In Every Work Place, Safety Should Be Priority

Maintaining a safe and healthy environment at work is a top priority for many workplaces which rely on the hard work of both employees and management. When safety procedures and policies are operating effectively, and everyone is working together to minimize risk, the number of incidents in the workplace is greatly reduced.

One of the fundamental skills of anyone responsible for employee safety management is the ability to connect and engage with all employees in order to promote safety and well-being. However, all too often, line managers are catapulted into running a fleet from another part of the business, and as a result end up focusing on productivity and efficiency rather than health and safety, neglecting essential due diligence.

There should always be safety paperwork in case something goes wrong, as well as to educate, inform and improve safety standards. The bottom line is, even if an organization has all of the paperwork in place – it won’t stop incidents from happening; the only ones who can do that is us, the people!

It’s essential, therefore, for line managers to translate their behavioural safety skills towards construction site management. An increased responsibility for safety should ensure guidelines are understood by everyone within the organization and should also be underpinned by a clear vision and strategy.

Safety procedures in Ontario must be practiced by the employer and employee within every organization or company. A worker must report any hazard or contravention of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to the employer or supervisor. If the matter is not resolved, a worker should then refer it to a health and safety representative or member of the joint health and safety committee.

When such matters are referred to a worker’s health and safety representative, he or she should:

• Ask a supervisor or person with designated responsibility in the area to take part in resolving the problem
• Notify the worker who reported the concern once a decision or recommendation has been made.

If a worker’s complaint cannot be resolved, the representative should inform the employer. If the employer is unable to resolve the issue, either the employer or the worker could contact a Ministry of Labor inspector, who will review the situation and render a decision.

ADVANCED CONSULTING & TRAINING OFFERS SAFETY TRAINING & CONSULTING

A safe work place is crucial and ensuring that you have the right safety procedures and policies for things such as working at heights, first aid CPR, confined space entry, as well as things like WHMIS-GHS can create a great work environment that is safe and productive. Since Advanced Consulting and Training Ltd.’s founding, their diverse team of certified health and safety professionals have taken great pride in their ability to deliver prompt, cost-effective and relevant workplace health and safety solutions. As a CPO approved, TSSA accredited, and WSIB approved provider, we look forward to discussing how ACT can help with your company’s safety requirements. Contact us today for more information relating to courses such as:

Health & Safety Representative

Joint Health & Safety Committee

Mandatory Safety Awareness

…and more!