Workplace OH&S Programs PDF

OBJECTIVE 2 Explain intent and scope of a workplace OH&S program, and state the responsibilities of the company, the employees, and the OH&S committee within the program. WORKPLACE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH and SAFETY (OH&S) PROGRAMS Every workplace must have a safety program in place that ensures the em...

OBJECTIVE 2 Explain intent and scope of a workplace OH&S program, and state the responsibilities of the company, the employees, and the OH&S committee within the program. WORKPLACE OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH and SAFETY (OH&S) PROGRAMS Every workplace must have a safety program in place that ensures the employer and all employees are knowledgeable and involved in satisfying the requirements of the safety legislation that applies to their facility. The program must cover all aspects of safety for that particular industry and that specific facility. Employer and Worker Shared ResponsibilitiesClear guidelines are given in the act for employer and worker responsibilities. Employers and workers share the responsibility of ensuring a safe, healthy, and productive workplace. Employers and workers should be familiar with their own Occupational Health and Safety Act, and then faithfully follow the given requirements, to ensure their part in preventing injuries and illnesses at the work site. Employer Responsibilities The Occupational Health and Safety Act says that an employer must do everything they reasonably can to protect the health and safety of workers. The employers responsibilities include the following: • Keeping equipment in safe working order • Properly labeling and storing dangerous chemicals • Setting up safe work practices for workers, and ensuring these practices are followed • Ensuring that the workers have the skills and training needed to do their jobs safely • Informing the workers of any dangers at the job site • Monitoring workers who may be exposed to certain hazardous products. In some cases, specific health examinations may be required. Page 5 of 56 Worker Responsibilities The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires every worker to work safely and cooperate with fellow employees by following the health and safety rules for the job. The act also has specific safety requirements that must be followed. For example, a worker is required to use a safety belt or similar equipment when performing certain kinds of work. The worker must also use personal protective equipment, such as footwear, eyewear, and headwear, when necessary. Reporting Workplace Hazards and Incidents Workers must report any hazards that they find in the workplace to their employer. Failure to do so could result in an incident causing injury. It is the employers responsibility to eliminate hazards wherever possible and to ensure employees are aware of all possible hazards. If a serious incident happens (or almost happens), the employer is required to contact the nearest workplace health and safety office immediately. This required notification is separate from any other kind of notice that employers may be required to give to the workers’ compensation board or local authorities. Injuries and accidents must be reported if they involve or result in any of the following: • The collapse or failure of a necessary component of a building or structure • Death of a person • A worker being admitted to hospital for more than two days • An unplanned or uncontrolled explosion, fire, or flood that causes a serious injury, or has the potential to cause a serious injury • The collapse or upset of a crane, derrick, or hoist Page 6 of 56 OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH and SAFETY COMMITTEE An occupational health and safety committee is often referred to as the workplace health and safety committee or safety committee. The committee is usually comprised of supervisors and employees. The function of the committee is to initiate and assist in the development of health and safety expectations and safe systems of work. The safety committee provides a forum where team members can work together to resolve issues related to health and safety in the workplace. The responsibilities of a health and safety committee include the following: • Assisting in creating a safe workplace • Participating in identifying dangers to the health and safety of employees and property, and recommending controls for these dangers • Searching for new information on health and safety issues in the workplace, and promoting health and safety programs that educate and inform team members • Reviewing and investigating reports or concerns about health and safety and, where necessary, making recommendations • Maintaining all health and safety records and the corrective action forms • Participating in inspections at places of employment concerning the health and safety of employees • Where applicable, reviewing the information collected from monitoring and measuring procedures and, where necessary, making recommendations • Making recommendations that will establish, enforce, or improve the effectiveness of the occupational health and safety program • Promoting compliance with (or exceeding) OH&S Regulations The occupational health and safety committee meets once a month at which time the members perform the following tasks: • Review reports on near miss incidents, accidents, and occupational diseases • Recommend remedial action on investigations and inspections • Review plant or departmental inspections • Make recommendations to correct unsafe conditions and work practices • Investigate safety concerns The proceedings of meetings are recorded and made available to committee members, managers, and often the jurisdictional authority. The proceedings should be posted on workplace bulletin boards. Page 7 of 56 Team Safety Meetings A work team is a small group of workers who work closely together on a daily basis, usually within the same department. Within a given workplace, there may be several such work teams. Conducting regular team safety meetings is an effective way for a work team to achieve a safer and more productive workplace for themselves and for others. The meetings usually take place monthly in an informal manner. All team members are required to attend the safety meeting. The team meets to do the following: • Share information and safety concerns • Discuss safety issues and find solutions • Build on communication • Stimulate group discussion and interaction in regards to safety items Page 8 of 56