The Partnerships program, established by Alberta Human Resources and Employment, fosters a culture where health and safety is an integral part of the workplace in the belief that when employers and workers voluntarily build effective health and safety programs in their own workplaces the human and financial costs of workplace injuries and illnesses will be reduced. In addition, supporting health and safety programs leads to larger reductions in injuries than regulatory compliance alone. A Certificate of Recognition (COR) is given to employers who develop health and safety management programs that meet established standards, including an extensive external audit. In this process, the auditor evaluates specific elements of the employer's health and safety management system, interviews personnel, reviews documents, and observes workplace conditions and practices. To maintain a COR, internal maintenance audits must be conducted annually, and an external audit is required every three years to renew the certificate.

Stoneham has been a partner in the program since 2003, when we received our initial COR. Going beyond the minimum requirements, Stoneham commissions an external safety audit annually. The 2007 audit showed improvements in all categories evaluated in the audit protocol, which validates our commitment to a safety-based corporate culture. The audit document forms the basis for continuous improvement efforts throughout our organization. It also helps to ensure that our safety standards remain high and that we stay abreast of industry best practices.