Keeping yourself and your workers safe in shop and on site is the number one priority. Now more than ever, safety inspectors are looking for clear and well organized signs that you're running a safe operation.

Creating a safe work environment in a shop or on site requires the following actions from contractors and renovators:

• Safety Certifications for Employers and Employees: Every province in Canada has mandated safety rules for construction sites. Workers will need training in programs such as WHMIS, Working at Heights, and First Aid. Develop a strong safety plan and make sure your workers have current training.
• High Visibility Safety Signs: The shop or site where construction work is taking place must have high visibility signage, warning people of hazards and restrictions. Equally, all workers should wear high visibility clothing for site safety.
• Secure and Organized Sites or Shops: A clean work site is a safe worksite. Stress the importance of daily clean-up activities and orderliness to your workers. Always make sure that your shop or site is secure with lockable doors or fences, including high-vis warning signs.
• Emergency Plans: If an emergency situation develops on your work site, all workers must know how to react appropriately. This is best achieved with a written emergency plan and consistent reminders to all workers. Safety drills should also be conducted throughout the year.
• Legal Requirements for Emergencies: In most provinces in Canada, an emergency plan is mandatory for ALL workplaces, including written records of safety meetings and awareness efforts. Heavy fines and prison time are possible if an employer fails to deal properly with emergencies.