No matter the size of any given organization, there can be struggles, maybe even impossibilities, when it comes to being aware of what's going on with every worker across your organization. While small businesses may benefit from a more personal approach, a more direct connection with workers due to their size, larger organizations, such as hospitals, universities and municipalities, have hundreds to thousands of employees, from full-time permanent staff to interns.
With the sheer amount of people and job types, it can be difficult or near impossible to have your foot in the door of every department and every team, but "that doesn't mean [you] shouldn't be listening through both direct and ambient feedback loops" - Scott Hitchins, Interact Software in an interview with Forbes.
Let's dive into PSHSA's recent work with Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU) to take a closer look at the opportunity:
Health and Safety in Large Organizations: Case of Toronto Metropolitan University
Recently, PSHSA was brought in to work with TMU for a review of their current Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) effectiveness. Due to the rapid growth of their organization over the last few years and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, an opportunity presented itself in regard to the role of a JHSC within the organization and how a small but mighty team can keep their many employees safe.
With such a large organization, there are different types of work to consider, such as IT, food services, resident services, educators, student workers, maintenance, laboratories, workshops and more, all of which have their own set of health and safety concerns as well as regulations. Diverse workforces also have workers with various learning styles so a variety of learning options are required to ensure optimal knowledge transfer. Some learn better with in person instructor led while others may prefer virtual instructor led or self paced eLearning. Finally, it's important to consider that culture also plays a role in health and safety:
"Our diverse workforce brings cultural differences that must be considered in our safety initiatives. Ensuring everyone's safety inclusively and embracing cultural diversity is paramount. Educating ourselves on these differences fosters a positive environment where everyone feels valued and secure." – Toronto Metropolitan University (TMU), Environmental Health and Safety Team.
Tips for Large Organizations
A few examples of ways large organizations can protect employees, much like TMU, include:
- Having a strong JHSC committee dedicated to keeping workers safe and senior leadership to back them up.
- Provide JHSC certification and additional training for committee members tailored to your organization specifically.
- Consider establishing multiple JHSCs across various departments/ sites.
- Ensure workers are aware of the JHSC. Who they are, what the role of a JHSC is and how they can help.
- Identify scope and purpose of the JHSC.
- Develop thorough action plans that are ready to address issues and objectives.
- Implement an effective change management strategy.
- Establish robust health and safety measures organization-wide so that all departments meet compliance standards.
- Identify multiple ways to receive training. Don't choose how your workers will learn best. Allow them the option to choose which avenue of learning is best for them, whether in-person instructor-led, virtual instructor-led or self-paced eLearning.
- Engage in conversation with workers and key stakeholders, including JHSC members, union executives, EDI committees, human resources and senior leaders.
- Take ownership of health and safety initiatives.
- Speak with subject matter experts.
A collaborative approach between workers and leaders is necessary in order to identify and assess risks. It requires thorough planning and can seem daunting, but in the end, it's worth every second and every penny. Make your workers feel seen, heard and understood. Building trust within your organization is an excellent step toward a healthier and safer one.
"This ongoing dialogue and collaboration signify the crucial role of JHSCs in fostering a culture of safety and well-being throughout our organization." – TMU, Environmental Health and Safety Team.
For more information on how PSHSA can help your large organization protect workers, visit pshsa.ca/consulting/find-a-consultant and speak with one of our consultants in your area today.
Resources:
- About a JHSC and Certification Training | PSHSA
- An Introduction to the Joint Health and Safety Committee | PSHSA
- Effective JHSC Training | PSHSA
- Mandatory Compliance Training | PSHSA
- All Training Available Through PSHSA
- Checklists | PSHSA
- Fast Facts | PSHSA
- Handbooks | PSHSA
- Information Sheets | PSHSA
- Posters | PSHSA
- Resource Manuals | PSHSA
- Workplace Tools | PSHSA
- Hazards | PSHSA
- Provincial Health and Safety Compliance Initiatives | PSHSA
- Health and Safety Excellence Program | PSHSA
- Consulting | PSHSA
- Specialized Services | PSHSA
- Legislation | PSHSA
- First Responders First PTSD Resource Toolkit | PSHSA Microsite
- Workplace Violence in Healthcare | PSHSA Microsite
