Effective January 2006 an Ergonomic Safety Program was incorporated into McMaster’s Risk Management plan with the purpose of promoting supervisor and employee awareness of the risks associated with poor ergonomic design in the workplace; as well as to provide direction regarding the application of safe and efficient ergonomic design in the workplace and implementation with the goal to eliminate all work related musculoskeletal disorders.

In support of this program, general attendance ergonomic training courses are offered on a monthly basis in addition to site specific training for departments as requested.  Individual workstation / practice assessments are also available to individual employees upon request.  Requests can be submitted by completing a request form (click here to download).

Making your work experience safer is a responsibility we all share; if you feel any discomfort or pain, have your workspace assessed.  Make a commitment to creating a healthier work environment.

Ergonomics Self-Assessment Checklist

Ergonomic Assessment Request Form

Consideration of Requests for Sit/Stand Workstations

Office Ergonomics Video

All employees, graduate students, post-docs, visiting scholars and volunteers are required to complete this awareness training. Training includes the roles, responsibilities, reporting process, and protocols to respond to harassment and/or violence in the workplace.

Discrimination, Harassment and Sexual Harassment: Prevention and Response

McMaster University Workplace Violence Program

McMaster University Workplace Violence Policy

Sexual Violence Policy

Ministry of Labour

Workplace Violence and Harassment Prevention – Fact Sheet

How to Talk to an Employee Who Might be Experiencing Domestic Violence (Video)

Domestic Violence in the Workplace:  Allen Sawkins Interview (Video)

Action Plan to Stop Sexual Violence and Harassment

Listed below are a number of example standard operating procedures (SOP) and links to standard operating procedures provided by different users from around the University community.  These are for reference, or to utilize to create your own specific operating procedures for your areas.

If you have procedures you would like to share with the University Community, then please contact EOHSS.

RMM 301 Standard Operating Procedures Program

3-D Printer Safety Information

Standard Operating Procedures for Computer Work

Ladder Standard Operating Procedures

Lockout/Tagout – Single Person

Lockout/Tagout – Group

Lockout/Tagout Padlock Signoff

Department of Chemistry Resources for SOP’s

Faculty of Health Sciences Resources for SOP’s

Legal Disclaimer

The Standard Operating Procedures on this website are provided for the use of the McMaster University employee and/or student community. The procedures outlined in the above referenced document are intended to reflect best practices in this field; as such they are provided to the community for guidance and/or direction. However, these recommendations should not be construed as legal advice.

Update of this page is in progress.  The Faculty of Health Sciences Safety Office will be sending out requests to verify your participation in this program.

NOTE:  Current First Aid Certificates are now valid until December 31, 2021.  More information can be found here.

First Aid Kits & Rooms will be placed around the University at a set frequency.  Both Kits and Rooms will require one individual per shift to be assigned as the official First Aid Provider for the equipment.

The University’s expectation for First Aid Training is the Standard (2 Day) First Aid and CPR training.  Find the most up to date First Aid Training Schedule Here. Note: Individuals must notify Athletics & Recreation in writing to withdraw from a First Aid course. In the event that you do not attend without providing notice, your department will be charged a fee.

First Aid Kit Locations  Main Campus

Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Locations

First Aid Regulations 1101ds

Ontario’s Good Samaritan Act, 2001