Safety At OC

Where do I find out about the Okanagan College Safety Policy?

For information about OC's Safety Policies and Procedures, visit our website.

I have a concern about a safety issue. What should I do?

Report your concern to your supervisor as soon as possible. WCB regulation 3.10 states:

3.10 Reporting unsafe conditions

Whenever a person observes what appears to be an unsafe or harmful condition or act the person must report it as soon as possible to a supervisor or to the employer, and the person receiving the report must investigate the reported unsafe condition or act and must ensure that any necessary corrective action is taken without delay.

I reported a safety issue to my supervisor, however, I am not sure if anything is being done about it. What do I do now?

Follow up with your supervisor and, if unresolved, report your concern to a member of one of the Occupational Health & Safety Committees.

I believe that the work I am being asked to do is unsafe. What are my rights if I refuse to do it?

In the event that you have a question about the safety of work that you are being asked to do please discuss your concerns with your supervisor and/or the Health and Safety Coordinator as soon as possible. For additional information about the refusal of unsafe work please visit the WCB website: Health and Safety Regulation – Refusal of Unsafe Work.

Where can I find more information about Health and Safety at OC?

The Health, Safety and Wellness web pages have information on:

OC Safety Policy and Procedures
Laboratory Regulations
First Aid Safety Training
WHMIS and MSDS's
Confined Space Procedures
Lockout Procedures
Fall Protection
Radiation Policy
Ergonomics

What do Health and Safety Committees do?

The duties of a Health and Safety Committee are set out in the Workers' Compensation Act (Part 3, Division 4, Section 130) as follows:

to identify situations that may be unhealthy or unsafe for workers and advise on effective systems for responding to those situations;
to consider and expeditiously deal with complaints relating to the health and safety of workers;
to consult with workers and the employer on issues related to occupational health and safety and occupational environment;
to make recommendations to the employer and the workers for the improvement of the occupational health and safety and occupational environment of workers;
to make recommendations to the employer on educational programs promoting the health and safety of workers and compliance with this Part and the regulations and to monitor their effectiveness;
to advise the employer on programs and policies required under the regulations for the workplace and to monitor their effectiveness;
to advise the employer on proposed changes to the workplace or the work processes that may affect the health or safety of workers;
to ensure that accident investigations and regular inspections are carried out as required by this Part and the regulations;
to participate in inspections, investigations and inquiries as provided in this Part and the regulations; and,
to carry out any other duties and functions prescribed by regulation.

How do I become a member of an OC Health & Safety Committee?

If you are a member of a union and would like information about becoming a "worker representative" of an OC Health and Safety Committee please contact your Shop Steward.

"Employer representatives" of the OC Health and Safety Committee are selected by OC. Typically, the individuals selected exercise managerial functions and, to the extent possible, do so at the workplace for which the committee is established.

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