OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH AND SAFETY FINAL NOTE

According to WHO (1995), occupational safety and health can be defined as a multidisciplinary activity
aiming at: • Protection and promotion of the health of workers by eliminating occupational factors and
conditions hazardous to health and safety at work • Enhancement of physical, mental and social
well-being of workers and support for the development and maintenance of their working capacity, as
well as professional and social development at work • Development and promotion of sustainable work
environments and work organizations MEASURING HEALTH AND SAFETY PERFORMANCE

The main purpose of measuring a company’s health and safety performance is to provide information on
the current status, as well as the progress of strategies and processes used by the company to mitigate
health and safety related risks. This information is beneficial because it helps: • Determine how the
company’s health and safety management system operates in practice • Identify areas where remedial
action is needed • Provide a basis for continual improvement, and • Provide feedback and motivation •
Additionally, measuring a company’s health and safety performance also enhances their decision making
process. The measurement information helps in deciding: • Where the company is relative to where they
want to be • What progress is necessary and reasonable given the circumstances • How that progress
might be achieved against particular restraint, such as resources or time • Priorities and effective use of
resources

Measuring a company’s health and safety performance is a continuous process. However, similar
to any other activity, measurement should be both efficient and effective. Therefore, the frequency with
which it takes place needs to be planned appropriately, and as such, the following factors should be
considered: • Suitable intervals to ensure that specific planned milestones are achieved • Monitoring the
progress of the plan and comparing it with the timescale for achievement • The potential for change
from one state to another over time, such as: • During the initial design phase • Whenever changes are
made which could impact on the operation of the system • When information is obtained, which
indicates that the system as designed has failed or is flawed Who should measure health and safety
performance? A company’s health and safety performance must be measured at each level of
management, starting with the most senior management. Additionally, the company will need to decide
how to allocate responsibilities for both the active and reactive monitoring of performance

Safety Conditions Indicators

What is a condition indicator? Condition indicators measure the safety climate of the company,
reflecting on how safety has been over a given period. Examples include: • Workers’ perceptions of the
workplace safety climate • Workers’ perception of safety strategies • Managers’ assessments of their
workers’ safety competencies • Workers’ perceptions of the extent of safety precautions undertaken

Behavior Analysis

Behavior analysis is the application of behavior change to deal with problems such as safety
performance. If behavior is being studied as a leading safety performance indicator, it is important to not
just focus on the actions occurring, but also to answer the question:
 Why is this unsafe behavior occurring? The most common reasons for this are: 1. Act of
indifference: Health and Safety standards are known but not carried out. For example: - PPE is not worn -
Careless manual handling

Re-arranging a working area • Establishing safe work practice, e.g. restricting access to
experienced workers • Training or supervision to level of expertise needed • Personal protective
equipment Developing new health and safety standards should now be an easier process to successfully
complete. It is necessary that any new health and safety standards are: • Relevant in reaching any goals
required • Simple and understandable to explain • Cost-effective • Result in the chosen behavior • Can
be applied within the chosen timeframe How to Reinforce Safe Behavior New health and safety
policies/standards are less likely to be followed if they are imposed on workers, after these
measurements are discovered. The desired goals or targets should first be discussed with the people
they will affect. Lagging indicators only measure the number of accidents and negative incidents
occurring. Using leading indicators to measure and appreciate workers for their impressive safety
standards, they are more likely to remember these health and safety policies. Also, speaking out about
any other workers

HEALTH AND SAFETY MONITORING

Making working conditions healthy and safe is in the interest of workers, employers and governments, as
well as the public at large. Although it seems simple and obvious, this idea has not yet gained meaningful
universal recognition. Hundreds of millions of people throughout the world are employed today in
conditions that breed ill health and/or are unsafe. Each year, work-related injuries and diseases kill an
estimated 2 million people worldwide, which is greater than the global annual number of deaths from
malaria. Annually, an estimated 160 million new cases of work-related diseases occur worldwide,
including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, cancer, hearing loss, musculoskeletal and reproductive
disorders, mental and neurological illnesses. An increasing number of workers in industrial countries
complain about psychological stress and overwork. These psychological factors have been found to be
strongly associated with insomnia, depression and fatigue, and burn-out syndromes, as well as with
elevated risks of cardiovascular diseases. Only 5-10% of workers in developing countries and 20-50% of
workers in industrial countries (with a few exceptions) are estimated to have access to adequate
occupational health services. Even in advanced economies, a large proportion of work sites are not
regularly inspected for occupational health and safety.

