Policy Statement
Remote Emergency Medical Services is committed to the protection from accidental loss of all its resources, including employees and physical assets.
In fulfilling this commitment to protect both people and property, management will provide and maintain a safe and healthful work environment in accordance with industry standards and in compliance with legislative requirements and will strive to eliminate any foreseeable hazards which may result in property damage, accidents or personal illness.
All employees will be equally responsible for minimizing accidents within our facilities. Safe work practices and procedures will be clearly defined in the Safety Manual for all employees to follow.
Accidental loss can be controlled through good management in combination with active employee involvement. Safety is the direct responsibility of all employees. All management functions will comply with company safety requirements as they relate to planning, operation and maintenance of facilities and equipment. All employees will perform their jobs properly in accordance with established procedures and safe work practices.
I trust that all of you will join me in a personal commitment to make safety a way of life.
- The safety information in this policy does not take precedence over the Occupational Health and Safely Act. All employees should be familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
Management of Safety
Under Provincial Health and Safety legislation, the onus for compliance with the legislation is placed on the key players within an organization. As such, the legislation spells out key, defined responsibilities for each of these individuals. This defines each of the responsibilities, accountability and authority respectively, and provides the building blocks for an effective Health and Safety Management System.
The key players in the management and effectiveness of the Safety Program are:
- Management;
- All Staff Employees
The key duties for each of these individuals are outlined and discussed in further detail, later in this document.
The management of health and safety is not optional or an extra to existing management activities. The success of our health and safety management system is because it is integrated into all management activities. Health and Safety issues are included in all financial planning activities; therefore, they are integrated into the yearly budgetary process.
All REMSI employees are provided the knowledge and the positive attitude through training, which integrates and accepts good health and safety practices as normal in their everyday work activities. This standard is met at all levels within the organization, with high personal standards, leadership by example and ensuring that safe work practices are routine in everyday activities.
Each level within the organization has its own obligations and responsibilities to those working with them, for them and to those who work under their direct supervision.
The REMSI Site Specific Safety Plan contains requirements for a safety management system with which the organization can control the occupational risks associated with its activities and improve the performance of its program.
The Safety Management System guidelines are primarily concentrated on working conditions in a heavy civil and industrial construction environment.
The management of the REMSI Safety Program has five elements:
- Health and safety policy – annual review
- Planning – annual business plan
- Implementation and operation – Site Program management
- Checking and corrective action – District Audit Program
- Management review – annual update and amendment