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The different types of health and safety policies and procedures which need to be included in your OHS program depends upon the nature of your work, the hazard rating of your industry and how large your organization is. However, WorkSafeBC does state that your Occupational health and Safety Program in BC needs to be designed a certain way as per the OHSR Regulations.
According to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, it’s the employer’s responsibility to implement an occupational health and safety (OHS) program to prevent employee workplace injury and disease. OHS programs in British Columbia must meet certain safety standards. The employer must exercise due diligence in taking steps to meet those standards. You must have a 'formal' health and safety program if you have either a workforce of 20 or more workers and at least one workplace where there is a moderate or high risk of injury and when you have a workforce of 50 or more workers. Small businesses or employers with fewer than 20 workers need a health and safety program too. These programs can be simpler. We refer to them as "informal" health and safety programs. Health and safety programs are aimed at ensuring workers are protected, risks are minimized, and a healthy and safe workplace is maintained. All employers must establish some form of health and safety program at the workplace. The type of program you need depends on the number of workers you have and the risks associated with their work. Though every workplace and every occupational health and safety (OHS) program are different, there are some key elements common to all programs. Our professional and certified Health and Safety Consultants are able to develop your small or large business a complete written occupational health and safety program specific to your companies operations, specific to your industry and which will meet with all WorkSafeBC legislative requirements WorkSafeBC OHSR Section 3.3 - Contents of Program The occupational health and safety program must be designed to prevent injuries and occupational diseases, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, the program must include: (a) a statement of the employer's aims and the responsibilities of the employer, supervisors and workers, (b) provision for the regular inspection of premises, equipment, work methods and work practices, at appropriate intervals, to ensure that prompt action is undertaken to correct any hazardous conditions found, (c) appropriate written instructions, available for reference by all workers, to supplement this Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, (d) provision for holding periodic management meetings for the purpose of reviewing health and safety activities and incident trends, and for the determination of necessary courses of action, (e) provision for the prompt investigation of incidents to determine the action necessary to prevent their recurrence, (f) the maintenance of records and statistics, including reports of inspections and incident investigations, with provision for making this information available to the joint committee or worker health and safety representative, as applicable and, upon request, to an officer, the union representing the workers at the workplace or, if there is no union, the workers at the workplace, and (g) provision by the employer for the instruction and supervision of workers in the safe performance of their work. Learn more on how GG Health and Safety Consulting can assist your company in developing your own Occupational Health and Safety Program.
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GG Health and Safety Consulting is a professional occupational health and safety consulting service company in BC British Columbia. GG Health and Safety Consulting’s occupational health and safety consultants, safety consultants and OHS consultants offer a wide variety of health and safety consulting services to clients across BC British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Surrey BC, Langley BC, Burnaby BC, Richmond BC, Delta BC and Victoria, BC; such as:
Health and Safety Consulting Services Health and Safety Programs Development Health and Safety Audits (COR) Health and Safety Workplace Inspections WorkSafeBC and Safe Work BC Compliance Prime Contractor Responsibilities GG Health and Safety Consulting offers wide variety of safety training BC and safety certification courses BC across BC British Columbia in the following areas, Vancouver BC, Surrey BC, Langley BC, Burnaby BC, Richmond BC, Delta BC and Victoria, BC: Fork Lift Truck Training BC Asbestos Awareness Training BC Accident Investigations BC Man Lift Boom Lift Training BC WHMIS 2015 GHS Training BC Workplace Safety Inspections Training BC Scissor Lift Training BC Ladder Safety Training BC Supervisor Responsibilities Due Diligence Training BC Fall Protection Training BC Safe Sharps Disposal Training BC Violence in the Workplace Training in BC Confined Space Entry Training BC Joint Health and Safety Committee Training BC Transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) Training BC Lock Out Tag Out Training BC New Employee Safety Orientations Training BC Contact us for more information on our occupational health and safety consulting services, OHS safety consulting, OHS safety consultants, OHS safety audits, OHS safety inspections, OHS safety program development, worksafebc safe work BC compliance in BC British Columbia, Vancouver BC, Surrey BC, Langley BC, Burnaby BC, Richmond BC, Delta BC and Victoria, BC. Vancouver Lower Mainland, BC: (778) 316-6440 Victoria Vancouver Island, BC: (250) 999-9380 Email: [email protected] Misunderstandings start when there’s no written, signed agreement about safety roles and responsibilities between the owner and prime contractor in BC. Verbal understandings or assumptions made by either the owner or prime contractor can, at best, cause confusion. The prime contractor may assume responsibility for the site’s health and safety program when, in fact, the owner has retained this responsibility. In the worst-case scenario, safety is compromised and workers’ lives are put at risk when prime contractors don’t understand the extent of their health and safety responsibilities. All of this can be avoided by adding an appendix or schedule clause to the contract of work that specifies health and safety duties appointed by the owner to the prime contractor. Without this written agreement, the owner retains responsibility.
