HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at
home and at work - for you
and your family.
[email protected]
www.baffinland.com
SAFETYfirst
ALWAYS
SNOW BLINDNESS
It is that time of year when the sun begins to return to the north.
But it can be dangerous when the sun’s Ultra Violet (UV) rays reflect off the
ice and snow.
Snow blindness, also known as Photokeratitis, is a painful condition and its
symptoms include: bloodshot, teary and painful eyes.
To avoid snow blindness, wear sunglasses that absorb almost all UV rays and
wear them even on overcast days.
If injury does occur, seek medical attention immediately.
HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at
home and at work - for you
and your family.
[email protected]
www.baffinland.com
SAFETYfirst
ALWAYS
HYPOTHERMIA
The most frequent cause of hypothermia is prolonged exposure to cold weather.
Inadequate clothing for the conditions may not provide enough insulation for the
body to prevent heat loss. Immersion in water speeds up hypothermia. Just a
few minutes in cold water may be fatal.
Some hypothermia symptoms include:
• Shivering • Clumsiness • Slurred speech or mumbling
• Drowsiness or very low energy • Confusion
To treat hypothermia, reduce heat loss and warm the person with:
• Additional layers of clothing • Dry clothing, blankets or sleeping bag
• Increased physical activity • Shelter
Hypothermia can have deadly consequences. If you suspect someone or yourself
to be hypothermic, seek shelter, warmth and medical attention immediately!
HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at
home and at work - for you
and your family.
[email protected]
www.baffinland.com
SAFETYfirst
ALWAYS
SNOW MACHINE SAFETY
If you are going to be traveling on a snow machine in the Arctic, take some time
and plan your trip. Remember these tips:
• Tell someone where you are going, how long you expect to be gone and
•
•
•
•
estimate your time of arrival home.
Ensure your snow machine is in good working order, has sufficient gas and
oil for the trip as well as a tool kit, spare sparkplugs and a drive belt.
Never go out on the land by yourself. Always travel with a buddy; a second
machine can always bring you home.
Plan for the unexpected; weather and temperature can change so dress
appropriately and take additional provisions and a tarp for shelter.
Take a Sat Phone, PS or SPOT with you on longer trips.
Have fun and snow machine safely.
HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at
home and at work - for you
and your family.
[email protected]
www.baffinland.com
SAFETYfirst
ALWAYS
FIREARMS SAFETY AND THE HUNTER
Every year, hunters head out on the land for their country food. Regardless of
the firearm chosen, it is important to follow some basic firearms safety rules:
When picking up a firearm, practice these Four Vital ACTS.
Assume every firearm is loaded.
Control muzzle direction at all times.
Trigger finger must be kept off trigger and outside trigger guard.
See that firearm is unloaded – PROVE it safe.
Additionally;
• Positively identify your target and what is beyond
• Do not shoot any object or animal that is on a crescent of a hill
(it is impossible to know what’s on the blind side of a hill)
• Store firearm and ammunition separately;
• Refuse to hunt with anyone who disregards the safe use of
any firearm
Remember, no one can take a shot back.
HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at
home and at work - for you
and your family.
[email protected]
www.baffinland.com
SAFETYfirst
ALWAYS
ALL-TERRAIN VEHICLE SAFETY
Using an all-terrain vehicle properly is the first step towards having a safe and
enjoyable ride. Your ATV can navigate many types of off-road conditions, but it’s
only as capable as you are. Practice these safe riding techniques and practices…
ALWAYS: • Inspect your ATV before riding • Wear an approved helmet and protective
riding gear • Use proper riding techniques to avoid losing control on hills, rough
terrain and in turns • Tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return
NEVER: • Overload your ATV beyond its maximum weight capacity • Carry a passenger
on a single-rider ATV, and more than one passenger on an ATV specifically designed for
two people
When you do carry a passenger;
be aware that your ATV will
handle differently (cornering,
braking, acceleration) compared
to riding alone. And make sure
your passenger is able to firmly
grip the hand holds and can
firmly place his or her feet on
footrests while seated in the
passenger seat.
HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at
home and at work - for you
and your family.
BOATING SAFETY TIPS
Even if you have a lot of experience, it’s always a good idea to review boating
safety rules before heading out on the water.
• Follow a pre-departure checklist to make sure no boating safety rules or
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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www.baffinland.com
Safety First, Always
precautions are overlooked.
Ensure all your safety equipment is in good order and that all onboard know
how to use it.
Make sure your craft is in good working order.
Fill out a Trip Plan. Let a responsible person know where you will be boating,
and when to expect you back.
Do not overload your boat.
Know your waterway and local hazards.
Always check local weather conditions before departure. If you encounter bad
weather while underway, get off the water.
Make sure there is someone else on board who is familiar with, and able to
safely operate, the boat.
Always wear a lifejacket or personal floatation device. It just might save your life.
HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at
home and at work - for you
and your family.
[email protected]
www.baffinland.com
Safety First, Always
POLAR BEAR SAFETY
With the arrival of summer, melting sea ice can force polar bears onto the land.
The potential exists to encounter a polar bear anywhere on Baffin Island.
