1002 – Occupational Health and Safety

Legal References
Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations
Related References
Board Policy 1004 – Harassment
Board Policy 1009 – Violence in the Workplace
Board Policy 1017 – Human Rights
Administrative Procedure 3140 – Reporting and Investigation of Employee Incidents, Accidents and Safety Concerns
Effective Date
February 23, 1998
Revisions
June 21, 2021
June 10, 2024
June 9, 2025
Reviewed
May 16, 2022
March 20, 2023

1. Purpose

The Waterloo Region District School Board (WRDSB) will ensure that staff adhere to the responsibilities and requirements placed upon it through the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations.

2. Application

WRDSB staff will:

2.1 report unsafe conditions and comply with all other applicable legislated health and safety requirements; 

2.2 take every reasonable precaution to prevent personal injury and to take appropriate measures to provide and maintain a safe, healthy work environment for all staff; 

2.3 ensure that appropriate consideration is given to staff health and safety in all of the Board’s organizational activities; 

2.4 ensure that employees are aware that the roles and responsibilities for “worker” and “supervisors”, outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its Regulations, are required duties in their roles with the WRDSB; 

2.5 implement health and safety training programs as appropriate and ensure their effectiveness through evaluation;

2.6 provide a respectful, safe and secure working environment for its staff free of violence, threats of violence, harassment (including sexual harassment), intimidation, bullying and other disruptive behaviour;

2.7 ensure staff utilize and comply with all Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements as established by the WRDSB at all times.

3. This policy will be reviewed on an annual basis by the Director of Education, or designate, as well as the Board of Trustees, and posted in conspicuous locations in all WRDSB workplace locations.

1002 – Occupational Health & Safety