IDENTIFY, CORRECT AND ADDRESS HEALTH AND SAFETY HAZARDS Overall, the prime contractor is responsible for identifying and addressing hazards and establishing a comprehensive system of corrective action — from young worker orientation to fall protection programs. The prime contractor is also responsible for having systems in place to ensure two-way communication with subcontractors. Where hazards are specific to the work of a particular subcontractor, however, that contractor is responsible for eliminating or, if that’s not possible, minimizing the risk to workers. Subcontractors should also notify the prime contractor in advance of any work that is likely to create a hazard for a worker or another subcontractor. In the end, it is still the prime contractor’s responsibility to ensure all corrective action is taken and that regular inspections are made to prevent the development of unsafe practices or conditions. COMMUNICATE AND COORDINATE WITH SUBCONTRACTORS Subcontractors have a health and safety role to play in a multiple employer workplace, but the prime contractor must communicate and coordinate with subcontractors in the following ways: • Receiving from each subcontractor on site the names of the qualifi ed persons designated to 1) supervise their workers and 2) be responsible for the subcontractor’s site health and safety activities • Ensuring subcontractors notify the prime contractor in advance of any undertaking likely to create a hazard for a worker of another subcontractor • Communicating any known hazards to all affected subcontractors and workers • Attending site meetings with subcontractors to coordinate safety and ensure compliance with the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. ASSIGN A QUALIFIED HEALTH AND SAFETY COORDINATOR When responsible for health and safety a multiple employer workplace, coordination is essential. While the prime contractor is still responsible for many specific outcomes in a multiple employer workplace, the coordination begins by assigning a qualified health and safety lead who, among other things, is responsible for: • Identifying and setting expectations for each subcontractor’s safety contact • Coordinating all safety-related activities, from site orientations to safety committee meetings and tool box talks, to inspections and incident reviews • Informing employers and workers of the hazards created in the workplace • Ensuring that the hazards are addressed throughout the duration of the work activities. ESTABLISH AN EMERGENCY RESPONSE PLAN The prime contractor is responsible for the site’s emergency response plan and for communicating it to all workers. This plan should take into account the number of people onsite, the people who work outside regular hours, and the types of emergencies that may arise. The plan should also describe subcontractor and individual worker responsibilities (e.g., responding to a fire) and provide for any necessary training and equipment, including first aid supplies. As work processes change over the course of the project, the emergency response plan needs to be updated. MAINTAIN ACCURATE HEALTH AND SAFETY RECORDS Fulfilling your responsibility is one thing. Proving it is another. That’s why keeping accurate records and notes is a must. Documentation demonstrating the coordination of safety-related activities and a system to ensure compliance with the Act and Regulation may include: • Notes from the initial site safety meetings • Safety committee meeting minutes • Reviews of contractors’ safety systems • Inspection and incident investigation reports • First aid records • Documentation of orientation and training (especially for young and new workers, see Regulation 3.23–25) GG Health and Safety Consulting in BC has been providing Health and Safety Training, OHS Health and Safety Consulting Services, OHS Safety Audits, OHS Safety Inspections, OHS Safety Programs in BC since 2002: SERVING VICTORIA BC (VANCOUVER ISLAND), VANCOUVER BC, NORTH VANCOUVER BC, WEST VANCOUVER BC, BURNABY BC, NEW WESTMINSTER BC, RICHMOND BC, SURREY BC, LANGLEY BC, FORT LANGLEY BC, MAPLE RIDGE BC, COQUITLAM BC, PORT COQUITLAM BC, PORT MOODY BC, PITT MEADOWS BC, MISSION BC & ABBOTSFORD BC Due diligence
Due diligence in BC requires taking all reasonable steps to protect workers from harm. 'All reasonable steps' is based on the level of judgment and care that a person would reasonably be expected to do under the circumstances. An organization that actively manages health and safety and takes all reasonable steps to protect workers from harm is being duly diligent. Due diligence requires that you:
