TORONTO – Several major general contractors have joined forces to form the Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC), with a mission to elevate safety performance and establish innovative new industry benchmarks to protect workers.
Founding members include Aecon, AtkinsRéalis, Bird Construction Inc., Dragados Canada Inc., EllisDon Corporation, EBC, Graham Construction Inc., Kiewit Corporation, Ledcor Industries Inc., PCL Construction, Pennecon and Pomerleau.
Among CCSC’s preliminary initiatives are the adoption of Type II safety helmets, with integrated chin straps, which offer superior head protection compared to traditional hard hats.
Additionally, the council is adopting a new fall protection standard, requiring safety measures such as harnesses and guardrails at six feet. This lowers the current standard from 10 feet, explains a release, and is being adopted to reduce falls, which is a leading cause of injury in the industry.
The CCSC will also promote the adoption of ANSI level 4 cut-resistant gloves to help reduce the t number of hand injuries that are sustained by nearly half a million Canadian workers each year.
“Driving industry change to proactively protect, engage, and support workers is the foundation of CCSC’s mission,” the release reads. “By sharing best practices and insights, the council aims to build a safer and stronger construction industry across Canada. The goal is to collaborate, educate and advocate for every worker’s safe return home every day.”
Objectives of the CCSC are as follows:
- Reduce serious injuries and fatalities: Decrease the number of serious and fatal injuries in the construction industry through improved safety practices and protocols.
- Champion industry safety improvements: Develop, adopt and implement best safety practices.
- Enhance safety image and relationships
- Networking and education: Provide opportunities for members to share knowledge, access safety resources and learn from one another.
- Leverage industry resources: Utilize the creativity, innovation and the industry’s collective expertise to establish and maintain higher safety standards.
- Mental health awareness: Promote resources and education to support the mental health and overall well-being of workers.
The council has launched a website that outlines its vision and mandate as well as key focus areas.
Recent Comments