Contractor management

General construction

At SFU, specific standardized safety processes exist to ensure that health and safety is maintained during all campus construction projects. The information below provides a framework for all contractors working at SFU and must be adhered to. As a contractor, review the information below and complete all requirements before, during, and after any work.

During-work

In this phase of work contractors must ensure all requirements and expectation of the pre-work phase are implemented to ensure the work is conducted safely.

Project coordination

While working on campus it is crucial to determine the type of information to share with SFU and the SFU Community. Contractors are responsible to keep the SFU Project Manager up to date with site plans to help mitigate or eliminate potential impacts to occupants or the public. Communications needs to include, but not limited to:

  • Dusty or odorous work activities
  • Hazardous building materials work
  • Noisy and heavy vibration tasks
  • Use of equipment (e.g. cranes)
  • Traffic flow disturbance

Regular meetings should be conducted to ensure hazards, existing and new, are discussed and appropriate steps are taken inform all stakeholders and mitigate the hazards.  In addition to regularly scheduled meetings, the following meetings should be held:

  • Prior to high-risk work
  • Incident follow-up and recommendations
  • New equipment, machinery
  • Completion of various stages of work
  • New work environment
  • Amendments or adjustments to work process

Additional means of communications

In addition to regular safety meetings, the following may be used to communicate about work safety requirements:

  • Project information boards – mandatory for prime contractor projects
  • Project information sheets – mandatory at the entrance to all contractor work sites
  • 2 week schedules (look ahead’s)
  • Bulletin boards with safety information
  • Safety Data Sheets for impactful products (e.g. solvents, odourous primers, etc)

Inspections

As work progresses, the site specific safety plan should be reviewed and inspections conducted on a regular basis to confirm all identified controls are in place and/or to implement additional protocols.  It is essential to confirm expectations are being met and designated staff are effectively carrying out the requirements of their job tasks.  The following are examples of tasks that should be monitored/inspected:

  • All site staff have received orientations
    • For prime contractor sites all sub-contractors must complete the Prime Contractors site safety orientation
  • Field level hazard assessments are completed
  • Corrective measures have been implemented
  • Tool box talks are conducted on a regular basis
  • Observations of work activities and safety procedures
    • Where concerns are identified recommendations should be implemented as soon as possible and documented

Inspections should be conducted by the prime or general contractor at least weekly.  Copies of inspections reports must be provided to SFU monthly or if the duration is less than a month then at the completion of the project.

Reporting unsafe conditions, equipment and other hazards

Every individual has the duty to report unsafe or hazardous conditions and work procedures immediately to their supervisor so appropriate corrective actions can be implemented to prevent incidents.  SFU also encourages the reporting of any unsafe conditions outside the contractors work area, where these conditions may adversely impact the SFU community.  Unsafe conditions can be reported to your SFU Project Manager.

Responding to incidents/concerns

An incident is an accident or other occurrence that resulted in or had the potential for causing harm or loss.

All contractors are required to have an incident investigation/management program in accordance with WorkSafe BC requirements.

Type of incident Examples Requirements
Minor Incidents and
Near Misses
  • Small cuts or abrasion
  • Unsafe driving
  • Working at heights (under 25ft) without fall protection
  • Minor sprains and strains from manual material handling
Final investigation within 30 days

Significant Incidents or
Near Misses

  • Fall from heights results in serious injury
  • Electrocution
  • Animal attacks
  • Motor vehicle accidents
  • Exposure to airbourne hazard results in significant health effects
  • Any form of harassments

Preliminary investigation within 48hrs

Final investigation within 30 days

Major incidents or
Death
  • Structural failure resulting in some or all collapse
  • Multi motor vehicle accidents
  • Release of a toxic or poisonous product into the atmosphere or work environment
  • Major or significant impacts to the SFU community or public

Stop work immediately

Preliminary investigation within 48hrs

Regulatory inspection reports e.g. WSBC inspection report

Final investigation within 30 days