DIDSBURY - The Town of Didsbury has done well on a recent internal health and safety audit, say officials.
A press release by the town on Jan. 9 reported that the organization achieved 88 per cent on the audit and continues to maintain Certificate of Recognition (COR) status through the Alberta Muncipal Health and Safety Association (AMHSA).
Didsbury mayor Rhonda Hunter said the positive result in the audit is great for the town.
"I think it goes without saying that positive safety audits benefit all of the Town of Didsbury departments as well as the community," said Hunter. "We are certainly proud of the safety program delivered by the town, of the committee who ensures its operation and success, and of the town employees who respect and abide by the policies and procedures that are in place to ensure they can come to and go home from a safe work environment."
The health and safety audit is a legislated annual requirement and is conducted by the town's AMHSA certified health and safety auditors, said Stefanie Halfyard, human resources coordinator for the Town of Didsbury.
The 2018 audit saw scores of over 80 per cent across the eight elements, which included: management leadership and organizational commitment; hazard identification and hazard assessment; qualifications, orientations and training; and emergency response. The elements are part of the health and safety audit tool from the AMHSA website.
The audit was conducted from Oct. 12-29 and did not include the fire department, which will be included in the 2019 safety audit, said Halfyard.
"There are always areas in each element that could use improvement," she said. "The purpose of the auditing is to ensure continuous improvement in every area."
The final copy was submitted on Nov. 15.
