b'WORKSAFEBCLEADING BY EXAMPLE: The supervisors role in occupational health and safety BY ALEXANDRA SKINNERC reating a safe and healthy work- EnsuringthehealthandsafetyAsystematicapproachisthebestplaceisasharedresponsi- ofallworkersundertheir waytointegratesafetyintoajobsite, bility.Owners,employers,sitedirect supervision; saysPaine.Thismeansmakingsafety supervisorsandworkersallKnowingWorkSafeBCrequire- activities such as inspections, equipment playimportantrolesinthesafetyof checks and crew talks a regular part of the a worksite.ments that apply to the work underdaily routine.their supervision and making sure Supervisors play a key role with verythose requirements are met; Theseactionsalsosupportbroader specific health and safety responsibilitiesMakingsureworkersundertheirworksite safety plans.that need to be understood.supervision are aware of all known Supervisors set the tone for work- or reasonably foreseeable hazardsSUPERVISING NEWplace safety, says Michael Paine, managerwhere they work; AND YOUNG WORKERS of prevention programs and services atConsultingandcooperatingwithNew and young workers often need extra WorkSafeBC. Their attitude, words andguidance to work safely. Supervisors must actions influence how workers approachjoint health and safety committeeensure they understand workplace expec-and practice safety. Supervisors play anmembers or representatives, as welltations, hazards and safe work procedures essential role as safety champions.as others performing occupationalbefore stepping onto a roof.health and safety duties, including regulators like WorkSafeBC; An effective training approach follows WHAT IS A SUPERVISOR?a four-step process: Confirmingthatworkersunder A supervisor is a person who instructs,1. Prepare: Set clear expectations and directsandcontrolsworkersinthetheir supervision have the appro- provide necessary safety materials. performanceoftheirduties.Asuper- priatepersonalprotectiveequip-ment,suchasfallprotection2. DemonstrateandDescribe: visor can be any worker who meets this definition,whetherornottheycarryequipment like harnesses, lanyards,Show proper techniques and explain thetitle.Thiscouldincludeowners,lifelinesandguardrails,andthatsafety procedures in detail. it is properly used, inspected andve:Monitorworkerperfor-managers,superintendents,charge3. Obserhands, lead hands, site leads, departmentmaintained; andmanceandprovideimmediateheads, tradespersons and trainers. Investigatingunsafeconditionsfeedback.Supervisorshavespecifichealthand ensuring that corrective action4. Check Progress: Regularly followandsafetyresponsibilities.InB.C.,is taken without delay. up to ensure ongoing understanding theOccupationalHealthandSafetyand compliance. Regulation(OHSR)requiressupervi- INTEGRATING SAFETY Age-appropriatetraining,suchas sorstounderstandandcomplywithINTO DAILY OPERATIONS hands-ondemonstrationsofharness WorkSafeBC requirements. Supervisorscanpreventinjuriesbytie-off points and interactive discussions Key safety responsibilities for super- beingproactiveandintentionalin about fall risks, helps reinforce learning visors include:their approach. and builds lifelong safety habits.14 lROOFINGBClFALL 2025'