HEALTH AND SAFETY TRAINING POLICIES AND PRACTICES

CATEGORY: Human Resources POLICY NO.: SUBJECT: Health and Safety Training Policy PAGES: 4
APPROVED BY: Click here to enter text DATE: 13-Sep-17

PURPOSE To ensure all staff receive the required training to perform their work assignments in a safe
and healthy manner.

DEFINITIONS Competent Person – A person who, Is qualified because of knowledge, training and
experience to organize the work and its performance; Is familiar with the OHSA and the regulations that
apply to the work; and ♣ Has knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the
workplace. ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES Employer ♣ Train all workers in general and workplace specific
health and safety programs. ♣ EŶsure all supervisors are ͞coŵpeteŶt persoŶs͟ ♣ Maintain legislative
compliance regarding health and safety training obligations Managers/Supervisors ♣ Coordinate Health
& Safety Orientation in a timely manner ♣ Forward completed training records to the
Employer/designate ♣ Customize health & safety training programs aligned to services provided. ♣
Ensure workers acquire the necessary skills to protect their health and safety ♣ Work with the workers to
determine future training needs based on competencies, after extended absences from work.

Worker ♣ Participate in orientation training. ♣ Attend all health and safety training programs required by
the employer. ♣ Report to the manager/supervisor need for further training Joint Health & Safety
Committee (JHSC) / Health & Safety Representatives (H&S Rep) ♣ The JHSC / Health and Safety
Representative will conduct an annual training needs review in consultation with the Employer ♣ The
JHSC / Health and Safety Representative will make recommendation for training programs that come out
of workplace inspections, incident investigations and/or observations.

TRAINING PROCEDURES Health & Safety Orientation 1. Every new hire will be required to attend a health
and safety orientation. 2. Safety orientation will consist of a general and workplace specific training
arranged or delivered by the immediate manager/supervisor or designate. 3. Health and safety
orientation will be documented including signoffs by both the participant and the manager/supervisor.
All signed forms will be returned to the Employer for record keeping. The following topics shall be
covered in the General Health & Safety Orientation prior to starting the job. ♣ Click here to enter text.
Health and Safety Policy ♣ Health & Safety Roles and Responsibilities ♣ Hazard Recognition policy ♣
Incident/Injury Reporting & Investigation policy ♣ Workplace Violence & Harassment policy ♣ Early and
Safe Return to Work program ♣ Health and Safety bulletin board and posted documents ♣ First Aid (if
required) ♣ Personal Protective Equipment ♣ Work Refusal ♣ Emergency Safety Plans ♣ Joint Health and
Safety Committee/ Health & Safety Representative ♣ Occupational Health & Safety Awareness training
for workers or supervisors .

