Occupational Health & Safety

Occupational Health & Safety – Creating safer workplaces across our communities.

At Municipal Shared Services, we believe that every employee deserves a safe and healthy work environment. Our Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S) Shared Service helps our partner municipalities meet — and exceed — provincial health and safety requirements while building a culture where safety is part of everyday operations. 

What We Do

Through a shared OH&S framework, we provide consistent, professional support across our partner municipalities in the following areas: 

  • Compliance Monitoring: Helping municipalities meet the requirements of Nova Scotia’s Occupational Health and Safety Act and related regulations. 
  • Policy Development: Creating and updating OH&S policies and safe work procedures tailored to diverse municipal workplaces — from offices to public works yards. 
  • Inspections & Audits: Conducting regular workplace inspections and safety audits to identify risks and recommend improvements. 
  • Training & Education: Coordinating mandatory and proactive safety training programs for municipal staff and supervisors. 
hard hat, laptop, pen, and notebook displayed on a desk
  • Accident Investigation & Reporting: Supporting timely investigation and follow-up on incidents to help prevent future injuries
  • Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committees (JOHSC): Assisting with the structure, coordination, and training of joint committees and safety representatives. 
  • Return to Work Support: Helping municipalities with workplace accommodation and modified duties in support of injured workers. 

Safety isn’t just about compliance — it’s about culture. Our shared approach builds capacity, strengthens internal systems, and promotes employee well-being across all service areas. 

Why a Shared OH&S Service?

By working together, our partner municipalities benefit from: 

  • A dedicated OH&S professional serving all three municipalities.
  • Consistent standards and practices across departments and communities.
  • Increased ability to monitor trends, manage risk, and ensure accountability.
  • Reduced duplication of effort and stronger regulatory readiness.

Our Approach to Occupational Health & Safety

The primary goal of the OH&S Service is to protect the health, safety and well-being of workers through the principles of:

  • Prevention first: Eliminate or minimize hazards before they cause harm
  • Worker Protection: Protect the health and safety of persons at work
  • Culture of Safety: Ensure an Internal Responsibility System is in place in our workplaces
  • Legal Compliance: Meet the requirements of federal and provincial OH&S legislation

Ensure every worker goes home safe and healthy