Integration of safety, health, and environment management systems : lessons from the private sector.

The Manitoba Heavy Construction Association (MHCA) has offered a safety and health program training to companies in the entire heavy construction industry in Manitoba since 1990. In 1997, MHCA introduced an environmental awareness and responsibility-training program. In 2000, MHCA merged both programs into one integrated Safety, Health and Environment Program (SHEP), which provides education and training to personnel so that they possess the experience, knowledge, skills, and equipment needed to discharge responsibilities in a way that protects the public, enhances workplace safety, and guards against environmental damage. MHCA's Safety, Health and Environment program developed and implemented a Certificate of Recognition (COR) Certification in Safety, Health and Environment. This certification program (system) is a comprehensive approach to reducing human, financial and environmental costs of accidents and involves education, training, and implementation of standard safety, health and environment practices. The paper discusses the COR training program, process of program implementation within companies, benefits of implementation, lessons learned and next steps. For the covering abstract of this conference see ITRD number E211271.