The following topics shall be covered in the Workplace Specific Health & Safety Orientation prior to
conducting specific work tasks at the location. ♣ Review of standard operating procedures for
equipment/processes ♣ WHMIS ♣ Personal Protective Equipment ♣ Site Specific Emergency Procedures
♣ Location of health and safety binders and documents ♣ Other pertinent information may include: ♣
Motor Vehicle/Safe Driving ♣ Preventing Client Aggression ♣ Manual Materials Handling ♣ Infection
Prevention & Control ♣ Inspection Procedures (pre-start inspections) ♣ All transferred or promoted
employees will complete additional health & safety training, if required. GENERAL HEALTH & SAFETY
TRAINING In addition to Health & Safety Orientation training, Click here to enter text. will provide
employees additional health and safety training, where applicable. This training may include, but is not
limited to the following topics. ♣ Legislated health and safety responsibilities, such as right to refuse
unsafe work, right to participate, right to know, etc. ♣ Non Violent Crisis Intervention ♣ Manual lifting
techniques ♣ The fire safety plan, and the use of rescue equipment, where applicable. ♣ The use and
maintenance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). ♣ Working Alone ♣ Manager and supervisor
training in health and safety principles, and recognizing, assessing, and controlling hazards in the
workplace and evaluating controls. ♣ JHSC, H&S Rep and applicable managers/supervisors in how to
conduct health and safety inspections and injury /incident investigation. ♣ JHSC Certification training, if
required Additional Certifications/Competencies In addition to the health and safety training offered by
Click here to enter text., employees may be required to attend additional courses or obtain additional
certifications/competencies for their respective jobs.
### Protection in Occupational Safety and Health

**Protection** in the context of occupational safety and health (OSH) refers to

safeguarding workers from various hazards they might encounter in the workplace. These
hazards can be physical, chemical, biological, ergonomic, or psychological in nature.
Specifically, workers are being protected from:

1. **Physical Hazards:** These include risks such as noise, radiation, extreme

temperatures, and unsafe machinery. Protection might involve providing personal
protective equipment (PPE), implementing safety protocols, or ensuring proper
maintenance of equipment.

2. **Chemical Hazards:** Workers are protected from exposure to harmful chemicals,

such as asbestos, lead, or toxic fumes. Measures could include ventilation systems, use of
protective gear, and strict handling procedures.

3. **Biological Hazards:** These involve exposure to infectious agents like bacteria,

viruses, or fungi. Protection might be through vaccinations, proper sanitation, and use of
PPE like gloves and masks.

4. **Ergonomic Hazards:** These arise from improper workplace design or poor work
practices that could lead to musculoskeletal disorders. Protection strategies include
ergonomic assessments, redesigning workstations, and training workers on proper body
mechanics.

5. **Psychosocial Hazards:** Stress, harassment, and excessive workload fall into this
category. Protection involves creating a supportive work environment, implementing
anti-harassment policies, and ensuring reasonable work hours.

### Promotion of Health in Occupational Safety and Health

**Promotion of health** in this context goes beyond just preventing harm; it involves
actively enhancing the well-being of workers. This can include:

1. **Health Education:** Providing workers with information and training on healthy

practices, such as proper nutrition, exercise, and stress management.

2. **Wellness Programs:** Initiatives like fitness programs, mental health support, and
smoking cessation programs aimed at improving overall worker health.

3. **Health Surveillance:** Regular health checks and monitoring of workers to detect

early signs of occupational illness or injury, ensuring timely intervention.
4. **Work-Life Balance:** Encouraging practices that allow workers to balance their work
responsibilities with personal life, which can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

### Elimination of Occupational Factors and Conditions Hazardous to Health and Safety
at Work

**Elimination of occupational factors and conditions** refers to removing or controlling

the root causes of workplace hazards. This involves:

1. **Identifying Hazards:** Conducting thorough risk assessments to identify potential

dangers in the workplace.

2. **Engineering Controls:** Modifying equipment or processes to eliminate hazards (e.g.,

replacing a toxic chemical with a less harmful one).

3. **Administrative Controls:** Implementing policies and procedures to reduce exposure

to hazards (e.g., rotating shifts to limit exposure to harmful substances).

4. **Substitution:** Replacing hazardous materials or processes with safer alternatives.

**Conditions hazardous to health and safety** include any aspect of the work environment
that poses a risk to the well-being of workers. This might include:

1. **Unsafe Work Practices:** Lack of training or improper procedures that increase the
likelihood of accidents.

2. **Poor Working Conditions:** Overcrowded workspaces, poor lighting, and inadequate

ventilation.

3. **Exposure to Harmful Substances:** Contact with toxic chemicals, dust, or biological

agents that can cause illness.

