January 23, 2007

Job Safety

Steve Cody 'the Gold Seal Poster Boy'

First nominee has dedicated 15 years to safety on the job

“Steve Cody should be the poster boy for the new Gold Seal Construction Safety Coordinator (CSC) designation.”

This recommendation from the Ottawa Construction Association was attached to Cody’s application, the first received by the Canadian Construction Association’s Gold Seal program.

Cody’s application lists a diploma in Occupational Safety and Health from Algonquin College as well as a wide variety of training courses.

But his employers at PCL go much further: “Steve has been instrumental in not only the development of our corporate safety philosophy but also the progression of safety on a regional scale with both the Ottawa Construction Safety Association Group and the Construction Safety Association of Ontario.”

Cody relates his early days in safety management.

“I started my career as an electrician in 1963 and had the opportunity to work in different regions of Canada and on every type of construction from houses to nuclear plants; this broad experience has been a valuable asset in the safety profession that is very generalist in nature.

“Safety is an ideal job for a career change. It can be difficult for a young person right out of school to gain the workers’ respect - it helps to have been in their shoes.”

Steve Cody

For the past 15 years Cody has developed and implemented safety policy at PCL Ottawa. But this has been a dynamic time.

“The approach to safety has gradually changed in 15 years from the policeman to a management role. Due diligence is critical for any company and ensuring it is in place is a benefit to the worker as well as the manager. Most senior managers now understand that they must have an active role. The same drivers mandate more and better training.”

On the topic of professional development Cody has strong opinions.

“I have had the opportunity to recruit several safety staff. Beyond experience and good attitude, we make it a condition that they enroll in a college safety certificate program.

“The results have been excellent - after the first course they don’t need any more incentive - the benefits of networking, as well as the knowledge component keep them coming back for more. The field changes so rapidly that it is a fact, learning never stops.”

“Why did I apply for the Gold Seal? I know that within PCL Constructors it has been a highly recognized and sought after designation for superintendents and project managers. Well.... we safety professionals have asked for it for a long time and now that it has arrived, it would be a shame not to get on the band wagon and help promote it.”

Gold Seal’s newest designation, Construction Safety Coordinator, was officially launched on January 15 and is being promoted through construction safety associations and local and provincial construction associations across Canada. For more information see www.goldsealcertification.com.

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