Case Studies
See how we've helped companies from varying industries achieve a safer workplace.
Another Level of Safety
Integrating health and safety solutions into your business is beneficial in so many ways. Our case studies show how practical health and safety intervention can improve employee satisfaction, reduce injury and disease, and enhance company reputation. Our clients are proud to continue to build a culture of safety sought after by their industry peers. See how we’ve helped companies from varying industries achieve a safer workplace.
Case #1
Development of Hazard-Specific Code of Practice and Awareness Training
ECC supported the development of critical hazard-specific documentation and training for an oil sands facility near Fort McMurray, Alberta. Through collaboration with our Client’s internal Occupational Hygienist, we created a fit-for-purpose Code of Practice and computer-based training module on isocyanate health hazards. Isocyanates are reactive chemical compounds that extremely irritating to the eyes, nose and throat and can cause severe asthma in unprotected workers. Properly developed Codes of Practice and training safeguard workers from these types of hazards and help ensure the employer is in regulatory compliance.
Partnering with our Clients as an outside resource, ECC designs and implements customized, turnkey occupational hygiene programs that are regulatory compliant and immediately deployable. We are familiar with occupational health and safety regulations outside of BC, having many customers in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Having access to occupational hygiene resources that are capable of meeting comprehensive health and safety obligations on an as-needed basis (and without increasing headcount) can be a unique asset for an organization.
Case #2
Indoor Air Quality Monitoring to Protect Workers
ECC completed occupational hygiene monitoring at a wood manufacturing company in Quesnel, BC. Personal occupational hygiene measurements were completed for hazards like wood dust, formaldehyde and welding fumes. Indoor air quality measurements were also completed for areas in lunchrooms, control rooms and office spaces. The project was completed on time and on budget, and provided recommendations for improving indoor air quality in certain office locations.
As poor indoor air quality is associated with the following health problems, it is imperative to ensure that workers are safe from unhealthy environments:
- Respiratory Illnesses
- Throat and Nasal Illnesses, Scratchy Throat
- Complications for Lung and Heart Conditions
- Coughing
- Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
- Headaches
- Moderate to Severe Allergic Reactions
If you think your office space is suffering from poor air quality, schedule a test as soon as possible to assess the situation. ECC can complete testing for general environmental conditions, mould and toxic gases. Take the proactive measure to keep your workers safe and healthy in their work environment.
Case #3
Laboratory and Maintenance Shop Local Exhaust Ventilation Survey
ECC was retained by an energy facility in Prince George, BC to conduct an annual local exhaust ventilation survey for laboratory chemical fume foods and maintenance shop hoods. Chemical fume hoods at the laboratory were assessed to determine if they could effectively control contaminants (e.g. gasoline vapours) released during sampling preparation and analysis. Activities in the maintenance shop that required the use of the local exhaust ventilation systems included metal fabricating, welding and painting.
Face velocity measurements and airflow calculations were completed on all hoods, according to occupational hygiene best practices.
If ventilation is used as an engineering control, air contaminants must be controlled at the source by an effective local exhaust ventilation system, according to WorkSafeBC. Working with ECC can help you determine if your local exhaust is working effectively.
Case #4
N95 Respirator Fit Testing Solutions for Health Sciences Students
ECC supported and continues to support pre-clinical student respirator fit testing in Prince George, BC. As part of the pre-requisites for clinical placements in actual health care settings, health science students are required to be fit tested to an N95 respirator.
Our fit testing services support students in a number of ways:
- On-site testing at a location of the school’s choice (we complete fit testing at the school as many students do not have transportation to come to our office).
- Many of the students we encounter have never worn a respirator, so our technicians take the time to provide education and training. Each student is educated on the care, use and disposal of respirators and procedures to prevent exposure to infectious agents.
- Exposure Control Consulting offers student pricing.
- The price includes a health care-approved N95 respirator; we use models 3M 1870+ as the primary respirator and then have other alternatives such as the 1860 and 8210.
- Our fit testing is quantitative. The fit tests are about 15-20 minutes rather than 30-40 with qualitative testing and students do not have to taste unpleasant testing solutions i.e. Bitrex.
- After a successful fit test, students are issued a certificate showing their test completion.
Case #5
Occupational Hygiene Program Development
To support the development of a company-wide health and safety management system, ECC was retained to prepare and complete a Workplace Monitoring Program and Thermal Stress Exposure Control Program at a large mining company near Radium, BC. These Programs were completed in conjunction with existing compliance documents located on-site, as well as with recently implemented programs.
Each Program was developed to meet the legislative requirements of the Health, Safety and Reclamation Code for Mines in British Columbia and WorkSafeBC Occupational Health and Safety Regulation.
