Aecon Buildings Inc. (Aecon) reached twin milestones in our Safety Program recently, when we received the Outstanding General Contractor Safety Excellence Award and the Most Improved Safety Program Excellence Award. The award was given by an outstanding industry association, the Associated General Contractors of Washington (AGC).

The AGC represents hundreds of contractors and general contractors in the State of Washington and thousands in other chapters around the country. Excellence in safety is not achieved overnight. It is a matter of changing behavior, setting standards, and following through with those standards. Only after years of effort are any measurable results revealed.

Philosophy

Reducing accidents results in higher worker morale, greater productivity, and lower insurance rates. Aecon has lowered its Experience Modification Factor (Worker's Comp. Accident and Illness Tabulation) over 30% percent in recent years. We have a zero tolerance substance abuse policy for all employees.Learning from accidents occurring in our industry is imperative in achieving the ultimate goal of zero injuries, so that every worker goes home every day in the same condition as when they arrived on site. Aecon strives to promote safety in the workplace consistently, so it translates into each worker's daily life.

Safety on the Job

Aecon holds, at a minimum, weekly crew safety meetings with our own employees and subcontractors. At weekly subcontractor safety meetings, safety is also the first topic of discussion. Site-specific safety plans are developed for each job to minimize accidents. Regular inspections are performed by a designated site safety person. This person works in conjunction with the safety director to assure the workplace is free from recognized hazards.

In-house job audits and Labor & Industries consultations are important to improving the safety process and identifying ways we can educate workers. Jobsite accidents are promptly reported and investigated to assure similar occurrences are avoided.

A return to work program is currently in place through claims management and involves getting the injured worker back to work in a productive setting, which leads to quicker recovery and keeps morale high.

Aecon is a member of a retrospective rating program (RETRO), which allows employers a refund on their Labor & Industries premiums if they keep their accidents low. Last year, we received a 53% refund, the highest in our history, which opens new opportunities to invest in training and employee recognition plans.

As general contractor, Aecon has extra liability when it comes to managing its subcontractors. Subcontractors are held accountable for their actions on Aecon jobsites. We have developed a set process for review of subcontractors through administrative procedures, jobsite performance, and disciplinary measures. Subcontractors are required to get a pre-construction orientation to Aecon's safety program and are personally given an abbreviated version of the site-specific program so we know they are informed and understand our process.

This process works. The proof is that there have been ZERO time loss accidents from Aecon or its subcontractors in 1999 & 2000, for over 300,000 total manhours.

Education & Training

Aecon verifies training of all workers in the necessary areas of construction safety. In addition, key employees are always encouraged to attend safety classes offered by various agencies throughout the calendar year. Aecon will continue to expand formal training opportunities to safety, formal craft training and management skills.

Employees who need even more training in their craft than on the job training are encouraged to attend the local trade school. Aecon pays for that training upon proof of completion with an above average grade.

Aecon recently instituted reimbursing any employee who wants to learn English or Spanish through classes offered at local community colleges. Aecon reimburses employees 100% of those costs.

Employee Recognition

Employees are recognized for contributing to the success of our safety program. Awards are given to employees for hours worked without accident and for observing and abiding by Aecon. Safety awards for safest carpenter and laborer have been awarded following a vote of their peers.

In summary, Aecon's management is firmly commit ted to safety. The program has grown to reach all employees and subcontractors. Employees are encouraged to continually grow in knowledge and to take that knowledge home with them.