Employer Responsibilities in Workplace Safety

Employer Responsibilities

• Employers must provide training to designated inspectors and document any substandard conditions found during inspections, ensuring corrective action is taken.
• Employers are responsible for reporting workplace accidents to WorkSafeNB immediately via 1 800 999-9775 for incidents such as explosions, exposure to hazardous agents, catastrophic events, hospital admissions, loss of consciousness, significant burns, fractures (excluding fingers/toes), vision loss, deep lacerations, amputations, and fatalities.
• After reporting to WorkSafeNB, employers must secure the accident site to prevent further injuries and preserve the scene for investigation.
• Employers must inform the JHSC (Joint Health and Safety Committee) or health and safety representative of any workplace accident reported to WorkSafeNB, as per subsection 43(2) of the OHS Act.
• Workplaces with 20 or more employees in New Brunswick must establish a health and safety program as per subsection 8.1(1) of the OHS Act.
• When completing Form 67 (accident report), employers must gather information from the injured worker, witnesses, and coworkers. A Form 67 must be completed even if there is disagreement between the employer and employee regarding the accident details. Employers can appeal a worker's claim, but the Form 67 still needs to be submitted, noting any disagreement. It is illegal for employers and workers to agree not to report a work-related injury.
• Employers cannot dismiss, suspend, lay off, penalize, discipline, or discriminate against a worker for a work-related injury if WorkSafeNB deems the worker entitled to compensation.

Health & Safety Procedures and Codes of Practice

• All employers must develop workplace procedures and codes of practice for all job tasks to ensure employees have adequate instructions and guidelines for safe work practices.

Emergency Preparedness

• Employers must develop and regularly practice emergency plans, including input from employees and the JHSC. Plans should be reviewed and updated annually.
• All employees must receive training in emergency preparedness and participate in drills, with training provided annually or as needed.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Employers must provide, ensure the proper use, and maintain PPE in good condition when working with hazardous materials.
• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) information must be reviewed with employees, and the MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet) must be updated at least every three years. Annual review of WHMIS training is required.
• Employers are responsible for providing detailed training on hazards and safe work procedures for each product used in the workplace, with annual review. A WHMIS audit can help identify gaps in the process (Appendix G).

Orientation and Training

• Effective health and safety orientation integrates new employees into the workforce. Orientation is a starting point; ongoing training is essential. It's impractical to assume orientation alone provides all necessary job-specific safety skills.

Employer Contact Information and Resources

• The orientation guide introduces various resources like www.worksafenb.ca, the OHS Act, WC Act, General Regulation 91-191, WHMIS 88-221, First Aid Regulation 2004-130, and various codes of practice. These resources cover employer responsibilities under the OHS Act and WC Act, including providing a safe workplace, training, and maintaining equipment.

This quiz covers essential employer responsibilities regarding workplace safety, including training requirements, accident reporting, and the establishment of health and safety programs. Learn about the legal obligations employers have to ensure a safe working environment for their employees in New Brunswick.