Scotiabank makes the health, safety and security of our employees a priority through policies and programs, and adherence to regulations that shape workplace behaviours, including preventative initiatives that raise awareness, and a supportive environment to aid recovery.

Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Program

In June 2007, Scotiabank released a revised Occupational Health & Safety (OHS) Program based on the principles of OHSAS 18001, an ISO standard. In addition, an upgraded OHS training program was launched in September.

OHS committees exist in locations with more than 300 people. This includes a total of 11,276 employees at 13 worksites across Canada (approximately 35.28% of our Canadian workforce). Employees at all remaining sites are represented by a health and safety representative. Ten of our global workplaces have collective agreements in place that address health and safety, in consultation with union representatives, which are consistent with the Bank’s comprehensive health and safety policies.

Through a combination of workplace health and safety committees, health and safety representatives, an internal health and safety policy committee (committees include management and employee representatives), and a number of support functions throughout the Bank (e.g., Security, ScotiaHealth, Operations and Employee Relations), we engage employees in all aspects of health and safety, from prevention to issue resolution. Employees can raise concerns through the committee/representative system, or can escalate them through regular channels.

Employee Assistance Program/ WorkAbility Program

Scotiabank also offers these two programs as part of its promotion and commitment to employee wellness: Scotiabank Group’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) provides conventional professional counseling services and specialized services designed to support employees’ wellness objectives, such as nutritional counseling, naturopathic services, smoking cessation, work/life solutions, and mental health management.

The WorkAbility program is a voluntary counselling support service offered through the Scotiabank EAP, which primarily focuses on emotional and mental health. It is designed to help employees on short- or long-term income protection leave return to healthy and productive living. In addition, WorkAbility can also help those employees who are at work but who may be struggling with stress, anxiety or depression to the point that it is affecting their work/life activities and interests.

AIDS: A Global Health Issue

Scotiabank accommodates the needs of employees without bias. Medical benefits for current employees with HIV/AIDS are provided in accordance with local legislation and practices. Other benefits – such as short and long-term income protection, as well as support services and Employee Assistance Program resources, where available – are also accessible, subject to the plan terms.

To further address of the issue, Scotiabank’s International Banking offices in the Caribbean Region continued their annual employee-led awareness campaigns and fundraising events for groups that battle the deadly disease. Please see the Community section of the 2007 Corporate Social Responsibility Report for more details.