Is Contractor Compliance Making Us Safer?

There are many safety databases working to ensure safety compliance for contractors wanting to work with Owner Clients.

The List Includes:

• ISNetworld®
• Avetta
• Browz
• Complyworks
• Cognibox
• CQ Network

But Are These Safety Databases Making Us Safer?

Contractors are required to belong to these safety databases and maintain good grades. Most registries are able to produce data proving that their purpose is lowering the number of workplace incidents reported each year; and these stats just keep getting better.

Safety registries have definitely increased the awareness and importance of safety. Owner clients can communicate what they require of a contractor, resulting in an immediate reaction by the contractor to comply (especially when they see a drop in grades or are not allowed access to that Client’s site). When an Owner Client has an expectation of fewer safety incidents, and communicates that to its contractors, contractors must oblige in order to continue working. This communication reduces the confusion of the requirements.

Possibly, this pressure from the Owner Clients has resulted in reduced reporting of safety incidents. Personally I think the lower numbers (TRIF, Severity, vehicle accidents, etc.) are resulting from a combination of:

• Proper Reporting of Statistics– understanding and using the CAPP Reporting of Occupational Injuries document.
• Having a visible push towards obtaining COR/SECOR. This is proof that the contractor is following the health and safety program.
• Discussion of the impact of incidents with contractor’s workers. Companies understand that great statistics are rewarded with more contracts.
• The training components (T-RAVS – ISNetworld®, Complyworks Orientations and webinar training, etc.) require workers to be trained in the information that is important to the Owner Client.
• Field Audits are a great tool for contractors and Owner Clients to meet up in the field and discuss safety.
• Ensuring insurance (WCB, Vehicle, E&O, Liability, etc.) covers the hazards of the contracting company.

To all of the contractors who have complied with the owner Client safety requests, kudos to you! You are making a safer work environment.

The above situation between Owner Clients and contractors is resulting in a safer workforce. In the past, contractors started by giving the Owner Clients a price list, the lowest priced contractor who would do the job correctly got the contract. In the last decade safety has jumped into the forefront of contractor management; it is the basic minimum information required before you can even bid on a project. Improvements made within the company to improve safety, are resulting in more work AND more workers going home each night safe and sound!