June 14, 2018

Mississauga proposes new health and safety certification requirement for construction contractors

In its commitment to health and safety, City of Mississauga staff today brought forward a report to General Committee recommending that all construction contractors bidding on City contracts above a certain value have Certificate of Recognition (COR) accreditation.

COR is a health and safety audit tool for the construction industry. In Ontario, the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association grants COR as a due diligence tool. This is to ensure contractors meet the requirements of the Occupational Health and Safety Act with formal processes, practices and training, thereby reducing health and safety risks.

“Our City continues to go above and beyond industry standards when it comes to health and safety compliance. That’s why I was pleased to bring forward the Certificate of Recognition program to our staff for consideration. While the City requires contractors to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the City’s Supplier Code of Conduct, requiring COR compliance further demonstrates our commitment to the health and safety of all our contractors, staff and residents,” said Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga.

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According to the staff report, many City contractors for large projects are currently COR certified and many others are registered in the program. Other municipalities are also requiring or considering COR compliance for their construction contracts.

“The City’s Sustainable Procurement Policy demonstrates our commitment to improve the social and environmental impacts of purchasing goods and services, and this includes buying from suppliers with good health and safety workplace practices,” said Gary Kent, Commissioner, Corporate Services and Chief Financial Officer. “Participation in the COR program aligns well with the social aspects of the City’s sustainable procurement policy and enhances our purchasing practices.”

City staff is proposing to phase in the COR requirement over several years, consistent with the approach other public agencies are taking. Following an official announcement to the construction industry in September 2018, COR compliance would first be required for high value contracts over $25 million starting September 2019, with contracts in the $10 million to $25 million range in September 2020.

The staff recommendation goes to Council for approval on June 20, 2018.

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