Responding to Work
While work is being done, performance is managed by assessing whether expectations are being met and then determining how to respond.
There are three potential outcomes for work being completed:
- Exceeding expectations: H&S performance is surpassing the expectations outlined in the Contractor Safe Work Plan
- Meeting expectations: H&S objectives are being achieved as outlined in the Contractor Safe Work Plan
- Not meeting expectations: H&S objectives are not being achieved as outlined in the Contractor Safe Work Plan
The following sections provide guidance on responses that may be appropriate for varying levels of performance as contracted work is being done.
Meeting or Exceeding Expectations
When contractor work is meeting or exceeding expectations, the following responses may be appropriate:
- Provide verbal or written recognition in the form of positive encouragement or communication to other team members that expectations are being met—for example, mentions in team meetings or bulletins.
- Confirm the impact that positive H&S performance is having on the work being done—for example, contributing to keeping costs down and the project on schedule.
- Reward teams or individuals for meeting expectations to reinforce positive behaviour, and encourage best practice in managing work-related expectations.
Not Meeting Expectations
When contractor work is not meeting H&S expectations, the appropriate response will depend on the duration and severity of the deviation. There are three types of deviations:
- Minor deviations: these have the potential to cause non-disabling injury or non-disruptive property damage. Injuries may require first aid treatment.
- Major deviations: these have the potential to cause injury, illness, or damage to equipment or property. Injuries may require medical treatment (more than first aid).
- Catastrophic deviations: these have the potential to cause loss of life, body parts, or equipment/material. Injuries may result in permanent damage or death.
Minor Deviations
- When expectations are slightly off track and deviations to health and safety are minor, the following means may be used to address the concerns:
- Review of expectations
- Review of hazards, controls, and risks
- Additional supervision
- Additional monitoring
- Increased training and awareness
Major Deviations
- When expectations are significantly off track and deviations to health and safety are major, the following means may be used to address the concerns:
- Work stopped until adequate controls are in place
- Safety meeting to review concerns
- Review and revise expectations
- Review and revise hazards, controls, and risks
- Additional supervision
- Additional monitoring
- Increased training and awareness
- Mitigation plan developed and submitted to stakeholders for review
Catastrophic Deviations
- Where expectations are significantly off track and deviations to health and safety are critically serious, the following means may be used to address the concerns:
- Work stopped
- Safety stand-down
- Contract work put on hold
- Mitigation plan developed and submitted to stakeholders for review
- If mitigation plan is approved, work may continue under strict supervision
- If mitigation plan is not approved, work must be stopped until adequate corrective actions can be put in place to eliminate existing hazards and concerns related to the catastrophic deviations
Suggestions for Managing Performance
Ideally, performance should be based on proactive, leading practices, positive recognition, and a reward system.
For questions related to this content, please contact YVR Contractor Safety by email at [email protected] or by phone at 604-276-7797.