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If you own or operate a business in Canada, you may be required to have a TSSA health and safety program in place. The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) is an independent, not-for-profit organization that administers Ontario's technical standards and safety laws, including those related to health and safety. The TSSA regulates a variety of industries and activities, including those related to boilers and pressure vessels, elevating devices, fuels, and amusement rides. If your business falls within one of these industries or activities, it's important to understand what is required for a TSSA-compliant health and safety program.
But even if your business isn't regulated by the TSSA, there are still good reasons to implement a health and safety program. The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires every employer to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances for the protection of workers. This includes protecting workers from hazards at the workplace and ensuring that the physical condition of the workplace is safe.
So, what exactly is a TSSA health and safety program, and why is it so important? Here's a beginner's guide to what you need to know:
A TSSA health and safety program is a set of guidelines, procedures, and policies that are designed to ensure the health and safety of workers and the public in the industries and activities regulated by the TSSA. These programs may include training and education on safety procedures, hazard identification and assessment, emergency response planning, and other measures to reduce the risk of accidents and injuries in the workplace.
A TSSA health and safety program is important because it helps to protect workers and the public from hazards in the workplace. By identifying and assessing hazards, developing emergency response plans, and providing training and education to employees, you can reduce the risk of accidents and injuries. A strong health and safety program can also help reduce lost workdays and lower workers' compensation costs.
A TSSA health and safety program should include the following elements:
Procedures for identifying and assessing hazards in the workplace, including conducting regular inspections, reviewing accident and incident reports, and engaging employees in the process.
Procedures for responding to emergencies, such as fires, chemical spills, or medical emergencies. This may include having trained first responders on site, having emergency evacuation procedures in place, and having emergency equipment and supplies readily available.
Training and education on safety procedures, the use of personal protective equipment, and other relevant topics to ensure that employees have the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe on the job.
Regular review and updating of the program to ensure that it remains effective, including conducting audits, reviewing accident and incident reports, and staying up-to-date on new regulations and best practices.
Implementing a TSSA health and safety program in your workplace can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here are some steps to get you started:
Determine who will be responsible for implementing and maintaining the program, including management, employees, and any relevant third parties.
Develop written policies and procedures that outline the steps you will take to ensure the health and safety of workers and the public. These policies and procedures should be specific to your industry and should take into account the unique hazards and risks present in your workplace.Some examples of policies and procedures that may be included in a TSSA health and safety program include:
It's important to involve employees in the development of these policies and procedures, as they may have valuable insights and suggestions. Make sure to provide training and education on these policies and procedures to ensure that all employees are aware of and understand their responsibilities for health and safety.
Ensure that all employees receive training and education on safety procedures, including the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and the proper use and maintenance of equipment. This training should be specific to your industry and should cover the unique hazards and risks present in your workplace.
In addition to initial training, it's important to provide ongoing education and training to ensure that employees are up-to-date on new regulations and best practices. This may include regular safety meetings, training sessions, or online courses.
A TSSA health and safety program should be reviewed and updated regularly to ensure that it remains effective. This may include conducting regular audits, reviewing accident and incident reports, and staying up-to-date on new regulations and best practices.Involve employees in the review and update process, as they may have valuable insights and suggestions. Make sure to provide training and education on any updates or changes to the program to ensure that all employees are aware of and understand their responsibilities for health and safety.
A TSSA health and safety program is an essential part of any business in Ontario that is regulated by the TSSA. By implementing a program that includes hazard identification and assessment, emergency response planning, training and education, and ongoing monitoring and review, you can protect your workers and the public from hazards in the workplace and ensure compliance with TSSA regulations. Even if your business isn't regulated by the TSSA, a strong health and safety program can still provide numerous benefits, including reducing the risk of accidents and injuries, lost workdays, and workers' compensation costs.
