other welders, and Jeds wants to show that he can work quickly. He skips the required hot work permit process and starts welding. Sparks fly, and a fire ignites in a nearby garbage bin. A crew member shouts at Jeds. Ken, the supervisor, rushes to extinguish the flames.
After the fire is out, Ken brings everyone together. He explains that cutting corners can put lives at risk. Proper safety procedures must be followed for hot work. Ken takes Jeds to the safety office to file a report.
Page 35- Hot Work Permit; Safety First Key Lessons
- Always follow safety protocols.
- Skipping steps like not having a hot work permit in place can lead to fires, serious danger, and job loss.
- Hot work permits are essential.
- A permit is an important step before work with open flames or sparks. A permit ensures safety checks are in place.
- Don’t let speed compromise safety.
-
Taking shortcuts isn’t worth the risk—proper preparation keeps everyone safe. Take your time to prepare and prevent a disaster.
-
Page 36 – Summary
Jobsite safety means knowing about dangers and taking steps to stay safe.
Workers should:
- Look around often to spot hazards.
- Stop unsafe work.
- Follow all safety rules and procedures.
To help prevent accidents, workers should:
- Wear the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Read and follow safety signs.
- Use tools and equipment correctly.
- Understand emergency plans.
- Ask questions if something is unclear or seems unsafe.
Employers are responsible for:
-
- Setting up safety rules and expectations.
- Providing safety training before work begins.
Required safety training may include:
- WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System).
- Confined Space training.
- Fall Protection training.
Workers have the right to refuse unsafe work, such as working with dangerous machines, in unsafe conditions, or without proper training.
Following safety rules and speaking up about dangers can prevent injuries and save lives.
