SCRD Receives Workplace Safety Designation

The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) is honoured to receive the BC Municipal Safety Association Certificate of Recognition (COR).

Employers receive COR certification when they implement an occupational health and safety management system that has successfully passed an external audit and met WorkSafeBC’s standards.

During the 2020 budgeting process, the SCRD Board of Directors provided support to pursue certification, however the onset of COVID-19 and staffing vacancies put much of the work on hold for the next three years.  In 2023, SCRD human resources staff worked closely with WorkSafeBC to address its safety system through the Program and Committee Evaluation (PACE) process, producing an organization-wide action plan that was implemented by year end.

“During the past two years, we have developed safety systems to meet the standard required to obtain this certification,” says Gerry Parker, SCRD Senior Manager of Human Resources. “The independent audit consisted of pre-and-post audit meetings, 12 site visits, 48 staff interviews, and a comprehensive document review of safe working practices and procedures. “

At the start of 2024, Parker became certified as an Internal COR Auditor, audited the SCRD’s safety management system, filled the vacant Health and Safety Coordinator position, and rallied the entire HR team around the goal of summer certification.

The audit occurred in July 2024 and involved participation from SCRD staff, volunteer firefighters, and management, as well as guidance from the BC Municipal Safety Association (BCMSA).  An action plan was then submitted, and the SCRD received confirmation it had successfully passed the external audit in October 2024.

“I want to personally acknowledge the efforts of our human resources team, Joint Health and Safety Committees, staff, and the senior leadership team,” says Tina Perreault, Interim CAO at the SCRD. “We are pleased to be part of the group of organizations that have made this commitment to health and safety.”

On November 27, Lisa Houle, BCMSA Director of Programs and Initiatives presented a framed Certificate of Recognition to Gerry Parker at a special event that also included Mike Roberts, BCMSA CEO, members of the SCRD Board, senior management and staff.

“Achieving COR certification is a significant milestone that showcases a commitment to fostering a strong and proactive culture of safety,” says Mike Roberts, BCMSA CEO. “This accomplishment highlights the importance your organization places on ensuring the well-being of its people, with safety being a shared responsibility embraced by everyone, starting with leadership. It reflects a unified effort to prioritize safety as a core value across all levels of the organization. Congratulations on this outstanding achievement and for setting a positive example for others to follow!”

 Of the 27 regional districts in BC, there are seven other regional districts that have completed the audit and become certified.

Photo (left to right): Mike Roberts, BCMSA CEO; Lisa Houle, BCMSA Director of Programs and Initiatives; Gerry Parker, Senior Manager of Human Resources; Tina Perreault, Interim CAO; Alton Toth, Board Chair.