Background
Grasslands School Division is committed to a Health and Safety program that protects our staff, our property, contractors, the general public, and the environment. Our commitment to safety is in accordance with standards outlined in the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Legislation.
Procedures
Our objective is to create a respectful, safe, healthy, injury-free working and learning environment for staff, students, contractors, volunteers and visitors. This will be achieved by creating a work atmosphere in which health and safety is emphasized in everyday operations.
Responsibility for health and safety is shared by all levels of the organization, including the Board of Trustees, Superintendent, staff, students, parents, visitors and contractors present at its work sites and, that by working together, Grasslands School Division's work site health and safety environment can be continuously improved. All staff will be familiar with the requirements of the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Legislation and the Grasslands Public Schools Health and Safety program as it relates to their work processes.
This will be achieved by:
- promoting a work environment based on staff involvement, teamwork, education, training and commitment;
- promoting the philosophy that safety is a value associated with every priority;
- recognizing group and individual achievements;
- treating everyone with dignity and respect; and
- ensuring all regulatory requirements, specifically the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code, are met in all work execution and operations.
Grasslands School Division is responsible for the health and safety of employees by actively encouraging the participation of all employees in the Health and Safety program. Grasslands School Division provides the education and tools required so all employees are aware of their responsibilities and duties under the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act, Regulation and Code. See Appendix A
Employees are responsible for protecting the health and safety of themselves and their fellow employees by following all policies and procedures, working safely, and improving health and safety measures where possible.
All contractors shall meet the Grasslands School Division health and safety, insurance and WCB requirements as well as the applicable OH&S acts, regulations and codes.
Appendix A
OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1. All Employees
1.1 The right to know, or the right to be informed of work site hazards and the means to eliminate or control those hazards. 1.2 The right to meaningful participation in health and safety activities pertaining to their work or work site, including the ability to express health and safety concerns. 1.3 The right to refuse dangerous work. 1.4 The ability to work without being subject to discriminatory action for exercising a right or fulfilling a duty imposed by this Act, the Regulations or the OHS Code.
2. The Board and Superintendent of Schools Responsibilities
2.1 Establish policies and procedures for the health and safety management system. 2.2 Ensure health and safety in the workplace is a priority in all activities and operations. 2.3 Ensure all employees and contractors are informed of their health and safety rights, obligations and responsibilities. 2.4 Ensure the health and safety program is created, operated and maintained. 2.5 Create and value an environment and culture that promotes active employee participation in health and safety related activities.
3. Health & Safety Coordinator Responsibilities
3.1 Assist in establishing safety standards, practices and procedures. 3.2 Stop unsafe work. 3.3 Inspect all sites and make recommendations to correct substandard conditions. 3.4 Ensure all employees are aware of and comply with the health and safety program and their responsibilities therein. 3.5 Provide health and safety training, information and assistance in regards to health and safety compliance. 3.6 Investigate all incidents, near misses and hazard reports. 3.7 Act as the claim manager for all Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) injury claims, coordinating with all related parties on behalf of the Division. 3.8 Co-Chair the Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committee. 3.9 Provide principals and supervisors with organizational tools and coaching to help staff work safely. 3.10 Act as a resource on all health and safety related matters throughout the division.
4. Senior Administration, School Administration or Supervisor Responsibilities
4.1 Ensure hazards are identified, appropriately controlled and communicated to all affected parties. 4.2 Create an environment that promotes active employee participation in health and safety related activities. 4.3 Ensure that health and safety initiatives are adequately resourced and implemented. 4.4 Stop unsafe work. 4.5 Ensure employees, contractors and visitors work safely and are aware of and comply with all aspects of the health and safety program in their facility. 4.6 Ensure regular inspections are completed and correct substandard conditions if found. 4.7 Ensure all incidents, near misses and student accidents are reported and investigated. 4.8 Ensure proper preventative maintenance and repair of equipment and tools. 4.9 Ensure staff have the skills and training necessary to perform their role competently, with the appropriate amount of supervision for their level of experience. 4.10 Supply PPE and ensure that workers know how to use the equipment safely and properly. 4.11 Ensure that all staff are aware of protections that exist to support them in the event they are harassed; as well as the consequences that exist in the event they harass another employee. 4.12 Consult and cooperate with the Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committee or OHS Representatives, as applicable, to exchange information on health and safety matters and to resolve health and safety concerns in a timely manner. 4.13 Inform employees of OH&S rights and obligations, including the right to refuse unsafe work. 4.14 Ensure the Alberta OH&S Act, Regulation and Code is readily available. 4.15 Cooperate with anyone exercising a duty imposed by the Alberta OHS Act, Regulation or Code.
5. Joint Worksite Health and Safety Committee Responsibilities
5.1 Receive/address concerns about worksite health and safety that have a division wide impact and maintain a record of these concerns. 5.2 Recommend effective action to prevent serious injuries and incidents. 5.3 Develop/promote/review division wide health and safety education and training. 5.4 Assist in the development/review and recommendation of health and safety practices and procedures including violence and harassment prevention plans. 5.5 Support/participate in identification of potential health and safety hazards (Hazard Assessments). 5.6 Support/participate in investigating serious injuries and incidents at the worksite as requested by the Health & Safety Coordinator. 5.7 Develop/promote measures to protect the health and safety of staff and students and monitor the effectiveness of measures. 5.8 Review of incident/injury records and collaborate on or support corrective actions as needed. 5.9 Maintain accurate records of meetings and action items.
6. Worker Responsibilities
6.1 Work safely and protect yourself and others from danger. 6.2 Follow all applicable Alberta OH&S legislation and industry best practice standards. 6.3 Immediately report all work related injuries, hazards, illness and incidents with the potential to cause serious injury and obtain firs aid/medical treatment without delay. 6.4 Know and follow emergency procedures. 6.5 Use all applicable hazard controls, including PPE (personal protective equipment) as required. 6.6 Participate in the health and safety program initiated by the division. 6.7 Refrain from causing or participating in harassment or violence. 6.8 Refuse to perform any activity known to be unsafe. 6.9 Cooperate with and follow the direction of those in leadership as it pertains to safety and anyone else exercising a duty imposed by the Alberta OHS Act, Regulation or Code.
7. Contractor Responsibilities
7.1 Work safely and protect yourself and others from danger. 7.2 Comply with legislated requirements, including contract instructions. 7.3 Participate in the health and safety program initiated by the division. 7.4 Provide an Alberta WCB clearance and proof of insurance before working on any division job location. Complete the Contractor Safety Package. 7.5 Report workplace hazards, near misses, and incidents to the Division.