Are bears dangerous to people?

YES and No!

The first thing an employer should do is

look at their company risk assessment

model and consider, WHAT TYPE OF

RISK ARE OPEN TO THE FIELD

EMPLOYEES. Many different

regulations require that a hazard

assessment be done. Some

regulations call it a "hazard

analysis," some call it a hazard

assessment. This written plan contains detailed hazard information

that may be a part of several different regulatory compliance programs.

What is a risk assessment?

Risk assessment is the process where you:

• Identify hazards.

• Analyze or evaluate the risk associated with that hazard.

• Determine appropriate ways to eliminate or control the hazard.

In practical terms, a risk assessment is a thorough look at your workplace to identify

those things, situations, processes, etc that may cause harm, particularly to people.

After identification is made, you evaluate how likely and severe the risk is, and then

decide what measures should be in place to effectively prevent or control the harm

from happening.

Risk assessments are very important as they form an integral part of a good

occupational health and safety management plan. They help to:

• Create awareness of hazards and risks.

• Identify who may be at risk (employees, cleaners, visitors, contractors, the

public, etc).

• Determine if existing control measures are adequate or if more should be

done.

• Prevent injuries or illnesses when done at the design or planning stage.

• Prioritize hazards and control measures.

What is the goal of risk assessment?

The aim of the risk assessment process is to remove a hazard or reduce the level of

its risk by adding precautions or control measures, as necessary. By doing so, you

have created a safer and healthier workplace.

How do you do a risk assessment?

Assessments should be done by a competent team of individuals who have a good

working knowledge of the workplace. Staff should be involved always include

supervisors and workers who work with the process under review as they are the

most familiar with the operation.

In general, to do an assessment, you should:

• Identify hazards.

• Evaluate the likelihood of an injury or illness occurring, and its severity.

• Consider normal operational situations as well as non-standard events such as

shutdowns, power outages, emergencies, etc.

• Review all available health and safety information about the hazard such as

MSDSs, manufacturers literature, information from reputable organizations,

results of testing, etc.

• Identify actions necessary to eliminate or control the risk.

• Monitor and evaluate to confirm the risk is controlled.

• Keep any documentation or records that may be necessary. Documentation

may include detailing the process used to assess the risk, outlining any

evaluations, or detailing how conclusions were made.

When doing an assessment, you must take into account:

• The methods and procedures used in the processing, use, handling or storage

of the substance, etc.

• The actual and the potential exposure of workers.

• The measures and procedures necessary to control such exposure by means

of engineering controls, work practices, and hygiene practices and facilities.

By determining the level of risk associated with the hazard, the employer and the

joint health and safety committee can decide whether a control program is required.

It is important to remember that the assessment must take into account not only the

current state of the workplace but any potential situations as well.

To be sure that all hazards are found:

• Look at all aspects of the work.

• Include non-routine activities such as maintenance, repair, or cleaning.

• Look at accident / incident / near-miss records.

• Include people who work "off site" either at home, on other job sites, drivers,

teleworkers, with clients, etc.

• Look at the way the work is organised or "done" (include experience and age

of people doing the work, systems being used, etc).

• Look at foreseeable unusual conditions (for example: possible impact on

hazard control procedures that may be unavailable in an emergency situation,

power outage, etc.).

• Examine risks to visitors or the public.

• Include an assessment of groups that may have a different level of risk such

as young or inexperienced workers, persons with disabilities, or new or

expectant mothers.

Each hazard should be studied to determine its' level of risk. To research the hazard,

you can look at:

• Past experience (workers, etc).

• Legislated requirements and/or applicable standards.

• Industry codes of practice / best practices.

• Information from reputable organizations.

• The expertise of a occupational health and safety professional.

• Information about previous injuries, illnesses, "near misses", accident reports,

etc.

Remember to include factors that contribute to the level of risk such as:

• The work environment (layout, condition, etc.).

