'We want people to tell us about them [incidents], so that we can learn from them'
Promoting a positive safety culture is a central mission at Green Infrastructure Partners (GIP), an organization formed by the merging of GFL Infrastructure, and Coco Paving in 2022 (and subsequent acquisition of various Aecon divisions including ACML and West Carlton Sand & Gravel). Speaking to COS, Tim McAuliffe, Director of Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) at GIP, says that it’s their core values that really defines their overall approach to safety.
"Earlier this year, our chief operating officer, John Pontarollo, along with senior management, released our own core values for what we want to do,” he explains. “At the top is putting safety first, always. It must be a key factor in everything that we do. The attitude that we want to present is that safety, when it's done correctly, it's part of the process. We have a task to perform, HSE are involved in the planning from minute one, removing the roadblocks to a safe and successful execution.
This commitment to safety extends to GIP’s subcontractors, ensuring everyone involved in their projects is aligned with their safety-first ethos. McAuliffe elaborates on the company’s emphasis on doing what is right across all aspects, from safety to quality and integrity.
“We want people to tell us about them [incidents], so that we can learn from them. If we see a trend, we can analyze that trend and educate our entire workforce," he says.
Communication is key in promoting this culture, with GIP adopting innovative strategies such as promoting their toolbox talks as 'Safety Spotlights'.
"It's a positive rather than here's the usual spiel. Our Safety Spotlight trains our workers every week on a different Safe Work Practice," McAuliffe explains.
GIP also leverages technology to enhance their safety practices – so much so that they’ve integrated a web-based/ App Based system called FLEX Manager, which allows real-time access to safety manuals and updates on any device. This system supports immediate alerts to all employees, crucial for responding to incidents and near misses and also allows instant notification of high potential hazardous situations like major weather events such as the flash floods on July 17, 2024. The system also allows for accurate record keeping and trend analysis in real time.
The GIP Home Safe campaign, which is going into its 4th year, is another notable initiative aimed at reducing incidents during high-risk periods, particularly towards the end of the year.
"We have people who are distracted because they're tired. It's the end of the year, it's winter, they're cold, they're wondering if they're going to get through Christmas.”
GIP's approach to safety is not just about adhering to regulations but surpassing them. McAuliffe points out that GIP operates across Canada, dealing with varying legislative standards. "While we've got 13 sets of standards, some are incredibly good, some are so-so. We take the best and make that our own," he explains. This approach ensures that their safety practices reflect the highest standards from across the country, providing a consistent and elevated level of safety for all employees, regardless of location.
Innovation is also a key part of GIP's strategy. McAuliffe shares examples of technological advancements they've adopted, such as the development of proprietary “Scorpion Frames” for trench safety and mobile gantry cranes designed for heavy lifting in urban areas with low overhead clearance. These innovations not only improve safety but also demonstrate GIP’s commitment to continuously enhancing their work environment.
Reflecting on the challenges posed by modern construction environments, McAuliffe underscores the importance of adaptability and continuous improvement. He explains how GIP’s safety culture is built on collaboration, involving all stakeholders from safety and quality to production teams.
“We collaborate together. We use each other's expertise to develop a strategy. This is another of our core values.”
