In any workplace, safety should always be a top priority. Yet, one of the most common reasons for workplace injuries and fatalities is the lack of proper safety training. Companies have a significant responsibility to ensure that their workers are adequately trained to carry out their tasks safely. Failure to provide this training can have severe consequences.
Under The Saskatchewan Employment Act and Canada Labour Code, employers are mandated to provide comprehensive training to their employees. These regulations are in place to protect the well-being of all individuals in the workplace. Proper training involves more than just providing information; it requires practical demonstrations to ensure that workers have acquired the necessary knowledge and skills. Employers must retain copies of training certificates, which serve as crucial documentation in the event of an incident.
It is important that employees who are teaching or showing safety in the workplace know what they are doing. This not only includes knowing the safety procedures but also how to protect themselves. When accidents occur, occupational health officers investigate, and one of their primary inquiries is whether the involved worker received adequate training. Lack of training, or proper training, not only jeopardizes the safety of workers but may also exposes other to risks.
As a worker who is also providing safety training to another worker you need to ensure you are properly trained, you are providing the proper material and information to the trainee and that you are supposed to provide this training. Your ability and skills provide safety training has to be effective, so you can ensure the trainee is receiving the proper training. It can mean the difference between their safety and the safety of everyone in the workplace.
Proper safety training is indispensable in ensuring a safe and healthy work environment. Employers bear the primary responsibility for providing comprehensive training to their workers, as mandated by legislation. If you are going to provide any safety training to any new employee you must ensure you are properly trained and accredited, you are up to date on all safety processes and procedures you are responsible for and that the employer is aware that you are providing the training.
Workers need to actively engage in all workplace safety by exercising their right to know and seeking the information and training they need to work safely, but it should never be forgotten that the employers responsibility to provide a safe workplace is theirs.
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