Do you know what

it takes to be a
good supervisor?
Supervisors are the employer’s
representative on a construction site. In 2011, violations
They monitor the progress of the
project, plan the work, assign tasks,
involving supervisors
and ensure the health and safety were among the
of workers. Having a competent
supervisor on site is one of the keys
top 10 orders issued
to reducing fatalities and injuries in by MOL inspectors
Ontario’s construction industry.
under the OHSA.
In September and October, Ministry
of Labour (MOL) inspectors will be visiting construction sites to ensure workers
are receiving adequate supervision. Supervisors need to know their duties and
responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the
construction regulations. They need to carry out those duties and take every
precaution reasonable under the circumstances to protect their workers. Here
are some best practices for supervisors.

1.
1 Be familiar with the hazards.
Although training is important, there’s no substitute for experience. Dealing
with incidents in the past enables a supervisor to anticipate problems in the
future. Also, workers will respect a supervisor who has been where they are
and who knows the industry.

2.
2 Be familiar with the legislation.
Keep up-to-date with changes to the construction regulations by visiting the
e-laws or MOL website regularly. Learn about other applicable legislation
(e.g., Environmental Protection Act, Technical Standards and Safety Act,
Ontario Traffic Manual’s Book 7, Ontario Fire Code, and First Aid regulations).

3.
3 Ensure the site is supervised at all times.
Supervisors should appoint a competent person to take over when they can’t
be there. This includes on weekends and after hours. Make sure the workers
know who’s in charge when the supervisor is not around.

4.
4 Document what happens on the site.
Supervisors should keep a log book to record daily events on a jobsite. It
not only demonstrates due diligence but also helps you remember what
happened in case of a dispute. All documentation must be kept for at least
one year after the completion of a project.

8 IHSA.ca Magazine Vol. 12 Issue 3 ihsa.ca

 5.
5 Know the emergency response procedures. 11 Create a culture of safety.
Having an emergency response plan is just the The workplace itself is often a reflection of the
first step. Supervisors need to stay calm and supervisor. A clean, well-organized site indicates
assign duties during an emergency. To prepare, that health and safety are important. Remind
do a practice run-through. Consider all the workers about safety every day by doing five-
variables. Is there room for emergency vehicles minute safety talks. Find creative ways to recognize
to get through? What is the company’s policy safe work practices and discourage unsafe ones.
regarding the media?
12 Enforce the rules.
6.
6 Have good people skills. A good worker is not always a safe worker. And
A good supervisor is approachable and trustworthy. this person can set a bad example for others. Make
Workers need to feel comfortable pointing out a sure the worker understands the rules and use
problem—and if they do, that the problem will be progressive discipline for repeated violations.
addressed.
13 Rely on other workplace parties.
7.
7 Have good communication skills. Supervisors must rely on workers to identify day-
Communication is key to maintaining safety on a to-day problems on a site and on management
jobsite. Advise workers of any actual or potential to support them in fixing the problems. Health
danger. If necessary, provide workers with oral or and safety representatives, JHSCs, and other
written instructions on any measures and procedures supervisors can also help create a safe workplace.
to be taken for their protection. Inform management
if additional safety precautions need to be taken. 14 Consider public safety.
Also, make sure workers know the procedure for Restrict public access to the site as much as
reporting safety problems on the jobsite. possible and make sure it has proper lighting,
grates, signs, and barriers—even when there are no
8.
8 Conduct regular unplanned inspections. workers around.
Work with the Joint Health and Safety Committee
(JHSC) or health and safety representative to 15 Know where to find the answers when you
ensure problems are identified and addressed. need them.
Inspect tools and equipment to ensure proper It’s impossible to expect a supervisor to know
maintenance has been done. Document any action everything. Create a list of contacts (e.g., IHSA
that was taken to correct the problems. consultant, people in the industry) and keep reference
material on site (e.g., operator manuals, MSDSs, and
9.
9 Conduct employee orientations. IHSA’s Construction Health and Safety Manual).
Any worker coming to a project for the first time or
one who is assigned to a new job on the site should Supervisors should know their responsibilities and
be considered a new worker and given a workplace also be aware of their accountability if something
orientation by the supervisor. Don’t forget about goes wrong. IHSA has created a web page to help
sub-trade workers and supervisors. supervisors fulfill their due diligence requirements,
and more. Go to the Topics & Hazards section of
10
10 Take action. ihsa.ca and click on Supervisors. There you’ll find
A good supervisor does not put the job before the resources to help ensure competent supervision on
safety of workers. Be willing to spend the time and your jobsite.
money to fix the problem or to correct the situation.

Find it all online! Supervisor Log Book (RF008)

Member $24.95 Non-Member: $49.95

10 A competent supervisor keeps a record of daily

events on the job. IHSA’s Supervisor Log Book
contains safety talks, inspection checklists, a job
safety analysis (JSA) form, a due diligence checklist,
and other helpful resources. 240 pages. Visit ihsa.ca

ihsa.ca IHSA.ca Magazine Vol. 12 Issue 3 9