Stricter COR guidelines just a first step
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Edmonton – Alberta Liberal Employment and Immigration Critic Harry Chase gives the Official Opposition credit for pressuring the government into doing the right thing yet again, this time with regard to workplace safety.
Last year then-Critic Hugh MacDonald came down hard on the government for handing out Certificates of Recognition (COR) to many companies that didn’t have the safety records to merit the rewards that go with them. The Official Opposition has also raised the issue in the Legislature – in Question Period, during budget debates and in committees. Chase is glad that the government will be stricter about which companies keep their COR status, but notes that Alberta has a long way to go when it comes to workplace safety.
“Making it more difficult for companies with poor safety records to keep their certification should improve safety compliance,” Chase says. “The WCB rebates that come with the COR are powerful incentives, and they should only be granted to companies that truly deserve them.”
Chase cautions that COR can only work as intended if the province properly funds enforcement of occupational health and safety standards – and if the government ensures that employers don’t pressure workers into not reporting workplace injuries.
“Financial incentives come with a risk,” Chase says. “Some unscrupulous employers may be tempted to underreport workplace injuries to avoid losing COR certification. The minister needs to make sure that doesn’t happen.”
Chase says that funding regular inspections is paramount, both to prevent this kinds of shenanigans and to maintain safe workplaces.
“We need inspectors on site at regular intervals, before workplace accidents happen,” Chase says. “Our goal is to prevent injuries and deaths, and the minister has promised more inspectors. Alberta needs them now, before another life is lost.”
The Alberta Liberal Caucus…There’s a better way.
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