• The capability, skill, experience of workers who do the work.

• The systems of work being used.

• The range of foreseeable conditions.

How do you rank or prioritize the risks?

Ranking or prioritizing hazards is one way to help determine which hazard is the

most serious and thus which hazard to control first. Priority is usually established by

taking into account the employee exposure and the potential for accident, injury or

illness. By assigning a priority to the hazards, you are creating a ranking or an action

list. The following factors play an important role:

• Percentage of workforce exposed.

• Frequency of exposure.

• Degree of harm likely to result from the exposure.

• Probability of occurrence.

There is no one simple or single way to determine the level of risk. Ranking hazards

requires the knowledge of the workplace activities, urgency of situations, and most

importantly, objective judgement.

Definitions for Likelihood of Harm

Very Likely – Typically experienced at least once every six months by an individual.

Likely – Typically experienced once every five years by an individual.

Unlikely – Typically experienced once during the working lifetime of an individual.

Very unlikely – Less than 1% chance of being experienced by an individual during

their working lifetime.

Definitions for Severity of Harm

Potential severity of harm – When establishing potential severity of harm, information

about the relevant work activity should be considered, together with:

a) Part(s) of the body likely to be affected.

b) Nature of the harm, ranging from slight to extremely harmful:

1. slightly harmful (e.g., superficial injuries; minor cuts and bruises; eye irritation

from dust; nuisance and irritation; ill-health leading to temporary discomfort)

2. harmful (e.g., lacerations; burns; concussion; serious sprains; minor fractures;

deafness; dermatitis; asthma; work-related upper limb disorders; ill-health)

3. extremely harmful (e.g., amputations; major fractures; poisonings; multiple

injuries; fatal injuries; occupational cancer; other severely life shortening diseases;

acute fatal diseases)

Definition for Risk Level

Tolerability Guidance on necessary action and timescale :

Very low– These risks are considered acceptable. No further action is necessary

other than to ensure that the controls are maintained.

Low – No additional controls are required unless they can be implemented at very

low cost (in terms of time, money, and effort). Actions to further reduce these risks

are assigned low priority. Arrangements should be made to ensure that the controls

are maintained.

Medium – Consideration should be as to whether the risks can be lowered, where

applicable, to a tolerable level and preferably to an acceptable level, but the costs of

additional risk reduction measures should be taken into account. The risk reduction

measures should be implemented within a defined time period. Arrangements should

be made to ensure that controls are maintained, particularly if the risk levels area

associated with harmful consequences.

High – Substantial efforts should be made to reduce the risk. Risk reduction

measures should be implemented urgently within a defined time period and it might

be necessary to consider suspending or restricting the activity, or to apply interim

risk control measures, until this has been completed. Considerable resources might

have to be allocated to additional control measures. Arrangements should be made

to ensure that controls are maintained, particularly if the risk levels are associated

with extremely harmful consequences and very harmful consequences.

Very high – These risk are unacceptable. Substantial improvements in risk control

measures are necessary so that the risk is reduced to a tolerable or acceptable

level. The work activity should be halted until risk controls are implemented that

reduces the risk so that it is no longer very high. If it is not possible to reduce the

risk, the work should remain prohibited.

Once you have established your top priorities, you can decide on ways to control

each specific hazard. Hazard control methods are often grouped into the following

categories:

• Elimination (including substitution).

• Engineering controls.

• Administrative controls.

• Personal protective equipment.

It is good practice to review your assessment on a regular basis to be sure that

nothing has changed and that your control methods are effective.

Triggers for a review can also include:

• The start of a new project.

• A change in the work process or flow.

• A change or addition to tools, equipment, (including locations or the way they

are used).

• New employees.

• Moving to a new building or work area.

What documentation should be done for a risk assessment?

Keeping records of your assessment and any control actions taken is very important.

You may be required to store assessments for a specific number of years. Check for

local requirements in your jurisdiction.

