4 Simple Steps to Create a Safety Policy for Your Team
Working in British Columbia, everyone has a part to play in keeping the workplace safe. A strong safety policy is like a rulebook that helps a team prevent injuries and stay healthy. It’s not just a good idea—it’s a legal requirement in our province, and it's a way for a company to show that it truly cares about its people.
Creating a safety policy might seem like a big job, but it can be broken down into a few simple steps. This guide will help you understand what needs to be in a great safety policy, using ideas and rules from B.C.’s laws and safety organizations like WorkSafeBC and CCOSH (the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety).
Step 1: Understand Why It's a Must-Do
First, it’s important to know that having a safety policy isn’t optional. According to B.C.'s Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation, all workplaces must have a health and safety program. For many, especially larger teams, this includes a written safety policy. Think of it as a clear promise from the employer that they will do everything they can to keep you safe.
This is where the law gives everyone a clear role:
Employers are responsible for providing a safe workplace, training workers, and making sure the rules are followed.
Supervisors must ensure workers are following safety procedures and are trained to do their jobs safely.
Workers also have a responsibility to follow the rules, report hazards, and use safety equipment correctly.
WorkSafeBC's rules also include a very important right for all workers: the right to refuse unsafe work. If you have a good reason to believe a task is dangerous, you have the right to refuse it until the risk is investigated and fixed. A good safety policy will clearly explain this right and the steps to follow if a situation like this happens.
Step 2: Make It Personal (and Official!)
The best safety policies aren't just a copy-and-paste from another company. They are designed specifically for your workplace and the unique risks you face. A warehouse will have different safety needs than a hair salon or a construction site.
To get started, consider what CCOSH recommends:
Show Your Commitment: The policy must be a real promise from the top. It should be signed by the most senior person in the company, like the owner or a manager. This shows everyone that safety isn't just a small detail—it's a top priority.
Team Up to Write It: A safety policy is much more effective if it's created with input from the people who work there every day. Involve supervisors, workers, and, if your workplace has one, the joint health and safety committee. This collaboration helps find hidden dangers and creates a policy that everyone believes in and will actually follow.
Keep It Clear and Simple: Avoid complicated language. The policy should be easy for everyone to read and understand, no matter their background. It should explain the rules and responsibilities in a way that makes sense.
Step 3: What to Put in Your Policy
A good safety policy isn't just a list of rules; it's a plan for action. It should clearly explain how your team will handle different situations. Here are some key things to include:
A Safety Statement: A short paragraph that says, "We are committed to providing a healthy and safe workplace." This sets the tone for the entire document.
Roles and Responsibilities: Clearly state what is expected of the employer, supervisors, and workers. For example, the policy might state that "Supervisors are responsible for training new workers on safe procedures," and "Workers are responsible for reporting any injuries or hazards right away."
How to Handle Hazards: Your policy should explain how to identify, report, and fix dangers in the workplace. This includes both physical hazards (like a slippery floor or a broken ladder) and mental or emotional hazards (like violence or bullying).
Emergency Plans: What should the team do if there is a fire, a medical emergency, or a natural disaster? Your policy should have clear procedures for how to react. This includes having a plan for things like first aid, evacuations, and calling for help.
Training and Education: The policy should describe how new team members will be trained on safety rules. It should also explain how everyone will get refreshers or new training when needed, such as when new equipment is introduced.
Incident Reporting: Explain how and when to report an accident, injury, or near-miss. This is crucial because it helps the company learn from what happened and prevent it from happening again.
Step 4: Keep It Alive
A safety policy isn't a document you write once and then forget about. It needs to be a living, breathing part of your workplace.
Communicate It: Make sure every single team member knows about the policy. Post it in a visible place, include it in new worker orientation, and talk about it at safety meetings. The policy is only effective if people know what it says.
Review and Update: The workplace changes over time. New tools are used, new jobs are created, and new risks appear. It's a good practice to review your safety policy at least once a year, or whenever something significant changes, to make sure it's still accurate and useful. WorkSafeBC and CCOSH both recommend regular reviews to keep the policy up to date.
Creating a safety policy isn’t just about following the law; it's about building a culture where everyone looks out for each other. By taking these simple steps, you can build a safety program that not only meets legal requirements but also protects your most valuable asset: your team.
