In an era marked by technological advancements and rapidly evolving construction practices, a growing number of project owners are requiring construction vendors to hold recognized Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) as a condition of contract.
OHSMS are structured frameworks designed to systematically manage and mitigate workplace risks, ensuring a secure environment for employees.
These systems go beyond mere compliance with regulations; they embody a commitment to fostering a culture of safety and well-being within organizations.
In 2020, Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s (MLITSD) Chief Prevention Office (CPO) released an occupational health and safety management system accreditation standard.
This voluntary OHSMS accreditation standard is intended to identify excellence in OHS management.
The MLITSD recognizes there are multiple occupational health and safety management system standards available.
In the interest of flexibility to allow employers to implement an existing standard, the CPO has developed this standard to acknowledge and accept different occupational health and safety management systems for review.
Employers can choose to implement an OHSMS based on an existing standard that is recognized by the CPO, or they can develop their own OHSMS and apply to have it accredited. Currently, the only standards that the MLITSD has recognized are ISO 45001: 2018, CSA Z45001-19, BS OHSAS 18001:2007 and COR™ 2020.
Since the introduction of accredited OHSMS standards in Ontario, a growing number of project owners are choosing to require construction vendors to have a specified OHSMS in place as a condition of contract.
The problem is, some project owners (including municipalities) are deviating from the well-established accredited standard created by MLITSD, either specifying one of the standards over another or prescribing “equivalency” standards.
MLITSD’s OHSMS accreditation standard does not contemplate pathways of equivalency between systems.
If project owners are considering requiring vendors to hold recognized OHSMS as a condition of contract they should follow the MLITSD’s well established OHSMS accreditation standard.
Doing so will ensure every qualified contractor is able to bid, which will ensure municipalities and local taxpayers receive the greatest value for money for their projects.
Steven Crombie is the manager of government and public affairs for the Greater Toronto Sewer and Watermain Contractors Association and the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association.
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