Is it mandatory to have a Health and Safety Manual?
ARE COMPANIES REQUIRED TO HAVE A HEALTH AND SAFETY MANUAL?
According to Provincial Health & Safety Legislation, organizations are required to have an Occupational Health and Safety Program. To be compliant with OH&S Legislation, the method of ensuring work is executed safely must be written, monitored and periodically audited for compliance.
WHAT SHOULD BE INCLUDED IN YOUR HSE MANUAL?
- A written health, safety and environment policy signed and dated by senior management responsible for the program
- Defined Roles and Responsibilities
- Company Rules
- Workplace Violence & Harassment Program
- Program for identifying, assessing and controlling risk
- Safety meeting and communication schedule
- Training requirements
- Personal Protective Equipment requirements
- Work refusal procedure
- Preventative Maintenance program to ensure that all tools and equipment are maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications
- Inspection program
- Incident investigation process
- Emergency preparedness program to ensure that a plan is developed and tested in case of an emergency on the job site
- Records and statistics to monitor the safety statistical data within the organization and continually improve
- Environmental Management Program
- Early and Safe Return to Work Program to ensure appropriate management in case of workplace injuries
- Safe Work Practices and Procedures for all the work executed by your company
There are numerous other elements that could be included in the manual. These are main sections and typically additional requirements are added into Safe Work Practices or Procedures. Depending on the scope of work, provincial Occupational Health & Safety Legislation, and/or Client; there may be specified program requirements as well. The most important thing to know is your manual is a living document, it is evolving with your organizations Health & Safety Culture as well as Legislation.
For a preview of a typical Health and Safety Manual, CLICK HERE
