Who should participate: Mandatory for all Western staff, faculty, graduate students, work study students and volunteers.

Course objectives:

• Understand your basic rights and responsibilities and those of other workplace parties under the Occupational Health & Safety Act of Ontario
• Know who your Health and Safety partners are at Western.
• Know what workplace hazards are and what to do if you see a workplace hazard.
• Know the proper response to campus fires and emergencies.
• Know your duty to report workplace accidents and incidents.

How to Enroll in this course using OWL:

1. Login to OWL using your Western UserID
2. Click Membership
3. Click Joinable Sites
4. Type Health and Safety Orientation in the search box (top right)
5. Click Join below the course name

Detailed Enrollment Instructions

Basic WHMIS - Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

Who should participate: Mandatory for all Western staff, faculty, graduate students, work study students and volunteers.

Which version:  We offer two versions of WHMIS:  Basic and Comprehensive.  The decision of which version is appropriate is based on the duties and working environment of each individual worker. That determination is the responsibility of the supervisor in collaboration with the worker.

Basic WHMIS is appropriate for individuals who will never work with, or in close proximity, to chemicals (and therefore have a very low potential to exposure).

The Basic Version may be substituted for the Comprehensive Version only if the individual:

• Never enters a lab/room where chemicals are used or stored
• Does not work in an area where chemicals may be present or encountered (i.e. the same corridor as a chemical research lab, chemical storeroom, etc.)

If you have completed the Comprehensive version of WHMIS training you are not required to complete the Basic Version.

Course objectives:

• Understand the content, purpose and significance of Supplier and Workplace Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets
• Know and understand the hazard and safe handling information about controlled products in the workplace
• Know the procedures to be followed in case of an emergency involving a controlled product

How to Enroll in this course using OWL:

1. Login to OWL using your Western UserID
2. Click Membership
3. Click Joinable Sites
4. Type Basic WHMIS in the search box (top right)
5. Click Join below the course name

Detailed Enrollment Instructions

WHMIS Regulations - RRO 1990, Reg 860

Comprehensive WHMIS - Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System

Who should participate: Mandatory for all Western staff, faculty, graduate students, work study students and volunteers.

Which version:  We offer two versions of WHMIS:  Basic and Comprehensive.  The decision of which version is appropriate is based on the duties and working environment of each individual worker. That determination is the responsibility of the supervisor in collaboration with the worker.

Comprehensive WHMIS is appropriate for anyone who works with, or in close proximity, to chemicals and therefore has the potential for exposure. Comprehensive WHMIS training is required for those who will:

• Enter a lab/room, where chemicals are used or stored
• Routinely work or are present in an area where chemicals may be present or encountered (i.e. the same corridor as a chemical research lab, chemical storeroom, etc.)

Course objectives:

• Understand the content, purpose and significance of Supplier and Workplace Labels and Material Safety Data Sheets
• Know and understand the hazard and safe handling information about controlled products in the workplace
• Know the procedures to be followed in case of an emergency involving a controlled product

How to Enroll in this course using OWL:

1. Login to OWL using your Western UserID
2. Click Membership
3. Click Joinable Sites
4. Type Comprehensive WHMIS in the search box (top right)
5. Click Join below the course name

Detailed Enrollment Instructions

WHMIS Regulations - RRO 1990, Reg 860

Who should participate: Mandatory for all Western staff, faculty, graduate students, work study students and volunteers.

Course objectives:

• Identify what constitutes harassment, violence and domestic violence that emerges in the workplace
• Understand your rights and responsibilities with regards to these issues under the Occupational Health & Safety Act of Ontario
• Know what to do if these issues arise at Western.

How to Enroll in this course using OWL:

1. Login to OWL using your Western UserID
2. Click Membership
3. Click Joinable Sites
4. Type Safe Campus Community in the search box (top right)
5. Click Join below the course name

Detailed Enrollment Instructions

Accessibility in Service

Who should participate:  Mandatory for all Western Academic and Administrative Leaders, Staff and Volunteers.

Other Western relationships such as contractors interacting with Western students, alumni, visitors, or retirees are to receive and become familiar with a summary brochure.

Course objectives:

• Learn about the fit of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) with Western’s culture
• Understand your role in implementing the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service under the AODA and Western’s Guideline Regarding Accessible Goods and Services
• Learn how to help and interact with persons with disabilities and how to increase the overall accessibility of our services at Western

Please visit the Accessibility at Western website to view more information.

How to Enroll in this course using OWL:

1. Login to OWL using your Western UserID
2. Click Membership
3. Click Joinable Sites
4. Type Accessibility in Service in the search box (top right)
5. Click Join below the course name

Detailed Enrollment Instructions

Accessibility in Teaching

Who should participate:  Mandatory for all Western Faculty, Graduate Teaching Assistants, Librarians and Archivists. 

Course objectives:

• Find out about the fit of the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) with Western’s Culture.
• Understand your role in implementing the Accessibility Standards for Customer Service under the AODA and Western’s Guideline Regarding Accessible Goods and Services.
• Learn how to increase the overall accessibility of your teaching at Western and how to help and interact with students with disabilities

Please visit the Accessibility at Western website to view more information and access Supplemental Resources.