Steps to being duly diligent
VANCOUVER, BC NORTH VANCOUVER, BC WEST VANCOUVER, BC Active Health & Safety Management
Active health and safety management in BC is an essential first step toward improving your organization's health and safety culture. There are two aspects of managing health and safety performance for continual improvement:
An active health and safety management approach encompasses the health and safety program approach and builds upon it. Standards for Active Health & Safety Management The two aspects of actively managing health and safety, mentioned above, are combined in the framework of occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) canadian standards such as CSA Z1000-14. OHSMS standards outline the principles and processes to follow for continual health and safety improvement. OHSMS standards can be applied to any industry. They do not make reference to specific hazards, but they indicate the need for specific health and safety processes and proactive management processes. Within these standards are components of an effective health and safety program, including:
Adopting an OHSMS standard for your organization is voluntary, but it is very beneficial. Using these standards of active health and safety management can steer you towards best practice. Actively managing health and safety is a key step to improving your organization's health and safety culture. GG Health and Safety Consulting in BC has been providing Health and Safety Training, OHS Health and Safety Consulting Services, OHS Safety Audits, OHS Safety Inspections, OHS Safety Programs in BC since 2002: SERVING VICTORIA BC (VANCOUVER ISLAND), VANCOUVER BC, NORTH VANCOUVER BC, WEST VANCOUVER BC, BURNABY BC, NEW WESTMINSTER BC, RICHMOND BC, SURREY BC, LANGLEY BC, FORT LANGLEY BC, MAPLE RIDGE BC, COQUITLAM BC, PORT COQUITLAM BC, PORT MOODY BC, PITT MEADOWS BC, MISSION BC & ABBOTSFORD BC According to the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation in BC, it’s the employer’s responsibility to implement an occupational health and safety (OHS) program to prevent employee workplace injury and disease. OHS programs in British Columbia BC must meet certain safety standards. The employer must exercise due diligence in taking steps to meet those standards.
You must have a 'formal' health and safety program if you have either a workforce of 20 or more workers and at least one workplace where there is a moderate or high risk of injury and when you have a workforce of 50 or more workers. Small businesses or employers with fewer than 20 workers need a health and safety program too. These programs can be simpler. We refer to them as "informal" health and safety programs. Health and safety programs in BC are aimed at ensuring workers are protected, risks are minimized, and a healthy and safe workplace is maintained. All employers must establish some form of health and safety program at the workplace. The type of program you need depends on the number of workers you have and the risks associated with their work. Though every workplace and every occupational health and safety (OHS) program are different, there are some key elements common to all programs. GG Health and Safety Consulting has been providing clients with professional occupational health and safety consulting services, ohs safety audits, ohs safety inspections, WorkSafeBC Compliance and ohs safety training courses in: VICTORIA BC, VANCOUVER ISLAND BC, VANCOUVER BC, NORTH VANCOUVER BC, WEST VANCOUVER BC, BURNABY BC, NEW WESTMINSTER BC, RICHMOND BC, SURREY BC, DELTA BC, LANGLEY BC, FORT LANGLEY BC, MAPLE RIDGE BC, COQUITLAM BC, PORT COQUITLAM BC, PORT MOODY BC, PITT MEADOWS BC, ABBOTSFORD BC and MISSION BC.  Fall Protection Training in BC
Falls from heights, even relatively low elevations, can result in serious injuries. The proper use of fall protection equipment — in addition to planning, supervision, and training — can reduce or eliminate the risk of falling. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation in BC requires workers to use fall protection systems when they could fall from a height of 3 m (10 ft.) or more, or where a fall from a lesser height could result in serious injury. Employers in BC are required to ensure all their employees working at heights are adequately provided with certified fall protection training in BC. Fall Protection Hierarchy The fall protection hierarchy in BC must be used when choosing methods to eliminate or control fall hazards. The steps are listed in the order in which they should be considered.
