Workplace Health and Safety

Health and Safety

Intent
The organization is vitally interested in the health and safety of its employees. Protection of employees from injury or occupational disease is a major continuing objective. Every effort will be made to provide a safe, healthy work environment. All supervisors and employees must be dedicated to the continuing objective of reducing the risk of injury. The organization is ultimately responsible for employee health and safety and will take every reasonable precaution possible for their protection.
We are committed to promoting a safe and healthy workplace for all employees, families, and visitors. In pursuit of this commitment, the organization will develop, implement, and enforce policies and procedures that promote and provide a healthier, safer work environment. Safety is crucial to the well-being and productivity of our people, and we strive to safeguard the workplace from injury and wrongdoing through neglect of duty towards safety.
The organization will act in compliance with all applicable workplace health and safety legislation.

Guidelines

Communication
The organization encourages open communication on health and safety issues. This is essential to providing an injury-free and productive work environment.

• Employees who voice or identify a health and safety concern will not be subject to retaliation.

• Health and safety comments will be reviewed by management. The management team will initiate an investigation as applicable on each reported and/or potential hazard.

• Employees are encouraged to inform their supervisor who will inform the director of any matter they perceive to be an actual or potential workplace hazard.

• Communication can be written or oral and may be anonymous, if desired.

Responsibilities

Director

• Liaise with government agencies to ensure workplace health and safety compliance.

• Act as an advisor to management on safety and health policy issues.

• Follow up to ensure the completion of necessary corrective actions.

• Develop Best Practices.

• Design and develop accident/incident reports and investigation procedures.

• Maintain an up-to-date working knowledge of health and safety regulations as mandated locally, federally, or by the province.

• Design and develop company policies and procedures on workplace safety and health issues.

• Review injury and illness trends, and identify problem areas and solutions.

• Provide the committee/representative with a copy of all orders or reports issued by a Ministry of Labour Inspector.

• Foster a workplace culture of safety, with appropriate leadership.

• Review the policy's effectiveness annually and revise where necessary.

Supervisors

• Assist in developing, implementing, and enforcing policies and procedures.

• Continually promote health and safety awareness with instruction, information, training, and supervision to ensure the safe performance of employees.

• Utilize the process of hazard identification, risk management, and incident investigation.

• Perform occupational health and safety inspections of the workplace to identify and control any and all hazards to employees.

• Accountable for the health and safety of employees under their supervision.

• Ensure that equipment is safe and that employees work in compliance with established safe work practices and procedures.

• Ensure employees receive adequate training in their specific work tasks to protect their health and safety.

• Conduct health and safety meetings with staff and the Health and Safety Representative.

Employees

• Responsible for compliance with occupational health and safety policies and procedures.

• Must notify managers of any health and safety concerns so they can be dealt with promptly.

• Every employee must protect his or her own health and safety by working in compliance with the law and with safe work practices and procedures established by the organization.

• Use appropriate personal protective equipment as required.

• Responsible for reporting unsafe or potentially hazardous conditions to their supervisor, without fear of reprisal.

Joint Health and Safety Committee Members or Health and Safety Representative

• Commit to improving health and safety conditions in the workplace.

• Raise awareness of health and safety issues.

• Recognize and identify workplace risks and hazards.

• Develop recommendations to address risks and hazards.

• Conduct regular workplace inspections and make written recommendations.

• Develop and implement accident prevention and health and safety programs.

• Listen to employee complaints, concerns, and suggestions.

• Participate in health and safety inquiries and investigations.

• Advise on health and safety matters, such as personal protective equipment.

• Maintain accurate and detailed records of near misses, accidents, and injuries.

• Promote and monitor compliance with health and safety regulations.

• Monitor the effectiveness of existing health and safety programs and policies, and assist with the implementation of improvements.

• Attend regular committee meetings.

Reporting Structures
Any concerns or near misses should be reported to the health and safety committee or representative and the appropriate manager. Employees who voice or identify a health and safety concern will not be subject to reprisal or retaliation.
If an emergency occurs, employees must immediately report the incident to their immediate supervisor or designate. Appropriate responses will be dictated by the severity of the event and its effect on the health and safety of employees, visitors, and property.
An emergency is any number of unsafe conditions that pose a threat to people or property. This includes fire or smoke; natural disaster or severe weather; chemical, biological, or radiological incidents; and structural failures.
Refer to the organization’s emergency management plan policy for additional details.