4. **Repetitive or Strenuous Activities:** Tasks that require repetitive motion or heavy

lifting, leading to injury over time.

In summary, occupational safety and health aim to protect workers from a wide range of
hazards and promote their overall well-being by eliminating or controlling dangerous
conditions in the workplace.
Measuring a company's health and safety performance is a critical process that
involves assessing how well the organization is managing risks related to health
and safety. The purpose of this measurement is to provide actionable information
about the current state of health and safety, evaluate the effectiveness of strategies
and processes in place, and guide improvements. Let's break down each point
comprehensively:

### 1. **Determine How the Company’s Health and Safety Management System
Operates in Practice**

- **Explanation**: This involves evaluating whether the health and safety

policies and procedures that have been implemented are functioning as intended. It
assesses if employees are following the guidelines, if the systems in place are
effective in preventing incidents, and if there are any gaps between the planned and
actual practices. This insight helps to ensure that what is theoretically sound is also
practically effective in real-world operations.

### 2. **Identify Areas Where Remedial Action is Needed**

- **Explanation**: Measuring performance helps to pinpoint specific areas

where the company is falling short in its health and safety practices. For instance, it
may identify frequent accidents in a particular department or highlight insufficient
training for certain hazards. Recognizing these deficiencies allows the company to
take corrective actions, such as revising procedures, conducting additional training,
or investing in better safety equipment, to address these issues.

### 3. **Provide a Basis for Continual Improvement**

- **Explanation**: Health and safety are dynamic aspects of a business,

requiring ongoing enhancement to adapt to new challenges, regulations, and
technologies. By regularly measuring performance, a company can set benchmarks
and goals for improvement. This continual assessment ensures that the company is
not just maintaining but actively enhancing its health and safety standards, striving
for excellence rather than mere compliance.

### 4. **Provide Feedback and Motivation**

 - **Explanation**: Feedback from health and safety performance measurements
can motivate employees and management alike. Positive results can reinforce good
practices and encourage a culture of safety, while identifying issues can drive a
sense of urgency to improve. This feedback loop is essential in keeping all
stakeholders engaged and committed to maintaining a safe working environment.

### 5. **Enhance Decision-Making Process**

- **Explanation**: Accurate measurement of health and safety performance

provides essential data for informed decision-making. This data-driven approach
helps the company prioritize actions, allocate resources effectively, and make
strategic decisions that balance safety with operational demands. It ensures that
decisions are not based on assumptions but on actual performance metrics.

### 6. **Deciding Where the Company is Relative to Where They Want to Be**

- **Explanation**: This involves comparing current performance against the

company's health and safety goals or industry standards. It helps the company
understand how far they have come and how much further they need to go to
achieve their desired health and safety outcomes. This comparison is crucial for
setting realistic targets and timelines for improvement.

### 7. **What Progress is Necessary and Reasonable Given the Circumstances**

- **Explanation**: In this context, "progress" refers to the steps the company

needs to take to improve its health and safety performance. The measurement helps
in determining what level of improvement is feasible considering the company's
current situation, such as available resources, time constraints, and external
pressures. It ensures that goals are ambitious yet attainable.

### 8. **How That Progress Might Be Achieved Against Particular Restraints,

Such as Resources or Time**

- **Explanation**: After identifying the necessary progress, the company needs

to figure out how to achieve it, especially when facing limitations like budget
constraints, manpower, or tight deadlines. Performance measurement helps in
crafting strategies that are realistic and efficient, ensuring that the company can
make the most of its resources while still improving health and safety outcomes.

### 9. **Priorities and Effective Use of Resources**

 - **Explanation**: Not all health and safety issues are of equal importance.
Performance measurement helps the company prioritize which issues to address
first based on their severity, frequency, or impact on operations. It also guides the
effective allocation of resources, ensuring that the most critical areas receive the
attention they need while optimizing the overall safety budget.

By understanding and implementing these points, a company can create a robust

health and safety management system that not only protects its employees but also
enhances operational efficiency and business sustainability.