Biosphere Program – Occupational Health and Safety Framework
go2HR and the Thompson Okanagan Tourism Association (TOTA) are proud to engage in a renewed partnership between their organizations. TOTA and go2HR are teaming up to enhance regional efforts to align tourism businesses with the Biosphere Certification and the United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals.
As part of the Biosphere Program, go2HR will be providing Biosphere Committed businesses with added value through the go2HR OHS Framework for Biosphere. This framework provides a roadmap to help participating organizations establish and maintain an effective health and safety program and work towards meeting 4 of the UNWTO’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. This includes identifying workplace hazards, eliminating or reducing the potential for workplace injuries and meeting the requirements of the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation. Eligible businesses may progress to the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program, a voluntary audit and incentive program.
As a Biosphere committed entity, you will receive free access to industry health and safety related resources, employee training programs, self-assessments and 1:1 consultations provided by go2HR, including:
go2HR OHS Overview
An introduction to the go2HR OHS training and support provided through the biosphere program as well as health and safety-related legislation in BC, WorkSafeBC and the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program.
Safety Basics Assessment
A free, confidential, online OHS self-assessment. Receive practical information, resources and advice to help improve an existing health and safety program or get started on developing a new one, based on your responses. This assessment must be completed within year 1.
COVID-19 WORKPLACE ASSESSMENT TOOL
A free, confidential, online self-assessment that provides tourism and hospitality employers with information and resources to assist you in developing a robust COVID-19 Safety Plan. Our tool includes five key steps, which will help you evaluate your current set up in relation to managing the risk of exposure to COVID-19 in your workplace, with suggestions on how to improve.
Employer OHS Consultation Meetings
A member of the go2HR Health and Safety team will meet with you formally on an annual basis to discuss your Safety Basics or COVID-19 Workplace Assessment results (if desired), answer any OHS-related questions you may have and provide additional insights, support and resources as appropriate.
Foundations of Workplace Safety Training
Designed specifically for young or new workers helping them entering the workplace with knowledge and confidence, it is also a great fresher for anyone already working in the tourism and hospitality industry. This online training is free of charge, for Biosphere Participants. Upon successful completion, students will earn a certificate of completion. 70% of staff must have completed this training by the end of year 3 and maintain 70% for years 4 & 5.
Certificate of Recognition (COR) Program
COR is an occupational health and safety audit, certification and incentive program rewarding employers that go beyond the legal requirements of the Workers Compensation Act and the OHS Regulation. COR certified employers can receive an annual financial incentive of up to 10% of their base WorkSafeBC premiums.
Interested biosphere participants will be required to register for COR and complete the COR Gap Analysis at the beginning of year 3 (may also be completed earlier). Participants who are not interested or qualified to pursue COR are to complete the Non-COR stream requirements.
OHS Program Fundamentals Training
This online, interactive course that will help participants learn the fundamental principles of occupational health and safety (OHS) in British Columbia the key elements of a safety management system. Upon successful completion, students will earn a certificate of completion. All managers, supervisors and OHS champions involved in the COR certification process for their business are required to complete this training during years 3 & 4 (may also be completed earlier).
Links & Resources