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Introduction to a Basic Occupational Health & Safety System

An Occupational Health and Safety System in the workplace is the foundation for any illness and injury prevention initiative within an organization.

The system is comprised of policies, procedures, written responsibilities and a specific accountability system. Paramount to any Health and Safety System is the active involvement and commitment of Senior Management of the organization. Without active involvement and commitment, no Health and Safety System can work, no matter how detailed or involved.

The Workplace is not alone in developing occupational health and safety. A number of external partners are there to assist and support these workplace initiatives.

At the provincial level, workplace health and safety is regulated by the Ministry of Labour. The Ministry of Labour's role is to establish new H&S guidelines and legislative requirements, and to enforce these rules and regulations through inspections and investigations, prosecuting companies that are not in compliance.

The Workplace Safety Insurance Board (WSIB)'s role is to provide employers with workplace safety education, prevention initiatives, disability insurance benefits and to outline the responsibilities to employers.

Safe Workplace Associations such as the OSSA provide sector-specific training, education, products and consulting for workplaces in Ontario. There are currently 14 designated Safe Workplace Associations in the Province of Ontario.

The Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) is an internal shared committee of employers and workers within an organization who work together to audit their H&S System, and make recommendations to the employer to improve the system and reduce workplace injuries and illnesses.

The components of an effective workplace Health & Safety System include, but are not limited to:

• A Health and Safety Policy that outlines the company's commitment to injury and illness reduction
• Well-established Communication model
• Written H&S Responsibilities of all workplace parties
• An accountability system to ensure that people follow through on their responsibilities
• Training on the hazards and for managers to support the system initiatives
• Worker Health and Safety Rep or Joint Health and Safety Committee roles and responsibilities.
• A Workplace inspection Program
• An Accident Investigation Program
• First Aid Training and Procedures
• Establishment of an Early and Safe Return to Work Program
• Preventative Maintenance Program

While you can find useful information and tips taken from the guide on our Web site, we recommend that you purchase An Introduction to the Occupational Health & Safety System.

This self-paced, 6-step resource guide will take you through each of the basic components of a Health & Safety program. It includes a summary of legal obligations, roles and responsibilities, information on Joint Health & Safety Committee and H&S representatives, a process for workplace inspection and accident investigation, a section on WHMIS requirements including symbols, labels and Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), and much more.

Who Should Buy This Product?

This guide will benefit business owners, managers and service industry professionals in small to mid-sized companies who want to learn the basics of developing a solid Health & Safety program.

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