Start with the work you actually do
Generic policies are easy to collect and hard to use. Start by listing your regular tasks, equipment, work environments and higher-risk activities. That gives you a practical base for hazard assessments, safe work practices, procedures and training.
Hazard assessment and control
Alberta employers must assess work sites for existing and potential hazards before work begins, document the results and the controls used, and involve affected workers. Assessments also need to be revisited when work or processes change and at reasonably practicable intervals.
Emergency response
Your workers need to know what happens when something goes wrong. Emergency planning should fit the actual workplace: communication, first aid, emergency contacts, muster locations, evacuation, fire response and site-specific considerations where applicable.
Training and competency
A policy does not train someone. Employers need to make sure workers have the skills and training necessary to perform their work safely. Build a system for orientation, job-specific training, required certificates, competency and refresher training—and keep usable records.
Inspections, incidents and corrective actions
Your program needs a way to find problems and close the loop. Inspections should identify deficiencies. Incidents and near misses should trigger appropriate review. Corrective actions should have a clear owner and be followed through to completion.
Keep it maintainable
The best system is one your company can keep using after the initial setup. Forms should be short enough to complete properly. Responsibilities should be clear. Records should be easy to find. Review the system when your work changes rather than letting old documents quietly become irrelevant.
This article provides general information, not legal advice. Requirements can vary with your industry, work and circumstances. Confirm current requirements with Alberta OHS and, for COR/SECOR, your Certifying Partner.