GG Health and Safety Consulting has been providing Fall Protection Training in BC since 2002: SERVING VICTORIA BC (VANCOUVER ISLAND), VANCOUVER BC, NORTH VANCOUVER BC, WEST VANCOUVER BC, BURNABY BC, NEW WESTMINSTER BC, RICHMOND BC, SURREY BC, LANGLEY BC, FORT LANGLEY BC, MAPLE RIDGE BC, COQUITLAM BC, PORT COQUITLAM BC, PORT MOODY BC, PITT MEADOWS BC, MISSION BC & ABBOTSFORD BC Employer’s Responsibilities
WORKPLACE SAFETY AUDITS
Our team of experienced health and safety auditors (health and safety audits in BC) work with you and your employees to measure and assess your occupational health and safety program and provide clear guidance on how you can improve and streamline your safety processes. We use a formal document process that has been approved by WorkSafeBC (WCB). OUR AUDITS Safety Systems Audits WorkSafeBC Compliance Audit – Provincial and Federal Acts & OHSR Regulations Providing Hazard Assessments and Workplace Safety Inspections WHY ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVE AN AUDIT It is part of their Continuous Improvement System towards safety excellence It provides an independent and unbiased examination of their health and safety processes It will ensure good standing with WorkSafeBC OHSR and WCA Regulations and provide proof of Due Diligence It is part of the ‘Safety Certification Training in BC' program GG Health and Safety Consulting provides occupational health and safety consulting, health and safety training, site safety inspections, site safety audits and health and safety consultants in Vancouver BC, Surrey BC, Langley BC, Delta BC, Richmond BC, Burnaby BC, Victoria BC and Abbotsord BC. A comprehensive workplace safety inspection program in BC may include daily inspections of equipment, initial startup inspections, walk-arounds of mobile equipment before use, daily and/or weekly supervisor inspections, and weekly and/or monthly departmental inspections. In addition to regularly scheduled inspections, you need to inspect your workplace after an incident or when you have added a new work process or new equipment.
