Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
The Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC) has released a new Critical Risks Guideline aimed at preventing serious injuries and fatalities in the construction industry.
The guideline, developed by a coalition of leading construction companies, identifies 13 critical risks that pose significant threats to worker safety, including working at heights, operating near mobile equipment, excavation, confined spaces, hoisting and rigging, and driving. It also covers hazards such as working near water, live rail, traffic, hazardous materials, and radiological sources.
Each risk is paired with “Safe Start Checks” (SSC), simple steps and diagrams that allow frontline workers to confirm safety controls are in place before beginning a task. Workers are encouraged to take a go/no-go approach, ensuring work does not start until safeguards are verified.
“Safety is a shared responsibility, not a tool for competitive advantage,” said Ryan Tones, president of Peter Kiewit Sons ULC. “This guideline draws on the combined expertise of our member companies and reinforces our commitment to transparency and collaboration in making our industry safer for everyone.”
Peter Lineen, executive vice-president of health, safety and environment at Bird Construction, said the guideline shifts the focus from stopping unsafe work to confirming that safeguards are functioning as intended. “The Critical Risks Guideline was created to protect and empower frontline workers, and to change focus from workers having to stop work if something is wrong to assuring safeguards are in place and functioning as designed, so it’s OK to start,” he said.
The SSCs guide workers to identify potential challenges, clarify responsibilities, recognize factors that could lead to errors, and resolve issues before starting tasks.
The CCSC acknowledged the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers for allowing the reproduction of material from Report 459-1 (2021) – Start Work Checks.
The Critical Risks Guideline is part of the CCSC’s ongoing effort to foster a culture of safety and reduce fatalities and life-altering injuries across Canada’s construction sector.
View the guide here.
