Professional Documents
Culture Documents
www.universalstaffing.ca
Welcome To Universal Staffing Inc.
Welcome to Universal Staffing Inc. We look forward to a mutually rewarding working relationship. As a Universal Staffing employee you
are presented with a unique opportunity to experience a variety of work situations, learn new skills or enhance your current skills. Our
primary goal is to assign you to job placements that are right for you. We look forward to working with you!
Introduction
This booklet is being provided to you as an outline of all of Universal Staffing Inc.’s Policies and Procedures and other information
indicating the responsibilities of the employer, yourself and the job assignment supervisor. It will also touch on Provincial Labour laws,
and Health and Safety in the workplace.
As an employee of Universal Staffing Inc. it is your responsibility to read, understand and abide by all the policies and procedures set
out by Universal Staffing Inc.
As an employee of Universal Staffing Inc. we value your privacy. On occasion we may be requested to provide personal information to
our clients when deemed necessary.
In the event we are asked for this information we may provide the following upon request:
Purpose of Orientation
Universal Staffing is committed to developing and maintaining a safe and healthy work environment through Orientation Safety
Training for all new hires. This training program is intended to ensure all workers start their work assignments with knowledge of the
work environment, all placements rules and regulations and the skills they need to perform their work duties safely to avoid personal
injury to themselves and others.
Universal Staffing prides itself on our ability to offer our clients reliable service with trained employees. As an employer we strive to
achieve a mutually beneficial relationship with all our employees to ensure that all suitable opportunities are offered.
Assignments
We strive to match your qualifications and skills with those of our clients. We do this by screening and candidate selection. If you have
been selected for an assignment you will be expected to represent yourself professionally at all times. If your assignment comes to an
end by no fault of your own and/or has come to an end as the contract has ended we will do our best to find you alternate work as
soon as possible. It is your responsibility to contact Universal Staffing to inform your Staffing Coordinator of your availability.
Universal Staffing Inc. is committed to providing a safe and healthy workplace, to accomplish this we have put in place policies and
procedures. Universal Staffing Inc. is responsible for establishing, implementing and maintaining programs designed to protect the
health and safety of all employees while on assignment.
Universal Staffing Inc. Employee Orientation
Leaving Work Area during Work Hours, & Scheduled Break Times
Leaving your work area without permission during work hours is only permitted for the following reasons:
• Use the washroom
• Get a drink
• Injury/Sickness
In all instances, the area supervisor must be notified prior to you leaving the area. In case of fire or power outage, it is necessary that
the supervisor be accountable for all employees’ whereabouts. Please follow all designated break times at designated areas while you
are on an assignment. If you are unsure of break times and break areas, ask your direct supervisor.
When being presented with an assignment you will be notified of its requirement to work (days/shifts/hours). You are required to
report for all of your scheduled shifts once you have accepted an assignment. If you are unable to work your scheduled shift, you
MUST call Universal Staffing (or your supervisor if pre-arranged) prior to your scheduled start time. Please allow as much time as
possible in order for us to notify your placement. Personal days off must be prearranged and authorized, you must advise us of your
availability if there are any changes as it will aid us in finding a more suitable assignment whenever possible.
Background Checks
Some positions may require a criminal background check; this is determined by the client and deemed a job requirement on occasion.
If you are being placed at a client that requires a criminal check it is for the reason that is a job requirement.
Smoking Area
Follow job placement specific rules about smoking. You will be assigned a smoking area and will only be allowed to smoke in that area.
Each work site has different rules and you should respect the rules set out.
Harassment Policy
Harassment can be defined as any action (verbal, psychological or physical) on a single or repeated basis, which humiliates insults or
degrades and is known or deemed to be known to be unwelcome by the victim.
Harassment can include but is not limited to; unwanted comments, slurs, racist or sexist jokes, pictures or posters, bullying or intimidation,
graffiti, physical contact of any kind, remarks about a person’s appearance or personal life, unwelcome sexual advances or demands,
suggestive looks, gestures and explicit slogans or profanity on clothing.
“We can’t make people like each other. But we can, through concrete action, promote tolerance and mutual respect in our workplace.”
