Everyone deserves to feel safe at work. A healthy workplace keeps everyone protected, productive, and comfortable, and raising awareness about health and safety helps reduce injuries and create a positive work environment. Yet did you know that as of May 2024, Ontario’s WSIB has recorded over 25,000 lost-time injury claims? That just shows how poor health and safety can have a big effect on productivity.
What’s even more concerning is that most of these injuries are preventable, and setting up a solid health and safety program is a great way to achieve that. It should include the basics required by your applicable health and safety laws but should also fit the specific needs of your workplace.
For instance, IT companies might need more ergonomic guidelines, while construction companies might need safety protocols for working at heights. Essential elements of any program include a health and safety policy, training, violence and harassment awareness, and first aid and emergency procedures. Not sure where to start? Check out four steps our specialists recommend in order to get you started on the right track.
Four Steps to a Safer, Healthier Workplace
1. Establish a Health and Safety Policy
Your program’s success depends on how committed you are to health and safety, and you can show this commitment through a written policy that outlines expectations, rules, and procedures. Ideally, your policy should detail everyone’s responsibilities: employers, workers, supervisors, and the health and safety committee or representative.
Responsibilities might include providing PPE, investigating incidents, and working with the committee. Having everything written down ensures that everyone knows their duties, so keep your policy updated to stay compliant with any changes in the law.
2. Provide Training and Awareness
It sounds obvious that employees need training, but a recent survey found that 25% of companies in Canada lack proper training programs. Without training, employees might not fully understand how safety rules apply to their jobs, which could put them and others in danger.
Your training should empower employees to be aware of their rights to know, participate, and refuse unsafe work , as well as how to prevent potentially dangerous situations.
Training helps employees grasp health and safety rules, recognize hazards, and understand the importance of PPE for preventing injuries. Remember: no workplace can be completely injury-proof, but every workplace can be safer, so everyone should follow health and safety standards, regardless of their role.
3. Emphasize Reporting Violence and Harassment
Violence and harassment prevention is also key. A Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy and relevant training can make a huge difference to keeping your work environment safe and respectful. Your policy should commit to maintaining a safe workplace free from violence and harassment, with clear terms of what is and what is not acceptable.
These issues go beyond just threats and can affect hiring practices, performance assessments, and interactions with clients. Ensure your policy covers all workplace areas, including onsite and offsite locations. Make sure everyone understands their role to prevent violence and harassment and knows how to report incidents. Your company should encourage reporting incidents of inappropriate behaviour and ensure the process is clear and accessible.
4. Create First Aid and Emergency Procedures
Accidents can happen even with the best preventive measures in place, so having clear procedures for emergencies is crucial. A First Aid Policy and Emergency Response Plan outlines everyone’s roles during an emergency, and it’s a vital asset to ensure everyone’s safety during such an event. Check your applicable regulations for mandatory first aid supplies and ensure your first aid kit is stocked and maintained. It’s also crucial that employees know where to find first aid supplies and who is certified to administer first aid.
First aid is vital, and a well-organized response plan can mitigate the effect of injuries. Employees will feel more confident with a clear plan in place, so check that employees know the steps for reporting accidents quickly and conducting investigations to prevent future incidents. Familiarize everyone with these policies to ensure a smooth and consistent response.
Be Safe with a Health & Safety Expert in Your Corner
Injuries are often predictable and preventable, and a successful health and safety program is the best way to manage these issues. While setting up such a program takes time and effort, it’s well worth it in the long run, as it helps build your reputation as a responsible, caring company. The best part? You don’t have to handle it alone!
Get in touch today to book a free demo and discover how to transform health and safety at your company.