Critical Risks Guideline

The Canadian Construction Safety Council (CCSC) has released its Critical Risks Guideline, a practical framework designed to help prevent serious injuries and fatalities in construction.

Developed collaboratively by leading construction companies, the guideline reinforces a shared commitment to safety, transparency and industry-wide learning. Safety is not a competitive advantage. It is a responsibility we all share.

What Does the Guideline Do?

The Critical Risks Guideline identifies 13 high-risk activities that pose the greatest potential for life-altering injuries or fatalities and introduces Safe Start Checks (SSCs) to help ensure the right controls and safeguards are in place before work begins.

Safe Start Checks support frontline workers by confirming that hazards are understood, controls are functioning as intended, and work can proceed safely. The focus shifts from relying on stop-work moments to proactively assuring conditions are safe to start.

Workers are encouraged to use a go / no-go approach, ensuring tasks do not begin until safeguards are in place, verified and understood.

The 13 Critical Risks

Working at heights
Working around mobile equipment
Ground disturbance and excavation
Energy isolation
Confined spaces
Hoisting and rigging
Driving
Public interface
Working near traffic
Working near water
Working near live rail
Hazardous materials
Working near radiological sources

Safe Start Checks (SSCs)

Each critical risk includes a set of simple, practical Safe Start Checks supported by clear diagrams. These checks are designed to prompt meaningful conversations and shared accountability before work begins.

Safe Start Checks help workers consider:

Tasks or responsibilities that may be unclear
Conditions that could lead to errors or shortcuts
Factors that make the work more difficult or hazardous
How to resolve issues, when to stop work, and where to seek support

Built for the Field

The guideline is designed for everyday use on site, empowering workers at all levels to speak up, verify safeguards, and start work with confidence.

Download the CCSC Critical Risks Guideline to learn more and integrate Safe Start Checks into daily work planning.

Note: The CCSC wishes to acknowledge & thank the International Association of Oil & Gas Producers for allowing access to/reproduction of material developed within Report 459-1 (2021) – Start Work Checks