You have now been advised of what is considered harassment; if at any time you feel that you are being harassed, your first step is to
advise the person who is doing the harassing that their comments are unwelcome. This is called putting the harasser on notice. You
should document this in case it is required at a later date. If the harassment continues you can report such to the “office manager” or
Human Resources.
Universal Staffing Inc. takes harassment seriously and will not tolerate harassment in the workplace. If you require additional information,
please do not hesitate to approach your supervisor or Universal Staffing management.
✓ Physical ✓ Verbal/Bullying
✓ Sexual ✓ Cyber Bullying
✓ Psychological ✓ Domestic abuse
Universal Staffing does not tolerate or accept any behaviour that intimidates, threatens, harasses abuses, injures, or otherwise victimizes
our employers and/or contractors. As a Universal Staffing employee you have the right to report any abuse of this nature without fear of
discipline. You may make the report in person or anonymously.
Employee Overall Safety
Never attempt to do a job that you feel is unsafe, always be aware of your surroundings and any potential danger. All unsafe
conditions, equipment and/or areas must be reported immediately to your placement supervisor or lead hand.
If you are injured at work and require modified duties during your recovery period, you may be asked to work at an
alternate site from your original job placement. You may also be required to Report to a Universal Staffing branch for
modified duties if required due to your limitations. Employee is responsible for their own transportation if modified
duties are offered.
Substance Abuse
All employees are prohibited from consuming alcohol, narcotics or any illegal substances while on assignment. This applies equally to
any such consumption prior to the start of the assignment, which would affect or would reasonably believe to affect their ability to
perform their job responsibilities. Failure to comply with this policy will lead to disciplinary actions which may include immediate
dismissal with cause; as well the authorities may be contacted as a result of taking any illegal substances.
Employees who are concerned about unsafe work practices of a co-worker or have reason to believe that a co-worker is working under
the influence of alcohol, narcotics or any illegal substance are asked to report this immediately to your onsite supervisor or the
Universal Staffing branch representative.
If at any time while on assignment you feel you have not received proper training or that you are asked to do something that is unsafe,
you must call Universal Staffing immediately. We do not want any employee of Universal Staffing to perform work that is unsafe or
work in an unsafe environment.
Workplace Injury Procedures for the Injured Employee
If you are unfortunate enough to have an injury at your placement, you must inform your placement supervisor immediately. You must
also call Universal Staffing immediately to report your injury. All injuries, regardless of the severity, must be reported.
Once reported to your site supervisor and Universal Staffing, you will receive the following package. This package will consist of the
following:
1. A copy of the Universal Staffing “Return to Work” Program and/or Policy. This will explain to you that Universal Staffing has an
early return to work program. This program is to help keep the injured worker in the work environment by performing
meaningful work, and reducing or eliminating wage loss to the employee
2. A letter to your Doctor, this explains our return to work program
3. A Form 8 is to be completed by a Doctor; the form is used to show any limitations you may have (if any). If you require
modified duties this will show what type you require
4. Offer of Modified Duties to the employee. It is to be signed, dated and returned to Universal Staffing. If modified duties are
suitable and you refuse, WSIB may consider no lost wages be paid out for non-compliance
Please note that all of the above mentioned forms and paperwork are to be returned to Universal Staffing prior to your next scheduled
shift. Remember our goal is to eliminate any lost wages. This can be accomplished by your cooperation in getting all paperwork back
to us as soon directed above.
Failure to report injuries to management when they happen can result in claims being denied or delayed by WSIB. All injuries must be
reported regardless of how minor you may feel they may be.
Modified Duties
Universal Staffing’s goal is to eliminate all lost time injuries. To accomplish this we must ensure that all employees are working in a
safe and healthy work environment and have proper training. If a workplace injury does occur, Universal Staffing has modified duties
for all types of injuries. We can accommodate restrictions suggested by your doctor and the standard restrictions for different injury
types are used when we have not received medical information from you. Modified duties eliminate financial stress on the injured
worker and keep them active in the work force. Under Section 40 of the WSIB act, an employee must cooperate in this program.
