Occupational Health & Safety Program

Safety is our top priority!

Para Space is determined to promote safe working conditions and attitudes, and provide resources as needed to ensure safe work practices.

• We are pleased to have been shown to meet the standards of WorkSafeBC’s Certificate of Recognition (COR) program since 2012.  This program involves a strict audit of a company’s overall safety program, and is awarded to those who meet or exceed all the requirements.
• Our Joint Health and Safety Committee is a cooperative effort of all employees.  The Committee assesses equipment and procedures, reviews injury histories, provides recommendations to minimize risks, and conducts investigations in the event of a serious injury.  The Committee is accessible to all staff and submissions to the Committee are encouraged.
• We meet or exceed workplace safety regulations for first aid training.  All supervisory staff are required to have current first aid training, which is also offered to field staff.
• High quality personal protective equipment and first aid supplies are available to all staff. Our safety rules require the use of PPE whenever appropriate to minimize or eliminate any hazards.
• We safely perform work at height using certified and trained staff, along with the latest in fall protection equipment technology.
• While workplace injuries are rare, we do have in place a graduated return to work program.  This helps minimize the impact on affected staff and eases their transition back to normal duties.
• Our knowledge and compliance with safe workplace regulations helps to make Para Space a safe and healthy place to work. We are, of course, registered with WorkSafe British Columbia.

The Management of Para Space Landscaping is determined to promote safe and healthy working conditions and attitudes within our company.

Occupational Health and Safety Program Elements:

1. Occupational Health and Safety Policy
   • Safety Mission and Goals
   • Responsibilities of Management, Supervisors, and Workers
2. Safety Inspections
   • Safety Inspection Protocol
   • New Worker Orientation materials
   • On-the-Job-Training (OJT) materials
3. Health and Safety Policies
   • General Safety Rules
   • Hearing Conservation
   • Eyesight Conservation
   • Respiratory Protection
   • Fall Protection
   • Traffic Hazard – High Visibility
   • Traffic Hazard – Work Zoning
   • Worksite Injuries
   • WHMIS Training
   • Spill and Disposal Procedures
   • First Aid Equipment
   • Safety Supplies, Storage and Organization\
   • Biohazardous Materials Procedures
   • Emergency Procedures – Worksite Fire
   • Emergency Procedures – Fire (office)
   • Emergency Procedures – Earthquake (office)
4. Management Meetings – OHS agenda inclusion
   • Monthly Managers’ meeting
   • President’s Meeting
5. Injury Investigation
   • Injury Reporting
   • Incident Investigation
   • Review and analysis
6. Health and Safety Records
   • Records Management
   • Review and Statistical Analysis
   • Reporting and goal development
7. Education and Training
   • New Worker Orientation
   • OJT Training
   • WHMIS Training
   • Fall Protection Training
   • Pesticide Applicators licensing and training
8. Joint Health and Safety Committee
   • Terms of Reference
   • Meetings, regular and special
   • Training and education
   • Recommendations
   • Projects

The Responsibilities Of Management

• Establish and Maintain a Health and Safety Program
• Ensure workers are trained or certified, as required
• Reports accidents and incidents to WorkSafeBC
• Provide First Aid and Medical Procedures
• Provide workers with health and safety information
• Support Supervisors in their health and safety responsibilities

The Responsibilities Of Supervisors:

• Instruct new workers In safe work procedures.
• Train workers for all tasks assigned to them, and check their progress.
• Ensure that only authorized, adequately trained workers operate tools and equipment and apply chemicals.
• Ensure that equipment and materials are properly handled, stored and maintained.
• Enforce all safety rules and regulations.
• Correct unsafe acts immediately.
• Inspect for hazards on each site or in your own area.

The Responsibilities Of Workers:

• Know and follow the safety and health regulations affecting your job.
• If you don’t know how; ask for training before you begin work.
• Work safely and encourage your co-workers to do the same.
• Correct or immediately report any unsafe conditions to your supervisor.
• Report any injury Immediately to your Supervisor.
• Take Initiative. Make suggestions for improved safety conditions.