As Safety Advisors and de facto incident investigators for the U of A, Kim Schaerer and Danny Mah triage workplace health and safety incidents reported by U of A community members through the online system. Together, the duo prioritize those involving injuries and work with the affected parties to address any underlying issues if needed.
How did you become an incident investigator at the U of A?
Kim: Before arriving at the university, I worked as a paralegal for insurance law firms, preparing briefs for mediation and trials. I was always reviewing cases and wishing I could have done something to prevent them, instead of just picking up the pieces afterwards. That’s the reason I became a health and safety professional—to make a difference before things go sideways.
Danny: I have over 19 years of health and safety experience in the private and public sectors, from industrial construction in the oilfields to working as a lead occupational health and safety investigator for the provincial government. I joined the U of A in 2011 with the hopes of encouraging staff and students to make safety an integral part of their careers.
What typically happens during an incident investigation?
Kim: In general, several staff from Health, Safety and Environment will collaborate to investigate an incident—usually a Safety Advisor along with a specialist of some kind. We start by visiting the scene, interviewing those involved and reviewing safety documentation like hazard assessments and safety data sheets. Next we’ll look at contributing factors to determine the “root cause” of the incident and review them alongside university policy to see where the gaps might have been. Finally, we’ll collaborate with supervisors to make improvements.
Danny: Not all incidents require an investigation, but when they do it’s important to respond with compassion and an open mind. There is always an opportunity to learn!
What strategies would you suggest for working safely at the U of A?
Kim: One of the preventable scenarios we see is the improper disposal of sharps, like laboratory glassware thrown into regular trash cans. Building Services workers are then at risk for cuts and exposure to chemical or biological hazards. There is a relatively simple fix for this—identify your hazards and plan for their safe disposal before you begin. Purchase a sharps container from a laboratory equipment supplier. Do your part to protect others!
Danny: We also see slips and trips related to surface conditions and improper footwear. Be aware of environmental changes—rain and snow makes everything slippery and you might need to budget more time for walking across campus. Check your footwear; is it appropriate for the work you’re doing, laced up, and in good condition?
With the shift to working from home during COVID-19, what kinds of injuries are people reporting?
Kim: We’ve seen an increase in musculoskeletal injuries like back strain and tendonitis since the pandemic began. Many people initially thought that they could make due with their laptop on the kitchen table, resulting in awkward positioning and eventual injury.
Danny: We’re also aware of psychological health and safety. Since the pandemic began, Human Resources, Health, Safety and Environment and Homewood Health have consistently offered workshops and other resources related to self-care and strategies for managing stress and anxiety. Take advantage of these opportunities, and tell others!
What advice would you give to someone who is hesitant to report an incident?
Kim: It’s important to remember that we’re not interested in laying blame—we just want to prevent similar incidents from occurring.
Danny: We can’t fix what we don’t know. By submitting an incident report, you are contributing to a safer U of A.
To report a workplace injury, illness or near miss visit uab.ca/incident.
Wednesday, April 28 is the National Day of Mourning for those who died, were injured, or became ill due to hazards in the workplace. To commemorate the occasion, the university will lower the flags and you are encouraged to observe a moment of silence at 11 a.m. The day is also an opportunity to renew our commitment to injury and illness prevention in the workplace.
Safety and Health Week is May 2 to 8. Take the 7-Day Safety Challenge to learn more about injury prevention in the workplace.