A comprehensive health and safety program is the foundation for a safe and healthy workplace. It protects the safety of employees and minimizes risks. As we approach the end of the year, it’s crucial to start thinking about the requirement to annually review all health and safety programs.

You can review your program all at once or break it into manageable sections throughout the year, but every element must be examined at least annually. Remember to involve workers in the review process, as their input is essential to creating an effective program.

Why review your health and safety program?

Regular reviews ensure your program remains effective, up-to-date, and aligned with current workplace needs.

• Ensure effectiveness: Reviewing your program helps confirm that policies, procedures, and controls are still working as intended.
• Compliance: Regular reviews help you maintain compliance with occupational health and safety regulations.  
• Identify improvements: Your findings help organizations identify gaps, update procedures, and strengthen overall workplace health and safety.

What makes an effective health and safety program?

Health and safety programs vary depending on the workplace. Factors such as your organization’s size, hazard rating, and specific safety requirements influence what your program looks like.

An effective program will:

• Identify and control workplace hazards
• Prevent workplace incidents
• Reduce injury rates
• Lower the financial costs associated with workplace injuries and diseases
• Build a strong culture of safety
• Meet regulatory requirements, including Section 3.3 of WorkSafeBC’s Occupational Health and Safety Regulation (OHSR)

Core elements of a health and safety program

While programs differ across workplaces, most include the following foundational components:

• Occupational Health and Safety policy
• Hazard identification, risk assessment, and control measures
• Regular inspections of premises, equipment, work methods, and work practices
• Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committee
• Safe Work Procedures and other written instructions for workers
• Instruction, supervision, and training, including orientation and ongoing education
• Regular safety meetings
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• First aid
• Emergency preparedness
• Incident reporting and investigation
• Record-keeping, including health and safety documentation and statistics

We have resources to support your health and safety program, from our Injury Management Program Manual, Webinars for leaders,  safety huddles, sector-specific training and education and our Tailored Outreach Program (TOP).

First time evaluating your health and safety program? WorkSafeBC has an Annual Review Evaluation Tool to get you started. 

Can’t find what you’re looking for? Reach out to our team at info@safecarebc.ca