Case #6
Pre-Demolition Hazardous Materials Survey
ECC supported the identification of hazardous materials at a natural gas compressor station north of Prince George, BC. We determined the hazardous materials present in the building materials before the removal of a turbine unit and its auxillary piping. The hazardous materials identified included asbestos-containing insulation and lead-containing coatings. We provided a report of the findings ahead of the project such that the project team was able to make the appropriate decisions to control the hazards. The report included recommendations on safe work practices, exposure control methods and waste considerations.
Demolition is a notoriously dangerous activity. To ensure you are safeguarding your workers, the environment and the public from hazardous materials, it is imperative to understand what hazards are associated with the demolition work.
Case #7
Qualitative Exposure Assessments for Midstream Energy Assets
ECC completed qualitative exposure risk assessments for various midstream facilities and assets in British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan for a large energy company in 2021.
This project’s scope of work was the:
- Investigation of the Client’s hazardous processes and supporting documentation i.e. Project Information such as job descriptions, organizational structure, engineered drawings (to be provided by Client),
- Discussion with on-site key personnel including EHS professionals, front-line workers, supervisors, to ascertain qualitative data,
- Identification of relevant worker exposure groups, potential chemical, physical, or biological exposures and the nature (location, frequency) of the health risks associated with the hazards,
- Preparation and submission of a qualitative risk assessment in accordance with AIHA’s A Strategy for Assessing and Managing Occupational Exposures for each asset/facility as defined by the Client, and
- Preparation of a written report/Excel files summarizing all above comprehensive data.
ECC completed the project over several months, on time and on budget. Our qualified and competent personnel provided value-focused recommendations to the Client on:
- Worker exposure monitoring strategy
- Legislated requirements on hazard-specific documentation
- Occupational hygiene program implementation
- Continuous health and safety management system improvement goals
Case #8
Support for Urgent Respirator Fit Testing on Weekend Construction Project
ECC Ltd. technicians provided respiratory fit testing to contracted employees starting a large scope construction project that required supplied air breathing apparatus (SABA). Their job was starting on Sunday morning in Prince George, BC and did not have the appropriate fit testing completed ahead of their confined space entry. We completed fit testing on each worker on Saturday afternoon to ensure that their work was not delayed before it even started.
A respirator fit test determines if a tight-fitting respirator can be worn without having any leaks. It should take place before the employee actually wears it on the job (yes, even if the job starts on a weekend).
A respirator fit test is required annually for all tight-fitting respirators. An employee must complete the fit test using a respirator that is the same make, model, and size of one he/she will wear on the job while also wearing any other required equipment (e.g., glasses).
ECC provides the industry preferred method of Quantitative Respirator Fit Testing. Our service can be performed in under 15 minutes and uses seven exercises to verify the respirator is the correct fit, safe for use and, ensures the worker understands how to properly operate their respirator.
24/7 emergency fit testing is available for organizations that require service outside regular business hours and weekends.
Case #9
Support on WorkSafeBC Inspection Report Recommendations
ECC was retained by a specialized construction company to complete occupational hygiene monitoring recommended by a WorkSafeBC inspector. WorkSafeBC recommended that occupational hygiene monitoring be done to evaluate our Client’s workers’ exposure to airborne respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust while working with silica inside a confined space. This work was being completed as a part of a facility shutdown at a large pulp mill in Quesnel, BC.
ECC collected occupational (personal) air samples over the course of the worker’s shift, conducted observations of the work activities, controls in use (including personal protective equipment and respiratory protection) and conditions during the sampling events; and generated a report detailing our findings and recommendations.
Occupational hygiene monitoring is valuable. Air sampling will protect the immediate and long-term health of your employees. ECC’s experts can help you determine the best type of monitoring for your workplace health hazards.
Case #10
Worker Concerns Related to Benzene Exposure
ECC was retained to provide guidance and recommendations on benzene exposure for workers in a rail terminal facility near Edmonton, Alberta. The identification and handling of certain products had raised some concerns about benzene exposure for the workers, and the employer wanted to show employees that they were taking action.
In addition to the implementation of engineering and personal protective equipment controls, ECC recommended the application of a high-quality benzene Code of Practice and occupational hygiene monitoring program. As per Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code, a Code of Practice is required for benzene-containing products.
Comparing exposure monitoring results to a legislated Occupational Exposure Limit is seen as reliable, accurate and best practice for determination of worker exposure. Moreover, a periodic, compliance-based occupational hygiene monitoring program shows that an employer is adhering to the OHS Code and keep exposure concerns from workers at bay.
Are your workers concerned about their occupational exposures? ECC can help you have confidence that you are keeping your workers healthy with our services.