Airport Safety Programs
On Day 1 of NAOSH Week, we will highlight important reminders for ways to prevent incidents by being prepared, educated, engaged and aware.
Online Learning
We will review:
- Hazard awareness
- Near misses and proactive concerns
- Personal protective equipment
- The Pearson Standard
- The Toronto Pearson Chapel
- Therapy dogs
Once you have reviewed the day’s learning material, test your knowledge of Airport Safety Programs with today’s quiz. Participants will be automatically entered into a prize draw for a chance to win great prizes. Terms and Conditions.
Hazard Awareness
A hazard is any source or situation that can potentially cause harm to employees' health or safety. Under the Canadian Labour Code, hazards can include:
- Unsafe work conditions
- Unsafe use of equipment
- Unsafe work activities
Examples of Hazards:
- Chemical hazards such as exposure to harmful chemicals in the workplace.
- Biological hazards such as exposure to infectious bacteria or viruses.
- Ergonomic hazards such as poor workstation design or lifting techniques that can lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
- Physical hazards such as noise, vibration, temperature extremes and radiation that can affect employee health.
Near Misses
A "near miss" in the workplace is an event that had the potential to cause injury, illness or property damage but did not, due to chance or quick action. It's a close call that highlights underlying hazards. Reporting near misses is crucial because they can provide valuable insights into potential risks and help prevent future serious incidents.
The defining characteristics of a near miss is that there was potential for harm but no actual harm, injury or damage.
It is critical to report near misses as they can
- Reveal underlying hazards that need to be addressed to prevent future incidents.
- Helps employers identify and address hazards before they lead to more serious consequences.
- Be analyzed to help identify root causes and implement preventive measures to avoid similar incidents in the future.
Proactive concerns
A proactive safety concern refers to identifying and addressing potential safety hazards or risks before they cause harm or result in incidents. It involves anticipating and mitigating potential safety issues to prevent accidents, injuries or damage.
Proactive safety concerns can include:
- Hazard identification and risk assessment
- Regular inspections and audits
- Employee training and education
- Safety protocol development and implementation
- Continuous monitoring and improvement
Reporting a proactive concern at an airport involves identifying and communicating workplace issues before employees get an injury or illness as a result.
Report, step by step:
- Identify the concern: speak up about unsafe behaviours or work conditions that could lead to an accident
- Report proactive safety concerns using this form
- Provide details: clearly describe the concern, including:
- Location: Where the issue is occurring.
- Description: What you observed.
- Time: When you noticed the concern.
- Your Contact Information: In case further details are needed.
The goals of proactive safety concerns are to:
- Prevent accidents and injuries
- Reduce risk
- Improve safety culture
- Enhance overall well-being
By addressing potential safety concerns proactively, individuals and organizations can create a safer environment and reduce the likelihood of adverse events.
Who is WSPS?
Workplace Safety and Prevention Services (WSPS) protects the potential of Ontario’s businesses and employees by keeping every worker, healthy & safe, every day. WSPS supports the belief that every worker’s life is essential and they exist to help Ontario’s agriculture, manufacturing and service workers stay safe from workplace-related harms and risks.
Personal Protective Equipment
With the change of season, let’s ensure we are all dressing for success with properly fitted and clean and visible personal protective equipment (PPE). Keep in mind:
- High-visibility vests and jackets keep us safe by helping make sure others can see us clearly in low light or unfavourable weather.
- Employees must wear CSA-approved footwear while working airside.
- Anti-slip footwear is also available or those working in the terminals.
- Airport employees get 10 percent off at Mark’s.
Read the airport PPE advisory for more information.
Following your company's policies and procedures regarding all required PPE for your job type is essential for your safety. The Toronto Pearson Safety Program and Aviation Safety Officers have the right to enforce the use of vests and footwear while airside.
Let's all commit to wearing our PPE and looking out for each other. Stay safe and keep up the great work!
For additional tools and resources, participate with our programs through our:
- Safety Forums and Working Groups for leadership and union reps
- Safety Stop with shift briefs and campaign materials such as posters
The Pearson Standard
The Pearson Standard is our shared path toward achieving a new standard of responsibility, performance, and quality that benefits passengers, employees, and employers alike. To build a world-class airport and make Toronto Pearson the chosen place to fly and work, we must work together and be accountable to each other.
Check out The Pearson Standard: Rules & Regulations, a comprehensive, easy-to access resource where obligations for operating at Pearson are clearly outlined. The expectations set out in The Pearson Standard are essential for a world-class international airport.”
Learn more about our policies including:
Pearson Chapel
Toronto Pearson Chapel spaces and Chaplains have been meeting the multifaith spiritual and mental health needs of the Pearson Airport community since 1979. The Chapel spaces at each terminal are accessible pre-security to all passengers, employees and the public 24/7. Our dedicated team of Chaplains and volunteers provides crisis support, grief sharing and counseling services. The Chapel is a Safe Space.
Pearson’s Chaplains also promote safety by raising awareness of sex trafficking through our domestic and international borders. We offer a wide range of resources, including counseling and prayer to help Pearson employees navigate mental and spiritual health challenges, as well as crises in their personal and family lives.
We also frequently conduct "celebrations of life" for Pearson employees who have passed away and offer grief counseling to their coworkers.
Toronto Pearson Therapy Dogs
Take a “paws” during your day and pet a Toronto Pearson therapy dog! Pearson’s volunteer therapy dog program introduces ambassador pups from St. John Ambulance into both terminals. These furry friends are highly trained therapy dogs ready to provide comfort and bring joy to weary travellers who are experiencing stress while waiting for their flight, or who may just want to get a few puppy kisses and cuddles in before taking off.
The therapy dogs along with their dedicated volunteer handlers walk both Terminal 1 and Terminal 3 on a flexible, rotating basis.
Airport staff can enjoy the therapy dogs, too. Whether you are travelling through or working at the airport, they are guaranteed to make your day a little less “ruff”!
After you take today’s quiz, be sure to join us again tomorrow for another learning opportunity and chance to win a prize!