Conducting an inspection During an inspection, identify unsafe conditions and activities that may cause injury or illness, so you can take corrective measures. Follow these guidelines:
What to focus on There are different ways to approach safety inspections. Looking at the components of your health and safety program will help. For example, you can focus on the most common tasks your workers perform or on specific issues addressed by your program, such as material handling, confined space entry, or workplace violence. You may wish to break up the worksite into specific segments with focused checklists to look at specific hazards and activities in each area. Here are some examples of things to look for:
For more information on conducting a safety inspection. After the inspection Follow these guidelines to address issues and conclude the inspection:
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS IN BC An occupational health and safety (OHS) management system encompasses more than just your health and safety program. It includes health and safety policies, systems, standards, and records, and involves incorporating your health and safety activities and program into your other business processes. Having an effective management system improves your ability to continuously identify hazards and control risks in your workplace. COMPONENTS OF AN EFFECTIVE OHS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM These following elements are components of an effective OHS management system. The scope and complexity of the system may vary, depending on the size and hazards of your workplace and the nature of the work performed. Management leadership and commitment Leadership and commitment by senior management (the CEO or most senior management) provides the vision, establishes policy, sets goals, and provides resources to lead and support the implementation of your OHS management programs and system. Safe work procedures and written instructions Safe work procedures and practices ensure that everyone in the organization knows their responsibilities and can perform their duties effectively. There should be safe work procedures on an organizational level, such as how to conduct a risk assessment, as well as on a worker level, such as how to lock out properly. Health and safety training and instruction Everyone in the workplace, from senior management to frontline workers, needs to understand their responsibilities when it comes to implementing and maintaining a healthy and safe workplace. Senior management should understand their role in establishing policies and continually driving the OHS management system and programs. Employers must ensure that workers are trained, qualified, and competent to perform their tasks. Supervisors must provide adequate instruction and oversight to workers so they can safely perform their work. And workers need to work safely, according to how they were trained. Identifying hazards and managing risk Managing the risk in your workplace includes identifying hazards, assessing the risks those hazards present, and controlling the risks to prevent your workers from getting injured. Inspection of premises, equipment, workplaces & work practices Workplace inspections can help you to continually identify hazards and prevent unsafe working conditions from developing. Investigation of incidents Conducting incident investigations helps identify immediate, and root causes of unsafe conditions. It also identifies ways to prevent similar incidents from happening in the future. The Occupational Health and Safety Regulation has specific requirements for incident investigation documentation and reporting that employers are required to meet. Program administration Regularly assessing how well your organization is doing when it comes to meeting its health and safety goals is essential to improving your OHS management system. Maintaining accurate records of your OHS management system activities will provide useful information to help you continually improve. Joint health and safety committee & representatives Joint health and safety committees and health and safety representatives assist the organization by bringing together employers and workers to jointly identify and resolve health and safety issues in your workplace. They also participate in developing and implementing your OHS management system. Occupational health and safety programs Occupational health and safety programs are an essential part of your OHS management system. System audit The COR auditor reviews key aspects of your OHS management system to ensure that its quality and effectiveness meet the expectations of the COR program standards and guidelines. This helps maintain the credibility and value of COR certifications. WHAT AN EFFECTIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM IN BC LOOKS LIKE
An effective program will:
Include sub-programs focused on health and safety issues pertinent to your site. For example, your site may have a specific lockout program, a fall protection program, or a confined space entry program. FORMAL VERSUS LESS FORMAL HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAMS IN BC You must have a formal health and safety program if you have either of the following:
Small businesses or employers with fewer than 20 workers need a health and safety program too. These programs can be simpler. We refer to them as "less formal" health and safety programs. See OHS Guideline 3.2 for information about the contents of a less formal health and safety program. If you're not sure if you need a formal or informal program, follow these steps:
What is bullying and harassment in BC?
A worker is bullied and harassed when someone takes an action that he or she knew or reasonably ought to have known would cause that worker to be humiliated or intimidated. When an employer or supervisor takes reasonable action to manage and direct workers, it is not bullying and harassment (see Prevention Policy D3-115-2 for more information). Submitting complaints If you are a worker and you have experienced or observed bullying and harassment in your workplace, you must report it to your employer. If your employer has not taken reasonable steps to address the incident, you can call the Prevention Information Line to contact an officer to discuss the incident prior to submitting a complaint to WorkSafeBC. There is a difference between bullying and harassment and other types of incidents that can happen in the work environment. The following behaviours may not be bullying and harassment if they are approached in an appropriate manner:
Procedures for handling complaints Employers must establish procedures stating how they will deal with bullying and harassment incidents and complaints in the workplace. Procedures must: ensure a reasonable response, aim to fully address the incident, and ensure future bullying and harassment is prevented or minimized. Procedures must address the following:
In addition to establishing procedures, employers are responsible for ensuring they are followed. Workers are expected to cooperate with investigators and provide any details of acts of bullying or harassment they have experienced or witnessed. |
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