Contractor Code of Practice

The USask Contractor Health and Safety Code of Practice (CCOP) governs all contracted work with USask. It is the responsibility of all contractors to be familiar with the document.

All contractors must comply with the CCOP and adhere to all USask safety requirements.

This includes:

• requirements of all applicable legislation
• rights and responsibilities of workers
• hazard identification and Risk assessment
• permits, plans and checklists
• asbestos awareness
• emergency response
• general site requirements

• Download CCOP

Three rights of a worker

Safety Resources

General Role

Safety Resources is responsible for the development, management, and support of comprehensive health and safety programs and processes. Safety Resources conducts worksite inspections, investigations, and injury reporting as required.

Additionally

• as the primary point of contact for all USask Occupational Health and Safety
• reviews contractor safety documentation and orientations
• monitors contractor activities and work sites for compliance with all applicable legislation

Prime contractor

A prime contractor is required if there are 10 or more workers or self-employed persons under the direction of two or more employers.

General Role

• the direction, supervision, and safe execution of all work activities being conducted
• responsible for identifying and informing employers and self-employed persons about hazards
• ensure that the employers or self-employed persons at a worksite reduce or control hazards that cannot be reasonably eliminated

Contractor

General Role

• the contractor is responsible for the safe execution of their specific tasks and/or scope of work
• ensure all worksite contact information is posted and available as required
• adhere to the CCOP and applicable legislation
• report all incidents to USask project manager and/or contract authority

• Download CCOP

Worker

Follow safe work procedures, policies, use safety equipment, machine guards, safety devices, and personal protective equipment.

Report the following to your supervisor:

• unsafe acts and workplace hazards
• incidents
• near misses
• injuries
• occupational illnesses
• dangerous occurrences

Promote and practice safety while assisting others in doing the same.

Refrain from initiating or taking part in the harassment of another worker.

A hazard is a potential energy source or condition that may expose a person/worker to the risk of occupational injury or illness.

Hazard/risk assessments must be finalized before starting work and should remain easily accessible to USask representatives.

Update the hazard/risk assessment when:

• scope of work changes
• new workers start
• new hazards are identified
• new processes, procedures or equipment is introduced
• critical project milestones are reached

Various documents may be required depending on the work being conducted. All forms are intended to support processes and/or requirements of the CCOP.

Underground Locate Request Form

The Underground Locate Request Form, and ’Cleared to work’ notification, is required for work that penetrates the surface to ANY depth on USask property.

There is zero tolerance for ground disturbance without a permit and line locate.

• complete a USask Underground Line Locate Request
• the Contractor must also contact Sask 1st Call and any other companies who may have underground facilities in the work area
• USask Facilities Operations and Maintenance Department must perform locates prior to any work commencing

Markings are valid for 10 days from date of approval/cleared to work notification.

• Download Underground Line Locate Request Form

Hot Work Permits

Hot work includes activities that involve open flames, sparks or ignition sources. This includes welding, cutting, burning, drilling, grinding and soldering.

• when hot work is required, the contractor must notify the project manager/contract authority to obtain a Contractor Hot Work Permit
• the project manager/contract authority must provide the Contractor Hot Work Permit to the contractor that will be doing the work
• Safety Resources reviews all Contractor Hot Work Permits

 Hot Work Permits must be posted on site.

• Download Contractor Hot Work Permit.

Demolition Permit with Checklist

Demolition is the process of tearing down or destroying a structure. It can refer to the physical dismantling of buildings or infrastructure.

• the Demolition Permit with Checklist is to be completed prior to a project beginning
• it is the responsibility of the project manager/contract authority to provide a copy of the Demolition Permit with Checklist to the contractor that will be doing the demolition work
• this checklist must be provided to Safety Resources to review a minimum of 48 hours prior to demolition work beginning

 Demolition Permit with Checklist must be posted on site.

• Download Demolition Permit With Checklist

Fall Protection and Rescue Plan Checklist

Contractors working at heights must complete the Fall Protection and Rescue Plan when there is a risk of falling more than 10 feet (three metres).

• the project manager/contract authority must provide the Fall Protection and Rescue Plan checklist to the contractor
• contractors must complete and submit a Fall Protection and Rescue Plan to the project manager/contract authority. Safety Resources reviews the plan prior to work starting

Rooftop Fall Risk Management plans are available through Facilities Operations and Maintenance Department for review when required.   

 Fall Protection and Rescue Plans must be posted at the worksite.

Contractor Lockout/Tagout Plan

The Contractor is responsible to have a Contractor Lockout/Tagout Plan.

The plan must be submitted to the project manager/contract authority for approval a minimum of 48 hours prior to work beginning. Safety Resources reviews the plan prior to work starting.

For complex or multiple isolated point systems, the contractor must contact the University Facilities Support Services and complete the following:

• request to meet with the relevant trades from Facilities Operation and Maintenance involved in lockout/tagout procedures as applicable
• work with Facilities Operation and Maintenance to identify the locations, machines, equipment and processes requiring isolation

 Contractor Lockout/Tagout plan must be posted at the worksite.

• Download Contractor Lockout Tagout Plan

Confined space entry

A confined space is defined as a place:

• that is partially or fully enclosed
• that is not designed and constructed for continuous human occupancy
• where atmospheric hazards may occur due to the construction, location or contents or because of work that is done

USask has assigned risk ratings for frequently accessed confined spaces. Before entering, consult your project manager/contract authority to complete the necessary documentation and that safe entry protocols are in place with the confined space team.

Under Saskatchewan Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, it is the responsibility of the employer to ensure personnel are qualified, competent, and have received appropriate training.

