Proper training and ongoing education help workers understand workplace hazards, follow safety procedures, and stay up to date with industry standards. Certification, especially in areas like first aid or equipment operation, confirms that an individual meets specific competency requirements.
Managers and supervisors also need to be trained in their roles and responsibilities, especially when it comes to workplace safety. Proper training also leads to better client support and care.
As part of your Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) management system, these elements promote a culture of safety, improve job performance, and help organizations meet legislative obligations. They ensure that employees have the knowledge, skills, and qualifications needed to perform their jobs safely and effectively.
There’s a lot to consider when creating your training, education, and certification program. Check out our templates and resources, created with social service workers in mind, to help your process.
Program Builder: CSSHSA Learning Centre
Program Builder: CSSHSA Learning Centre Registration
Program Builder: WorkSafeBC Training and Orientation for Young and New Workers
Program Builder: WorkSafeBC New Worker Orientation Checklist
Program Builder: WorkSafeBC Supervisor Orientation Checklist
WorkSafeBC Requirements
There are training and education requirements spread out throughout various section of the WorkSafeBC’s Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Regulations. In addition, there are new-hire orientations and recordkeeping OHS regulatory requirements.
Learn more:
Onboard to our Learning Centre for free access to health, safety and wellness courses and create a richer experience for all your employees.
What Employers Need to Know
Policies and Procedures
- Clear policies and procedures for providing and maintaining all training, education, and certification documentation are required for different jobs. Tip: Use the CSSHSA health and safety program template.
- Relevant legislation must be monitored and documentation revised accordingly as OHS Regulation and other licensing or legal requirements change on a regular basis.
- Qualified supervisors must be designated to offer ongoing supervision, coaching, and observation to ensure safe work practices are followed and proper use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and tools. Tip: Require all managers and supervisors to complete our OHS for Leaders, Incident Investigation, and Workplace Inspections training every three years.
- Processes for supervisors need to be implemented to evaluate worker safety performance and ensure tasks are completed according to organizational safe work procedures. Tip: Use our job observation checklist.
- A site-specific health and safety orientation for all including contractors is required before beginning work on a site.
Training and Education
- Orientation for all workers must be provided before workers begin duties, including on organizational policies, safety procedures, and role-specific training.
- Relevant training and education must be provided on an ongoing and as-required basis based on workplace risks and hazards.
- All training, education, and certifications must be tracked in detailed records.
- All certifications must be current and valid, with timely renewals to avoid legislative lapses.
- Training and education records must be retained for a minimum of three years.
Best Practices
Be Proactive
- Establish a clear record-keeping process, including defined roles and responsibilities for maintaining safety documentation that suits the organization’s size and needs.
- Provide new-hire safety orientations within the first week of employment, ideally before workers begin any duties that involve risk exposure.
- Analyze safety statistics and incident trends annually to identify areas for improvement and proactively address risks through training and education.
Communicate Process and Supports
- Ensure job descriptions clearly outline health and safety requirements, including necessary qualifications, skills, knowledge, education, and certifications.
- Conduct and document pre-shift or pre-task safety meetings, especially when addressing high-risk activities or site-specific hazards.
Streamline Your Processes
- Engage the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC) in reviewing safety records and contributing to the revision of policies and procedures.
- Maintain training and education records for the duration of an employee’s tenure.
Disclaimer: This resource is intended to help community social service organizations understand the requirements of developing different aspects of health and safety programs. It provides information on key concepts and directs users to relevant resources. The content above is not a substitute for professional legal advice. Please refer to the included links or consult official legislation and resources for current and accurate information.