Health and Safety Policy

This Health and Safety Policy outlines the commitment of [Company Name] to providing a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, contractors, and visitors. This policy complies with the requirements of the British Columbia Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR).

1. Statement of Aims and Responsibilities

1.1 Employer's Aims

To prevent injuries and occupational diseases in the workplace. This aligns with the core purpose of an occupational health and safety program as mandated by the OHSR.
To comply with all applicable health and safety legislation, regulations, and standards, including the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR) B.C. Reg. 296/97.
To provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, contractors, and visitors.
To promote a culture of safety awareness and proactive hazard management.
To continually improve our health and safety performance through regular reviews and updates of this policy and related procedures.

1.2 Employer's Responsibilities

Providing and maintaining a safe workplace, including buildings, structures, and equipment, in accordance with Section 4.1 of the OHSR.
Ensuring that all employees receive adequate training and supervision to perform their work safely.
Identifying and assessing workplace hazards and implementing appropriate control measures as required by Part 4 of the OHSR.
Developing and implementing emergency preparedness and response procedures as per Part 4 of the OHSR.
Investigating all incidents and near misses to prevent recurrence.
Establishing and maintaining a joint health and safety committee or worker health and safety representative, as required by Part 3 of the OHSR.
Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and ensuring its proper use as outlined in Part 8 of the OHSR.
Complying with the requirements for occupational health and safety programs as outlined in Section 3.1 of the OHSR, particularly if the workforce meets the specified size and hazard rating criteria. For smaller operations, a less formal program based on regular monthly meetings should be maintained, as per Section 3.2 of the OHSR.

1.3 Supervisor's Responsibilities

Ensuring that workers under their supervision are aware of workplace hazards and follow safe work procedures.
Providing adequate training and instruction to workers on safe work practices.
Enforcing the company's health and safety policy and procedures.
Investigating incidents and near misses in their area of responsibility.
Correcting unsafe conditions and practices promptly.
Supporting the joint health and safety committee or worker health and safety representative.

1.4 Worker's Responsibilities

Following all safe work procedures and instructions.
Using required personal protective equipment (PPE) properly.
Reporting any hazards, unsafe conditions, incidents, and near misses to their supervisor or the joint health and safety committee.
Participating in health and safety training programs.
Refusing unsafe work if they have reasonable cause to believe it is dangerous to themselves or others, as per Part 3 of the OHSR.
Informing their supervisor or employer of any physical or mental impairment that may affect their ability to safely perform assigned work, as required by Section 4.19(1) of the OHSR.

2. Workplace Inspections

2.1 Regular Inspections

The employer will conduct regular inspections of all premises, equipment, work methods, and work practices at appropriate intervals to ensure that prompt action is undertaken to correct any hazardous conditions found. These inspections will be documented, and records will be maintained as part of the health and safety program, aligning with Section 3.3(b) of the OHSR. [1]

2.2 Inspection Frequency

Inspection frequency will be determined based on the nature of the work, the hazards involved, and any previous incident history. High-risk areas will be inspected more frequently.

2.3 Inspection Checklists

Standardized inspection checklists will be used to ensure consistency and thoroughness. These checklists will be reviewed and updated regularly to reflect changes in the workplace and applicable regulations.

3. Hazard Identification, Risk Assessment, and Control

3.1 Hazard Identification

The employer will establish and maintain a system for identifying workplace hazards. This system will include:

Regular workplace inspections.
Review of incident and near-miss reports.
Worker input and feedback.
Hazard reporting procedures.

3.2 Risk Assessment

A risk assessment will be conducted for each identified hazard to determine the likelihood and severity of potential injuries or occupational diseases. This aligns with the general hazard requirements outlined in Part 4 of the OHSR.

3.3 Control Measures

Control measures will be implemented to eliminate or minimize the risks associated with workplace hazards. The following hierarchy of controls will be used:

Elimination: Removing the hazard completely.
Substitution: Replacing a hazardous substance or process with a less hazardous one.
Engineering Controls: Implementing physical changes to the workplace to reduce exposure to hazards.
Administrative Controls: Establishing safe work procedures, training, and supervision to minimize risk.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Providing and ensuring the use of appropriate PPE as a last line of defense.

4. Emergency Preparedness and Response

4.1 Emergency Response Plan

A written emergency response plan will be developed and implemented to address potential emergencies, including:

Fire.
Medical emergencies.
Hazardous material spills.
Natural disasters.
Workplace violence.

4.2 Emergency Procedures

The emergency response plan will include detailed procedures for:

Evacuation.
First aid and medical assistance.
Reporting emergencies.
Controlling hazardous materials.
Communication and notification.
Emergency shutdown procedures.

5. Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)

5.1 WHMIS Program

The employer will comply with the requirements of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) as outlined in Part 5 of the OHSR. This includes:

Ensuring that all hazardous products are properly labeled.
Providing Safety Data Sheets (SDS) for all hazardous products.
Providing worker training on the safe handling, storage, and use of hazardous products.
Maintaining an inventory of all hazardous substances present at the workplace in a quantity that may endanger a person in an emergency, as required by Section 5.99 of the OHSR.

6. Training and Competency

6.1 Training Program

The employer will provide appropriate training to all employees to ensure they are competent to perform their work safely. Training will include:

General health and safety orientation.
Job-specific training on safe work procedures.
WHMIS training.
Emergency response training.
Training on the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

6.2 Training Records

Records of all training will be maintained, including the date of training, the topics covered, and the names of the employees who attended.

7. Incident Reporting and Investigation

7.1 Reporting Requirements

All incidents, including injuries, near misses, and property damage, must be reported to the supervisor or the joint health and safety committee as soon as possible.

7.2 Investigation Procedures

All reported incidents will be investigated to determine the root cause and to identify corrective actions to prevent recurrence. This aligns with the requirements of Part 3 of the OHSR regarding participation in investigations.

8. Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)

8.1 Committee Establishment

A joint health and safety committee (JHSC) will be established and maintained in accordance with Part 3 of the OHSR if the workforce meets the criteria outlined in Section 3.1. The JHSC will consist of representatives from both management and workers.

8.2 Committee Responsibilities

The JHSC will:

Participate in workplace inspections.
Investigate incidents and near misses.
Make recommendations to the employer on health and safety matters.
Review and update the health and safety program.
Promote health and safety awareness in the workplace.

9. Policy Review and Update

This Health and Safety Policy will be reviewed and updated at least annually, or more frequently if required due to changes in legislation, workplace conditions, or incident history.

10. Employee Acknowledgement and Sign-Off

I have read, understood, and agree to comply with this Health and Safety Policy.

Name	Signature	Date

This policy is effective as of [Date].