What it means
In Alberta, employers are required under occupational health and safety legislation to assess hazards and control them. On a construction site, assessments look at falls, electrical work, tools, hazardous materials, traffic, noise, dust, and work near other people. The results lead to controls, such as barriers, training, protective equipment and safe work procedures.
Assessments are updated when conditions change and are reviewed with workers.
Why it matters
Safety is a legal duty and a matter of care for people. Incidents also cost money and time through injuries, shutdowns and investigations. For tenants working in occupied buildings, the assessment also considers the safety of staff, visitors and neighbouring businesses.
A contractor that treats it as paperwork instead of practice puts everyone at risk.
How HSM handles it
Health and safety at HSM is led by Ghilda Gaber, Director of Health & Safety. Hazard assessments are prepared before work starts, reviewed with our crews, and updated as the job changes. Because our electrical, mechanical, interior systems and other trades are our own staff, we apply one set of standards to everyone on site.
In occupied buildings, we plan barriers, dust control, noise limits and access routes so your people can work safely. Where subcontractors are needed, they are held to the same requirements.
What to plan for
Tell us about any special conditions at your site, such as sensitive occupants, restricted areas or known hazards. We will build them into the plan.
Brief your own staff on site rules, such as where they can walk, which entrances to use and who to call. Their safety depends on shared habits.