In Alberta, it is mandatory to have a health and safety program if your organization employs 20 or more regularly employed workers.
OHS ACT Definition: a health and safety program means a co-ordinated system of procedures, processes and other measures that is designed to be implemented by organizations in order to promote continuous improvement in occupational health and safety.
OH&S Program – General Elements : OSH Answers (ccohs.ca)
Health and safety programs, along with the implementation of these programs build a strong internal responsibility system and positive safety culture. Through these programs, health and safety can be integrated into the everyday work we perform. From CEO to worker level, all parties at the workplace have a responsibility for the health and safety of not only themselves but everyone at the workplace.
Having health and safety at the forefront of any business has a multitude of positive outcomes and reduces the risk of injury and illness arising from the workplace.
Workplace incidents and injuries have devasting effects on not only the injured, but also family, friends, and co-workers. Having a program in place to reduce the risk should be the starting point in preventing loss arising from the workplace. The challenge is often implementing the plan into the overall safety culture.
The Goal? Ensure everyone gets home safely and injury-free, 365 days a year.
Safety Manual: Where to Start?
As of December 1st / 2021, changes were made to OH&S legislation. Of these changes, OH&S no longer requires a specific set of elements that need to be included in your health and safety program. Therefore employers now have the freedom to develop a program that is relevant to their workplace.
Although employers have more freedom in their health and safety programs, this does not negate the mandatory requirements within the OH&S legislation, which include:
- Hazard assessment and control
- Health and safety committees
- Emergency response plans
- and Worker competency and training
If a health and safety manual is an asset required by your organization, or if you wish to increase your health and safety standards, trust DF Safety. We specialize in customized health and safety programs and guide you during the implementation process.
Featured Courses:
Not ready for a custom plan? Try signing up for one of our featured courses that will boost your organization’s health and safety capabilities.
Joint Health and Safety Committees Course:
- Duration: 60 minutes
- Overview: Teaches you the fundamentals of JHSCs so that your company can develop a committee that adheres to legislation and is unique to your workers, history, and environment.
Health and Safety Committees and Representatives Course:
- Duration: 6-8 hours
- Completed at your own pace
- Overview: Designed to give HSC co-chairs and HSR’s an understanding of their legislated duties and responsibilities under Alberta’s OHS legislation