Health & Safety

Cypress Mountain OH&S Policy Statement

Cypress Mountain is committed to providing a healthy and safe work environment for our team members, contractors and volunteers by making safety the top priority in our decisions and our actions. To realize that commitment, we abide by the following Occupational Health and Safety Policy.

Cypress Mountain is committed to maintaining the health and safety of our employees, contractors and volunteers throughout our facilities.

To fulfill this goal, Cypress Mountain makes every effort to provide and maintain a safe and healthy workplace by following industry best practices, complying with the specific requirements of Work Safe BC, and developing site specific safe work initiatives based on the requirements of our operation.

In keeping with Work Safe BC Regulations, a healthy and safe workplace is created and maintained in consultation and cooperation between management, supervisors and workers, and in particular through the implementation of the Joint OH&S Committee.

Managers and Supervisors will be responsible for ensuring: •

that team members under their supervision are aware of this policy and understand their role in the Occupational Health and Safety Program;
that team members use safe work practices and receive the training necessary to maintain their health and safety on the job; •
that the condition of equipment and the resort facilities are adequately maintained in respect to team member health and safety;
that no team member undertakes or is required to undertake any duties that the team member feels are unsafe;
that all team members are aware and follow the guidelines and procedures contained in the Respect in the Workplace Policy;
That Contractors are orientated on our companies OH+S policies and applicable procedures through a safety orientation prior to commencing work.

Team Members are trained and encouraged to take an active role in work place safety by ensuring they;

protect their own health and safety by following Cypress Mountain policies, procedures, rules and instructions, and safe work practices and by participating in “Safety Education Talks”;
report to their Supervisor or Manager, as soon as possible, any hazardous conditions, injury, accident or illness related to the workplace;
support the Cypress Mountain Occupational Health and Safety Program and to co-operate with the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee, their Supervisor/Manager and other staff in promoting and maintaining a safe work environment;
adhere to the Dignity and Respect in the Workplace guidelines and procedures that are outlined in the Respect in the Workplace Policy

To ensure the Cypress Mountain OH&S Program continues to meet and be responsive to the needs of our diverse operation:

the program will be reviewed annually by the Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee and updated as determined;
Senior management will meet with representatives of the Joint Occupational Health and Safety regularly to review the recommendations from the regularly scheduled OH&S Committee meetings to develop an action plan for follow-up

“Home safe, everyone, everyday”

Matt Davies - President & General Manager of Cypress Mountain

Worksafe BC

All Cypress Mountain team members are covered under the Workers Compensation Act of BC for any injury which occurs while you are working. You are not covered while skiing or riding unless you are working at the time and it is a requirement of your job (e.g.: ski patrol or snow school instructors). More information can be found on the Work Safe Policies by following the links below.

Safety Program

Cypress Mountain has created a comprehensive safety program to help us ensure the safety of our team members and guests. All team members are expected to take an active role in ensuring their safety and that of their co-workers by following set safety procedures at all times. If you have any questions regarding safety you should direct them to your Supervisor or Manager. In the event that you require additional assistance you can take up any concerns with a member of the Joint OH&S Committee or the mountains Safety Officers. View a full copy of the Cypress Mountain Occupational Health & Safety Manual and Emergency Response Plan is available in each department and on the Cypress SharePoint site.

Workplace Injuries / Illnesses

Cypress Mountain has two fully equipped first aid rooms, in addition to eyewash stations, AED’s and first aid kits in strategic locations throughout the operation. One first aid room is located in the Downhill Base Area and the second one is in the Nordic Base Area. During the winter season, both are staffed with qualified First Aid Attendants with Occupational First Aid (OFA3) tickets. Cypress Mountain’s policy is to have team members report all near misses, accidents or injuries to their Supervisor or Manager, regardless of the extent of the injury or near miss. If you are injured on the job, Cypress Mountain is committed to aiding in your recovery by integrating you as quickly as possible back into the workplace by offering meaningful duties that are modified to suit the needs of the injured party.

