For a topic of such importance, the world of health and safety training for vocations can involve many differing opinions from a number of different groups. The stakeholders in this area all have an important role to play in developing, maintaining and enforcing health and safety training.
Legal Responsibilities
In Canada, occupational health and safety is covered under the federal, provincial and territorial legislation. Different workplaces fall under different regulations. For instance, the Canada Labour Code is legislation that applies to federal jurisdiction, which is about 10% of the entire Canadian Workforce. An overview of the Canada Lab Code explains the right and responsibilities of employers and employees. Employers and employees, for the most part, are required to ensure workplaces are as safe as possible for themselves and coworkers (Government of Canada, 2013).
Provincial legislation, such as the Occupational Health and Safety Act in Ontario, outlines similar responsibilities in workplaces not under federal jurisdiction. Among the responsibilities of employers and supervisors are the requirements to keep a safe and well-maintained working environment, make health and safety information and training available, and follow proper procedures in cases of injury. Workers are responsible for working safety, using proper safety equipment, reporting unsafe equipment or conditions, and voicing any concerns regarding health and safety (Workplace Safety & Prevention Services, n.d.).
In addition, workers have rights under occupational health and safety legislation. These include:
- The right to refuse unsafe work.
- The right to participate in making a workplace safer.
- The right to know about any unsafe conditions or hazardous materials used in the workplace.
Bringing Everyone Else to the Table
When the conversation turns to vocational safety training the list of stakeholders expands to include health and safety associations (Workplace Safety North, n.d.; Health & Safety Ontario, n.d.; Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, n.d.), industry organizations (Canada Safety Council, n.d.; Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2015), unions (Alberta Union of Public Employees, n.d.; United Food and Commercial Workers Union, n.d.), regulators (WorkSafeBC, 2015; Safe Work Manitoba, n.d. ), insurance companies (WSIB, n.d.), government departments (Government of Ontario Ministry of Labour, n.d.; Government of Manitoba, n.d.) and training providers (Petrochem Training Solutions, 2011).
Overall, everyone has a stake in making sure that workplaces are as safe as they can be.
Employers
Employers control a lot of what happens and a workplace or worksite. It is in an employer’s best interest to participate in enhancing workplace health and safety through training programs. By encouraging safe behaviours in the workplace, employers can reduce the number of workplace accidents and reduce the number of workplace hours lost due to accident and illness.
Workers and Unions
Workers need to actively participate in developing workplace education and training programs. Workers are in the best position to identify and correct potential hazards and unsafe practices in the day to day workplace. Some organizations have unions to represent the collective opinions of workers. This can include input on health and safety related issues such as enforcement, or lack thereof.
Insurance and Regulators
Insurance companies, some of whom are also regulators, also have an interest in developing and promoting effective workplace safety training. Insurance companies are also in a unique position where they can provide data indicating which training areas would be most effective to make workplaces safer. Insurance companies also have an interest in reducing the number of days lost does to injury to reduce payments on insurance claims. Regulators inform and enforce workplace safety regulations. Their work can include visiting worksites, investigating complaints or accidents, developing and providing training, and providing health and safety information.
Training Providers
Training providers need to work with all stakeholders to ensure the training that is being developed and delivered meets the highest quality standards. The training being offered to new entrants and retraining to existing employees must not only be engaging but ensure all requirements and obligations are met under applicable legislation.