The level of documentation or record keeping will depend on:

• Level of risk involved.

• Legislated requirements.

• Requirements of any management systems that may be in place.

Your records should show that you:

• Conducted a good hazard review.

• Determined the risks of those hazards.

• Implemented control measures suitable for the risk.

• Reviewed and monitored all hazards in the workplace.

Using the categories in the form supplied, assess the risk as (H)igh, (M)edium or

(L)ow. Note the risk is assessed AFTER all the controls are applied. For example,

while the risk of a pedestrian-vehicle accident may be quite high for people standing

on the side of the road, the risk may be low if you wear a reflective vest, keep to the

shoulder facing oncoming traffic and have someone posted as a traffic lookout. Note

that you must identify more controls if the risk is deemed High or Medium.

a. You must list all the controls you will use to mitigate the risk.

b. Mitigation must include appropriate training. For example, working in

bear country would require an orientation to dealing with bears and

how to use bear spray. You must provide all participants with the

appropriate instruction or documentation and document that they have

been trained. You must also provide appropriate equipment such as

first aid kits, hard hats, bear spray etc.

c. Risk Assessment is dynamic and each new risk must be assessed at

the time. Begin each day in the field with an orientation session, even

if it is just to repeat what you have said previously.

Assessment of Risk

H

High potential for an incident to occur. Activity should be reviewed

and additional controls implemented to reduce the potential. If the

activity risk remains high with additional controls then a review by

the departments Field Work Coordinator and the Supervisor or

Management Head is required and activity may not be sanctioned by

the Company.

M

Medium hazard potential or controls only partially mitigate the risk

potential. Additional controls should be considered. Participants

should be alerted to hazard and controls. Effective Emergency

Response Plan required.

L

Low level of risk associated with identified hazard. Hazard and

controls should be reviewed with participants and the hazard

monitored.

Potential Hazard

Controls

Assessment

of Risk

H M L NA

Emergency Response

Limited/Remote Medical

Services

Limited Communications

Natural Environment

Temperature Extremes

(Hot/Cold)

Uneven/Slippery Walking

Surfaces

Sharp Objects—rocks, coral,

vegetation

Heights/Drop-offs (including

high elevation)

Falling Objects/Obstructions

Tight Spaces/Narrow

Openings/Overhangs

Darkness/Low Light

Strong Sunlight (including

sunburn)

Potential Hazard

Controls

Assessment

of Risk

Foul Weather—wind, rain,

snow, lightning, flash flood

Fire Hazard

Smoke/Dust/Fog

Toxic/Allergic Sources

(vegetation, pollen)

Animals—insects, reptiles,

mammals, other

Water/Current—streams,

waves, tides, depth

Man-Made Environment

Vehicular Traffic—roads,

railroads

Bridges

Fences

Utility Lines

Local Inhabitants (including

hunters)

Crowds/Spectators

Potential Hazard Controls Assessment

of Risk

H M L NA

Transportation (Auto, Boat, Air)

Vehicle Condition (safety equipment,

mechanical, tires, etc.)

Driver Qualification/Experience for

location activity

Route Conditions – Weather

extremes

Route Conditions - rough (inc. flat

tires)

Route Conditions - congestion

Route Conditions - winding, limited

sight line

Pedestrians

Intersections/Railroad Crossings

Human Factors / Participant

Activities

Hiking/Walking

Climbing

Lifting/Carrying

Swimming/Snorkeling/SCUBA/Boating

Digging/Trenching

Use of Tools (including chipping)

Extended Immobility (auto, boat, air)

Fatigue/Dehydration

Food Handling

Language/Culture Differences

Pre-Existing Physical/Medical Needs

Separation of Individuals from Group

Lack of Rest Stops/Facilities

Individual Behaviors/Risk

Acceptance

Equipment Failure

Additional Hazards identified by

team?

