Ensuring employee protection is an important responsibility of the members of the Chemistry Industry Association of Canada. Many of our members have implemented safety programs that go beyond the basic requirements set out by management or employee health and safety committees, and have established peer-to-peer observation exercises to ensure that job tasks are done safely.

As part of its ongoing commitment to Responsible Care®, all Chemistry Industry Association of Canada members belong to the Safety and Health Analysis, Recognition and Exchange (SHARE) Network. SHARE offers members guidance and expertise for measuring, tracking and improving performance in workplace health and safety, as well as a forum to openly discuss lessons learned from safety and health incidents.

SHARE continuously strives to create the safest possible work environment for everyone in the chemistry industry. Using a standardized reporting system based on a United States Department of Labour Occupational Safety and Health Administration model, our member companies are able to compare their performance with each other and other US industries, and are encouraged to strive for zero occupational injuries and illnesses.

Over the past two decades, SHARE members have dramatically improved their workplace safety and health record. In 1990, there were 3.2 injuries or illnesses reported for every 100 employees, but by 2008 this was decreased to 1.19.

SHARE members have also experienced a reduction in “days lost” due to health and safety incidents. In 1990, there were 1.2 incidents reported for every 100 employees where staff missed work due to a workplace injury or illness. This improved dramatically by 2008 – only 0.43 incidents per 100 employees were reported. 

In recognition of these improvements, SHARE established two awards for outstanding safety performance among its member companies.  The “Excellence in Safety” award is for member companies who have excellent safety records for five years in a row. The "Improvement in Safety" award recognizes member companies who show continuous improvement in safety for three consecutive years.

To find out more about SHARE, please contact Stephanie Butler, Environment, Health and Safety Administrator at 613-237-6215 x 245.