Workplace inspections, both office and job sites, are one of the critical components of COR® and a key responsibility of a Safety Coordinator’s role. Site inspections help us identify dangerous conditions and practices that will cause injury, loss, or undesired outcomes. These inspections are one of the most important roles of the Safety Coordinator. Let’s explore in more detail what’s involved when it comes to Safety Coordinators helping keep job sites safe.
But first, what is COR®?
What is COR®?
COR® is the Certificate of Recognition program, which ensures the highest standards for workplace health and safety management systems. COR® certification is often required for contracts in Ontario with both public and private sector construction projects. A Safety Coordinator working for a COR® certified company like WellDone Inc. is committed to maintaining the highest safety standards while decreasing safety-related costs.
What is a Safety Coordinator?
A Safety Coordinator oversees job site safety. Their job includes the planning and implementing of safety systems and ensuring they are understood and followed by all employees. They also ensure the company complies with Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) guidelines through ongoing inspections, which require the following:
- Policy Development: Safety policies outline expectations for all levels within the company covering essential details such as how to report hazards, accident investigations, and the basic day-to-day safety rules.
- Accident Investigation: Investigations determine the cause and whether those involved followed safety policies and government regulations. From there, the coordinator finds ways to prevent similar accidents from occurring.
- Safety Training: OSHA requires safety training for all employees in high-risk industries, such as construction. Safety coordinators provide and document training ensuring each employee meets training requirements.
- Pre-work/use inspections: An inspection is conducted before equipment is used or work begins that presents a high risk for severe loss. A log is kept on or near the equipment.
- Safety Inspections: Inspections cover a worksite’s premises, buildings, tools, equipment, and machinery. They also identify individual worker shortfalls in safe work practices to ensure they receive further training.
What is a Typical Job Site Inspection?
Site inspections can occur before workers arrive on site or while work is in progress. The safety coordinator visually inspects the work area and surroundings for early site visits. If work is in progress, they observe the workers ensuring the team is using safety best practices such as:
- Wearing appropriate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
- Tying off when working on the swing stage or rooftop
- Ensuring fencing around the work area prevents general public access
Safety Coordinators meet with the crew and/or project manager before work begins to review the Job Hazard Assessment. They also conduct “Toolbox Talks” to discuss the work activity specific to the site for the day.
How often do these inspections happen? Typically, weekly or monthly inspections are required.
Worker and Safety Coordinator Communication
The Safety Coordinator ensures that workers understand procedures and have the tools and equipment needed for safety. They answer worker questions and record them on the inspection form to ensure workers receive the necessary information. For example, if a worker requests special PPE, the coordinator records the request and ensures the workers receive their PPE in a timely manner. Also, if an inspection discovers a defective item, such as a harness or tool, the coordinator removes and replaces it with safe equipment that won’t present a danger to the worker or property.
Creating a health and safety first culture that adheres to pre-work inspections allows companies to identify hazards and deficiencies, communicate the findings and correct them right away.
At WellDone Inc., our customers see the cost savings of our COR™ driven efficiencies. If you would like more information about our building improvement services for commercial and multi-unit residential buildings throughout the GTA., speak to our team.