By the end of this course, you will know more about:
- The main risks within our work areas and the prevention measures associated with them
- The distinctive features of our business units
1. Environment policy
Supporting our commitment to the environment
Our commitment is to continuously improve our environmental performance and provide positive contributions to our business. We are committed to sustainable development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.
CRH Canada is committed to responsible stewardship of the natural environment. Recognizing the environmental implications of our activities providing products and services to the construction industry, we are continually striving to improve environmental performance by setting and reviewing measurable objectives and targets associated with our operations. We seek to minimize natural resources consumption, waste, and adverse environmental impacts while optimizing the use of technology and pursuing the achievement of our economic objectives. In pursuit of this environmental policy, we are committed to the following:
Management systems
- We apply environmental management guidelines and standards and monitor our performance.
- We commit to meeting all governmental requirements and strive to exceed them.
- We promote our commitment through training and integration into business processes.
Resources utilization
- We promote eco-efficiency, conservation of non-renewable natural resources and recovery of secondary materials.
- We invest in the development of innovative and sustainable products and processes.
Environmental impacts
- We measure our performance, continuously improve and promote best practices in our industry.
- We manage and conduct our operations in an environmentally sound manner and implement effective controls to reduce or eliminate the release of pollutants to the environment.
Stakeholder engagement
- We engage our stakeholders and report publicly on compliance, performance and progress.
2. Occupational health and safety policy
Supporting our commitment to occupational Health & Safety
The overall goal of OH&S at CRH Canada Group Inc. is “Zero Harm”. We believe that injuries and occupational illnesses are preventable. Our management team is committed to providing a safe and healthy work environment for everyone. As such, we apply OH&S standards and directives, define organizational accountabilities, provide necessary resources and training, set objectives and targets to manage OH&S performance and minimize risk to employees, contractors, visitors and the community.
The most important principles of the OH&S Policy and associated management system that contribute to improvements of our OH&S performance are:
Responsibility & Accountability
Everyone is responsible for their own health and safety. Managers must provide appropriate management systems and are accountable for setting OH&S objectives and targets, and for managing OH&S performance. The five lifesaving “Cardinal Rules” must be rigorously applied at all times.
OH&S Commitment and Performance
Demonstrated OH&S commitment and performance are key criteria for good leadership at CRH Canada Group Inc. Nobody may undertake or allow any other person to undertake any unsafe act or work in an unsafe condition.
Compliance Assurance
Compliance to applicable legal and other requirements is critical to meeting our goal. Compliance is monitored via periodic audits, inspections and job observations. Managers must take prompt action to correct identified hazards or compliance deficiencies.
Continuous improvement
We demonstrate commitment to the prevention of injuries and ill health through continuous improvement and collaborative and engaging processes involving employees, suppliers, and customers.
Training
Training is essential to have safe and healthy workplaces.
All employees must have the right competencies for their work, and must demonstrate those competencies. Training is provided to all employees to develop and enhance these competencies. Contractors must be trained in the OH&S rules and procedures applicable to their job. They are required to always conform to those OH&S rules and procedures.
Incidents
All incidents must be investigated. The root causes must be found and corrected. Those with potential for serious harm must be shared between companies so that corrective or preventive measures are implemented throughout the organization.
3. Neighbouring communities
CRH Canada is dedicated to maintaining lasting relationships with neighbouring communities.
4. Minimizing your impact on your surroundings
As a subcontractor, you must do the following in order to minimize the impact your actions have near our sites:
- Obey the speed limit on public roads.
- Do not use the horn of a vehicle except for an emergency.
- Do not use the engine brakes (Jake brakes) except in cases of emergency.
- Avoid manoeuvres that involve backing up.
- Do not slam the panels of the heavy-duty trucks.
5. Waste and recyclable materials
Waste and recyclable materials must be deposited in the areas set up for that purpose. Please contact the CRH resource person if you have questions related to managing waste and recyclable materials.
6. Taking photos on-site
We hereby advise you that Demix Béton, a division of CRH Canada Group Inc., does not allow photos to be taken or videos to be recorded on its sites for sharing on social media or release by other means without its permission.
Please advise all of your employees of this rule. From today onwards, any breach of this rule will result in the immediate expulsion of the employee and the implementation of all other appropriate recourses.
Test on your responsibilities
7. Cardinal rules
CRH Canada has five (5) cardinal rules. You must follow them at all times.
1. No one may breach or hinder any security measure.
2. Personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn at all times.
3. Isolation and lockout procedures must be followed at all times.
4. Working under the influence of drugs or alcohol is forbidden.
5. All accidents and incidents must be reported to management.
8. Personal protective equipment
The following personal protective equipment must be worn at all times:

Helmet

Boots
(height: 8 inches)

Safety vest

Safety glasses
with side shields
Additional equipment may be required depending on the nature of the work (for example: safety harness, respiratory protection and hearing protection).
9. Personal effects
Wearing the following personal effects is forbidden:
- Chain around the neck
- Ring or bracelet
- Watch
- Loose clothing
- Wallet chain/chain on pants
- Facial piercings
10. Traffic rules
The following traffic rules apply for all CRH Canada sites:
- You must wear your seatbelt at all times in all mobile equipment.
- Heavy equipment always has priority over light vehicles.
- Mobile equipment must be parked so that it faces traffic when it is started.

