SILICA IN THE WORKPLACE
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365-AXJ-01-iGDO © 2020, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | wsps.ca
WSPS.CA
The factors, which may affect the interpretation of results, include:
Differences between the way people work
Differences in style of a single worker from day to day
Influence of dust generated by one worker upon the exposure of another
Differences in workplace conditions
Evaluation of Procedures
Procedures may be examined by directly observing the performance of workers. This examination
should compare the level of expected performance with that actually observed. This section of the audit
should examine:
Worker awareness of the hazards posed by silica
Compliance in use of personal protective equipment
Adherence to established procedures
These findings must be interpreted as objectively as possible since they are likely to reflect upon
individual workers, supervisors and management. The co-operation of all is required to ensure the
continuing success of the control program.
Improving the Program and Recognizing Performance
Management should periodically review evaluation and audit results and initiate immediate action to
correct deficiencies and make improvements in the control program, as needed. These reviews should
also be an opportunity to recognize good performance.
What the Law Says
1. Responsibilities Under The Occupational Health and Safety Act
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers, supervisors and workers have legal
responsibilities relating to the control of safety and health hazards in the workplace. For example, the
employer must inform the worker or his or her supervisor about any safety or health hazard present in
