Vancouver Island Brewing achieved the Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence (COR for manufacturers)
VICTORIA – Vancouver Island Brewing Inc. is the latest Victoria-region company recognized with the Occupational Safety Standard of Excellence. This remarkable achievement was celebrated at a special presentation at their Taproom in downtown Victoria.
“We couldn’t be prouder to be the first craft brewery on Vancouver Island to receive this certification and only the fourth brewery in BC,” said David Nicholls, GM, Vancouver Island Brewing
OSSE is the workplace health and safety Certificate of Recognition (COR) standard of safety excellence for BC manufacturers. OSSE verifies that a company’s health and safety program has reached a provincial standard. The program supports companies in building successful safety and health systems that reduce workplace accidents, injuries, illness, and related human and financial costs.
“Achieving OSSE during the exceptional challenges we faced in 2021 is something they should be incredibly proud of,” said Wayne Arondus, COO of the Manufacturing Safety Alliance of BC – the WorkSafeBC certifying partner for COR in manufacturing. “In taking on the formidable work involved in OSSE, Vancouver Island Brewing demonstrates their commitment to keeping their employees safe in the workplace.”
The benefits of OSSE certification in worker health and safety and business sustainability are substantial. Dr. Sean Tucker, a researcher from the Centre of Management Development at the University of Regina, compared the average injury rates of manufacturing companies before and after OSSE certification. Preliminary results reveal nearly a 50 per cent reduction in time-loss injuries in OSSE-certified companies from three years before certification to three years after.
Getting OSSE-certified improves a company’s safety culture, but it can also improve the overall culture of the business. In addition, certified companies are eligible for financial benefits, such as a 10 per cent annual rebate on WorkSafeBC premiums.
“We prioritize the health and safety of our team as a core value and through a strong safety culture. We’ve been on a journey to accomplish our OSSE Certification over the past 4 years,” notes Tierra Madani, Senior Manager, People & Organizational Development at Vancouver Island Brewing.
