Five Drumheller businesses were recognized on Tuesday, August 5, for being some of the safest businesses in the province in 2007.
The awards were announced by the Alberta government as the Work Safe Alberta 2008 best safety performers. The businesses from Drumheller included McLean Construction Ltd., Dan’s Oilfield Service, B & P Services Ltd., 1228569 Alberta Ltd., and Eskeland Oil & Gas Operators.
“Everyone wants to have a safe work place, but it is the years of experience that really give you the ability to read the possibility of danger in every situation,” said Ed Eskeland, owner of Eskeland Oil & Gas Operators.
The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Council recognized 697 Alberta employers with exceptional records in workplace health and safety in 2007.
“These companies are the cream of the crop when it comes to workplace health and safety,” said Hector Goudreau, Minister of Employment and Immigration. “They recognize the priorities of Albertans, which are to get home safe to enjoy life and family and everything else our province offers.
The awards program began in 2003, when 350 recipients
were recognized. Criteria has been revised over the years, to make sure
safety is top concern. One example of the modified criteria was making
sure an injury still counted as an injury even if the employee was
working with a modified work load.
“If I had a family member entering the workforce,
this is the list I’d be looking at to help ensure their health and
safety,” said Tim Bennett, Chair of the OHS Council which advises the
minister on matters related to the health and safety of Alberta
workers. “I encourage all Alberta workers to check the Work Safe
Alberta web site to see if their company is on the list. And if not,
they should ask their employer how they can help make the grade next
year.”
Some of the criteria needed to make the cut for the
award include a current Certificate of Recognition or you are a partner
in good standing under the Partnerships in Health and Safety program,
achieving at least 60 consecutive person years of employment with no
disabling injuries in the most recent years, and having no workplace
related fatalities in the previous three years.
“It is simply an honour to be recognized with this award,” said Eskeland.
