Workplace Safety and Health Policy

Effective Date:	September 08, 2008
Review Date:	September 08, 2011
Approving Body:	Executive Management Committee
Authority:	The Workplace Safety and Health Act [C.C.S.M. c.W210]
Implementation:	Safety and Health
Contact:	Manager, Safety and Health
Applies to:	All Family Services and Housing employees, with the exception of the Manitoba Developmental Centre

1. Reason for the Policy

The Workplace Safety and Health Act [C.C.S.M. c.W210] (The Act) applies to all Manitoba workplaces under Provincial jurisdiction and is intended to ensure the rights of workers to a safe and healthy workplace.  This policy identifies Family Services and Housing’s commitment to, and responsibility for, the occupational safety and health of all employees working for the Department.

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2. Policy Statement

Family Services and Housing is committed to preventing workplace injuries and to maintaining a healthy workplace where the responsibility for workplace safety and wellbeing is shared by all members of the organization. 

Because employers have the greatest degree of control over the workplace, they also have the greatest degree of legal responsibility for workplace safety and health.  However, this does not relieve supervisors and workers from their duty in controlling workplace hazards and taking the necessary precautions to protect themselves and others from hazards.

A Workplace Safety and Health Program has been developed to support the implementation of this policy within Family Services and Housing and to comply with The Act.  The Safety and Health Unit shall work to achieve the objectives set out in this Policy and associated Program.  Local Workplace Safety and Health Committees shall monitor the safety and health programs within their areas and make recommendations to improve their effectiveness.

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3. Accountability

The Executive Management Committee is responsible for notifying the contact person for this Policy that a formal review of this Policy and any associated Secondary Documents is required.

The Director of Human Resources, through the Manager, Safety and Health, is responsible for the communication, administration and interpretation of this Policy.

The Workplace Safety and Health Coordinator is responsible for providing advice, guidance, technical support and ensuring that department and administrative units are made aware of their responsibilities to comply with the Policy and all Secondary Documents.

All employees, supervisors, and contracted/self-employed persons will be accountable for complying with the Policy and all Secondary Documents.

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4. Secondary Documents

The Executive Management Committee may approve policies and procedures which are secondary to and comply with this Policy.

Secondary Policies and Protocols adopted include:

• Harassment and Violence Prevention Policy; and

• Workplace Safety and Health Protocol for Winnipeg Integrated Services

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5. Review

5.1       Formal Policy reviews will be conducted every three (3) years. The next scheduled review date for this Policy is September, 2011.

5.2       In the interim, this Policy may be revised or rescinded if:

(a) the Approving Body deems necessary; or
(b) the relevant Bylaw, Regulations or Policy is revised or rescinded.

5.3       If this Policy is revised or rescinded, all Secondary Documents will be reviewed as soon as reasonably possible in order to ensure that they:

(a) comply with the revised Policy; or
(b) are in turn rescinded.

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