By Tim Petersen, CEO, WorkSafeNB
Small businesses are the heart of our province, driving innovation, creating jobs, and contributing to the unique culture of our region.
At WorkSafeNB, our mission is clear: to make New Brunswick the safest place to work. With 26,000 small businesses in New Brunswick providing employment to nearly 225,000 workers, we recognize the critical role they play in New Brunswick’s economy and our communities. We are committed to being a reliable partner to them, providing the tools, knowledge, and support to make every workplace safe.
We understand many of these small business owners wear many hats, and being on top of all the legislative requirements for workplace safety can sometimes feel like a daunting task. That’s why we are committed to providing accessible, practical resources and services that prioritize safety for small businesses.
New Employee Orientation Guide
This fall we have launched the New Employee Orientation Guide, a comprehensive resource designed to help small businesses set new hires up for success from the very beginning.
Our guide is especially beneficial for small businesses that may not have dedicated HR or safety staff, offering a simple but effective way to integrate safety into daily operations.
This guide simplifies the onboarding process by outlining essential safety procedures, legislative requirements, and best practices for creating a safe working environment.
Whether it’s understanding basic safety rules, hazard recognition, or their rights and responsibilities, the orientation guide is designed to be an easy-to-follow resource to help new employees understand their obligations as well as their employer’s. When employees are properly oriented from day one, businesses can reduce the risk of injuries and create a culture of safety that benefits everyone.
You can learn more about this resource at WorkSafeNB.ca/NewEmployeeOrientationGuide.
Health and Safety Consultation Services
We offer free consultation services to help small businesses navigate the complexities of workplace safety. Our team of safety experts works directly with business owners to assess their specific needs and challenges, providing personalized advice and solutions.
Investing your time into prevention is great for recruitment, retention and reduced cost related to accidents, injuries and claims.
For small businesses, this service can be a game changer, especially for those who may not have the internal resources to develop extensive safety programs. We aim to make workplace safety manageable for businesses of all sizes by offering tools that fit their operational reality.
Learn more WorkSafeNB.ca/Consultation.
Return-to-Work Support: Working to Well
We know that injuries can have a significant impact on both employees and small businesses. That’s why we’ve introduced enhanced tools to support small businesses in helping injured workers return to work quickly and safely when possible. Our Working to Well program offers step-by-step guides and resources that allow business owners to develop customized return-to-work plans that fit their specific circumstances.
A key part of this initiative is recognizing the unique challenges that small businesses face when employees are injured. Our new resources provide guidance on how to modify work duties, maintain communication with injured employees, and create supportive environments that facilitate a smooth return.
To help businesses navigate this process, we’ve introduced digital tools and consultation services that provide clear, practical advice. More information on these return-to-work tools can be found at workingtowellnb.ca.
As we celebrate Small Business Week we want to say thank you to small business owners across New Brunswick for their resilience, dedication, and contributions in making New Brunswick a great place to live and work and in making sure their workers get home safely at the end of each day. Together, we can continue building safer workplaces and a brighter future for all.