These provisions set out the safety responsibilities of all parties in the workplace and the general requirements for safe workplace conditions. Specific hazards, such as electrical work, chemicals, and personal protective equipment are set out in Parts 5 through 19 of the Regulation.
Some industries and undertakings have specific safety requirements. These requirements are set out in Parts 20 through 34 of the Regulation. Industries included in these provisions are construction, oil and gas, forestry and agriculture. Industrial undertakings such as blasting, camps, wood products and firefighting also have specific safety requirements, in addition to working with or near hazards like asbestos and electricity, and working from heights, with ladders or in confined spaces.
These documents give you further practical information to comply with safety requirements. Included in the list are when an accident results in. Any of these events also require the employer to conduct an investigation into the cause of the accident. Investigations are a two-step process.
An employer must first conduct a preliminary investigation, identifying unsafe conditions, acts, or procedures that significantly contributed to the accident or incident.
A report of this preliminary investigation must be completed within 48 hours and any interim corrective action undertaken and documented without undue delay. Following the preliminary investigation, an employer must conduct a full investigation determining the cause of the incident or accident and corrective action required, which action is to be implemented as soon as possible.
The full investigation must be completed and a report prepared within 30 days of the accident or incident. Copies of the reports must be provided to your Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, worker representative, or posted, as applicable.
WorkSafeBC has created investigation forms for employers to use in order to meet these requirements. In addition, our office offers a free half-day Accident Investigation seminar. Young or New Worker. You must review the following with your young or new workers in their orientation and training:. As an employer in British Columbia, you must ensure the health and safety not only of your own workers, but for any other worker present at a worksite at which your work is being carried out.
In addition, you have an obligation to ensure the health and safety of the contractors or subcontractors you hire at your worksite. The nature of this obligation depends on whether a contractor or subcontractor has been found to be independent by WorkSafeBC. Bullying and harassment is considered a hazard of the workplace which, like other workplace hazards, must be addressed by the employer.
WorkSafeBC has created policy defining what is meant by bullying and harassment and stipulating the reasonable steps an employer must take to prevent or minimize it. A worker may submit a prohibited action complaint if they believe you have penalized them for reporting a health and safety concern. Raising a health and safety concern is a protected right or duty under the Workers Compensation Act.
If you suspend, demote, lay off, terminate or change a worker's duties or hours after that worker reports an unsafe piece of equipment, condition, or work process, that worker may be entitled to a remedy under the Act. This means WorkSafeBC may order you to stop the prohibited action, repay any lost wages, reinstate the worker, clear the worker's record of any disciplinary references, or take other steps set out in the Act.
The procedures for resolving prohibited action complaints are unique under the Act , and often involve third party mediation. Register for a Free Seminar near you! Here's how to reach the Employers' Advisers Office. Comments will be sent to 'servicebc gov. Enter your email address if you would like a reply:. The information on this form is collected under the authority of Sections 26 c and 27 1 c of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act to help us assess and respond to your enquiry.
Questions about the collection of information can be directed to the Manager of Corporate Web , Government Digital Experience Division. I consent. Skip to main content Skip to main navigation Skip to side navigation Accessibility Statement. The employer must establish procedures for dealing with repeat rule violators. Supervisors are responsible for correcting unsafe acts, such as a breach of rules, and they must be supported in this duty.
Points that should be considered in establishing procedures on this issue are:. Safe work procedures are the safest way of doing a job, job instruction, monitoring performance, and incident investigation. Job safety analysis JSA , also known as "job hazard analysis", is the first step in developing the correct procedure. In this analysis, each task of a specific job is examined to identify hazards and to determine the safest way to do the job. Job safety analysis involves the following steps:.
The analysis should be conducted on all critical tasks or jobs as a first priority. Critical jobs include:. Job safety analysis is generally carried out by observing a worker doing the job. Members of the joint health and safety committee should participate in this process. The reason for the exercise must be clearly explained to the worker, emphasizing that the job, not the individual, is being studied.
Another approach, useful in the analysis of infrequently-performed or new jobs, is group discussion. A work procedure may consist of more than one specific task. In such cases, each separate task should be analyzed to complete a job safety analysis for that procedure. The final version of the safe work procedure should be presented in a narrative style format that outlines the correct way to do the job in a step-by-step outline.
The steps are described in positive terms, pointing out the reasons why they are to be done in this way. Reference may be made to applicable rules and regulations and to the personal protective equipment required, if any.
Workers who carry out the tasks should be consulted in developing the procedure. Health and safety education should start with worker orientation when a worker joins the organization or is transferred to a new job. It has been found that inexperienced workers, in general, are involved in incidents at a higher rate than others. While experience can only be gained through time, both health and safety education and job skills training can be used to improve this record.
Orientation sessions normally cover such items as an explanation of the function of the work unit, organizational relationships, administrative arrangements, and various policies and rules. Security protocols e.
