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The New Year is the Perfect Time for an OH&S Fresh Start
The New Year naturally invites reflection, making it the ideal time to assess your company’s OH&S program. A Fresh Start allows you to review past performance, celebrate successes, and identify areas for improvement. This process can create a positive atmosphere for the year ahead and ensure your company aligns with safety best practices and regulatory requirements.
In Calgary, with its varied work environments—from icy roads and construction sites to office spaces—the right OH&S practices can reduce accidents, protect employees, and foster a proactive safety culture. A Fresh Start allows you to:
- Revisit and refresh safety protocols.
- Review injury and incident reports from the previous year.
- Ensure compliance with updated local, provincial, or federal OH&S regulations.
- Promote employee well-being and reduce workplace hazards.
- Align safety goals with business objectives for a proactive, year-round safety culture.
Kind of like going over your new employee induction with everyone.
Renewing Your Commitment to Safety
An essential part of any Fresh Start is a clear demonstration of commitment from management. In the New Year, leadership should address the entire workforce with a New Year’s presentation to renew the company’s commitment to safety. This presentation is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of OH&S, set the tone for the year ahead, and share key goals and expectations for the upcoming months.
Management can use this platform to:
- Acknowledge the safety achievements of the previous year.
- Reinforce the company’s commitment to prioritizing safety in all aspects of operations.
- Present any changes to safety policies, regulations, or procedures.
- Highlight the importance of teamwork in maintaining a safe workplace.
- Announce any new safety initiatives or training programs planned for the year.
This presentation helps solidify the idea that safety is a shared responsibility, and it emphasizes that safety practices are not just the responsibility of the safety officer, but everyone in the company.
How a Consultant Can Support Your Fresh Start
While a Fresh Start is important, implementing lasting changes requires expertise. An OH&S consultant can provide valuable insights and help you make necessary adjustments. Here’s how they can support your organization:
- Comprehensive Safety Audits and Assessments
An OH&S consultant can conduct a detailed audit of your current safety practices, identifying gaps in safety protocols, training, and risk management. They will evaluate your workplace environment, safety procedures, and equipment to pinpoint potential hazards. Given Calgary’s unique challenges, such as sudden snowstorms and icy roads, a consultant will help you tailor your practices to mitigate these seasonal risks.
- Updating Safety Policies and Procedures
The OH&S landscape is constantly evolving, and staying compliant requires regular updates. A consultant can ensure your policies are current with both provincial and federal regulations. They will also help you review and revise safety procedures tailored to specific work environments, such as construction, manufacturing, or transportation—each of which has distinct winter-related challenges in Calgary.
- Customized Training and Employee Engagement
Training is a key component of any OH&S program. A consultant can design training programs that meet the specific needs of your employees, ensuring they are equipped to handle winter conditions, industry-specific hazards, and emergency situations. Consultants can also assist in fostering a culture of safety by helping you engage employees in safety initiatives, making safety a core value at every level of the organization.
- Emergency Response Planning
With Calgary’s unpredictable weather, it’s essential to have an up-to-date emergency response plan. A consultant will help you review and enhance your emergency preparedness strategies, ensuring they are suited to potential hazards like snowstorms, fires, or medical emergencies. They can also facilitate drills to ensure that employees are well-prepared to act when needed.
- Incident Investigation and Prevention
When incidents or near-misses occur, a consultant can guide your organization through a thorough investigation to determine the root cause. They will help analyze patterns in safety incidents, identify weaknesses, and recommend corrective actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Developing a Long-Term Safety Culture
Building a sustainable safety culture requires more than just policy updates—it requires continuous engagement and regular updates. An OH&S consultant can help you develop long-term strategies for safety culture development, including periodic audits, refresher training, and employee feedback mechanisms to ensure safety remains at the forefront of your company’s operations.
Benefits of OH&S Improvements in Calgary
By prioritizing OH&S at the start of the year, you’ll set your company up for success. In addition to complying with regulatory requirements, your organization will experience a range of benefits:
- Reduced Injuries and Incidents: A comprehensive OH&S program minimizes risks and ensures a safer working environment, which reduces the frequency of workplace injuries.
- Increased Productivity: Employees who feel safe are more engaged and productive. A safe workplace boosts morale and focus.
- Improved Compliance and Risk Management: Regular updates to your OH&S program ensure that your company remains compliant with Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, reducing legal risks.
- Attracting Top Talent: Companies that demonstrate a commitment to safety and employee well-being are more likely to attract top talent in competitive job markets.
How to Get Started
To get the most out of your New Year safety reset, here’s a step-by-step guide to getting started:
- Identify Your Needs: Consider what areas of your OH&S program need the most attention. Are there specific hazards, training gaps, or regulatory updates you need to address?
- Find the Right Consultant: Look for an OH&S consultant with experience in your industry and knowledge of Calgary’s specific challenges. They should be able to customize their services to meet your organization’s unique needs.
- Set Clear Goals: Work with your consultant to set specific safety goals for the year ahead. These could range from reducing incident rates to improving employee engagement in safety programs.
- Commit to Ongoing Improvement: Safety is not a one-time initiative but a continuous effort. Make sure to integrate regular audits, refresher training, and employee feedback into your safety culture.
A Fresh Start could Help you Save Time, Money, and Headache
A Fresh Start in OH&S at the New Year is more than just a chance for a routine review—it’s an opportunity to revitalize your approach to workplace safety, mitigate risks, and ensure a productive and safe environment for your workforce. By renewing your commitment to safety through a New Year’s presentation and working with an experienced OH&S consultant, you can set your company on a path to success in 2024 and beyond.
Don’t wait until an accident occurs—make safety a priority from day one.
Book your complimentary consultation today for your free consult to improve or develop your OH&S Fresh Start in the Near Year.
How we help
If you'd like help giving your OH&S program a fresh start this year, Calgary Safety Consultants works with employers in Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan to review gaps, update manuals and keep programs current.
About the author
John Duplessis, B.Sc., CRSP
John Duplessis is a Canadian Registered Safety Professional with more than 30 years of occupational health and safety experience in oil and gas, construction, green energy, midstream operations, and industrial project work.
