TORONTO – As mentioned in the Daily Commercial News’ Safety Week preview article released on May 1, this year’s construction week is focussing on All In Together: Recognize. Respond. Respect.
It’s a call to action to pay attention to those STCKY (stuff that can kill you) situations and the importance of having a common framework for early identification of high energy hazards.
It’s no secret construction continues to be among the industries most impacted by serious injuries and fatalities (SIFs), however, over the years there has been a steady decline.
The Construction Safety Week website breaks down further what recognizing, responding and respecting workplace hazards means.
Recognize focuses on the identification and recognition of high energy, high hazards.
Research from the Construction Safety Research Alliance reveals during typical pre-task plan briefings, construction workers identify only 45 per cent of the hazards they face. However, when hazard discussions incorporate tools like the Energy Wheel model, recognition rates improve by 30 per cent.
Responding to recognized hazards by putting in place direct controls during the planning phase is key to preventing SIFs during construction.
Respect high energy/high hazards/STCKY activities by planning for and implementing the direct controls to prevent SIFs. Every team member plays a critical role in planning and executing these direct controls. If something changes, stop, reassess and replan.
For more resources on Safety Week click here and here.
To help bolster the safety message, the Daily Commercial News has compiled some recent industry issues that are being discussed around safety training, along with the role AI can play and some changes to PPE.
MCAC survey reveals non-harmonized safety certifications increasing costs, delaying projects
CBTU, Ontario work to harmonize national safety standards for construction workers
Year in review: League of Champions focuses on growing member engagement
