“Safety first”, it is common phrase heard at home, at work, at play, in jest and in seriousness.  After reading about the increase of workplace fines, it’s a phrase that requires more attention.  Late last year, Minister Dave Hancock released results from the residential construction focused inspection campaign. The results of the focused campaign called for a change in culture on the construction job site. Canadian Home Builders’ Association—Lethbridge Region (CHBA-LR) has worked with Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) to understand the challenges to safety in our region

CHBA-LR agrees that safety must be a top priority on the job site.  In 2009, an initiative began that encouraged all members to obtain a Certificate of Recognition or Small Employer Certificate of Recognition (COR or SECOR), an OH&S program.  This was the first step toward changing the culture on the job site and putting safety first.  A CHBA-LR program to improve workplace safety is the Inspected Job Site.  This program includes volunteers visiting worksite, along with Alberta Construction Safety Association inspectors, to review safety and focus everyone on putting safety first.

In addition, CHBA-Lethbridge Region is preparing for its annual Building the Best Awards of Excellence.  One of the awards up for grabs is the Safety Award.  To enter the award, members of CHBA-LR must of obtained their COR or SECOR.  The entries are then judged on their safety initiatives towards public safety, company safety training initiatives, and a survey to subtrades.  The safety programs are then evaluated by Occupational Health and Safety officers and employees of Alberta Construction Safety Association.  There are five entries in this year’s Safety Award, Amron Homes, Avonlea Master Builder, Daytona Homes Lethbridge Ltd., Galko Homes Master Builder, and Greer Homes Ltd.  “We’re excited about the number of entries in this year’s safety award, and the focus our members place on safety” says Board President Gerrit Bezooyen.

This year's safety entries are:
Amron Homes
Avonlea Master Builder
Daytona Homes Lethbridge Ltd.
Galko Homes Master Builder
Greer Homes Ltd.

2012-2013 Board of Directors Election
On December 7, 2011, the nominating committee presented the slate of nominees for the 2012-13 Board of Directors.  As per bylaws, in even numbered years the membership will elect two builder directors and three trades and supplier directors.  Ballots will be sent out electronically and tabulated by BDO Dunwoody.  Elected directors will be announced at the AGM and Economic Forecast on February 7, 2012.
The nominees for this year are (bios below):

Builder

Wes Carroll – Empire Homes (Lethbridge) Ltd.
Dell Mathews – Galko Master Builder
Scott Werenka – Greer Homes Ltd.

Trades and suppliers

Jeremy Gook – Anako Construction
Shauna Gruninger – Carefree Kitchens
Anita Hartman – EMCO
Scott Murakami – KB Heating

Canadian Home Builders'Association-Lethbridge Region held its annual Bridge Builder Banquet on October 19, 2011 at the Coast Hotel.  This night recognized the contributions of volunteers and value of membership.  It is also a time for members to come together to network, share ideas, and build relationships. 

At this year's event, three volunteers were honored for their contributions to the Association.  The Rookie of the Year volunteer award was presented to Jeremy Gook of Anako Construction.  This award, given to someone in their first year of committee and association participation, was presented based on Jeremy's participation in the Safety Committee, Technical Standards Committee, and Government Relations Committee.  Also mentioned was Jeremy's hours volunteered to help build a playhouse at the CHBA-LR Home and Garden show, presented in partnership with Exhibition Park.  The playhouse was raffled off at the end of the Home and Garden show.