Test on the traffic rules
11. Prohibitions
It is strictly forbidden to:
- Walk outside of marked pedestrian walkways
12. Dust emission
When circulating on CRH Canada sites, reduce your speed to keep dust emission to a minimum. When wheel-cleaning stations are available, use them to keep the traffic routes clean.
13. Wait for the signal
A simple hand signal can save a life
On construction sites, it is important that workers on the ground keep their distance from moving equipment. Equipment operators must also check if there are workers or pedestrians around them.
Workers
Use a hand signal, either a wave or a predetermined gesture, to communicate with the operator. Establish eye contact with the operator before approaching the equipment.
Equipment operators
Learn where your blind spots are in all the different types of mobile equipment and make sure no one is in your way. Establish eye contact with workers on the ground.
14. Work permit
A general work permit must be completed before starting any work involving the following hazardous activities:
- Work at heights
- Electric work
- Entering an enclosed space
- Hot work
- Digging
- Lifting and pulling
- Work near water
- Work near train tracks
- Work near the face of a quarry
The general work permit must be completed with the help of a CRH Canada representative before the work begins. All workers involved in the job must read it carefully and sign it.
15. Equipment and expertise
You must complete a trip inspection before operating this equipment.
Only workers with the appropriate expertise can use the following equipment:
- Loader
- Lift truck
- Haul truck
- Crane
- Bridge crane
- Elevating work platform/cherry picker
You will be asked by your CRH resource person for proof of the training courses you have taken. Be sure to have it in your possession.
16. Security perimeter
When performing tasks that are potentially dangerous to others, you must establish a security perimeter using the appropriate physical devices, such as cones or ribbon.
Delimiting a security perimeter is mandatory when using the following equipment:
- Mobile crane
17. Safety data sheets
You must have in your possession the safety data sheets (WHMIS) for each hazardous product that you bring onto a CRH Canada site.
Test on operating permit
18. Authorization from a supervisor
With Demix Agrégats, you cannot drive your vehicle on a site without the authorization of the site’s supervisor.
You will then need to have the following equipment in your possession:
- A revolving light
- A magnetic identification number on your vehicle
- A safety flag
19. Radio announcements
Before entering an area of operations or a delivery area on a site, you must make an announcement on the radio using the appropriate channel (your name, company and type of vehicle).
You must obtain confirmation from the heavy equipment operators that they understood before proceeding.
20. Minimal distance
You must keep a minimum distance of thirty (30) metres or one hundred (100) feet between you and any heavy equipment (haul trucks, loaders, etc.).
If you cannot obey the safety clearance, you must use your radio to contact the heavy equipment operator and communicate your intentions before proceeding.
21. Prohibited actions
The following actions are prohibited:
- Overtaking heavy equipment on a quarry road, unless it is parked and the access protocol for being within the safety clearance is followed
- Stopping a light vehicle on the side of a quarry road except in case of emergency
- Parking a light vehicle near heavy equipment
Test on the authorization of subcontractors
22. Emergency response plan
Each CRH Canada site has its own emergency response plan, with:
- The names of those to contact in an emergency
- The location of assembly points, first aid kits, extinguishers, eyewash stations, spill kits, etc.
You can go over the emergency plan with your CRH Canada resource person.
23. OH&S and environment incidents
All OH&S and Environment incidents must be reported to your resource person at CRH Canada immediately:
- Injury
- Product spill (for example: oil spill, cement spill, additive spill, etc.)
- Near miss (also known as “phew,” “oops,” or “close call”)
24. Product spill
In case of a product spill, CRH Canada will be in charge of cleaning and decontamination, at the expense of the subcontractor responsible.
25. CRH Canada rules
As a subcontractor, you are subject to the same rules as employees of CRH Canada.
Failure to follow the rules will open you up to disciplinary measures as severe as permanent expulsion from CRH Canada sites.
26. Arrival on a site
As soon as you arrive on a CRH Canada site, you must:
- Sign the visitor log at the administrative office or the weight station
- Follow the resource person’s instructions
27. First visit
During your first visit to a CRH Canada site, you must present the certificate stating that you completed this course to the resource person who hired you. This resource person is usually the site supervisor.
The resource person will then give you a sticker to put on your safety helmet. This sticker will allow you to work on all CRH Canada sites during the current year.