Failure to accept suitable work is cause for WSIB to refuse to pay lost wages. You may be offered alternative duties at a location other
than the work placement you were injured at. You are responsible to arrange transportation to the alternative location or it will be
deemed as a refusal to work with Universal Staffing Inc. in your early and safe return to Work.
Our clients are safety oriented and hold the safety of all employees as a priority. Before entering a trailer you MUST:
1. Ensure the trailer (unit) has a secondary device in place to keep it from moving while you are in the trailer (unit). This can be in
the means of tire chalks, dock locks, and /or a tractor, (rely on the tractor only if the tractor brake is set, ignition keys and driver
are removed from the vehicle. If you can’t confirm this, don’t assume
2. Utilize a dock plate whenever possible, (this is a must when using a loading or unloading device such as a forklift, electric pump
cart, or manual rollers). This will also eliminate the possibility of stepping between the dock and the trailer. If no dock plate is
required, you must always be conscious of the gap between the trailer and dock
All Universal Staffing Employees will communicate with the supervisor or manager. Always advise the person responsible for your tasks
when you are starting to work in a trailer and when you are finished working in it.
When Finished working and/or exiting a trailer you MUST:
1. Once you have notified the person responsible for giving you direction that you have finished working in the unit. DO NOT GO
BACK INTO THE UNIT. If you need to go back into the unit clear it with the person you report to, as the unit may be ready to be
pulled at any time as you have confirmed you were finished working
2. When working in a trailer if you feel a tractor or shunt unit hook up to the trailer, you are required to do the following:
3. NEVER attempt to jump out of the trailer; you should brace yourself against the wall
4. Be aware of freight that might fall in your direction
5. Don’t attempt to stop anything from falling off the trailer let it fall out
6. Keep in mind the trailer will only move a short distance and stop as the driver will have to secure the door and you can exit
safely at this time
7. Always keep calm in a dangerous situation, this allows you to think clearly
Emergency Evacuation
Each work assignment is different but we ask you to be aware of your surroundings and know where exits are. If the fire alarm
sounds, stay calm and proceed to the safest nearest exit, you should notify others in your area to evacuate. Should you encounter fire
or smoke use an alternative safe exit, once outside go to the designated meeting area, take care when crossing parking lots and road
ways. Obey directions from your assignment manager/supervisor and any fire or police department on site if they are present.
Extreme cold can cause you to suffer from hypothermia and/or frostbite after extended exposure. Please dress for the elements at all
time if you are working outside in the winter months.
Dangerous Goods
Universal Staffing ensures all employees are aware and tested on WHMIS as part of the application process. This is a generic WHMIS
training and is not specific to any dangerous goods. If a placement requires any employee of Universal Staffing to handle Dangerous
Goods, they MUST ensure they give specific training to the employee, document it and advise us of such training.
Forklift Safety
Forklifts are very heavy mobile pieces of machinery which can seriously injure you. A fully loaded forklift can weigh as much as 12000
lbs or 5 automobiles. As a forklift driver you must be aware of all your surrounding at all times. You must be aware of any blind spots
and ensure your forklift is in perfect working condition before you drive it. As a pedestrian in an environment where there are forklift
drivers you must ensure you are aware of all happenings around you. You must never walk in front or behind a forklift when it is
moving. You must never walk under the forks when they are lifted and never ride as a passenger on a forklift.
These provide info on product properties, handling precautions and first aid measures. The law states every worker must have
information and participate in training before handling chemicals or hazardous materials at work.
Training shall:
1. Provide details of chemicals hazards and precautions to take while handling them
2. Provide information regarding personal protective equipment (PPE) required.
Some chemicals can cause illness and can also have a latency period for which these effects may not become evident for some time;
even years. Report any concerns. DO NOT HANDLE CHEMICALS UNLESS YOU ARE TRAINED
There are eight hazard symbols are used to show WHMIS hazard classes. The following are symbols you must study and understand.
You will be tested during the application procedure to ensure you understand and know all the WHMIS information.
2015 WHMIS
.
FOLLOW ALL MASK
MANDATES
APPLICABLE TO
YOUR WORKPLACE
POLICIES