A Short Guide to Safety and Health Week Canada

What is Safety and Health Week Canada?

Safety and Health Week in Canada, observed during the first full week of May, is a national initiative aimed at raising awareness about the prevention of injuries and illnesses in workplaces, homes, and communities. Led by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) in partnership with Health and Safety Professionals Canada (HSPC) and Threads of Life, this week focuses  on promoting physical safety, mental health, and overall well-being, emphasizing the collective responsibility in fostering safe and healthy environments.

History

In order to better ensure occupational health and safety, Safety and Health Week in Canada was create in the 1970s in Newfoundland and Labrador. It was initially observed between 1986 and 1996 before it was changed to North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) Week in 1997, as a joint initiative among Canada, the US, and Mexico. It was created to promote injury and illness prevention in workplaces and communities across North America.

Over time, as Canada, US, and Mexico continued observing it, each made changes to it based on their different needs per country. Canada later rebranded the event as “Safety and Health Week” to better reflect its national focus on fostering a culture of health and safety in all aspects of life.

Importance

Safety and Health Week is important because it promotes injury and illness prevention in workplaces and communities. It encourages individuals and organizations to reflect on safety practices and take proactive steps toward creating healthier environments. By spotlighting occupational safety and health for one week each year, it reinforces the value of ongoing awareness and improvement in this critical area.

Celebrating Safety and Health Week also helps ensure workplace safety is taken seriously throughout the whole year. While the week only happens once a year — much like its U.S. counterpart, National Safety Month — its impact can last beyond it, making workers and employers more conscious of their safety and that of those around them. It creates a positive safety of culture, improving not only business operations, but also reputational trust, workplace productivity, and employee satisfaction.

Observing Safety and Health Week in Canada

Canadian organizations are highly encouraged to participate and observe safety and health week. Participation can look different for each team, as some organizations can host events to promote health and safety, while others focus on internal efforts to improve occupational health and safety. To help, here are a few ways companies can observe Safety and Health Week in Canada:

Educational Initiatives

Organizations can host workshops, webinars, or toolbox talks to raise awareness and teach best practices related to workplace health and safety. These sessions help employees understand potential hazards and how to mitigate them. It’s a great way to encourage continuous learning and reinforce a safety-first culture.

Using mobile devices for easily accessible digital courses is also an effective way to ensure all workers are aware of proper safety procedures. By providing training materials and educational resources on mobile, employees can stay updated not only on safety and health week initiatives, but also on different occupational hazards, safe work procedures, and regulations to comply with.

Conduct Safety Audits

Safety audits involve systematically reviewing the workplace to identify risks, compliance gaps, and improvement opportunities. These audits help ensure current safety measures are effective and aligned with regulations. Performing them during Safety and Health Week highlights a proactive commitment to a safer environment.

Update Safety Protocols

Reviewing and updating safety protocols ensures that procedures reflect the latest industry standards and organizational needs. It helps address emerging risks, changes in equipment, or evolving job roles. Making these updates during Safety and Health Week reinforces the importance of keeping safety policies current.

Conduct Emergency Response Drills

Drills simulate emergencies like fires, natural or weather disasters, and medical incidents to test and strengthen response procedures. These exercises train employees to act quickly and calmly under pressure. Holding them during the week ensures safety readiness is not just theoretical but practiced and understood.

For efficiency, these drills can be carried out with the help of digital forms and checklists. Digital documents can be stored in the cloud, making for an easier process when documenting drills and accessing emergency response plans. These can also often be accessed on mobile phones and tablets, which is an essential when conducting drills and being on-the-go.

Host Recognition Programs

Recognition programs celebrate individuals or teams who demonstrate outstanding commitment to safety. Highlighting these efforts boosts morale and encourages others to adopt similar practices, thus improving workplace culture. It’s a way to show that safety excellence is both valued and rewarded.