It appears Coquitlam offers one of the better working environments in all of the province for local government employees.
That's according to the BC Municipal Safety Association (BCMSA), who's granted the Tri-City community a third straight award for its "leadership in occupational health and safety."
Each year since 2019, Coquitlam has been given the Organizational Safety Award (OSA) based on its track record for ensuring secure working conditions for all city staff, while also reducing the number of injuries, illnesses and fatalities.
The award was officially presented today (Dec. 2).
A news release from the city states it's also committed to demonstrating dedication to helping injured workers recover, which has included the implementation of a "modified/light-duty program" to allow them to work in some capacity as they heal.
"OSA winners have either achieved a consistent experience rating discount of 20 per cent or more over the past three years – as is the case for Coquitlam – or reduced their experience rating by 20 per cent over four years to achieve a discount by the end of three years," the statement reads.
"Having maintained a WSBC [WorkSafeBC] experience rating discount of 20 per cent or more for 20 years, Coquitlam is considered a leader in local government occupational health and safety in B.C."
Those discounts are among ways Coquitlam can save money, the city explains.
Recently, the city conducted a ninth annual safety audit through the BCMSA's Certificate of Recognition program to qualify for a financial incentive and is currently waiting for the results.
In the last eight years, Coquitlam has received a total of more than $1.65 million for providing safe work spaces for staff and employees.
Coquitlam was one of seven B.C. local governments that received the 2021 Organizational Safety Award from the BCMSA.
The others are Dawson Creek, Kamloops, Surrey, Saanich, Lake Country and Metro Vancouver.
