Company Highlights

January 19, 2015

STEP Receives High Score on Annual COR Audit

Calgary, AB (January 19, 2015) – STEP started the year off on a high note by receiving an exceptional score on the annual Certificate of Recognition (COR) audit.  STEP’s overall audit score was an outstanding 92 per cent, with exceptionally high scores in management support, incident reporting and investigation, and hazard control.

The COR audit is conducted as a yearly maintenance level review to certify the Company as a COR holder in Alberta and in British Columbia.  The COR audit process includes documentation review, observation tours at five worksites including offices, shops and field work sites, as well as interviews with employees, contractors and visitors.  STEP appointed a third party auditor with a background in oil and gas petrochemical and construction to conduct the audit.

“By hiring an auditor outside of the energy services sector, we were able to get a fresh set of eyes on our HSE procedures,” says Chris Kirby, HSE manager. “Along with safety, one of our other core values is possibilities, so we take every opportunity we can get to improve upon our processes. Having a detailed and thorough analysis done by someone who’s not entrenched in our industry on a daily basis really allows us to dig deeper. No matter how high we score on this audit, there’s always room for growth and improvement.”

This high score comes after STEP’s win of the Top Safety Cultures award in September 2014, along with an “excellent” rating on its safety fitness certificate from the Alberta Partners in Compliance (PIC) program.

Mr. Kirby adds, “As our company grows, it’s important to hold the idea of safety in high regard, which comes from having a positive attitude that stems from the top down. At least one member of our executive team is on-hand at our weekly safety meetings in Blackfalds. We manage risk by using safe work practices and standard operating procedures, and hire professionals who demonstrate a commitment to our core values.”