This paper discusses the components necessary for a company to work towards corporate safety, health, and environment performance excellence, as well as the important role in-house counsel can play in the design and execution processes. The foundations of an effective corporate health and safety program are explored, with a focus on the corporate governance model and the supporting structures and systems to assist senior management set and attain key health and safety objectives. The paper concludes with a discussion on how in-house counsel can assist the strategic and managing levels of an organization set and achieve these health and safety goals.

This paper was presented at the Occupational Health & Safety Law Fundamentals for In-House Counsel program which was held in Edmonton on March 14, 2011 and Calgary on March 15, 2011.