Implementing an

Occupational Health and Safety

(OH&S) Program

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety

INTRODUCTION
What is an occupational health and safety (OH&S) program?
An occupational health and safety (OH&S) program is a systematic approach to activities, procedures,
are designed to ensure and maintain a safe and healthy workplace, and is a definite plan of action designed
to prevent accidents/incidents and occupational disease. A strong program in health and safety is essential to
the overall success of the organization.

Why have an OH&S program?

Effective occupational health and safety programs have been proven to reduce accidents and illnesses in the
workplace. Health and safety is fundamental to an organization’s success in all areas. It is not an afterthought —
it is about doing things right the first time. Having an occupational health and safety program is not just about
complying with legislation. The ultimate goal is to make health and safety a core value of the organization.
Careful implementation of a good health and safety program will determine its success. In leading organizations,
health and safety is as important as all other matters such as production and cost control. Leadership for the
OH&S program comes from all levels of the organization – senior managers, managers, supervisors, and workers
are all involved. Each person understands their responsibilities for preventing accidents and contributing to safe
workplaces.

Objectives
This guide provides information on how to develop and implement an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)
program. It will help you to:
• Create an OH&S program, with emphasis on effectiveness, compliance, diligence, and documentation,
• Prevent or reduce hazards and risks to employees, equipment, material and environment by using your
workplace hazard assessments, and
• Monitor and improve your OH&S program.

Target Audience
This guide is written for anyone who is committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace.
It will assist employers, owners, managers, supervisors, operators - and the organization as a whole - by
providing guidance on the development, maintenance, and continual improvement of an OH&S program.
It will also help the organization to:
• Assign responsibilities and accountabilities for OH&S,
• Decrease workplace fatalities, illnesses and injuries,
• Reduce the impact of incidents/accidents in the workplace, and
• Foster a workplace culture of prevention and awareness towards health and safety issues.

1
Implementing an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Program CCOHS
SECTION 1: OH&S PROGRAM - OVERVIEW
Definition
An OH&S program is a systematic plan to identify, assess, and control hazards, and
respond to emergencies. The program will describe the steps needed to meet the goals
specified in the policy. The program lays out responsibilities, resources and procedures for
keeping the workplace safe and healthy. The objective is to integrate safety and health into
all work practices and conditions.
– Definition adapted from: Safe Work Manitoba

While this entire manual is written to help you establish your OH&S program, this section will outlines why a
program is important and the steps that need to be taken. Section 2 describes how to establish your OH&S
policy – the policy will provide the overall approach to health and safety and give your program clear direction.

OH&S Policy vs. Program

Every program will start with an overall policy (see Section 2). An organization's occupational health and safety
policy is a statement of principles and general rules that serve as a guide for action. Senior management must be
committed to ensuring that the policy is carried out with no exceptions. The health and safety policy should have
the same importance as the other policies of the organization.
A health and safety program is a definite plan of action designed to prevent accidents and occupational
diseases. An OH&S program is required under occupational health and safety legislation in most Canadian
jurisdictions. A health and safety program must include the elements required by the health and safety
legislation as a minimum. A program is not one thing – it will involve many aspects in order to cover the various
hazards or situations in your workplace.

Setting up an OH&S Program

Because organizations differ, a program developed for one organization will not necessarily meet the needs of
another. Be sure to do a hazard assessment and address the specific needs that are present in your workplace.
In general, the work flow will be to:
1. Write an OH&S policy that reflects your organization’s commitment to health and safety.
2. Identify people and resources (e.g., health and safety committee, legislation, etc.).
3. Prepare statements of responsibilities.
4. Identify hazards (risk assessment, hazard control).
5. Develop procedures for “common” elements such as emergency preparedness, training, inspections,
investigations, etc.
6. Develop procedures based on the specific hazards in your workplace (e.g., violence prevention, driving, etc.).
7. Implement the programs, education, and training to all employees.
8. Regularly monitor, audit, and review your program.

5
Implementing an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Program CCOHS
 Sample 4: Due Diligence Checklist

Task Yes No Action

Written health and safety policy

Written health and safety program

Know and follow all the duties of the employer under OH&S legislation

Comply with OH&S legislation

Health and safety committee(s) or representative established and functions as required by OH&S
legislation

Hazard identification, analysis, risk assessment, and documentation

Hazard control measures and prevention programs

Hazard reporting system for all employees

Safe Work Practices specific to your workplace

Safe Job Procedures specific to your workplace

Orientation safety training for all employees

Workplace specific safety training

Ongoing safety training as required

Workplace inspections conducted as required by OH&S legislation

Complete and accurate record keeping including training, accident/incident reports, inspections,
health and safety committee minutes, etc.