How to Enroll in this course using OWL:

1. Login to OWL using your Western UserID
2. Click Membership
3. Click Joinable Sites
4. Type Accessibility in Teaching in the search box (top right)
5. Click Join below the course name

Detailed Enrollment Instructions

Instructions for registering (When you register, search for the course number "LABHW")

Who should attend: These sessions are mandatory for all laboratory supervisors and workers. (A worker is anyone who conducts a procedure in a laboratory.)

Course objectives:

• Understand the common hazards associated with laboratory work and how to identify them
• Use the proper precautions for the identified hazards
• Explain the proper use of the laboratory fume hood
• Select the appropriate personal protective equipment for the task
• Respond properly to a laboratory emergency
• Understand the different types of waste and how to process each
• Segregate chemicals appropriately for both waste disposal and storage
• Complete labels and inventory forms and package the wastes properly

Print the Laboratory Safety handouts.

Instructions for registering (When you register, search for the course number "BIOSA")

Who should attend: Mandatory for all new principal investigators, workers and students who work with biohazardous materials such as microorganisms, cell cultures and human blood and body fluids.

Course objectives:

• Understand the process of risk assessment for work with microorganisms and cell lines
• Understand the concept of containment level as it applies to biohazard laboratories
• Understand how a biological safety cabinet works and it's role in a biohazard laboratory
• Know the procedures for accidental exposure or spills of biohazardous materials
• Understand the risks associated with human blood and body fluids
• Apply precautions when working with human blood and body fluids

Print the Biosafety handouts.

Instructions for registering (When you register, search for the course number "RADIN")

Who should attend: Mandatory for all individuals working with nuclear substances, radiation devices or class II prescribed equipment including permit holders, faculty, staff and students.

Course objectives:

• Understand the basic concepts of radiation physics
• Understand the legislative requirements of radioisotope use
• Understand radiation protection, detection and measurement
• Describe the biological effects of radiation
• Recognize the requirements of transportation and receipt of radiation materials
• Understand radiological emergency procedures

Print the Radiation Safety handouts.

Access to Radiation Safety Refresher training is automatically set up on OWL for individuals who have completed the in-class Radiation Safety Nuclear course. If you are unable to access the course, please contact Hoa Ly.

Who should participate: Mandatory for all Nuclear Energy Workers who have not received training in the last three years.

Who should participate: Mandatory for all personnel who intend to enter a nuclear radiation room and have not received radiation safety training. The radiation permit holder (or an authorized nuclear energy worker listed on the permit) is responsible for providing the awareness training and documenting who has taken the training.  Participants can view the radiation safety awareness material online or can review a hard copy version.

Who should participate: Mandatory for all x-ray users prior to using x-ray equipment.

Course objectives:

• Understand the basic concepts of x-rays
• Understand the hazards involved with the use of x-ray equipment
• Take appropriate precautions in the use of x-ray equipment

To get you set up in the course, complete and submit the registration form. You will receive a follow-up email message with further instructions.

Link to X-ray Safety Training on OWL.

Who should participate: Mandatory for all class 3B or class 4 laser users.

Course objectives:

• Understand the basic concepts of lasers
• Understand the hazards involved with the use of laser equipment
• Take appropriate precautions in the use of laser equipment

To get you set up in the course, complete and submit the registration form. You will receive a follow-up email message with further instructions.

Link to Laser Safety Training on OWL.

Who should participate: Required for all personnel who intend to enter a laser room and have not received laser safety training. The laser permit holder (or an authorized laser worker listed on the permit) is responsible for providing the awareness training and documenting who has taken the training.  Participants can view the laser safety awareness material online.

Who should participate: This course is highly recommended for those who work with biological safety cabinets in biosafety laboratories.

Course objectives:

• This course will cover how to use biological safety cabinets safely.

Instructed by: HEPA Filters, Inc.

Instructions for registering (When you register, search for the course number "SPVRR").

Who should attend: Required for all University supervisors, principal investigators, administrative officers and managers who must know and understand what their role, legal duties and responsibilities are, as a supervisor, with respect to protecting the health and safety of those who report to them. (A supervisor is defined as a person who has control over the workplace or authority over a worker.)

Course objectives:

• Understand the role and responsibility of the supervisor regarding health and safety at the university
• Understand what due diligence means and how it applies to the supervisors day to day activities
• Complete the required Western health and safety documentation
• Conduct an accident investigation and complete an accident/incident investigation report form

Print the Faculty-Supervisor Responsibilities handouts.

Who should participate: Required for all University personnel who will be either shipping or receiving chemical shipments by land (road/rail) transport. This applies to both shipments sent by commercial means (ground courier) and to shipments driven personally (ie. chemical/samples driven off campus on public roads).

Note: This course does not include air transport. Separate, targeted courses will be offered for those who ship by air.

Course objectives:

• Become familiar with the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Act and Regulations (Clear Language)
• Know your responsibilities under the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations
• Be able to prepare, offer for transport, import and/or transport dangerous goods, by LAND (not AIR)

Who should participate: Mandatory for all Western First Aid Representatives. This course is reserved for permanent, full-time employees (excludes contract) who have been designated by their supervisor, and Occupational Health and Safety, as the official First Aid Representative for their department/unit.

The course is given by SERT (Student Emergency Response Team) and is the Canadian Red Cross, Standard First Aid and Basic Rescuer CPR (Level C) certification. All materials, including the manual, are supplied.