How to create safety policies and procedures for your program?

Keeping people safe when they are at work is the responsibility of employers and employees alike. Guardian program managers and leadership must establish a safe and healthy work environment by developing and enforcing safety policies and emergency procedures. Your guardian crew is responsible for following all policies and procedures.

Clear, straightforward safety policies should describe their purpose, employee expectations and corrective or disciplinary actions. Ensure that your staff understand that they are accountable and that you will follow through with disciplinary actions if procedures aren't followed. A safe and healthy workplace environment is one where workplace practices and policies also protect staff from discrimination, harassment, violence, and bullying while on the job.

Remember that safety is a condition of employment and most injuries and fatalities are preventable. Everyone must know the safety policies and emergency procedures inside out.

In addition to safety policies and procedures, it is critical to have standard workplace insurance coverage and WCB in place for employees and contractors. Work with your insurance provider to get the right liability insurance and coverage for your guardian program activities. Make sure your crew understands what the legal conditions are for insurance coverage to apply. Ensure that your safety policies and procedures have been vetted by a legal advisor to protect your program from liability if necessary.

Some examples of safety policy and procedures from various communities are provided below:

General safety policies
Small vessel operator procedures
Corrective action/discipline policy
Drug and alcohol policy
Workplace bullying and harassment policy

General Workplace Safety Policies - Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network

The 'General Workplace Safety Policies' shared by the Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network describes expectations for employees around employee behaviour including horseplay, fit for duty, personal protective equipment.

Nuxalk Coastal Guardian Watchmen Small Vessel Operator Guide Policy and Procedure Manual 2017 - Nuxalk First Nation

The 'Nuxalk Coastal Guardian Watchmen Small Vessel Operator Guide Policy and Procedure Manual' shared by the Nuxalk First Nation Guardian Watchman program is a comprehensive manual for safe operations of their vessels and crew.

Occupational Health and Safety Manual – Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network

The comprehensive 'Occupational Health and Safety Manual' shared by the Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network will get you started in developing safety policies and procedures and preparing staff to be safe on the job.

Violence in the Workplace Policy - Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network

The 'Violence in the Workplace Policy' shared by the Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network describes the responsibilities of employees, supervisors and management to maintain a workplace free of violence. A step by step process for conducting a violence risk assessment if provided.

Workplace Bullying and Harassment Policy - Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network

The 'Workplace Bullying and Harassment Policy' shared by the Ha-ma-yas Stewardship Network establishes procedures to minimize and/or prevent violence and unacceptable behavior in the workplace and to foster the safety and security of all employees, clients and visitors to the work site.

Ni-Hat'Ni Resource Binder

The Ni-Hat'Ni Resource Binder, shared by Lutsel K'e Dene First Nation, is a draft operating manual for the Ni-Hat'Ni Dene (Watchers of the Land) program. It is a helpful resource for developing protocols on engaging visitors, record-keeping, safety procedures, and interpretive and educational resources.