Guides & Toolkits

2 © 2011, Safe Workplace Promotion Services Ontario, publicly known as Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. 1 877 494 WSPS (9777) | 905 614 1400 | www.wsps.ca Starting Your Health and Safety Program Make sure that workers understand their responsibilities. These include the following: comply with safety rules, work practices, and procedures use protective devices and safety equipment properly report all hazards to their supervisors report all accidents immediately Functional Responsibilities Identify the specific health and safety responsibilities related to major functions within your company, and hold the appropriate managers accountable. Some examples are: Policy Setting Ensure that an occupational health and safety policy exists Finance Allocate funds to implement the overall health and safety aspects of your operation Human Resources Identify the "essential" requirements for all jobs Assess the physical demands of all occupations, and develop selection tests Match the physical requirements of work with the physical capabilities of individuals, taking human rights considerations into account Purchasing Obtain health and safety information from suppliers Include safety and health specifications when purchasing machinery, equipment and materials Health and Safety Coordinator Although health and safety is primarily a line management responsibility, both large and small firms can benefit greatly from a staff person who devotes as much time as needed to health and safety. See Appendix 1 for information on the function and responsibilities of health and safety coordinators. Joint Health and Safety Committees or Health and Safety Representatives Under OHSA, you must have a joint health and safety committee if you employ 20 or more workers (s.9 (2)). Your committee as a whole has certain powers and functions; worker members of your committee have specific duties and rights relating, for example, to hazard identification, workplace inspections and accident investigations. Workers and management must select one of their committee members to be certified members, who have certain additional powers and functions. If you employ from 6 to 19 workers, you must have a health and safety representative elected by the workers (s.8 (1)). Representatives have functions and rights similar to those of committees. See Appendix 2 for more information. Working Conditions assessment A sound knowledge and evaluation of all workplace conditions is the basis for controlling health and safety hazards. Regularly assess workplace conditions. Thorough periodic workplace inspections are necessary to ensure safe workplace conditions and, consequently, safe production. Also assess the impact of any proposed changes in process, equipment or materials. Assess all solvents, raw materials, and other chemicals for potential hazards. Ensure that material safety data sheets (MSDSs) are obtained

• Cover