What is a Solo Practitioner's Role in Health and Safety
As a solo practitioner, your duties and responsibilities keep you busy providing quality patient health care and following good business practices, standards and regulations
But did you know that whether you’re an employer or employee, you also have occupational health and safety rights and responsibilities?
Health and Safety Duties for Nurse Practitioners
Familiarize yourself with health and safety in the workplace, as all roles have specific and different levels of responsibility that must be followed. Check WorkSafe BC’s website for their Roles, rights & responsibilities.
As the employer, provide training, education, and instruction on all the hazards associated with:
- the job duties
- your workplace
- proper supervision to confirm safe behaviour.
Implement control measures required to mitigate the risk and regularly review and amend your measures to ensure they’re meeting the anticipated expectation that protects your staff from injury, illness or disease.
As the employee, the basic framework for a nurse practitioner’s responsibilities starts with working and acting safely. Follow all safety rules and safe work procedures. Be aware of hazards and control measures, including the use of personal protective equipment.
Do you Know the 3 Rights of Workers?
Everyone has the right to work in a safe and healthy environment. As a worker, you have three key rights in occupational health and safety:
The right to know the hazards and potential hazards associated with the job
The right to refuse unsafe work without penalty by the employer
The right to participate in safety discussions and activities at the workplace
Promoting Safety Culture
As a nurse practitioner, take the time to familiarize yourself with occupational health and safety rights and responsibilities. It’s an important aspect of your role in keeping your workplace safe.
What are some ways you can help promote safety at your work? Start with connecting with your health and safety committee on how to boost safety culture in your workplace. Work collaboratively as an organization with the purpose of preventing workplace accidents, injuries and illnesses. The ultimate goal of all nurse practitioners is to go home safely after every shift.
Want to learn more on ways to develop safety culture in your workplace? Contact The Safe Way – Workplace Safety and Human Resources Corporation for assistance [email protected].
About the Author
Margo Wipf,
Programs Director, The Safe Way – Workplace Safety and Human Resource Corporation
Margo is a solutions and values-based safety consultant and Director of Programs with The Safe Way – Workplace Safety and Human Resources Corporation. Her safety company’s vision is to ensure safe work behaviours and environments for all workers, including the continuing care sector.
She excels at helping business owners establish a system to identify risk management issues, employment standards; Worksafe requirements, and much more.
Her method of approach is what sets her apart; she coaches, motivates, and builds relationships that promote safety culture and mitigate risk. She collaborates with solo practitioners creating safety policies and procedures that fit company needs and meet regulatory compliance. For the solo practitioner, these deliverables save money, provide peace of mind, and more time to focus on business and client needs.
To learn more about Margo and how she can help your business, please visit her website at www.thesafeway.ca
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