Task

Purpose:

The purpose of this case study is to provide participants with the experience of collecting and measuring the evidence to determine the findings and conclusion of conformity.

Task:

You are asked to determine conformity of the firm’s OHS policy to the WSIB HSMS review (Sect A) and the health and safety program for H&S Ltd.

  1. Review the information provided.
  2. List the steps you would take prior to conducting the audit.
  3. List the actual evidence (and the source) used to determine your finding.
  4. What documents and records would you request to see that are not included in the package? (HINT 5 steps)
  5. How would you determine a finding and conclusion?
  6. What is your conclusion and explain why?

Situation:

You are an employee of H&S Ltd. in the position of production supervisor, a qualified auditor and a certified member on their JHSC. You are asked to conduct an internal audit of the firm’s Health and Safety Management System using the WSIB audit requirements (HSMS review).

H&S Ltd. was previously owned by ABC Chemical Ltd until two years ago. However, the management team and workers remained the same with an employee base of 100.

During your audit some of the evidence found was:

  • A documented and current health and safety program
  • A document indicating it is the responsibility for the owner/senior manager to develop and annually review the firm’s OHS policy
  • An orientation program for new hires which includes the OHS policy
  • Posting in the main entrance and lunchroom
  • A document in the firm’s JOHSC terms of reference that the management are required to annually consult with the committee prior to signing the policy OHS policy.

WSIB HSMS review
A.1 Management Commitment Standard / Evidence/Notes
A.1.1
The employer establishes, implements and maintains a documented HSMS that meets the Accreditation for Ontario Workplaces Standard. The system supports a strong internal responsibility system.
A.1.2
The employer:
  • ensures that the workplace parties, including workers, supervisors and managers, have the time, resourcesand competency to implement the HSMS and to achieve its policy, objectives and targets
  • makes health and safety an organizational priority similar to other priorities and integrates the management system into all aspects of the organization, and
  • promotes participation of, and seeks feedback from, all workplace parties in developing and implementing and maintainingthe HSMS, and recognizes the value of these contributions.
A.1.3
Senior management:
  1. actively promotes and participates in the HSMS, and
  2. assigns a senior management representative the overall responsibility for implementing and maintaining the HSMS.
  3. Promotes health and safety in the community

A.2 Health & Safety Policy Statement Standard / Evidence/Notes
A.2.1
The employer has a written health and safety policy statement that is specific to the organization.
A.2.2
The policy:
  1. is dated and signed by the most senior accountable person on site
  2. includes a general statement of health and safety responsibilities and commitment of all workplace parties
  3. specifies commitment to achieve compliance with legal requirements, and
  4. specifies the commitment of the employer to health and safety and the protection of workers
  5. specifies a commitment to continual improvement.

A.3 Legal Requirements Standard / Evidence/Notes
A.3.1
The employer establishes and implements a process that:
  1. identifies all applicable legal requirements
  2. incorporates legal requirements into the health and safety managementsystem
  3. evaluates that legal requirements are consistently met
Note: Other requirements include Canadian Standards Association standards, Ministry of Labour Guidelines,etc.

H&S Ltd.

Health and Safety Policy

Management of H&S Limited, the Chemical Makers Union, Local 001, and other workplace parties are responsible for, and committed to, achieving H&S performance that meets or exceeds the best performance in the chemical manufacturing industry. The protection of the health and safety of all personnel having access to our workplace is more important than anything else we do.

Continual improvement of H&S performance and H&S Management is an ongoing business priority equal to any other H&S Limited priority. The adequacy and effectiveness of H&S Management shall be regularly reviewed with a focus on the corrosive, flammable and adverse health risks associated with the chemicals in our workplace.

Our organization will make every reasonable effort to meet or exceed applicable legal requirements and any other requirements defined by our H&S management system and to provide for the protection of safety and health.

Hazard identification, risk assessment, and risk control planning shall be employed to proactively achieve these commitments. Where appropriate, objectives and targets shall be set and reviewed to facilitate improvements to H&S Management & H&S performance.

We recognize that effective communication and consultation about H&S requirements with our workers and other parties working under our control is an essential component of success. Specialized skills, technology, and financial resources shall be provided, appropriate for the risk, prior to any undertaking.

Norton DewingSusan Burns

Plant ManagerMaintenance Welder and

Shop Stewart, Local 001

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