Your Health and Safety Program

Orientation for new workers is essential

The health and safety policy
should be issued to each new employee.

Construction contractors who employ six people or more must have a health and safety policy and program. The Occupational Health and Safety Act requires that such employers "prepare and review at least annually a written occupational health and safety policy and develop and maintain a program to implement that policy" [Section 25(2)(j)].

The program should cover points such as emergency procedures, safe practices, first aid, accident reporting and investigation, inspections, and the health and safety responsibilities of workplace personnel from managers to workers.

An essential feature of any health and safety program is employee orientation, especially for employees who may be new to the company, new to the trade, new to the project, or even new to construction. Health and safety education begins with orientation as soon as an employee joins the company or is given new duties.

A copy of the health and safety policy and program should be issued and explained to each new employee. Orientation should also cover

• explanation of project and employee duties
• WHMIS requirements
• emergency procedures
• location of first aid stations, fire extinguishers, telephones, toilets, parking
• site-specific hazards
• the need to report injuries and hazards to supervisor immediately
• required personal protective equipment
• tool handling and storage
• the right to refuse unsafe work
• review of health and safety rules
• introduction to supervisor
• introduction to health and safety rep
• site tour or map where appropriate.

The buddy system is a useful follow-up to orientation. Pairing a new worker with a veteran can reinforce the new employee's training and raise the buddy's safety awareness at the same time.

For more information, refer to the publication Health and Safety Program Planning for Construction (DS030) and the videotape New on the Job. Details on both are available from Customer Service at (416) 674-2726,
1-800-781-2726, or Fax: (416) 674-8866

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