James Dick Construction’s Brechin Quarry and Assinck Limited were presented with the inaugural 2020 Ontario Stone, Sand & Gravel Association (OSSGA) Health & Safety Innovation Award, in recognition of their innovative Safe-T-Key that allows for opening/closing doors, and punching keypads without touching surfaces, thereby preventing the spread of COVID-19.
The key was developed to fit in the palm of your hand. Its length prevents a user from touching doors yet it is small enough to be handy and store on your person. It is made of aluminum (lighter than steel) and designed to open both tubular and flat panel doors.
“The Safe-T-Key originated from the need to eliminate touching the surface of a high frequency door handle to prevent the spread of COVID-19,” said Matt McDonald, occupational health and safety manager of James Dick Construction. “An idea between safety representatives and an imaginative fabricator progressed to brainstorming doodle-art on a welder’s bench and then to a proto-type before being fine-tuned for production. The Safe-T-Key embodies the spirit of safety, innovation and collaboration. James Dick Construction Limited and Assinck Limited are very proud to applaud the initiative and creativity of their valued employees.”
James Dick Construction and Assinck Limited were presented with the inaugural Health & Safety Innovation Award at OSSGA’s 2021 Virtual Operations, Health & Safety Seminar.
New for 2020, OSSGA’s Health & Safety Innovation Award recognizes innovative practices, programs and projects in Ontario’s aggregate industry. The award honors innovations that improve the health and safety of employees, subcontractors and the public in the areas of OHS management systems, health and safety training, wellness programs and culture.