Working at heights is commonplace in the construction industry, where three meters is considered the threshold for requiring fall protection. Construction sites are typically complex and demand a comprehensive approach to protecting workers. How does a company provide such a framework?
A thriving culture is inclusive.
A workplace where concern for safety permeates how all employees approach their jobs starts at the top. Ownership and upper management must have an active concern for safety. They must make the investments needed to create the safest working environment possible.
Yet, “starts at the top” is only where it starts. Every construction site has its challenges. All workers should be empowered to speak up about unsafe conditions and potential hazards. They should also take management’s efforts seriously and comply with the training provided and safety procedures enacted.
Regulatory bodies define two critical types of personnel at the crux of ensuring safety in the workplace, the “competent person” and “qualified person.”
As defined by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety (CCOHS)—drawing on provincial and federal legislation—a competent person has the knowledge, training, and experience to identify a hazard in the workplace and can act on corrective measures to perform the assigned task safely.
A qualified person is someone who has a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing and has extensive knowledge, training, and experience to solve or resolve problems relating to worksite hazards.
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