Safe work proceduresEmployers must provide and maintain a workplace with necessary equipment, systems and tools that are safe and without health risks, as reasonably practicable.Identifying hazards and developing safe work procedures (SWP) is the employer’s responsibility in consultation with the workers at the workplace and/or their representatives. SWPs are developed once you have performed a job hazard analysis.Job hazard analysisEmployers must perform a job hazard analysis (JHA) as indicated in the Workplace Safety and Health Regulation (WSH Regulation), M.R. 217/2006 Part 2.1 and Workplace Safety and Health Act (WSH Act) W210, Part 7.4 (5).To conduct a JHA, break the job task into basic steps. Each task should not exceed fifteen steps. Identify exposure to hazards for each step and determine that will reduce or eliminate the risk. For a list of hazard types, visit hazards and exposures and tools, machinery & equipment safety.Download a job hazard analysis template.The following example is not a comprehensive example but illustrates some factors that should be considered when conducting a JHA.Example job hazard analysis: woodworking band sawJob stepsHazardControl measures1. place material in front of the blade on the work platformdebris on platform awkward posture when lifting material clean work platform and equipment describe safe lifting and material handling 2. turn on sawelectrical shock noise inspect the electrical cord and switch wear hearing protection 3. push material through the bladeknots or nails in wood could cause kickback saw dust in eyesinspect the wood and push through slowly wear eye protection 4. remove material from the platformexposed blade material falls and strikes feetuse proper hand positioning, shut off saw wear safety footwear 5. clean off sawsaw dust in eyes saw dust inhaledwear eye protection disposable respirator (N95) Safe work proceduresSWPs are readily available documents for workers to reference and are required as outlined in the WSH Regulation, M.R. 217/2006 Part 2.1. They are based on information gathered by the job hazard assessment and are used when training employees.Supervisors are responsible for ensuring workers perform tasks safely and consistently with training and SWPs. Supervisors should review their work at least every three years and when new equipment is introduced.While there is no required format for SWPs, they should include the following information:name or description of the work taskdepartmentmanagement approvaldate of creation, review or revisionpotential hazardsany training, videos or tests required to perform the taskcommon signs and symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury, if MSI risk is presenta statement indicating that workers must be trained on the SWPs and employers must ensure that workers follow the proceduressteps to perform the task safelyDownload a safe work procedure template.Related linksHealth and safety topic list
