SAFE Work Manitoba has established a standard for occupational safety and health in the province called SAFE Work Certified. SAFE Work Certified sets the standard for safety and health certification programs offered by industry based safety programs and associations (IBSPs). These safety and health certification programs are offered to Manitoba employers to help reduce workplace injuries and illnesses and promote a culture of safety in Manitoba.
What is an occupational safety and health certification program?
An occupational safety and health certification program provides a way to recognize employers for meeting a standard for safety and health performance. SAFE Work Certified establishes this standard and ensures consistency across the province for occupational safety and health certification programs offered through IBSPs.
What is a certifying partner?
Certifying partners are IBSPs that have entered into partnership with SAFE Work Manitoba to provide safety and health support to a particular industry sector. To be considered a certifying partner, an IBSP and its safety and health certification program must meet the SAFE Work Certified standard.
What are the SAFE Work Certified standards for safety and health certification programs?
SAFE Work Certified has established essentials and measures for safety and health programs offered by certifying partners to ensure that they are effective and comprehensive. To meet the SAFE Work Certified standard, a safety and health program offered by a certifying partner must demonstrate:
- leadership commitment
- hazard identification and risk control
- worker participation.
How does a workplace begin the process to obtain safety and health certification through a certifying partner?
Certifying partners are tasked with providing the direct support and resources needed for Manitoba workplaces to obtain safety and health certification. Employers interested in obtaining safety and health certification should contact the IBSP associated with their industry.
In Manitoba, there are currently five IBSPs:
Agriculture
Construction
Manufacturing
Service
Transportation
If your industry is not covered by one of these IBSPs, contact SAFE Work Manitoba:
Phone: 204-957-SAFE (7233) or toll free: 1-855-957-SAFE
What are the benefits of obtaining safety and health certification?
For employers, the potential long-term benefits of obtaining safety and health certification for their workplaces can include:
- a safer and healthier workplace
- better control of workplace hazards
- reduction in workplace injuries and illnesses
- improved employee engagement and productivity
- potential long term reduction in WCB premiums
- potential rebate of 15 per cent on your WCB premium (or up to $3000 for smaller employers).
How does obtaining safety and health certification align with provincial workplace safety and health regulatory requirements?
Safety and health certification programs offered by certifying partners that meet the SAFE Work Certified standard will help employers meet their workplace safety and health regulatory and legal requirements, specifically Section 7.4 - Workplace safety and health programs under The Workplace Safety and Health Act.
My industry doesn't have an IBSP. Can I still obtain safety and health certification for my workplace?
If your industry does not yet have an IBSP, contact SAFE Work Manitoba:
Phone: 204-957-SAFE (7233) or toll free: 1-855-957-SAFE
What is the process for a workplace to obtain safety and health certification through a certifying partner?
Certifying partners will work with employers to ensure that their safety and health management systems meet the SAFE Work Certified standard. Once this is determined, a SAFE Work Certified auditor will be assigned to audit the workplace to ensure it meets the SAFE Work Certified standard.
I'm interested in becoming a SAFE Work Certified auditor. What is the process to become one?
You can become an accredited SAFE Work Certified auditor by doing the following:
Note: Before becoming accredited to perform SAFE Work Certified audits, a SAFE Work Certified auditor must align with a CP and complete the CP's industry maintenance (internal) auditor training.
How do employers ensure workers participate in the safety and health certification process?
Workplaces seeking safety and health certification that meets the SAFE Work Certified standard will need to demonstrate that:
- workers understand their safety and health rights and responsibilities, and are engaged in the safety and health program
- there is an effective workplace safety and health committee or worker representative
- protections are in place for vulnerable workers, as well as provisions to ensure their inclusion in safety and health programming
- workers have demonstrated confidence in the safety and health program in their workplace.
What role does an organization's leadership have in a workplace obtaining safety and health certification?
Workplaces seeking safety and health certification that meets the SAFE Work Certified standard will need to demonstrate that their leaders have:
- made a commitment to workplace safety and health
- set safety and health goals and measures
- clearly assigned safety and health roles and responsibilities
- communicated and demonstrated their commitment to occupational safety and health.
What is the process for a SAFE Work Certified audit?
An audit by a SAFE Work Certified auditor will include:
- interviews with workers, workplace safety and health committee members, supervisors and managers
- observations of work practices, processes, equipment, and the workplace environment
- document reviews of manuals, records and safe work procedures.
For the complete list of steps involved in the audit, see Pass a SAFE Work Certified audit
What is the cost of obtaining safety and health certification through a certifying partner?
The cost of obtaining safety and health certification through a certifying partner will include the cost of developing an organization's safety and health management system to meet the SAFE Work Certified standard, as well as costs associated with the certification audit. Examples include the cost of required safety and health training, the cost of developing and implementing the requirements for certification. Contact your certifying partner to discuss further.
What is SAFE Work Manitoba's role in the process for obtaining safety and health certification?
SAFE Work Manitoba is responsible for setting the standard for safety and health certification programs offered by certifying partners. As well, once a certifying partner determines that an employer has met the requirements for safety and health certification, SAFE Work Manitoba will review the employer's application to ensure all criteria has been met.
What is the process for small businesses to obtain safety and health certification through a certifying partner?
Small businesses are defined as those with 19 or fewer employees. Small businesses are offered a guided approach to obtaining safety and health certification through their certifying partner. This guided approach includes coaching, a development plan, regular follow up and consultation.
Once employers obtain safety and health certification for their workplaces, how long does the certification remain valid?
Once an employer obtains safety and health certification, the certification remains valid for three years. During that time, employers must demonstrate that the standards of their safety and health program continue to meet SAFE Work Certified standards by:
- participating in quality assurance reviews, which could include site assessments and audits
- participating in maintenance year activities established by their certifying partner such as self-audits and safety surveys
- remaining in good standing with the WCB and applicable regulatory bodies.
My workplace holds safety and health certification through a safety association. Do I need to take any additional steps?
SAFE Work Certified recognizes existing safety and health certification programs offered through IBSPs that have been designated a certifying partner. To determine if your existing safety and health certification aligns with SAFE Work Certified, contact your IBSP.
Who can I talk to if I have more questions about obtaining safety and health certification for my workplace?
If you are interested in learning more about obtaining safety and health certification for your workplace, contact the IBSP for your sector. If you are unsure if your industry has one, contact SAFE Work Manitoba:
Phone: 204-957-SAFE (7233) or toll free: 1-855-957-SAFE