Prior to work commencing, workers are required to provide proof of valid qualifications and training to the project manager/contract authority and Safety Resources.

Documentation must be available on request to USask representatives.

The selection and use of personal protective equipment is determined by a hazard assessment conducted before the start of work.

Personal protective equipment must be inspected and worn in accordance with the manufacturer's specifications.

All construction sites require a minimum of:

• high visibility vest
• appropriate footwear
• eye protection
• hard hat

 All PPE must meet Canadian Standard Association (CSA) specifications.

• CSA specifications

Contractors working with hazardous materials/products on campus must follow Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requirements.

The project manager/contract authority must be notified of the use of highly toxic or dangerous products that may require additional precautionary measures.

Contractors must have documented training in WHMIS and on safe handling and the use of all hazardous materials required in the course of the contracted work.

All controlled products transferred to temporary containers need appropriate workplace labels in accordance with WHMIS requirements.

Safety Data Sheets (SDS) must be accessible for workers at each location where controlled products are used.

• WHMIS

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals that can be separated into flexible fibers and may be found in many buildings on campus.

The USask Asbestos Management Program monitors impacts of asbestos-containing materials (ACM) during demolitions, renovations, maintenance, repairs or other activities.

USask has a database that provides a list of known ACM’s and products found across campus. ACM can be found in materials such as insulations, fireproofing, drywall, floor tiles, caulking, fume hood liners, ceiling tiles, chemical storage cabinets and HVAC systems.

Before starting any work that may disturb areas with potential ACMs, contact the project manager/contract authority.

Types of asbestos

Asbestos identification at USask

Identification stickers are located on the inside of the door frame and is only visible when the door is open.

If the area you are working in does not have an asbestos identification sticker, please reach out to your project manager/contract authority.

A corresponding color and number from the wallet cards will be in these squares. Red indicates restricted access, yellow indicates review required.

Asbestos Identification cards are available upon request and through the link below.

• Download USask Asbestos Identification

Harassment prevention

USask is dedicated to promoting a respectful and healthy workplace free from harassment. Contractors are required to adhere to these principles and promptly report any incidents to maintain a harassment-free environment.

Harassment includes any inappropriate conduct, comment, display, action, or gesture by an individual toward another individual or others.

Violence prevention

USask is committed to ensuring a safe environment. Violence, threats, or aggressive behavior are not tolerated. All incidents must be reported promptly to USask Protective Services at (306) 966-5555 and to the project manager/contract authority.

Alcohol, drugs and weapons

The use of alcohol or illegal drugs while working on USask property is strictly prohibited.

Workers using over-the-counter medications or medical cannabis must ensure that the consumption of these substances do not interfere with their ability to perform their work safely.

All weapons and firearms are strictly prohibited.

Smoking

(Includes the use of all electronic smoking products)

You must be more than 10 meters from buildings and air-intakes while smoking. There are designated locations across campus where smoking is permitted. Cigarette butts must be extinguished and disposed of in designated receptacles.

Theft prevention

USask is not responsible for lost or stolen items at a worksite.

• contractors should not leave tools, equipment or materials unattended, and take appropriate measures to secure items when not being used
• ensure vehicles are locked
• report all theft to USask Protective Services at (306) 966-5555

Work area

• ensure walkways and work areas are free from obstructions at all times
• keep electrical panels, emergency gas shutoffs, and firefighting equipment accessible and unobstructed
• return tools and materials to their designated storage areas during work and after completion
• immediately report spills to your supervisor and assist with cleanup if required
• notify your supervisor of hazardous conditions
• store and stack materials safely to eliminate potential hazards
• always remove combustible items from the work area to reduce fire risk

Signage and barricades

• prior to starting work, all worksites must be clearly marked with proper barriers, such as fencing and barricades, and required signage to identify the work area
• ensure all worksite contact information is posted and available as required
• barricades must be placed around all open holes, ditches, and excavations
• traffic control plans may be required depending on the nature of the work
• upon completion of the work, all barricades, ropes, tape and warning signs shall be removed from the worksite

Equipment and tools

• inspect all equipment and tools prior to use
• tag, repair or replace any defective or worn tools immediately
• ensure that guards on all power tools are intact, properly installed, and not modified
• portable electric hand tools must be equipped with one of the following: a three-prong grounded plug, double insulation, or connection to a ground fault circuit interrupter (gfci) for safety
• use only three-prong grounded extension cords that are properly rated for the task and in good condition, free of damage or wear
• all connections for air-powered tools must be securely fastened, inspected prior to use, and monitored during pressurization to ensure safety
• check hoses for leaks or damage before using air or hydraulic tools
• bleed off pressure from hydraulic or pneumatic systems before disconnecting equipment

Ladders

• inspect all ladders, including fixed ladders, for defects prior to use
• ensure the base of the ladder is level and securely positioned to prevent side-slip or kick-out
• stepladders must have their legs securely stabilized using ladder spreaders
• avoid working from the top two rungs of any ladder
• always maintain three points of contact while using a ladder
• ladders must be properly set up and secured, adhering to the 4:1 ratio for extension ladders
• do not use or store metal ladders in electrical rooms

All contractors working on any of the USask’s campuses must complete the USask Contractor Health and Safety Orientation and pass the final exam with a passing grade of 100 percent.

Instructions

You will need the following information prior to the exam:

• contact information (name, email)
• company information (name, address, town, province of company)
• project name (that your company is currently working on)
• project manager/contract authority

 You can take the exam as many times as you need to pass.

• Take final exam