A new employee can be expected to absorb only a certain amount of information in the first few days. Be sure to pace the training to ensure all of the information or skills are learned.
Other tips include to provide written information that outlines the points covered in the orientation sessions. It also serves as a checklist for the person conducting the orientation. A buddy or mentor system is useful. This system allows for on-the-job reinforcement of the information presented to the new employee.
This process also promotes the safety awareness of the experienced workers who are the "buddies". All workers, but especially new, inexperienced, or transferred workers, should be encouraged to ask questions at any time when doubt exists as to correct procedures or their ability to do the task safely.
The orientation should address:. Soon after the orientation sessions, employees should be assessed on their understanding of the items discussed. In this way, both the quality of training and the level of understanding can be evaluated. Continue with education and training throughout their employment, as needed. The objective of education and training is to instruct recipients about health and safety procedures or specific job practices, and to raise awareness or skill levels to an acceptable standard.
The standard states that a supervisor "should be competent i. Organizations should define what constitutes an acceptable combination of knowledge, training, and experience in relation to the supervision of others performing tasks.
Workplace inspections help to identify existing hazards so that appropriate corrective action can be taken. Health and safety legislation requires workplace inspections as a proactive action to ensure workplace health and safety. The frequency of planned formal inspections may be set out in legislation. Records of previous incidents and the potential for incidents are factors to be included when determining if more frequent inspections are needed. Supervisors are responsible for conducting their own inspections for the areas they are responsible for and for taking action on unsafe conditions and acts as they are reported or encountered.
General inspections may be conducted by health and safety committee members or representatives, especially if they have received training or certification. Other criteria for selecting the inspection team are:. Pre-planning any inspection is always worthwhile.
Documents, such as previous inspections, incident investigations, maintenance reports, and committee minutes, should be consulted. If a checklist is to be used, it should be reviewed and changed to meet specific needs of the workplace.
Checklists are useful aids in that they help ensure that no items are overlooked in an inspection. One type of checklist is the "critical parts inventory". This inventory itemizes parts and items that may result in an incident if they fail. While many ready-made checklists are available in safety literature, it is best to adapt these to your workplace. The health and safety committee should participate in the preparation of these tailor-made checklists. During the actual inspection, both work conditions and procedures should be observed.
If a hazard poses an immediate threat is discovered, preventive action must be taken right away, not after the inspection. Notes are made, specifying details of the hazard, including its exact location. In this way, priorities for remedial action can be established. Inspections serve a useful purpose only if remedial action is taken to correct shortcomings. Causes, not symptoms alone, must be rectified. Corrective action should be taken immediately, emphasizing engineering controls, management failures, or the need for worker education, whatever applies.
Occupational health and safety legislation in all Canadian jurisdictions requires that specific injuries and certain categories of incidents must be reported. There may be minimum legal requirements for their investigation. Many organizations investigate other events e. Incidents are investigated so that measures can be taken to prevent a recurrence of similar events.
The investigation represents an "after-the-fact" response for any particular mishap. However, a thorough investigation may uncover hazards or problems that can be eliminated "before-the-fact" for the future.
After causes have been determined, prompt follow-up action is required to achieve the purpose of the investigation. Please note : The term incident is used in some situations and jurisdictions to cover both an "accident" and "incident". It is argued that the word "accident" implies that the event was related to fate or chance.
When the root cause is determined, it is usually found that many events were predictable and could have been prevented if the right actions were taken - making the event not one of fate or chance thus, the word incident is used. For simplicity, we use the term incident to mean all of the above events. Emergency procedures are plans for dealing with emergencies such as fires, explosions, major releases of hazardous materials, violent occurrences, or natural hazards.
When such events occur, the urgent need for rapid decisions, shortage of time, lack of resources, and trained personnel can lead to chaos. The objective of the plan is to prevent or minimize fatalities, injuries, and damage. The organization and procedures for handling these sudden and unexpected situations must be clearly defined. Communication, training, and periodic drills are required to ensure adequate performance when the plan must be implemented. First aid is generally prescribed under health and safety legislation or workers' compensation legislation.
The OSH program must include the following information:. A policy on return to work after a lost-time accident might appropriately be included in this section of the program.
Under no circumstances should the reduction of severity ratings be a reason for initiating a "modified work" program. All jurisdictions in Canada have legislation specific to harassment and violence note that the legislation in the Yukon will be in force in September All jurisdictions specify elements required in harassment and violence prevention policies and programs.
While there are variations between jurisdictions, there are many common elements such as:. Once the health and safety program has been set in place and the program appears to be running smoothly, effort is still required to maintain compliance, enthusiasm and interest.
In addition, specific items may be needed to address workplace specific activities. Examples of such items are:.
A good health and safety program provides a clear set of guidelines for activities that, when followed, will reduce incidents and cases of occupational disease. The key to success is the manner in which the program is implemented and maintained.
