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Safe work procedures

Employers 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 analysis

Employers 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 saw

Job stepsHazardControl measures
1. place material in front of the blade on the work platform

debris on platform                        

 

awkward posture when lifting material

 

clean work platform and equipment

 

describe safe lifting and material handling

 

2. turn on saw

electrical shock                                       

 

noise

 

inspect the electrical cord and switch

 

wear hearing protection

 

3. push material through the blade

knots or nails in wood could cause kickback

 

saw dust in eyes

inspect the wood and push through slowly

 

wear eye protection

 

4. remove material from the platform

exposed blade                                              

 

material falls and strikes feet

use proper hand positioning, shut off saw

 

wear safety footwear

 

5. clean off saw

saw dust in eyes

 

saw dust inhaled

wear eye protection

 

disposable respirator (N95)

 

Safe work procedures

SWPs 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 task
  • department
  • management approval
  • date of creation, review or revision
  • potential hazards
  • any training, videos or tests required to perform the task
  • common signs and symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury, if MSI risk is present
  • a statement indicating that workers must be trained on the SWPs and employers must ensure that workers follow the procedures
  • steps to perform the task safely

Download a safe work procedure template.