On Day 3 of Canadian Airports Safety Week (CASW), we are highlighting the actions that workers must take every day to perform their duties safely. Safety is a team sport and we all have a role to play!
On-site activities
Toronto Pearson Safety Program Cash Cab
Make sure to watch out for the Safety Cash Cab around the airport and test your knowledge in person for cash prizes.
Online learning
Day 3 – Worker Safety
Today's safety reminders will highlight the ways that Toronto Pearson workers are supported in creating and maintaining a safe working environment. You will review:
- Taking a Safety Stop
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Designated smoking areas
- Reporting concerns
- Plus, earn extra credit by voting for an Eye on Safety Champion!
Join The Canadian Airports Council’s webinar on Accountability Management Systems, Wednesday, September 25 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Once you have reviewed the day’s learning material, test your knowledge of Worker Safety by taking today’s quiz below.
Participants in today's quiz will be automatically entered into a prize draw for a chance to win a $100 Gift Card. Read the Terms and Conditions here.
Taking a Safety Stop
Before you begin a work task, ensure that you have the right tool, the right knowledge and the right protective equipment to complete the task safely. More information about what you may need to perform your duties safely can be found on the Safety Stop page of our website.
Personal Protective Equipment
What is it?
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is any clothing or equipment that is used by a worker to protect them from injury or illness.
- There are many types of PPE including safety footwear, vests, and ear protection.
- Always wear the appropriate PPE for the hazards that you may encounter on the job or as required for your role and read the PPE shift briefing to learn more.
Visibility
- All airport staff are required to wear a high visibility, reflective safety vest when in certain areas of the airport such as on the apron and Baggage Road locations, among others.
- Speak with your supervisor if you are unsure when to wear your safety vest.
- Read the PPE advisory for more information.
- Stand out from all the rest, wear your safety vest!
Designated smoking areas
Smoking and vaping are prohibited inside the building and in secure areas. Designated smoking areas are located on the arrival and departure curbs. Lead by example – do not smoke outside of designated smoking areas.
Safe Movement
Keeping people, vehicles and planes moving safely is critical to our overall security and safety as an airport. When moving around the airport, remember the following:
- Unauthorized movement of passengers and employees between security areas disrupts airport operations, often causing flight delays.
- Swipe your RAIC every time it is required.
- Always monitor the door and wait for it to lock behind you to prevent unauthorized entry of passengers or other employees.
- Driving airside is an important part of many jobs at the airport.
- Practice safe driving behaviours such as wearing a seatbelt, following speed limits and paying attention to the signs on the apron.
- Remember that aircraft and marshalling crew have the right of way.
- Slips, trips and falls can happen at any time of year, especially during rainy periods and other severe weather conditions.
- Avoid distractions and practice safe behaviours such as walking around equipment and using both hands when getting in and out of vehicles.
- Slips, trips and falls should be called into airport operations at 416-776-3055 or emergency operations at 416-776-3033 should it be a medical emergency.
Escalators and moving walkways have emergency stop buttons at each device’s entrance, exit and along the length of the unit. These emergency stop buttons can be pressed to stop the moving device to ensure the safety of passengers and employees.
Some examples of when the emergency stop button should be used include:
- When a fall occurs
- If clothing or shoelaces become caught in the unit
- If there is an unsafe item brought onto the unit, such as loaded baggage carts or heavy items
Any passengers carrying excess baggage, strollers, or who use personal mobility devices should use an elevator, as these items can lead to trips and falls when brought onto escalators and moving walkways.
Print this poster for more reminders about safe behaviours.
Awareness Keeps Us Safe
Staying safe while at work requires us to stay alert and aware of our surroundings in different ways.
Below are four ways to stay aware by reminding ourselves to SEE IT:
- Look in the direction of travel
- Eyes move before you move
- Keep your head on a swivel – Check blind spots, especially when driving
- Plan your route
- Avoid distractions
- Remember that multitasking and using mobile phones are a dangerous distraction
- Be present in the moment (mindfulness)
- Tune into your surroundings – devices like headphones and apple watches decrease your awareness of your immediate surroundings
- Look down before you step down
- Pay attention while exiting vehicles, stepping off curbs, etc.
- Store cords and equipment properly to prevent tripping hazards
- Remember to use 3 points of contact
- Sort it or report it
- Take a safety stop – if something does not look right, do not just walk by. Call it in!
- Report hazards immediately by calling 416-776-3055
- When calling in an incident, give details of the hazard including who, what, when, where and how
Extra Credit – Eye on Safety Recognition Awards
The Eye on Safety Recognition Awards is an annual event to celebrate safety champions and organizations at the airport. Our 2024 nominations are in and we are excited to share the amazing stories of safety and security with the airport community.
Learn more about the Eye on Safety Recognition Program and take a moment to vote for a Safety Champ today!
After you take today’s quiz and complete the vote, be sure to join us again tomorrow for another learning opportunity and chance to win a cash prize!