AuditSoft and IHSA Partner to Modernize Construction Safety Officer Certification

In a significant move for construction safety education, AuditSoft, Canada's leading safety and compliance auditing software provider, has expanded its partnership with the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA). This collaboration will see AuditSoft's advanced audit software become the exclusive platform for conducting IHSA's National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO®) exam audits.

The NCSO® program, a crucial certification for health and safety professionals in the Canadian construction industry, will now incorporate cutting-edge technology into its examination process. This integration aims to better prepare both current and aspiring safety professionals for the increasing reliance on technology in safety auditing practices.

The partnership's implications extend beyond the immediate streamlining of the certification process. By exposing students to industry-standard digital tools, the initiative is set to shape the future workforce of the construction safety sector. Professionals certified through this program will enter the field with practical experience in using sophisticated audit software, potentially elevating the overall standard of safety management in the industry.

Jennifer McKenzie, Director of Stakeholder & Client Engagement at IHSA, expressed confidence that the integration of AuditSoft's tool will bring benefits similar to those seen in IHSA's Certificate of Recognition (COR®) program, where it was introduced in 2023. The move is expected to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of the evaluation process, potentially leading to faster certification times.

For the construction industry, this partnership signifies a shift towards more technologically advanced safety practices. As newly certified professionals enter the workforce with enhanced digital skills, companies may see improvements in the efficiency and effectiveness of their safety auditing processes. This could lead to better risk management, reduced workplace incidents, and ultimately, a safer construction environment across Canada.

The adoption of AuditSoft's platform for NCSO® certification also highlights the growing importance of data-driven approaches in safety management. As the industry moves towards more sophisticated analysis and reporting of safety data, professionals trained on these tools will be better equipped to implement and manage comprehensive safety programs.

This collaboration between AuditSoft and IHSA represents a forward-thinking approach to safety education and certification. By aligning educational practices with industry trends, the partnership aims to create a more prepared and technologically adept workforce in construction safety. The long-term effects of this initiative could potentially reshape safety standards and practices across the Canadian construction industry.