The program must be communicated to all workers. Special emphasis should be given to new workers, newly appointed supervisors, and new members of the joint health and safety committee. Revisions to policies and procedures should be publicized. The program should be available in a single written document.
However, if separate policies or procedures have been developed for various elements, such as incident investigation procedures or preventing harassment and violence, their use should be referred to in the main document. Incident frequency and severity rates are often used, but they are not always the only measures to use for evaluating the effectiveness of a health and safety program. Cases of occupational disease are often under-reported in these statistics.
The emphasis is usually on injury-producing incidents, not all events. Since incidents may be rare events, in some organizations the basis for comparison may be limited. An audit uses a checklist in which each element is subdivided into a series of questions.
Each question is given a weighting factor depending on its importance. Records, observations, interviews, and questionnaires are used to evaluate performance for each sub-element.
Annual audits appear to be more common, but reviewing critical elements in the program more frequently may be advisable. The audit team, which should include representation from the joint health and safety committee, must receive the appropriate training in audit procedures.
The audit identifies weaknesses in the health and safety program. Establish a procedure to ensure prompt follow-up on deficiencies. This procedure should include target dates for remedial action and checks to confirm completion.
Add a badge to your website or intranet so your workers can quickly find answers to their health and safety questions.
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information.
OSH Answers Fact Sheets Easy-to-read, question-and-answer fact sheets covering a wide range of workplace health and safety topics, from hazards to diseases to ergonomics to workplace promotion. Search all fact sheets: Search. Type a word, a phrase, or ask a question. The policy statement can be brief, but it should mention: Management's commitment to protecting and promoting the safety and health of workers, and preventing injuries and illnesses.
The objectives of the program. The organization's health and safety philosophy. Who is accountable for the health and safety programs. The general responsibilities of all managers and workers. That health and safety shall not be sacrificed for convenience or expediency. That unacceptable performance of health and safety duties will not be tolerated.
The policy should be: Stated in clear terms. Signed by the current President or Chief Executive Officer. Kept up-to-date. Communicated to each worker. Followed for all work activities. While organizations will have different needs and scope for specific elements required in their health and safety program, the following basic items should be considered in each case: Individual responsibility. The establishment and role of the health and safety committee or representative. Applicable health and safety legislation requirements, and organizational health and safety rules.
Safe work procedures. Worker orientation. Training and education. Workplace inspections. Hazard identification , assessment , and control Reporting and investigating incidents. Emergency planning. Medical and first aid. Health and safety promotion, including psychological health and prevention of harassment and violence.
Workplace specific items. Review of the health and safety program. To fulfill their individual responsibilities, the people must: Know what these responsibilities are communication required. Have sufficient authority to carry them out organizational issue.
Have the required ability and competence such as those acquired through education, training or certification. Examples of responsibilities of workers include: Using personal protection and safety equipment as required by the employer. Following safe work procedures. Knowing and complying with all regulations. Reporting any injury or illness immediately to the supervisor or manager. Reporting unsafe acts and unsafe conditions to the supervisor or manager..
Participating in the health and safety committees or as the representative. Examples of responsibilities of first-line supervisors include: Instructing workers to follow safe work practices. Enforcing health and safety regulations. Correcting unsafe acts and unsafe conditions. Ensuring that only authorized or adequately trained workers perform tasks or operate equipment. Reporting and investigating all incidents. Inspecting the areas they have control over and taking remedial action to minimize or eliminate hazards.
Ensuring equipment is properly maintained. Promoting safety awareness in workers. Examples of responsibilities of management include: Providing a safe and healthful workplace. Establishing and maintaining a health and safety program. Ensuring workers are educated, trained or certified, as required. Reporting incidents and cases of occupational disease to the appropriate authority. Providing medical and first aid facilities. Ensuring personal protective equipment is available and maintained.
Providing workers with health and safety information. Supporting supervisors in their health and safety activities. Evaluating health and safety performance of supervisors. Ensuring the health and safety program is reviewed at defined intervals. Ensuring any changes necessary as the result of this review are implemented. Examples of responsibilities of safety coordinators include: Advising all workers on health and safety matters.
Coordinating interdepartmental health and safety activities. Collecting and analyzing health and safety statistics. Providing health and safety education and training. Conducting research on special problems. Attending health and safety committee meetings as a resource person.
Resolving reported health and safety issues. Ensuring the timely implementation of corrective and preventive actions with supervisors and management. Common terms of reference include: Stating senior management's commitment to respond to the committee's recommendations.
Defining how long a person will serve on the committee if not specified by legislation. Establishing how a committee member will be chosen. Establishing how often a committee will meet, conduct inspections, etc. More information is available in the health and safety committee documents listed below: Joint Health and Safety Committee - What is a Joint Health and Safety Committee?
0コメント