7 | WSPS.CA/AnnualReport
The legalization of recreational cannabis requires employers to prepare for a new
regulatory landscape. In 2017/18, WSPS was proactive in determining how to assist
its customers with the resulting challenges.
"The first step," says Larry Masotti, WSPS
Director of Strategic Partnerships, "was the
establishment of our cannabis strategy—
determining what WSPS should focus on
and where we should partner with external
organizations to ensure our customers have
the information they need."
A core part of our strategy involves identifying
potential health and safety risks as part of a
hazard assessment and assisting in establishing
or updating policies that deal with impairment
on the job. "This is where we have zero tolerance
for impairment," says Ted Moroz, President and
CEO of The Beer Store and a member of
the CEO Health + Safety Leadership Network.
"Companies must have well-documented,
very tight policies."
Another priority was determining how to get
information out to businesses. To get started,
WSPS coordinated a series of cross-province
Marijuana and the Workplace workshops with
CannAmm Occupational Testing Services. A
second series, featuring step-by-step policy
development, was held in early 2018.
The next phase involved curating a list of
reputable third-party providers to whom WSPS
could refer customers for services such as legal
advice and drug testing.
Through its CEO Health + Safety Leadership
Network, WSPS hosted a roundtable event for
leaders to discuss these topics and the wider
issue of cannabis legalization's impact on the
workplace. A subsequent whitepaper is available
at ceohsnetwork.ca.
In 2018, WSPS will continue to raise awareness
of impairment (using cannabis as an example),
its impact on the workplace and how employers
should respond.
—
"
—
This is where we have zero
tolerance for impairment.
Companies must have
well-documented, very
tight policies.
Ted Moroz
President and CEO, The Beer Store
and member of the CEO Health + Safety
Leadership Network
—
"
—
HEALTH, SAFETY &
CANNABIS
