HEALTH & SAFETY ORIENTATION GUIDE for ... - WorkSafeNB

Topic 3 – Health & Safety Procedures and Codes of Practice related to the employee’s assigned job tasksHow to proceedBecause every job and tasks associated with a specific job are different, a generic template forprocedures is not a practical document. All jobs, regardless of title, should outline both specificand generic duties that are expected of workers. Because of this, individual companies must developprocedures internally, however, that is not to say companies cannot review procedures from othersources to help develop workplace procedures.Proposed Resources for Developing Procedures1. Refer to New Brunswick’s OHS Act and Regulations for information on health andsafety legislation that applies to all N.B. workplaces: This legislation requires employers todevelop minimum standards for certain types of work. For example, written lockout proceduresmust be developed and followed when employees are required to clean, maintain, adjust or repairmachinery. Review the Act and Regulations in detail to ensure you are covering all of the requiredtopics with your employees.2. Consult with associations and representative groups that establish standards for yourcompany or industry: In New Brunswick, there are industry-specific associations that providetraining and education on industry-related hazards, such as the New Brunswick Forest SafetyAssociation and the New Brunswick Construction Safety Association.3. Consult with industry experts: You are not alone. Industry experts across Canada focus onindustry standards, best practices, general information and safety information. Check variouswebsites related to your industry to find out current issues of concern and updated safetyinformation.4. Refer to manufacturers’ standards: Specific design and operational standards are set bymanufacturers to determine quality and provide safety-related information. Before purchasing oroperating equipment, refer to the legislation to determine if your company is required to use specifictools, equipment or personal protective equipment for the type of work assigned to your employees.5. Ask for input from employees, supervisors, JHSC members or safety representatives:Some of the most valuable information on company procedures come from within the company.Rely on the expert opinion and experience of the company’s workers to inform you of the statusof current procedures; what works well, changes that are needed and processes that need to bedeveloped.6. Consult with WorkSafeNB: WorkSafeNB prevention staff consult with employers on safetylegislation and offer a variety of safety-related services to help employers develop health and safetypractices to prevent workplace injuries and illness. For information on these services, consult yourregional WorkSafeNB office.7. Websites: The Internet provides employers with numerous health and safety resources. Searchthrough various websites to locate information relevant to your workplace.Some suggested sites:Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety: www.ccohs.caWorkSafeNB: www.worksafenb.caWorkSafeBC: www.worksafebc.caWorkSafeNB | Orientation Guide | Page 23