When it comes to workplace health and safety, Canada has stringent laws in place to protect workers. These laws come with significant responsibilities for employers, supervisors, and workers alike. Today, we guide you through the key duties for keeping your business safe and compliant with occupational health and safety legislation, and how you can access expert HR resources to help you along the way.
The three rights of workers in Canada
Before we dive into the specifics of health and safety responsibilities, it’s crucial to understand the three fundamental rights that all workers in Canada have:
- The right to know: Workers have the right to be informed about potential hazards in the workplace. This includes being educated about any machinery, equipment, or processes that may pose a risk to their safety.
- The right to participate: Employees have the right to participate in identifying and resolving workplace health and safety concerns. This could be through involvement in a health and safety committee or participating in discussions about workplace safety policies with their supervisors.
- The right to refuse unsafe work: If a worker believes that a task or condition is likely to endanger themselves or others in the workplace, they have the right to refuse to perform the work until the issue is resolved. This is a critical component of occupational health and safety legislation, empowering workers to protect themselves from harm.
Internal responsibility system (IRS)
The internal responsibility system, or IRS, is the underlying philosophy or framework of workplace health and safety that recognizes all workplace parties share responsibility for the health and safety of themselves and those around them. The IRS is based on the premise that all workplace parties have different roles and responsibilities for health and safety depending on their authority and control in the workplace. A successful IRS establishes responsibility-sharing systems, encourages a culture of health and safety, promotes safety best practices, and ensures compliance with legislation, policies, and procedures. Let’s look at some of those responsibilities.
Employer health and safety responsibilities
As an employer in Canada, you carry the most significant responsibility for health and safety in the workplace. Here’s what you need to know.
- Creating a safe workplace
You are responsible for ensuring that the workplace is free from hazards that could cause injury or illness to others in the workplace. To do this, you need to conduct regular inspections and risk assessments, maintenance of equipment, and prompt repair of any unsafe conditions.
- Providing adequate training
Employers must provide regular, appropriate training to all employees, ensuring they understand how to perform their jobs safely. Examples of what training employees should receive includes the proper use of equipment, handling of hazardous materials (WHMIS), safe lifting techniques (if applicable), and emergency procedures. Training may be a combination of in-class instruction and hands-on learning. Supervisors should also receive training in line with legislative requirements and their specific job duties.
- Developing health and safety policies
You must develop, implement, and enforce a comprehensive health and safety policy. This document should outline the organization’s commitment to health and safety in the workplace, the roles and responsibilities of everyone in the organization, and how safety is maintained. Using our all-in-one HR software, you can easily access policies, learning resources, surveys, and much more!
- Maintaining records
Employers must keep detailed records of all safety training, inspections, incidents, and actions taken to correct any issues. You are also responsible for reporting certain types of injuries and illnesses to the appropriate regulatory bodies in a timely manner.
- Supporting health and safety committees and representatives
Depending on the number of employees at your workplace, you may be required to establish a health and safety committee or representative. As an employer, you must support the committee or representative by providing the resources needed to carry out their functions effectively.
Supervisor health and safety responsibilities
Supervisors play a crucial role in enforcing health and safety policies. Essentially, they are appointed by the employer to act as the first line of defence: guiding, directing, and overseeing workers. Here’s what you need to know.
- Ensuring compliance
Supervisors must ensure that workers follow all safety procedures and use equipment or protective equipment correctly. They are responsible for correcting any unsafe behaviours or conditions immediately.
- Reinforcing training
Supervisors should reinforce the training provided by the employer, offering additional guidance and clarification as needed. This is especially important when there are new workers or changes in procedures. Supervisors should ensure that they have the proper training to perform their duties and be able to support workers.
- Monitoring and reporting
Supervisors need to monitor the workplace for potential hazards continually and report any issues to management. They must also ensure that any incidents are documented and reported according to company procedures.
- Supporting workers’ rights
It is a supervisor’s duty to support workers in exercising their rights to know, participate, and refuse unsafe work. They must take seriously any safety concerns raised by workers and act promptly to address them.
Worker health and safety responsibilities
While employers and supervisors shoulder a lot of responsibility due to their control and authority over the workplace, it’s important to remember that workers are also key to maintaining a safe and secure workplace.
- Following safety protocols
Workers must follow all health and safety policies and procedures set by the employer. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE), machines, and devices as required.
- Being aware of and reporting hazards
If a worker notices a hazard, they must report it to their supervisor or manager immediately. For example, if a worker spots a spill that could cause someone to slip, or a protective guard is missing from a piece of machinery, they must speak up right away and inform their supervisor or employer. This both helps prevent accidents and contributes to a culture of safety for everyone.
- Participating in employee training
All workers must attend necessary health and safety training sessions and apply the knowledge gained in their daily tasks. Upskilling your employees through continual learning not only enhances workplace safety, but also productivity. Ongoing training reduces the risks related to complacency, one of the most common hazards to employee health and safety.
- Maintaining standards
Finally, employees should be proactive and avoid any actions that could compromise the safety and wellbeing of themselves or their colleagues. Examples of inappropriate behaviour that can affect workplace safety include workplace bullying, and violence and harassment.
Fulfil your responsibilities with expert HR help
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