The internal responsibility system is the underlying philosophy of occupational health and safety legislation in all Canadian jurisdictions. Its foundation is that everyone in the workplace - both employees and employers - is responsible for his or her own safety and for the safety of co-workers. Acts and regulations do not always impose or prescribe the specific steps to take for compliance. Instead, it holds employers responsible for determining such steps to ensure the health and safety of all employees.
Internal responsibility system does the following:
- Establishes responsibility-sharing systems
- Promotes safety culture
- Promotes best practice
- Helps develop self-reliance
- Ensures compliance
More information is available at www.mcgill.ca/ehs/policies-and-safety-committees/internal-responsibility-system#s2.2