Attach another sheet if

necessary

Training and Education of current

staff

Availability of items like bear spray

Now add the second part KNOWN data for the area you are going to be working

within.

While it is true that bears have the potential to be dangerous to humans and that a

number of people in Canada are injured by bears every year, in reality, the incidence

of attacks on humans is relatively rare. Current research into bear attacks on

humans has addressed questions such as: determining rates of human injuries

inflicted by bears in different geographical or jurisdictional areas and attempting to

explain any differences in these rates; identifying immediate and long-term

circumstances which contribute to the risk of attack; identifying and relating

different behaviours of grizzly and black bears with respect to bear attacks; and the

potential application of such information in “managing” people and bears to reduce

the risk of encounters and/or attack

Distinguishing between causes and symptoms

bear-human conflict, the distinction between the causes and symptoms of conflict.

Development in and recreational use of bear habitat are the causes, and un-natural

bear behaviours – namely human habituation and human food-conditioning and

habituation – are the symptoms.

Misunderstanding of bear behaviour and biology, and the lack of tolerance often

exhibited by humans towards bears, may also be considered causes of conflict.

Other means of managing human activity and behaviour include: seasonally

restricting access into bear habitat, educating people who live, work and recreate in

bear habitat as to correct behaviours and practices, and locating trails and facilities

away from important bear areas.

Managing the symptoms of bear-human conflict

Traditionally, dealing with habituated or human food-conditioned bears, usually

referred to as “problem” bears, meant either:

(1) killing the bear or

(2) capturing it, moving it to a different area within its home range (relocation) or

outside of its home range (translocation), and hoping that it would not return and get

into more trouble.

Written assessment

Putting the hazard assessment in writing moves it from a “what could go wrong?”

walk-around-the-worksite approach to one that is more thorough and repeatable.

Having the assessment in writing also proves that it has been done.

The important things an employer needs to decide when assessing a worksite is

whether a hazard is significant and whether satisfactory precautions have been

taken so that the chances of worker injury are eliminated or made extremely

unlikely. When assessing hazards, an employer should keep the process simple.

To comply with this subsection, the employer must be able to produce a written

hazard assessment that applies to the worksite or work activities being reviewed.

The assessment must indicate the methods used to eliminate or control the hazards

identified.

Hazards specific to a particular job or worksite that are not explicitly addressed by

the OHS Code should also be assessed by the employer if the hazards are relevant to

the employer’s operations. Examples include working at extreme temperatures and

work-related fatigue.

For every hazardous condition identified, recommendations should be made to

eliminate or control it. The recommendations should include the specific actions

required to correct the problem.

Completeness of assessment

An employer must be able to demonstrate that all existing and potential hazards

have been identified. The hazard assessment need only include those hazards that

apply, or are reasonably likely to apply, to the employer’s operations. If confined

space entry is never done, or respiratory protective equipment is never required

because respiratory hazards are not present at the work site, then neither of these

hazards is required as part of the employer’s hazard assessment.

The size and scope of the written hazard assessment will vary based on the

complexity of the employer’s operations and the extent to which those operations

present hazards to workers. The assessment may be only one page long, or may take

up several three-ring binders. A single-page assessment is acceptable if it identifies

all the existing or potential hazards at the employer’s work site and describes how

the hazards will be eliminated or controlled.

One hazard assessment for multiple work sites

A unique hazard assessment need not be performed for each work site. If an

employer faces the same hazards at multiple work sites, and the safe work practices

to be followed are identical at each work site, then a single hazard assessment

applicable to all the work sites is acceptable.

The employer must ensure that the circumstances at a new work site do not differ

significantly from those encountered at other work sites for which the hazard

assessment was done. Doing so, perhaps through a walkabout, pre intelligence data

like known bear sightings and visual inspection ensures that the results of the

hazard assessment are valid for the new work site. If unexpected differences are

discovered, then the employer is required to perform a hazard assessment that takes

these new findings into account.