Site-specific emergency response planning is vital to ensure every person in the workplace understands what they must do in case of an emergency. 

In general, everyone at your workplace must know:

A hazard assessment is the process that supervisors and workers use to identify and control workplace hazards. Workers and supervisors should assess hazards together before beginning a new task, working at a new job site, or if the work environment changes for any reason (e.g. seasonal change, new equipment, new procedures).

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:

A commitment to health and safety reflects your business’s commitment to keeping workers safe at the worksite. It explains that everyone on site will follow safe work practices and procedures and comply with safety legislation. This statement is part of an OHS policy.

All employers must designate either an OHS Representative or establish a Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC). These roles and functions help the employer address health and safety concerns, develop training and procedures, and monitor worksite safety initiatives.

Workplaces with 1-19 Employees: OHS Representative 

An OHS Representative may be designated by the employer, or decided on by fellow employees. Their role is to act as a liaison between workers and the employer on health and safety matters. Their duties include:

While health and safety in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility, some roles have legal responsibilities attached to them. Below is a summary of these roles and their responsibilities.

Employer: It is your responsibility to establish and maintain an effective OHS program. By doing the following, you will meet your regulatory responsibilities:

What is a Health and Safety Program?

An Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) program is made up of plans, procedures, reporting tools, and recordkeeping. Once a company has one in place, it ensures operations are carried out in the most safe, healthy way possible. 

While workplace health and safety planning is vital for keeping yourself and your workers safe, it is also simply good business practice for efficiency and reducing claims costs.

You know your workplace best!