Worksafe BC
With fall upon us and winter fast approaching, it’s a good time to reflect on the health and safety of our workers. Do you have a plan in place when workers are working alone? What about for confined spaces? How do you deal with chemical spills? Are your workers wearing the correct personal protective equipment?
Protecting workers is vital to the success of orchard and vineyard operations. Following a good health and safety plan is the backbone of any well-run operation and results in increased morale and productivity throughout the year. No matter how large or small your company is, it’s your responsibility as an employer to have a health and safety program in place.
Every workplace is different, and your program may be more or less formal depending on the size of your business. The following are components of an effective health and safety program.
- Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policy – Protect the health and safety of your workers and outline goals and responsibilities of employers, supervisors, and workers. Your OHS policy is as important as any other part of your business. Write it simply so that it’s easy to understand. Post it in a common area so that all workers are aware of it.
- Orientation and training – Orient new workers before they begin a new job.. Workers, especially young workers, need hands-on, job-specific instruction. Training requires demonstration and supervision to ensure workers understand safe work procedures and the health and safety guidelines are clear.
- Regular inspections – Designed to identify workplace hazards, an inspection should include location, tools and machinery, and work methods. Schedule them often enough to prevent unsafe working conditions from developing. Use a checklist to ensure your inspections are thorough and consistent.
- Incident investigations – Investigate incidents and correct any issues to ensure that they don’t reoccur. Employers should take the time to analyze “near misses” to identify what could be done to prevent future events.
- Written work procedures – Let your workers know how to safely carry out specific tasks. Procedures are especially important for young workers and ensure consistent work habits. High-risk procedures like lockout, confined space entry, and working alone, are required in writing.
- Health and safety meetings – Good communication demonstrates that health and safety is a priority in your workplace. Hold regular meetings with your workers and supervisors to discuss any safety concerns. Keep a record of each meeting, including who attended and what was discussed.
- First aid – Effective treatment can reduce the severity of work-related injuries. First aid requirements vary depending on the hazards and risks of each workplace, the travel time to the nearest hospital, and the number of workers.
- Record keeping – Written records help employers identify trends for unsafe work conditions or practices and provide material for education and training. Some records are required by Regulation and can act as supporting documentation if an incident occurs.
- Emergency response plan – Create a plan for workplace emergencies such as fires, explosions, chemical spills, or natural disasters to ensure employees understand how to respond effectively in an emergency.
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) – Make sure the appropriate PPE is available to all workers and that workers are trained in its use.
The following resources help employers meet the requirements of an effective health and safety plan:
- Health and Safety for Wineries and Vineyards
- How to Implement a Formal Occupational Health and Safety Program
- Small Business Health & Safety Log Book
- Small Business Primer
Find these resources and more details regarding the OHS regulation at worksafebc.com/health-safety.