Management of occupational health and safety
In Quebec, the prevention of occupational accidents and diseases is provided for by the Act respecting occupational health and safety (AOHS), which aims to eliminate hazards at the source to protect the health, safety, and physical and psychological integrity of workers.
To ensure effective and lasting occupational health and safety management, the employer, in collaboration with workers, must implement prevention and participation mechanisms.
- Two key elements are essential to this approach:
- Active participation of workers;
- A rigorous prevention process.
The prevention process applies to all workplaces, including establishments and construction sites. It comprises three steps:
- Identify risks and risk factors: this applies to all positions and all types of hazards, including chemical, ergonomic, biological, physical, and psychosocial risks, as well as those affecting overall safety.
- Correct the risks: once risks have been identified and prioritized, determine the measures needed to eliminate or control them, using the hierarchy of prevention measures.
- Control the risks: after corrective measures have been implemented, the employer must establish monitoring, evaluation, maintenance, and follow-up systems to ensure that risks have been eliminated or properly managed.
The ITEM method for identifying workplace hazards is based on four key factors:
- Individual;
- Task
- Environment ;
- Material.
Together, these areas of vigilance help develop preventive reflexes, for oneself and for others, before beginning any task.
