Introduction
Workplace injuries and illnesses can be prevented. The key to achieving safe operations is to identify and
control all workplace health and safety hazards. Employee health and safety are integral to productivity.
A management system that integrates health and safety activities into all aspects of the company's
operations will help achieve positive results in productivity, quality and, above all, the health and safety
of employees.
Occupational Health and Safety Policy
Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires employers to prepare, and review at
least annually, a written occupational health and safety policy, and to develop and maintain a program to
implement that policy (s.25 ( j)).
A policy statement, signed by your company president and dated, should contain references to the
following points:
The importance of the health and safety of all employees
Compliance with health and safety legislation
Objectives of your health and safety program, and the fact that program activities are integrated into
all functional operations
Your policy will be the foundation of your workplace health and safety program. You must post it
prominently in your workplace, where it will come to the attention of all employees. You should promote
it by other means as well.
Experience shows that the clearly demonstrated commitment of senior managers to workplace health
and safety has a positive influence on employee attitudes. Your written policy, backed by a sound
program, is a way to establish this commitment.
STARTING YOUR HEALTH AND SAFETY PROGRAM
WSPS.CA
