This five-day course addresses the key components of and the tools required for preparing, implementing and managing an effective Occupational Health and Safety Program as required by the Occupational Health and Safety Act. The presentations address the theoretical components, legal requirements, as well as a strong emphasis on strategies for effective implementation of a safety program. Participants gain the necessary background, understanding and innovative tools to prepare and implement an effective Occupational Health and Safety Program. An effective OH&S Program will help your organization reduce the incredible costs, in terms of people and dollars, of injuries and illness in the workplace.

By the end of this course delegates will be able to:

• Leadership skills for effective program implementation.
• How to establish due diligence.
• Design an OH&S program based on international best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Effective methods to reduce the high cost of injuries.
• Due Diligence & the Employer.
• The role of the Workers’ Compensation Board in injury prevention.
• Hazard Identification and Investigation Systems.
• Integration of Health and Wellness Components Within a Safety Program.
• How to be proactive when dealing with employees’ relations and safety.
• Use performance metrics to evaluate and improve OH&S performance
• Integrate psychological and behavioral aspects into safety culture programs.

• Safety Managers and OH&S Officers
• HR Managers involved in workplace safety
• Operations and Production Managers
• Supervisors and Team Leaders
• Quality Assurance Managers
• Compliance and Risk Managers
• Engineers and Technicians responsible for safety

Day 1: Fundamentals of OH&S Program Design

1.1 Introduction to OH&S Programs

• Definition of an OH&S program and its role in workplace safety.
• Understanding international standards (ISO 45001, OSHA) and regulatory frameworks.

1.2 Key Elements of an OH&S Program

• Hazard identification and risk assessment (HIRA).
• Roles and responsibilities of OH&S personnel and leadership.
• Policy development: Safety policies, rules, and procedures.

1.3 Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Overview of relevant OH&S regulations in different jurisdictions.
• How to align company programs with legal standards (e.g., OSHA, HSE).

Day 2: Risk Assessment and Hazard Control Strategies

2.1 Risk Assessment Techniques

• Hazard identification techniques: HAZOP, Job Safety Analysis (JSA), and risk matrices.
• Prioritizing risks and creating risk profiles for the workplace.

2.2 Hazard Control Hierarchy

• Elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and personal protective equipment (PPE).
• Practical applications of control strategies in diverse industries.

2.3 Developing and Implementing Control Measures

• Creating control plans based on identified risks.
• Integration of technology in hazard control (e.g., safety monitoring systems, automation).

Day 3: Safety Leadership and Employee Engagement

3.1 The Role of Leadership in Safety Culture

• Leadership’s influence on safety behavior and performance.
• Building safety accountability among senior management.

3.2 Developing Safety Leadership at All Levels

• Leadership training on safety management.
• Creating safety champions within departments to advocate for safety.

3.3 Engaging Employees in the Safety Process

• Strategies to involve employees in safety initiatives (safety committees, suggestion systems).
• Building a safety-focused mindset and shared responsibility culture.
• Recognition and reward systems for promoting safety behaviors.

Day 4: Establishing a Proactive Safety Culture

4.1 What is a Safety Culture?

• Definition and characteristics of a positive safety culture.
• Moving from a reactive to a proactive safety culture.

4.2 Behavioral Safety Programs

• Introduction to Behavior-Based Safety (BBS) programs.
• Techniques to influence and sustain safe behavior in the workplace.
• Identifying leading and lagging indicators of safety performance.

4.3 Psychological Safety and Communication

• The role of psychological safety in fostering open communication on safety concerns.
• Ensuring that employees feel safe to report near-misses and safety hazards without fear of reprisal.

Day 5: OH&S Performance Measurement and Continuous Improvement

5.1 Safety Audits and Inspections

• Conducting internal and external safety audits.
• Tools and techniques for performing safety inspections.
• Documenting audit findings and implementing corrective actions.

5.2 OH&S Performance Metrics

• Key metrics for monitoring safety performance (TRIR, LTIR, near-miss reporting).
• Data analysis and interpretation to drive safety improvements.

5.3 Continuous Improvement and Sustainability in OH&S

• Using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle for continuous improvement.
• Embedding safety into the organizational culture for long-term sustainability.

5.4 Final Group Activity: OH&S Program Development Exercise

• Participants will work in teams to design an OH&S program for a case study organization.
• Presentations and feedback session on the program design and its implementation plan.

RECTUS Consultant certificate will be issued to all attendees completing all the total tuition hours of the course.