Worker, Manager & Employer Responsibilities Within the Internal Responsibility System

Who’s responsible for safety in your workplace? The answer may not be as straightforward as you think!

Everybody is Responsible for Safety

The short and simple answer is that everyone is responsible for safety. But, there’s more to it than that. While every single worker, manager, supervisor, CEO, Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) member and employer is responsible for safety in the workplace, each parties’ responsibilities look different. 

All workplace parties comprise what is known as the IRS, or Internal Responsibility System

The Internal Responsibility System

The IRS is built on the notion that each individual is responsible for their own safety, and the safety of those around them. The Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development (MLTSD) states that the keys to a successful IRS are the following:

• Establishes responsibility sharing systems
• Promotes safety culture
• Promotes best practice
• Helps develop self-reliance
• Ensures compliance

​It’s important to make a distinction between responsibility and liability. Sometimes, workers mistaking believe that if they take on responsibility for safety that they must also shoulder the liability in the event of an incident. Making everyone responsible for safety doesn’t mean that everyone is also liable if there is an incident that results in an injury or fatality. Liability is a completely different concept. To ensure that all workplace parties understand their role in the IRS, we’ve listed some workplace health and safety responsibilities below.

Workers

Workers must understand that they are a vital component of the IRS, and that they play an important role in keeping their workplace safe. Their responsibilities include:

•  Report hazards or defective equipment, including personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Wear all required PPE
• Follow safe operating procedures
• Work safely at all times and not engage in horseplay
• Participate in workplace safety training

 
Check out Section 28 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (the Act) for a complete list of worker roles and responsibilities. 

Supervisors and Managers

Supervisors and managers have all of the responsibilities of workers, and some additional duties, such as:

• Ensuring that workers wear required PPE
• Training workers on the hazards of their jobs
• Making information about hazards accessible
• Keeping current on health and safety legislation
• Leading through example

 
Check out Section 27 of the Act for a complete list of supervisor roles and responsibilities.

Employers

Employers have what’s known as General Duty. That is, they must take every reasonable precaution to protect the safety of their workforce. The General Duty clause, also known as Section 25(2)(h) of the Act, is pretty all-encompassing, but employers have other specific responsibilities too, such as:

• Provide equipment in good working order
• Provide any PPE required for the job
• Appoint competent supervisors
• Prepare, post, and review workplace health and safety policies
• Post a copy of the Act

Check out Section 25 and 26 of the Act for a complete list of employer roles and responsibilities. 

The Joint Health and Safety Committee is the cornerstone of the IRS

The JHSC

The JHSC is the cornerstone of the IRS. They contribute to workplace safety by:

•  Inspecting the workplace
• Holding meetings
• Making recommendations for hazard control
• Acting as an advisory body
• Representing workers who bring forth safety concerns
• If necessary, participating in bilateral or unilateral work stoppages, or assist during work refusals
• Investigating accidents and incidents, and assisting the Ministry of Labour, Training, and Skills Development (MLTSD) during inspections

 
The complete list of JHSC powers can be found in Section 9(18) of the Act. 

External Support

Your IRS isn’t without support from external sources. The MOLTSD supports workplace safety by enforcing the Act, assisting with investigations when there’s a critical injury or fatality, and by setting standards aimed at keeping your workplace safe. Additionally, other agencies such as WSIB, and Canadian Standards Association also provide support. Private training providers, such as MidSouthWest Training and Consulting, are also valuable resources when it comes to supporting safety initiatives at work. 

Trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting 

MidSouthWest Training and Consulting provides JHSC training. in association with Langlois Safety Training and Consulting Services, an approved CPO Provider. We offer in-house and on-site JHSC Part One, Part Two, and Refresher training. We also offer Supervisor Competency training. You can trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting to provide you with cost-effective training solutions tailored to meet your organization’s unique health and safety needs. 
 
To ask questions about how to make this year your JHSC’s most effective year yet, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca.

​Last updated January 22, 2020