Employee health and safety training

Under section 51 of Quebec’s Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety, “Every employer must take the necessary measures to protect the health and ensure the safety and physical well-being of his worker.”

The employer’s primary responsibility is to ensure all workers receive the training they need to perform their duties, at both an operational and a safety level. This must be done when a new employee is hired or transferred to a new position, or when changes are made to equipment or procedures.

It is well known that inexperienced workers have a higher incidence of accidents. Although experience can only be gained with time, it is possible to reduce the frequency of accidents by providing workers with health and safety training.

Employee integration plan
In order to ensure good management of occupational health and safety, AGF Steel has developed an employee integration plan. This plan focuses on integrating young workers, new employees and employees assigned to new positions.

Welcoming new employees and prevention awareness
When welcoming new employees, AGF Steel ensures they are made aware of the company’s health and safety policies and regulations, procedures to follow in the event of an accident and disciplinary measures in the event of non-compliance with the rules, rights and obligations of the employee or the employer.

On their first day on the job, new employees are introduced to their team and informed of the location of first aid kits, fire extinguishers, etc.

Training and support

Information about tasks
New employees receive the training they need to understand and execute their tasks safely and efficiently.

Safe methods and techniques
New employees are instructed on each of the steps in the task to be performed, potential hazards and safe methods. They are supervised the first time they perform the task; when necessary, additional explanations will be provided.

Buddy system
New employees are paired with an experienced, safety-minded colleague, who provides support when they acquiring are new skills, as well as safety tips and answers to their questions. He or she also maintains a constant focus on the importance of health and safety in the workplace, encourages discussion, etc. 

Supervision
Follow-up meetings are scheduled to ensure employees understand and apply the concepts of workplace health and safety. The meetings also provide an opportunity to correct bad habits or dangerous behaviours and to encourage safe behaviours.