The CCS Certification Committee and the CCS Board of Directors have approved changes to the CCS Certification Program effective January 1, 2020. The purpose of the changes is to update the program criteria to meet OSHA requirements and to enhance the value of the program to both owners and contractors. These changes will ensure that the information in the database is the most up-to-date and accurate for all users.

• Certain criteria will be updated to reflect OSHA guidelines and drive better safety performance through enhanced best practices.
• All companies will be required to “Renew with Changes” in 2020 to ensure all contractors have responded accurately to the “Scope of Work” questionnaire.
• All companies will be required to upload their most current safety program/manual and reference all criteria to ensure that all contractors have an accurately referenced manual since many contractors have not referenced their complete manual in over five years.
• All companies that meet mandatory criteria will be required to have a home office audit (HOA) every three years.
• Companies that are in “Participant” status due to their OSHA statistics not meeting the threshold will be required to have a risk mitigation plan that is uploaded to their record in the program.
• Statuses in the program will be revised to better reflect a company’s commitment to safety performance. Companies who do not complete all certification program requirements will no longer receive a status and will be listed as incomplete.

Any questions regarding these changes can be directed to either Paige Riley at paige@ccs-safety.org or Heather Martin at heather@ccs-safety.org.

CCS will be introducing a new Contractor Toolkit for its members in 2020. One of the features will be a Standard Safety Orientation which is a template that contractors can use to ensure that workers are made aware of standard safety procedures and expectations. The template has individual modules to fit your company’s needs and also includes quizzes to ensure your employees are retaining the information.

The Contractor Toolkit will also include:

• Safety App with toolbox talks, checklists and other resources
• Worker Training Database
• Model Substance Abuse Program
• Model Corporate Safety Incentive Program
• Access to Safety Director

Some of these member benefits are currently available such as the Worker Training Database and access to the CCS Safety Director. The new benefits will launch on January 2, 2020.