Discipline and enforcement when required

Auditing of health and safety program

Other:

18
CCOHS Implementing an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Program
 Sample 22: Personal Protective Equipment Policy

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) Policy

It is the policy of this organization that all personnel use the proper Personal Protective Equipment
(PPE) when and where required.
All employees shall wear CSA approved equipment (e.g., eye protection, hearing protection,
hard hats, and safety footwear). Employees working in area _________________________ are also
required to wear long pants and long sleeved shirts.
The following PPE will be supplied by the organization.
• ___________________________
• ___________________________
• ___________________________
• ___________________________
• ___________________________

All PPE shall be in good condition and maintained according to your training and manufacturers’
instructions.
All employees shall inspect their PPE before each use. Supervisors shall inspect PPE during safety
inspections. All PPE found suspect will be tagged “Out of Service”, removed from use and only
returned to service if approved by a qualified technician.
All employees not obeying this policy shall be subject to disciplinary action in accordance with
company rules.

G. Miller, General Manager

Date:

This policy complies with, or exceeds, all applicable legislation.

49
Implementing an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Program CCOHS
 Sample 40: Emergency Evacuation Procedures
Prepared By: Title:
Site Location: Date Prepared:
Equipment Required: 1. Aerosol actuated air horn 2. ABC Fire Extinguisher
General Evacuation Steps:
1. Evacuation procedures shall be initiated by the site supervisor.
2. The site evacuation signal shall be three short blasts on the air horn followed by a five second delay then three more short
blasts on the air horn until the air horn is exhausted or all persons have been accounted for by the supervisor.
3. ALL workers shall leave the site on hearing the alarm, walk to the nearest safe exit and assemble at the muster point.
4. Each supervisor shall take a roll-call to ensure all their workers have been accounted for.
5. Each supervisor shall then report the roll-call results to the designated senior supervisor, superintendent or manager.
6. The senior supervisor/superintendent/manager shall personally determine if the site is safe to return to work.
7. The senior supervisor/superintendent shall conduct an investigation of the cause(s) of the evacuation and report to management.
Fire, Leaking Gases, Liquids
1. STOP – Turn off all equipment.
2. Call 911 or (xxx) xxx-xxxx
3. Know the location of all fire extinguishers and how to use them
4. PROTECT YOURSELF FIRST. Then try to assist others. If safe and trained to do so, try to contain the fire and/or shut off leaking
gases or fluids.
5. Evacuate the site if the fire cannot be put out or the gases/liquids cannot be shut off or contained in a small area.
6. KNOW WHERE THE EXITS ARE and be sure they are not locked or blocked.
7. Check to see if the people you were working with have got out.
Fire, Leaking Gases, Liquids
1. Make sure that you are safe first.
2. Keep upwind.
3. Administer first aid to maintain life.
4. Keep unnecessary people away or ask/send for qualified assistance if needed.
5. Assist arriving EMS persons as they may request.
6. DO NOT return to the affected area until told it is safe to do so by the supervisor or Fire Captain.
Explosions
Explosions include those caused by leaking gas, faulty or incorrectly placed heating equipment and other flammable vapours.

– Adapted from Alberta Construction Safety Association course material

1. Fall to the floor/ground and take immediate shelter under tables, desks or anything that will give protection from flying debris.
2. Explosions are usually followed by fire – see above FIRE, LEAKING GASES, LIQUIDS.
3. Explosions often cause injuries – see above IF A VICTIM MUST BE RESCUED.
Electrical Shock
Electrical shock may throw the victim away from the point of contact OR the victim may not be able to let go.
1. SWITCH OFF OR UNPLUG THE ELECTRIC POWER SOURCE ONLY IF SAFE FOR YOU TO DO SO.
2. ENSURE THE VICTIM IS NOT STILL CONNECTED TO THE ELECTRICAL SOURCE - DO NOT TOUCH THE VICTIM IF NOT SURE.
If necessary, use a dry non-metal broom handle or other insulated means to free the victim from the connection.
3. Administer first aid to maintain life.
4. Keep unnecessary people away or ask/send for qualified assistance if needed.
5. Assist arriving EMS persons as they may request.
Wildlife Contact: List the local wildlife ministry or department instructions depending on the type of animal(s) likely to be encountered.
Emergency Phone Numbers
Fire, Police, Medical 911 Or ( ) ( ) - Poison Control
Water/Sewer Utility Electrical Utility
Gas Utility Cable Utility
Phone Utility Health And Safety
Wildlife Environment
Supervisor Company Safety
Coordinator

81
Implementing an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Program CCOHS
SECTION 21: AUDIT, EVALUATION, AND
CONTINUAL IMPROVEMENT
Definition
Audit – the systematic and documented process for obtaining audit evidence and evaluating it
objectively to determine the extent to which the criteria are fulfilled.
- CSA Z1000-6 “Occupational Health and Safety Management”

