Employer & Supervisor Responsibilities

What are my responsibilities as an employer?

As an employer, you have the control over the conditions of work and how it is to be done. You also have the greatest responsibility for health and safety in the workplace.

Every workplace injury is caused by an element in the PEME:

• People
• Equpment
• Materials
• Environment

The employer makes the decisions about how to build safety into each of these. You hire the staff, purchase the equipment and materials, and determine the processes of work. Ask yourself:

1. Do I ask safety-related questions during interviews? 
2. Do I choose equipment and products for safety?
3. Do I observe the how work is done, and look for the safest way for my employees?
4. Do I provide safety training?

How can I make my company safer for my employees?

• Implement a plan to identify workplace hazards and take action to prevent accidents and occupational illness.
• Provide the information, training and education workers need to safely do their jobs. This includes proper orientation, information and training about specific machinery or substances, safety procedures and associated risks.
• Train supervisors so they know and obey health & safety requirements and company health & safety policies, practices and procedures.
• Check to make sure everyone is following workplace health and safety policies and procedures. If the rules are broken, take action to prevent it from happening again.
• Establish an occupational health committee to help identify and control health & safety hazards and address health & safety issues raised by workers. Always consult and co-operate with the committee.
• Have a system to report and investigate accidents and near misses. Information from investigations should be used to review and improve health and safety policies, practices and procedures.
• Create plans to deal with emergencies, such as fires, explosions, major releases of hazardous materials, violent acts or natural hazards.
• Provide appropriate medical and first aid equipment.
• Provide personal protective equipment and make sure it is used properly.
• Set up a process to identify and prevent harassment in the workplace.

What are my responsibilities as a supervisor?

Supervisors must follow health & safety policies, practices and procedures. You must make sure workers under your direction do so as well. You should:

• Instruct and train workers to follow health and safety policies, practices and procedures.
• Make sure workers have the competency to perform work safely.
• Ensure safety equipment is provided and properly used by workers.
• Learn your company’s emergency procedures and be sure workers know and follow them.
• Where appropriate, know about the safe handling, use, storage, production and disposal of chemical and biological substances.
• Constantly correct any health or safety hazards that arise.
• Ensure only authorized and properly trained workers operate equipment.
• Report and investigate all accidents and near misses.
• Promote proper health and safety habits among workers.
  
  Source: http://www.labour.gov.sk.ca/