How to create a safer workplace

Senior businessman falling near caution sign in hallway

The Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada reports that there were more than 900 work-related fatalities in 2012, with previous years showing a very similar figure. The same study found that the manufacturing industry had the second highest number of fatalities, surpassed only by the construction industry, and the second highest number of injuries, surpassed only by the health and social services industry. Implementing a comprehensive occupational health and safety management system (OHSMS) can help increase the safety of employees, bringing these numbers down in the process.

Companies with an insufficient management system, or no management system in place at all, are at a greater risk of worker illness, injury or worse. And while not always obvious, every organization carries some risks to worker safety. A well-defined OHSMS enables an organization to mitigate its occupational health and safety risks, contributing to improved organizational performance and continuous improvement. Simply put, your OHSMS makes it easier for you to implement other Occupational Health & Safety standards.

The latest edition of CSA Z1000 – Occupational Health & Safety Management Systems applies to organizations of all sizes in virtually any industry. It is the core standard in a series of documents that address training, hazard identification, risk management, confined spaces, ergonomics and psychological safety. First published in 2006, the latest edition of the standard has been updated to provide further detailed guidance to help organizations improve their occupational health and safety performance.

More information about occupational health and safety management systems is available on the CSA website. Contact CSA Group with any questions.  

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