This project aims to develop a comprehensive Health and Safety Handbook for Resilient Hearts. The handbook will outline critical health and safety policies, procedures, and protocols to ensure the well-being of employees, clients, and visitors. This project will help Resilient Hearts meet regulatory requirements, enhance workplace safety, and provide clear guidance on emergency and safety protocols. 

Objectives: 

1. Develop a Health and Safety Handbook: Create a detailed, user-friendly handbook that aligns with industry standards and governmental regulations for the health and safety of staff, clients, and visitors. 
2. Assess and Identify Risks: Conduct a thorough risk assessment of Resilient Hearts' facilities and services to identify potential safety hazards. 
3. Regulatory Compliance: Ensure the handbook is in compliance with relevant local, provincial, and federal laws and health and safety regulations (e.g., Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) regulations, fire safety codes, emergency response requirements). 
4. Customizable Procedures: Design procedures and protocols that reflect the unique nature of Resilient Hearts' services and the individuals they support. 
5. Training Recommendations: Develop guidelines for staff training on health and safety, including emergency preparedness, hazard communication, and first aid. 
6. Accessibility: Ensure that the handbook is accessible to individuals with disabilities and is easy to understand for all employees and clients. 

Project Phases: 

Research and Planning (Weeks 1–3): 

• Meet with Resilient Hearts' management to understand current health and safety concerns and goals. 
• Conduct research on industry standards, government regulations, and best practices. 
• Perform an initial risk assessment of the facilities. 

Handbook Drafting (Weeks 4–7): 

• Develop a first draft of the Health and Safety Handbook, integrating the risk assessment and regulatory requirements. 
• Present the draft to the Resilient Hearts team for review and feedback. 

Training Development (Weeks 8–9): 

• Create outlines for health and safety training modules. 
• Identify any additional resources or partnerships needed for effective training. 

Finalization and Presentation (Weeks 10–12): 

• Incorporate feedback into the final version of the handbook and training outlines. 
• Present the completed Health and Safety Handbook to Resilient Hearts' management. 
• Develop a plan for future updates and continued training. 

Learning Outcomes for Students: 

• Understanding of Health and Safety Regulations: Gain hands-on experience with laws and best practices governing workplace safety. 
• Risk Management Skills: Learn how to identify, assess, and mitigate risks in a real-world environment. 
• Team Collaboration: Work with a cross-disciplinary team to produce a professional-quality deliverable. 
• Communication: Enhance communication skills by presenting findings and recommendations to organizational stakeholders. 

Project Deliverables: 

Risk Assessment Report: 

• A documented analysis of potential hazards and safety risks in the organization's physical space and services. 
• A list of mitigation strategies for each identified risk. 

Health and Safety Handbook: 

• Introduction to health and safety policies specific to Resilient Hearts. 
• Clear instructions on procedures in case of fire, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other emergencies. 
• Policies on workplace hazards, personal protective equipment (PPE), and safe working practices. 
• Safety measures for vulnerable populations (e.g., individuals with disabilities). 

Training Module Outlines: 

• Detailed outlines for training sessions on emergency preparedness, hazard identification, and first aid. 
• A checklist of ongoing health and safety training requirements for staff and volunteers. 

Evaluation and Feedback Mechanism: 

• A system for regularly reviewing and updating health and safety policies. 
• Tools for gathering feedback from staff and clients on the effectiveness of the handbook and safety protocols. 

This project provides students with the opportunity to work on a real-world initiative that impacts the safety and wellbeing of a community-focused organization, while also fulfilling Resilient Hearts’ health and safety requirements.