SAFETY PROGRAMS IN BC

​WHAT AN EFFECTIVE HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM IN BC LOOKS LIKE

An effective program will:

• Identify and control hazards in the workplace.
• Help prevent injuries and disease.
• Limit an organization's financial losses resulting from injuries and disease.
• Promote a positive health and safety culture.

Outline the importance of, and provide guidance on, health and safety processes such as workplace inspections, investigations, safe work procedures, management meetings for health and safety, joint OHS committee requirements, and the tracking and trending of OHS records and statistics.
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
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You must have a formal health and safety program if you have either of the following:

• A workforce of 20 or more workers and at least one workplace where there is a moderate or high risk of injury
• A workforce of 50 or more workers

See OHS Guideline 3.1 for information on formal health and safety programs.

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:

• Determine how many workers are regularly employed in your workplace. Include all workers, supervisors, and managers who have worked for at least one month.
• Determine if your workplace is classified as low (L), moderate (M), or high (H) risk. Reviewing OHS Guideline G3.16or talking to one of our prevention officers can help you understand the level of risk in your workplace.