Management and Evaluation of Health and Safety in Workplaces

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Overview What are the characteristics of an effective health and safety system? We are gradually answering this question by various types of research: Studies of excellent enterprises Studies of safety initiatives by governments Intervention research in workplaces Policy research

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Overview (continued) The Answer The best safety results are obtained from programs that are: Applied systematically and consistently Planned and documented Comprehensive – all required components. –Enterprise level – inspection, evaluation, hazard control, prevention, training, etc Managed and resourced

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Overview (continued) Components of effective health and safety programs are codified in: International instruments National legislation Standards (national and international) Codes of practice (national and international) These components can also be used to develop audit tools to evaluate health and safety programs

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Objectives Describe standards used in Canada and internationally for the management of health and safety in workplaces Show how these standards may be useful to help evaluate and document health and safety programs in the demonstration sites in Chongqing Discuss the relationship of good health and safety to good management

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Health and Safety Programs A program is a systematic approach to manage health and safety activities in a workplace The importance of a program: Compliance – meet legal requirements Demonstrate due diligence Avoid accidents, losses and delays Improve quality Meet customer expectations Support workplace health and wellness

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Health and Safety Programs A health and safety program succeeds by being integrated into the overall management functions of the enterprise. Good health and safety is good management.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety The Elements of Health and Safety Programs Recommended components of health and safety programs are provided by international and national instruments: ILO standards ISO standards National programs

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Health and Safety Management Standards ILO-OHS 2001 OHSAS 18001:1999 and 2007 (BSI) CSA Z1000 ANSI-AIHA Z10 and others…

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Accreditation/Recognition Programs Accreditation for Ontario Workplaces A standard for health and safety programs in Ontario Certificate of Recognition (COR) A standard used in several Canadian provinces Companies are audited to see if their programs meet the standards If meet standard, companies receive various incentives and rebates

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety The Elements of a Good Health and Safety Program Examine the specific OHS program elements in the context of standards such as the Canadian standard CSA Z1000…

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Employer Leadership and Commitment Much research shows that employer leadership and commitment are necessary prerequisites for a successful plan. The employer must: Demonstrate commitment to good health and safety results Show personal leadership Invest adequate resources and time Make health and safety part of management goals Plan for continual improvement

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Plan, Do, Check, Act Plan Identify legislative requirements Identify applicable industry standards Identify health and safety priorities Identify deficiencies and opportunities for improvement in the OHSMS Develop health and safety policies Establish objectives and targets that are appropriate to the organization

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Plan, Do Check, Act Do Implementation and documentation Develop an implementation plan that includes: Resources Responsibilities Targets and timeframes for completion Measurement of progress

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Plan, Do, Check, Act Do Include: Hazard identification and evaluation Prevention and protection priorities Emergency plans Training Communication Procurement Contracting Documentation

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Plan, Do, Check, Act Check Evaluate the effectiveness of the program: Are the goals and objectives of the program being achieved? Have control measures been implemented and been effective? Have losses and occurrences been addressed, including accidents, incidents, illnesses and near misses?

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Plan, Do, Check, Act Check Evaluate the effectiveness of the program Are training programs for employees effective? Are communication programs effective? Is information for the continual improvement of the program being produced, reviewed and used?

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Plan, Do, Check, Act Act Regular management review: Progress to achieve policy goals Effectiveness in preventing workplace injuries, illness and incidents Any deficiencies identified in inspections and audits Effectiveness and completion of action items from previous reviews

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements The following pages show the main elements found to be required in an effective health and safety program.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Policy Statement Statement of management commitment General objectives and philosophy General responsibilities

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Individual Responsibilities Assign responsibilities for OHS Employer is accountable Managers and supervisors must know responsibilities Workers have responsibilities Document individual responsibilities

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Health and Safety Committee Establish committees in work areas Encourage worker participation Identify objectives, responsibilities, procedures Train members of committee For example, “Certified Members” in Ontario Document recommendations and actions

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Correct Work Procedures Specific rules for each task and process in the workplace Based on job safety analysis of each task and process Incorporate preventive measures specific to health and safety concerns Maintain a process to identify and assess hazards and risks on an ongoing basis, set objectives and targets

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements New Employee Orientation A high priority for OHS regulators in Canada Proven ability to reduce injuries in new workers Program should train new workers on health and safety rights and responsibilities, specific hazards, procedures, etc.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Training Training required at the time of: Commencement of employment Reassignment or transfer to a new job Introduction of new equipment, processes, or procedures Accident Inadequate performance

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Workplace Inspections Identify existing or new hazards and recommend appropriate corrective action Legislation may require Certain frequency of inspections Annual reports to labour agency

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Report and Investigate Accidents Report serious accidents to authorities May be official investigation and charges Link to compensation to injured worker Accidents are investigated to uncover causes and prevent similar incidents in future (reactive) Establish and maintain procedures for reporting and investigation Review effectiveness of the preventive and corrective actions and modify if necessary

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Emergency Procedures Develop plans to deal with emergencies such as fires, explosions, chemical releases, floods, and earthquakes Develop procedures and responsibilities Good communication is essential Provide training Perform tests of procedures Do detailed review after any incident

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Medical Aid and First Aid Program Medical and first aid facilities required in legislation Training and qualifications of attendants Procedures for transporting injured employees to outside medical facilities Record keeping Etc.

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Workplace Specific Hazards Identification and Assessment of Hazards Safety Falls from heights Slips and trips Injuries from machinery, tools, lifts, cranes, etc Motor vehicle injuries Electricity Etc Chemicals – fire, explosion, toxicity Ergonomics – musculoskeletal disorders Physical agents – noise, vibration, electromagnetic radiation, heat, cold Biological agents

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Workplace Specific Hazards Prevention Programs Safety Lock-out procedures Confined space procedures Excavation safety Procedures for work at heights Safe work with lifts and cranes Vehicle safety Preventive maintenance Engineering and purchasing standards Etc

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Workplace Specific Hazards Prevention Programs (Continued) Chemicals Ventilation Shields and enclosures Personal protection equipment (PPE) Purchasing procedures – substitution, modification Fire prevention Preventive maintenance Procedures for spills and leaks

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety OSH Program Elements Workplace Specific Hazards Prevention Programs (Continued) Ergonomics Control pace of work Reduce forceful motions Material handling procedures Training and adjustments Physical agents Shields and barriers Work scheduling Biological agents Isolation procedures Protective equipment

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety Conclusion Key elements of effective health and safety programs are found in international instruments Management commitment is essential Visible leadership and monitoring Good management processes are also essential Focus on practical results Knowledge is the most important resource

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