Worker Orientation
Workers that are: new to your workplace, returning after a long absence, who have changed where they work at your site, or have changed their assigned tasks must all receive a safety orientation. The orientation must include a review of:
- Emergency procedures that everyone needs to follow in the event of a fire or other emergency.
- Location of fire alarms, evacuation plan, fire escapes, and muster point(s).
- Where the first aid station and other first aid equipment (e.g., eye wash) is.
- Any restricted areas of the worksite.
- Precautions workers must take to protect themselves from exposure to hazardous substances.
- Review their health and safety responsibilities as workers, as well as all safety policies, and programs your workplace may have.
Training
All workplaces will require specific OHS training to meet their legislative requirements.
SUPERVISORS: Supervisors must take a WSCC-approved Supervisor OHS Familiarization Course. This course provides managers and supervisors with the information they need to understand their responsibilities, to prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, and to develop a safety culture in the workplace. See the WSCC’s website to locate approved course provider list.
FIRST AID: First aid training requirements depend upon the number of workers and the type of work they are doing. Refer to Part Five: First Aid in the OHS Regulations to identify what first aid equipment, supplies, and how many attendants your worksite requires.
HAZARDOUS PRODUCTS: Employers must provide training to workers who work with, or could be exposed to, hazardous products. This worksite-specific training must include:
- How to correctly read hazardous product labels and safety data sheets.
- How to safely use, handle, store, and dispose of each hazardous product found at the worksite.
- Procedures that workers need to follow if a hazardous product is released or spilled at the worksite.
- Procedures that workers need to follow in the case of an emergency that involves hazardous products at the worksite.
Workers can learn general information about labels, safety data sheets, and handling hazardous products by taking a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) online course. However, employers must still provide training about specific hazardous products used at their work site.
Required Documentation
- All work sites:
- Training Records: Training certificates and competency records that indicate when the training was completed, and if a recertification or refresher is required.
Regulatory Reference
- OHS Regulations: Sections 12 (c), 16(c), 18, 54 – 67, and 322 – 338
