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Under the guidelines set forth in the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation in British Columbia, it falls upon employers to create and execute an occupational health and safety (OHS) program, aimed at preventing workplace injuries and diseases among employees. These programs in BC are mandated to adhere to specific safety standards, with employers expected to diligently strive to meet these standards.
The cornerstone of any employer's health and safety efforts lies in their health and safety program manual. Serving as a vital communication tool for both management and staff, this manual furnishes comprehensive policies, procedures, and directives on safety matters, ensuring adherence to existing regulatory and industry safety norms. Notably, large employers are obliged to develop and implement a 'formal' health and safety program manual if they have a workforce of 20 or more individuals and operate in environments with moderate or high injury risks, or if their workforce comprises 50 or more workers.
The implementation of OHS program manuals offers numerous advantages. These programs enable employers to satisfy provincial regulatory mandates, manage occupational health and safety hazards, enhance safety performance, articulate their health and safety commitments and policies to staff, and establish a framework for achieving health and safety objectives.
Moreover, OHS programs facilitate implementation by defining roles, responsibilities, and task accountabilities, including ongoing monitoring and corrective actions as the program evolves. A well-executed OHS program is expected to yield reduced injuries and mitigate the associated costs of disability and lost productivity hours. At GG Health and Safety Consulting, our seasoned, certified Health and Safety Consultants specialize in crafting comprehensive formal occupational health and safety program manuals tailored to the specific operations and industries of large businesses, ensuring compliance with all legislative requirements mandated by WorkSafeBC.
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