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Our blog discussing workplace safety opportunities in Nova Scotia and around the world.


Recognizing Everyone’s Role in Workplace Safety this NAOSH Week
On May 1, 2016 in General by Heather Macleod Heather Macleod
Behind every safety program or policy is the idea that everyone in the workplace shares responsibility for health and safety in the workplace.  This is the foundation of the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) and of occupational health and safety law in Nova Scotia.

While we all have a role to play in keeping workplaces safe, the Internal Responsibility System recognizes that people have different jobs and authority in any workplace. And while the boss may have the ultimate responsibility for his or her workplace, everyone else has responsibility for themselves, their co-workers, sub-contractors, visitors, and their work environment too, relative to their role in the organization.


It’s easy to live the principles of the IRS in your workplace. Here are some ideas:

1. Encourage people to reduce risk and set a good example for their co-workers
2. Develop and implement health and safety practices and provide training to create awareness in the workplace
3. Encourage open discussion and reporting of health and safety issues

Recommitting ourselves to the principles of the Internal Responsibility System during NAOSH Week is a good reminder that everyone has a role to play in making Nova Scotia a safer place to work.

For more details on the IRS, and to support the safety conversation in your workplace, visit:


May 1 to 7 is North American Occupational Safety and Health Week, a good time to focus on what you can do to make your workplace safer for everyone in it. For more tools and resources for employers and safety champions, visit our website.




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Tagged With: Internal Responsibility System, leadership, NAOSH Week, safety champions
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