Occupational Health and Safety
For more details
CFIB`s Occupational Health and Safety Bulletin
Every business owner wants employees to feel they are working in a safe environment – this is common sense. But it also makes good business sense to ensure that you are operating as safely as possible. Focusing on safety is one way to minimize liability and risk within your business – and that translates into a healthy bottom line.
What are my obligations?
Do I need to purchase special training?
Is there anyone that can give me some direction for health and safety as it applies to my specific business?
Do I need to allow health and safety officers into my business?
Frequently requested documents on Occupational Health and Safety published by WCB
Q. What are my obligations?
The OHS Act states that employers are:
- To provide and maintain all materials and equipment in a safe manner;
- To provide training and supervision necessary to ensure safe working conditions;
- To cooperate with safety committees, representatives and OHS Officers;
- To display a copy of the OHS Act and Regulations and post the phone number where the WCB can be reached;
- To post any orders issued from the OHS Officers where employees can read them;
- To provide and post the names and contact information of all current Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee members (in workplaces with 20 or more regular employees) or OHS Representatives;
- To report all serious workplace injuries to the WCB at 902-628-7513 and complete the Employer’s Report – Form 7.
In workplaces with five or more employees, a safety policy must be developed and reviewed annually. More information about safety policies and a sample safety policy can be found here.
In workplaces with 20 or more regular employees or on projects of three months or longer where there are 20 or more employees of one or more contractors, a Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee must be established. More information about safety committees can be found here.
Q. Do I need to purchase special training?
Some of our members have reported getting telemarketing calls from organizations who are soliciting them to purchase online web training for occupational health and safety. While this training may be legitimate, you should check with WCB to see if it is specifically required. Furthermore, there are often alternative resources that can provide similar training for free or at a reduced cost.
CFIB has also partnered with VuBiz to offer you two products on health and safety:
- Small Business Health and Safety Certificate (SBHS) (offered for sale at a reduced price)
- Health and Safety for Small Business (offered at no cost via VuBiz’s Sponsored Learner Program
Q. Is there anyone that can give me some direction for health and safety as it applies to my specific business?
WCB has consultants on staff that can provide general advice on health and safety at no cost to you. The premiums that you pay for workers’ compensation coverage also cover prevention services. To speak with an education consultant, contact WCB at 902-368-5698 or 1-800-237-5049
WCB also conducts workshops at no charge. For a list of events and workshops, click here.
Q. Do I need to allow health and safety officers into my business?
WCB’s health and safety officers are appointed under the authority of the Prince Edward Island Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act. They are given the legislative responsibility to enter and inspect workplaces to ensure a worker’s right to a safe and healthy work environment, and to enforce provincial health and safety legislation. If an officer arrives at your business, it is wise to confirm his or her identity and verify their credentials.
Additional links
CFIB`s Occupational Health and Safety Bulletin
CFIB's Occupational Health and Safety Bulletin is very informative and goes into detail why health and safety is an important issue for owners, employers, directors, managers and supervisors (see attached).
Acts and Regulations
The following site links to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as well as the regulations and interpretations that accompany related legislation:
Frequently requested documents on Occupational Health and Safety published by WCB:
- Information on Workplace Health and Safety
- Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Guide to Workplace Health and Safety Policy
- Guide to Workplace Health and Safety Committees
- Occupational Health & Safety Information for Everyone CD
Contact WCB for your free copy at 902-368-5698 or 1-800-237-5049.
Still not sure what you’re looking for? Contact CFIB’s Business Help Line at 1 888 234-2232