Known Workplace Hazards

Access to Cypress Mountain – Cypress Bowl Road

You will encounter a variety of weather on this road including; snow, ice, fog and rain. Ensure your speed, vehicle and tires are appropriate for the conditions *winter tires are required on the Cypress Bowl road from October 1st - April 30th
Drive the speed limit at all times (60km/hour)
The may be snow removal equipment on the road at all times, use extreme caution around this equipment. NEVER pass to the right of a snowplow
Use caution pushing out stuck vehicles

Working in a Mountain Setting

Be prepared for changeable weather - have warm & dry boots, toques, mitts / gloves
Expect slippery footing - wear proper footwear with good winter tread

Work Environment – General Hazards

Practice good hygiene – wash hands regularly, stay home if sick
Ensure you are well rested and fit for duty. Notify you supervisor if you are too fatigued to do your job safely
Know your personal limits, get assistance if needed to avoid strains and overuse injuries
Keep work area clean, tidy and free of trip hazards
Be mindful of electrical safety, do not overload extension cords, watch for frayed cables and loose connections
Respect your coworkers, be proactive in dealing with interpersonal issues, get help if needed (see Respect in the Workplace Policy)
Keep 5m away from heavy equipment working on the roads, in the parking lots or on the snow.
Ensure that you follow proper safety procedures regardless of time constraints or volume of customers

Violent / Aggressive People

If confronted with a violent or confrontational situation in the workplace, workers should never put the performance of their job duties or protection of company property ahead of providing for their own personal safety.
Immediately call for assistance or support and if necessary, and as much as you deem possible or appropriate, remove yourself from the scene of the situation.
Take note of factual information relative to the incident, or the scene of the incident for use in reporting or filling out witness statements
Tips for Dealing with the Aggressive Person
- Maintain a safe physical distance from the aggressive person(s). Minimum arms-length away, larger distance depending on level of aggression.
- Listen with empathy to the persons issues
- Attempt to rectify the situation as quickly as possible
- Remove the person from groups of people to avoid escalating the situation
- Call in a Manager or Supervisor quickly if you are unable to resolve the situation

Skiing / Riding

Ensure your equipment is in good working order and all DIN setting are appropriate for your weight and ability
Do not ski or ride above your personal ability. Use extra caution early in the season when you may not yet be in "skiing shape"
Stay on designated runs & trails
NEVER enter a closed / out of bounds area
If lost, backtrack to the last know location
Ski / ride / snowshoe with a buddy
Let someone know where you are going and when you will return

General Safety Rules

For a list of safety rules specific to your position at Cypress Mountain, contact your Supervisor and/or Manager.

All team members have the right to refuse work they believe us unsafe
Never use any equipment or perform any task unless you have been trained in the safety procedures involved. If you are asked to perform a duty for which you have not been trained, it is your responsibility to refuse the work and inform your Supervisor or Manager
Always use personal protection and safety equipment as required by Cypress Mountain
Report any damage or malfunctioning equipment to your Supervisor or Manager and/or do not use it unless you are certain that it is safe to do so
Do not operate machinery while wearing loose clothing or long, untied hair
Do not use your cell phone or other listening devices while on shift
Keep your workplace tidy and clean
Do not attempt to lift heavy objects by yourself - get help
Know the locations of the fire extinguishers and know how to use them
Any accident or near miss which occurs while working, no matter how insignificant, must be reported to your Supervisor or Manager and Ski Patrol
Team members must adhere to department policies while skiing or riding on days that they are working
A worker must not enter or remain at any workplace while their ability to work is affected by alcohol, a drug or other substance so as to endanger the person or anyone else.
Workers must not engage in any horse play while working.
Workers must follow all WorkSafeBC Health and Safety Regulations.

Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee (JOHSC)

It is the goal of the JOHSC to work together to identify and resolve health and safety issues in the workplace The committee consists of workers from a cross section of departments, shifts and seniority levels. Meeting are held once a month and meeting minutes are available to all team members on departmental Health and Safety boards as well as on the Cypress SharePoint site.