Safety First

LETHBRIDGE – “Safety first,” it is common phrase heard at home, at work, at play, in jest and in seriousness. After reading about the increase of workplace fines, it’s a phrase that requires more attention. Late last year, Minister Dave Hancock released results from the residential construction focused inspection campaign. The results of the focused campaign called for a change in culture on the construction job site. Canadian Home Builders’ Association—Lethbridge Region (CHBA-LR) has worked with Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) to understand the challenges to safety in our region
CHBA-LR agrees that safety must be a top priority on the job site. In 2009, an initiative began that encouraged all members to obtain a Certificate of Recognition or Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (COR or SECOR), an OH&S program. This was the first step toward changing the culture on the job site and putting safety first. A CHBA-LR program to improve workplace safety is the Inspected Job Site. This program includes volunteers visiting worksite, along with Alberta Construction Safety Association inspectors, to review safety and focus everyone on putting safety first.
In addition, CHBA-Lethbridge Region is preparing for its annual Building the Best Awards of Excellence. One of the awards up for grabs is the Safety Award. To enter the award, members of CHBA-LR must of obtained their COR or SECOR. The entries are then judged on their safety initiatives towards public safety, company safety training initiatives, and a survey to subtrades. The safety programs are then evaluated by Occupational Health and Safety officers and employees of Alberta Construction Safety Association.
There are five entries in this year’s Safety Award, Amron Homes, Avonlea Master Builder, Daytona Homes Lethbridge Ltd., Galko Homes Master Builder, and Greer Homes Ltd. www.chbalethbridge.com.