Disciplinary Measures and Accountability-Contractor and Suppliers

Disciplinary Process and Procedures

The disciplinary process and procedures for contractors, suppliers or contract employees will follow the same guidelines as Qualico employees.  The main objective of this section is to ensure that anyone working on a Qualico work site or doing work on behalf of Qualico will provide a safe and hazard free environment for everyone involved.  Qualico requires all contractors and suppliers to comply with the following regulations;

• Regional Occupational Health and Safety Act,
• Qualico Safety or Contractor Agreement, and
• All policies, directives, processes, procedures or practices outlined by the Regional Safety Managers and the National Safety Manual.

Any Health and Safety infringement observed at the work site is to be dealt with immediately through a documented verbal and /or written warning.  These infractions will be documented in the Qualico Safety Inspections program and will be followed up on by the Qualico Regional Safety Manager.

Verbal Warnings

The first occurrence or a less serious offence shall be dealt with in an informal manner. A less serious offence is one that poses minimal risk of injury to the contractor, fellow contractors, supplier, employee or other people in or near the workplace, or where there is minimal risk of damage to property and equipment. The contractor or supplier shall be advised of the proper procedure required and must acknowledge the understanding of the Qualico requirements. Where lack of training or supervision is identified as a contributing factor, arrangements shall be made to fill this need. With a verbal warning, the Supervisor or Safety Representative will make a note in their daily log or within the Qualico National Safety Inspection System to ensure tracking of multiple infractions.

Written Warnings

A second occurrence of the same or related offence, or the first occurrence of a more serious offence, shall be dealt with in a more formal manner with a written warning. The Supervisor, Safety Representative or Regional Safety Manager shall arrange a meeting with the contractor/supplier to ensure they understand the nature of the contravention and the importance of compliance. A copy of the warning shall be kept on file in the Regional Safety Managers office and document in the National Safety Inspection System.

Such written warnings shall include:

• Project name and number
• Contractor/Supplier responsible
• Identity of sub-contractor’s supervisor/foreman in charge of the work
• Names of the individual violators if any
• An explanation of the health and safety violation observed
• Date and time as to when the infraction is to be rectified if applicable
• Sign off on the infraction by the Construction Manager/Field Manager and Safety Representative

Further Disciplinary Action

In the event that a contractor or supplier refuses or neglects to rectify a hazardous condition, practice, procedure or and an infraction, Qualico shall exercise the right to take immediate steps to correct the unsafe condition at the expense of the responsible parties. Qualico may also remove from the work site any individual who continues to cause the unsafe condition or performs in a manner not consistent with the guidelines of the Act, regulations, codes, or policies outlined in the contractor Scope of Work or signed Contractor Agreement.

Further Disciplinary Action may include;

• Regionally imposed fines,
• Work Site shutdowns or suspensions,
• Mandatory contractor/supplier training, or
• Contract termination.

The preservation of a safe work culture is the responsibility of everyone involved.  The need to provide employees, contractors, suppliers and the general public with a safe environment is paramount.  Qualico will continue to invest time and resources to ensure compliance with all regulations, codes, policies and regional directives.