Audits provide the opportunity for continual improvement of health and safety performance and the OH&S
Program. Results should be reviewed by management to determine any shortcomings and recommend changes
to the existing processes, procedures and programs. Audits can also be used to help identify areas where
progress has been made, reductions in accident rates, people who contributed to the success, etc.
There are different types of audits, some very detailed while others more straightforward. Choose the style that
best suits your organization and the complexity of your OH&S program.
Performing audits of the OH&S Program will help you to identify if your program is working, and if, at minimum,
your program is meeting health and safety legislation requirements. This annual audit should determine:
• Effectiveness of the OH&S Program in achieving the objectives and targets
• Effectiveness of worker and worker representative participation
• Compliance with OH&S laws and other requirements
• Implementation and completion of evaluations, actions and reviews
• Promotion of continual improvements and improved procedures, practices and programs
Some audits are carried out by independent agencies or consultants and others are done in-house by those
responsible for developing and maintaining the health and safety program. Either way, an internal audit team
should be competent to carry out the workplace audit. The team must have training on:
• How to perform audits
• Which elements of the OH&S Program are to be audited
• How to report findings
• How to write reports, etc.
It is also advisable to select members of the audit team from different functional areas of your organization.
This mix of people will help to ensure that the auditors are independent from the activities being audited and
will provide unbiased feedback.

Evaluation
All preventative and corrective actions, including those recommended during internal and external inspections
and audits, must be recorded and tracked to ensure their successful implementation. These actions will also
provide information to be used in the management review of the OH&S Program.
Consider all these sources of information:
• Audit results
• Workplace inspection results and recommendations

110
CCOHS Implementing an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Program
 APPENDIX C:
INTERNAL AUDIT CHECKLIST
Legend: D = Documentation O = Observation I = Interview

Elements/Guidelines Score

1.1 Employer health and safety policy contains the following: Yes No Verify

1.1(a) Employer’s commitment Employer’s commitment to preventing occupational 5 0 D

illness and injury in the workplace and promoting health
and well-being

1.1(b) Employer responsibility Employer responsibility to implement and maintain a 5 0 D

safe and healthy work environment

1.1(c) Supervisor responsibility Supervisor responsibility to ensure that safe and 5 0 D

healthy conditions are maintained in his/her assigned work
area

1.1(d) Worker responsibility Worker responsibility to work safely following legislated 5 0 D

and employer Safe Work Procedures / Practices

1.1(e) Dated Dated within 12 month period 5 0 D/O

1.1(f) Signed Signed by the most senior management person on site 5 0 D/O

1.1(g) Posted Posted on bulletin boards - Accessible to all employees 10 0 O

2.1 Employer has established health and safety responsibilities and performance accountabilities:

2.1(a) Manager responsibilities Manager responsibilities to ensure performance of: 1 0 D/

• Performing workplace inspections
• Conducting information sessions (safety talks, etc.)
• Conducting incident investigations
• Conducting employee training
• Correcting substandard acts, conditions or behaviours
• Commending employee and supervisor health and
safety performance
• Performing employee health, safety and well-being
observations
• Encourage employees to report unsafe conditions, faulty
equipment, or any other health and safety concern

2.1(b) Manager accountabilities Manager accountabilities: Performance evaluation 10 0 D/I

• System must be formalized
• Measures each responsibility
• Performed regularly, at least annually

2.1(c) Supervisor responsibilities Supervisor responsibilities: Ensuring work is 10 0 D/I

performed in a safe and healthy manner
• Performing workplace inspections
• Conducting information sessions (safety talks, etc.)
• Conducting incident investigations
120 • Conducting employee training
CCOHS
• Correcting substandard acts, Implementing
conditions or an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Program
behaviour
• Commending employee health and safety performance
• Performing employee safety observations
• Encourage employees to report unsafe conditions, faulty
equipment, or any other health and safety concern
 APPENDIX D :
CANADIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENTS
RESPONSIBLE FOROCCUPATIONAL
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Canada (Federal jurisdiction)
Occupational Health and Safety: Labour Program
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
1-800-641-4049
Ottawa, ON, K1A 0J2
Contacts for regional and district offices for
Occupational health and safety
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/labour/workplace_health/index.shtml
Labour Program
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/eng/labour/index.shtml
Human Resources and Skills Development Canada
http://www.hrsdc.gc.ca/en/home.shtml
Government of Canada
http://canada.gc.ca/

Alberta
Workplace Health and Safety
Alberta Employment and Immigration
10th Floor Seventh Street Plaza, South Tower
10030 - 107 Street
Edmonton AB T5J 3E4
General Inquiries: (780) 415-8690; FAX: (780) 422-3730
Workplace Health and Safety Call Centre: 1-866-415-8690
Web Site: http://employment.alberta.ca/SFW/53.html

British Columbia
WorkSafeBC
6951 Westminster Highway
P.O. Box 5350 STN Terminal
Richmond BC V6B 5L5
Health & Safety Questions (604) 276-3100; 1-888-621-SAFE (7233)
General Inquiries: (604) 273-2266 Fax: (604) 276-3247
After hours safety and health emergency reporting: (604) 273-7711; 1-888-621-SAFE (7233)
Web Site: http://www.worksafebc.com/
Contact List/Regional Offices: http://www.worksafebc.com/contact_us/regional_locations/default.asp

129
Implementing an Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) Program CCOHS
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
Phone: 1-800-668-4284 / 1-905-570-8094
Fax: 1-905-572-4500
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.ccohs.ca
135 Hunter Street East
Hamilton ON
Canada L8N 1M5