HSE policy sample

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# Health and Safety Policy - Development and Implementation (cont.) ## What is a policy? (cont.) The Gage dictionary defines "policy" as "a plan of action; a course or method of action that has been deliberately chosen and that guides or influences future decisions." In other words, an occupational health and safety policy guides actions. A policy indicates the degree of an employer's commitment to health and safety. The statement of the employers' obligation should be to meet, or ideally exceed, their legal duties. ## What makes an effective policy statement? There are many differences in form and content of corporate policies. Their style, however, is not as important as the clarity with which they identify functional responsibilities over authority. To be effective, a policy should: - acknowledge that the employer is ultimately responsible for worker health and safety, - involve senior management and worker representatives in the preparation of the policy, - hold all levels of management accountable for carrying out health and safety responsibilities, - commit the organization to be, at a minimum, compliant with all applicable OHS legislation and other requirements, - be seen as consistent with the workplace's objectives of operating in an efficient and predictable manner, - commit to protecting the health and safety of workers by eliminating hazards and reducing risks as much as possible, - be relevant and appropriate to the nature, scale and OHS hazards and risks associated with the organization's needs (not adopted from another workplace), - provide a foundation for OHS goals and targets - be of equal importance to the organization's other policy objectives, - be well-documented, posted, communicated, and available to all relevant parties (including workers and interested external parties), and - continually improve. The policy should also cover: - the responsibilities of appropriate personnel in maintaining a healthy and safe workplace to p…

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# Health and Safety Policy - Development and Implementation (cont.) ## What is an example of a policy checklist to review an existing or new policy? (cont.) - Does it ensure that health and safety matters will be taken into account when planning new methods processes or premises? - Does it include arrangements for disclosing information, including multilingual information, on health and safety and well-being matters? - Do all workers have copies of their employer's health and safety policy? - Are health and safety committees or representatives consulted about periodic revisions and updating of the employer's health and safety policy? - Has the policy been reviewed with the health and safety committee? - Does it state who will review the policy and how often it will be reviewed? - Are there effective arrangements for drawing the policy to the attention of all workers? - Is the delegation of duties logical and successive throughout the organization? Is it clear that the ultimate responsibility for safety rests with senior management? - Are the responsibilities of senior managers written into the policy or into job descriptions? - Are there procedures and controls in place that ensure accountability? - Is health and safety performance an essential ingredient of performance appraisals? - Do line managers understand and accept the nature of their health and safety responsibilities? - Are there arrangements for liaison with contractors? - Are all individuals aware of their legal responsibilities? Fact sheet last revised: 2022-10-04 ## Disclaimer Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy, currency and completeness of the information, CCOHS does not guarantee, warrant, represent or undertake that the information provided is correct, accurate or current. CCOHS is not liable for any loss, claim, or demand arising directly or indirectly from any use or reliance upon the information. Health and Safety Policy - Development and Implementatio…

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# Health and Safety Program - General Elements (cont.) ## On this page (cont.) A health and safety program is a definite plan of action designed to prevent incidents and occupational diseases. Some form of a program is required under occupational health and safety legislation in most Canadian jurisdictions. A health and safety program must include the elements required by the health and safety legislation as a minimum. This document reviews general elements of an OH&S program. In all cases, contact the OH&S authorities in your jurisdiction for specific requirements. Further details about these elements are also available in other OSH Answers documents. Because organizations differ, a program developed for one organization cannot necessarily meet the needs of another. Always customize the OH&S program to match the requirements and needs of your workplace. ## What is a policy statement? An organization's occupational health and safety policy is a statement of principles and general rules that guides action. Senior (or top) management must be committed to ensuring that the policy is carried out with no exceptions. The health and safety policy should have the same importance as the other policies of the organization. The policy statement can be brief, but it should mention: - Management's commitment to protecting and promoting the safety and health of workers, and preventing injuries and illnesses. - The objectives of the program. - The organization's health and safety philosophy. - Who is accountable for the health and safety programs. - The general responsibilities of all managers and workers. - That health and safety shall not be sacrificed for convenience or expediency. - That unacceptable performance of health and safety duties will not be tolerated. The policy should be: - Stated in clear terms. - Signed by the current President or Chief Executive Officer. - Kept up-to-date. - Communicated to each worker. - Followed for all work activities. Th…

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# Health and Safety Policy - Development and Implementation (cont.) ## What makes an effective policy statement? (cont.) - the importance of consultation and co-operation between management and employees for effective implementation of policy and any related programs, - commitment to monitor the policy's effectiveness by having a method for setting and reviewing OHS objectives and targets, and - commitment to provide adequate funds and details of how resources such as money or staffing will be available. ## Who should write the policy? An employer may delegate the preparation of the policy. The policy should be written in consultation with the health and safety committee or representative, workers or their representatives, and the involvement of management. However, the written policy statement is a pledge to employees and therefore the employer is ultimately responsible for its content. It should be approved, dated, and signed by the senior executive of the organization (e.g., the president or chief executive officer). ## How is the policy implemented? Often OHS policies are implemented using one or more written procedures. Procedures are defined as a "specified way to carry out an activity or a process" by the CSA Standard Z45001-19 "Occupational health and safety management systems - Requirements with guidance for use". These are some of the major items to consider. The procedure should: - state the arrangements that are in place to support and implement it. Items such as safety meetings, safe working procedures, occupational hygiene, and education and training should be outlined. - address the types of hazards associated with the organization. Depending on the types of tasks performed and the hazards present, it may be necessary for the employer to become fairly specific and detailed in outlining hazards. - discuss the active and ongoing participation of employees in helping to achieve the objectives. - be amended from time to time. They must keep p…