People working along the coast, or going out on the land, need to be aware that
bears travel on drifting ice and can turn up unexpectedly. Each encounter with a
polar bear is unique. Good judgment, a familiarity with polar bear behaviour and
sound actions are important in all situations.
Anyone working or travelling in polar bear country, needs to familiarize themselves with techniques for avoiding and dealing with a polar bear encounter.
Information can be obtained from Parks Canada http://www.pc.gc.ca/, and
Polar Bears International www.polarbearsinternational.org.
HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at
home and at work - for you
and your family.
FROSTBITE
Frostbite occurs when skin is exposed to cold temperatures for a prolonged
period of time. The most vulnerable parts of the body are; hands, feet, nose,
cheeks and ears.
SYMPTOMS INCLUDE:
• Waxy looking skin • Pins and needles followed by numbness • Aching or throbbing
• Area becomes hard and pale • As area thaws, flesh becomes very red and painful
FIRST AID
Shelter the person from the cold and move to a warmer place.
Do not rub or massage affected area.
A cloth with warm water can be applied for approximately 20–30 minutes to
ears, nose and cheeks. Severe burning pain and swelling may occur during
warming process. Warming is complete when skin is soft and sensation returns.
Do not thaw hands or feet unless medical aid is close and there is no chance of
refreezing. Parts are better thawed at a hospital or nursing station. Apply sterile
dressings to blisters to prevent breaking.
Remember to always seek medical attention.
[email protected]
www.baffinland.com
Safety First, Always
HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at home
and at work - for you and your
family.
safety@baffinland.com
www.baffinland.com
Safety First, Always
FIRE PREVENTION IN THE HOME
Prevent Kitchen Fires is the theme for Fire Prevention Week, October 6-12. Robert
Prima, Nunavut's Fire Marshal, says, “The best fire prevention is education.” Did you
know more fires start in the kitchen than any other part of the home and cook stoves are
the leading cause of household fires?
• Never leave the room when cooking on the stovetop; it only takes a second
for a fire to start.
• Always ensure oven mitts and other combustible materials are well away
from heat source.
• Never throw water on a grease fire.
• Always smother fire with a lid or damp towel.
In the event of a fire, time is the biggest enemy. Every second counts! Escape first, and
then call for help. Develop a home escape plan and practice it frequently with your family.
It just might save your lives.
HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at
home and at work - for you
and your family.
safety@baffinland.com
www.baffinland.com
SAFETYfirst,
ALWAYS
PREVENTING THE SPREAD OF GERMS
Good hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways individuals can protect themselves
against several infectious diseases such as influenza and the common cold. Did you know
that hands spread about 80% of common infectious diseases?
Make sure that you always wash your hands thoroughly:
• Before and after eating
• Before and after feeding someone else
• Before preparing food
• After using the washroom or helping someone else to use the washroom
• After sneezing or coughing
• Before or after caring for someone who has been sick
• After handling shared objects
• After cleaning or handling garbage
Using soap and lathering up is very important; hands should be washed for a minimum of
15 seconds and even longer if visibly soiled.
HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at
home and at work - for you
and your family.
safety@baffinland.com
www.baffinland.com
SAFETYfirst,
ALWAYS
CHRISTMAS SEASON SAFETY
Baffinland would like to ensure everyone stays happy and safe during the
Holiday Season by offering the following fire safety guidelines:
• Do not set your tree up near heat source (radiator, television, fireplace,
heating duct or sunny window
• Do not block any door with tree
• Never use lighted candles on tree
• Remove tree within 10 to 14 days; they dry out quickly in a heated building
• Choose flame-retardant, non-combustible and non-conductive decorations
• Avoid very small decorations if there are young children or pets in your
home
• Avoid using angel hair (glass wool) together with spray-on snowflakes. This
combination is highly combustible
• Do not use metallic ornaments on the tree. They can become a shock
hazard in contact with defective wiring
• Use Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certified light strings/sets
• Indoor light strings/sets should not be used outdoors as they lack weather
proof connections. Outdoor light strings/sets can burn too hot indoors
• Inspect light strings/set before use. Check for cracked bulbs and for frayed,
broken or exposed wires, and discard if faulty
• Turn off all tree and display lights before retiring for the night or
before leaving the house
Have a Safe and
Happy Holiday Season!
HOW
IMPORTANT
IS SAFETY
TO YOU?
At Baffinland, we believe in
making safety a priority at
home and at work - for you
and your family.
safety@baffinland.com
www.baffinland.com
SAFETYfirst,
ALWAYS
PERSONAL TRACKING DEVICES
It is that time of the year when people travelling out on the land sometimes encounter
harsh and dangerous weather conditions or experience problems with their snowmobiles.
If you are travelling out on the land, it is a good idea to consider taking a personal tracking
device with you, such as SPOT satellite messenger. This can allow people at home to see
where you are and also lets you send a distress signal if you experience problems. With a
personal locator beacon getting help becomes much easier, without one a lot more time
may be spent on a search, putting you and those trying to help at greater risk.
In addition, winter travellers should always ensure they have sufficient fuel for the trip,
proper winter clothing and boots, enough food, and always let someone know where you
are travelling and how long you expect to be gone. Following these simple practises could
save your life.