Via hazard identification and assessment, Hourie endeavors to control and/or eliminate potential sources of hazards. In a dynamic program of prevention, assessments are reviewed periodically, especially whenever there is a significant change to work practices or regulatory requirements due to technological advances or a shift in resources. This is an important step in the overall risk assessment and risk management process. In its ongoing process of identifying risks, Entreprises A.R. Hourie opposes the notion that there are “acceptable risks” in the workplace. Therefore, we constantly make every effort to identify and prioritize the appropriate control measures that eliminate risky outcomes.

Entreprises A.R. Hourie conforms to OH&S standards via a variety of means

1. Hourie’s In-House Safety Manual

Entreprises A.R. Hourie has mustered its wealth of building knowledge to come up with a comprehensive Safety Manual that encompasses all safety aspects of work on a jobsite. This checklist is subsequently customized to the specific needs of each individual project. Then it is reviewed in detail by the company’s OH&S Officer and the project’s Safety Officer with the other members of the team, with tasks being assigned for its effective implementation throughout the project’s duration.

2. Training

A number of Entreprises A.R. Hourie employees have followed extensive health- and safety-related training programs provided by duly accredited authorities, receiving certificates from the likes of OSHA, the British Safety Council and the Red Cross. This body of extensive knowledge is disseminated throughout the company via a number of one-on-one training sessions, group meetings and jobsites “tool-box talks“.

3. Education

Continuing education of the workforce takes place via the distribution of educational material to onsite workers. This information is periodically reviewed and expanded. Across the workplace, the prominent placement of posters and banners providing a variety of safety tips, guidelines and reminders is also widely enforced.

4. Internal Inspections

To monitor safety guidelines and ensure their implementation, Entreprises A.R. Hourie conducts internal inspections on a regular basis. A Safety Inspection Form is used to oversee the enforcement of safety guidelines pertaining to a variety of work items. It lists the status of each item, together with comments, recommendations and corrective actions required, if any.

5. Maintenance Plans

Rigorously implemented maintenance plans are in place for all major equipment on site. Properly maintained equipment contribute in a significant fashion to a safe occupational environment.

6. Task Assignments

A list of daily tasks is compiled for all on-site personnel operating equipment on the premises. This list is reviewed in a periodic fashion by the operator and the Construction Manager and/or the Safety Officer. The clear definition of roles and responsibilities, especially the ones pertaining to safety, is another important factor leading to a safe occupational environment.

7. Handling Accidents

In the unfortunate event of an accident occurring on site, Entreprises A.R. Hourie is prepared to deal with it effectively and swiftly. Emergency telephone numbers are posted prominently on a number of locations across the jobsite. Accident Report Forms are used to record the details pertinent to each occurrence, be it related to personnel or equipment. In turn, they are logged on an overall Site Accidents Record, which aims primarily at the lessons learnt and the measures taken to prevent future accidents of the same type.