Occupational Health and Safety Policy

A workplace occupational health and safety policy is a document that outlines the rules and procedures to be followed to ensure a safe working environment. The document also outlines the obligations of the employer and the workers to ensure proactive participation and compliance with all safety measures.

Many workplaces are required to have and maintain a health and safety policy and a training plan to implement that policy. A written policy also serves to communicate to workers that the employer is committed to prioritizing their well-being.

A health and safety policy is especially vital in industrial work environments where workers are exposed to hazardous substances and dangerous operations.

Dangerous work environments also require emergency preparedness drills, which should be included in this policy. For example, an emergency in the workplace could prompt the sounding of alarms notifying workers to evacuate immediately.

HOW TO USE THIS DOCUMENT

This policy document is meant to be given from the employer to employees. If the employer has a physical office location, keep a copy of the Policy in a conspicuous place in the event employees also have the option of going to the workplace. This should be placed in a communal area such as the lunch room.

Employers should include this Policy in a new employee's welcome package to ensure they are familiar with workplace protocol and avoid any future doubt that they were unaware of a specific rule or company policy.

Employees should also sign the acknowledgement at the end of the document confirming they read and understand the Vacation Policy. The employer should then add a copy of the signed Policy to each employee's file.

APPLICABLE LAW

Occupational health and safety laws are governed by each Province and Territory. Federal employees are governed by Federal law, including the Canada Labour Code (R.S.C., 1985, c. L-2). These laws establish the minimum requirements for health and safety, and employers can exceed these requirements by implementing more robust protocols and safety procedures that prioritizes the well-being of the workforce.

HOW TO MODIFY THE TEMPLATE

You fill out a form. The document is created before your eyes as you respond to the questions.

At the end, you receive it in Word and PDF formats. You can modify it and reuse it.