Application of Safety and Health Management Systems in the Construction Industry in Canada

1. Application of Safety and Health Management Systems in the Construction Industry in Canada Technical Workshop on Voluntary Programs and OSH Management Systems March 10-12, 2003

2. Overview • Legislated OHS requirements apply to construction industry as well as to employers in other sectors • Examples of OHS strategies for the construction industry

3. OHS Regulatory Approaches • There are many small employers, contractors and self-employed persons in the construction industry in Canada • Often have separate sets of OHS regulations and inspectors for the construction industry • Similar requirements for OHS programs • Employers rely heavily on construction safety associations for assistance and training • Governments usually put more emphasis on enforcement activities in this sector, particularly relating to use of personal protective equipment requirements and safe work procedures

4. Quebec – Safety Groups • Many Voluntary Safety Groups in construction industry • Objectives include prevention of occupational injuries and illnesses and early return to work of injured workers • Members must implement prevention programs • Government approves formation of safety group • Potential for significant cost savings • Members’ workers’ compensation premiums are based on safety group claims performance relative to industry sector average

5. Ontario – Workers’ Compensation Initiatives In Construction Sector • CAD-7 is a prevention incentive program that adjusts workers’ compensation premiums • Applies to employers with average annual premiums of more than $25,000 • Discounts or surcharges depend on individual employer’s workplace injury performance over a two year period, compared to average for the rate group • Impact of plan increases with size of company, so the plan can adjust premiums by • 15% for companies with 21,000 working hours • 100 % for companies with more than 100,000 working hours

6. Ontario – Merit Adjusted Premium Plan (MAP) For Small Business • Prevention incentive program that adjusts workers’ compensation premiums • Applies to employers whose average premiums range between $1,000 and $25,000 annually • Discounts or surcharges depend on individual employer’s health and safety record • Individualized rate is based on employer’s workplace injury performance over three years • Once eligible for MAP, employers remain in the plan for at least three years