Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/110267
TL1303-proof 2/14/13 9:05 AM Page 1 2013 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING DIRECTORS' REPORTS KEITH LYALL, VICE PRESIDENT SUN PEAKS RESORT Many of you have heard of go2BC and their Certificate of Recognition (COR) program. This program offers discounts on WorkSafeBC premiums to companies that have extensive training, health and safety, emergency preparedness and return-to-work systems. These systems are currently required by WorkSafe but the difference is in order to get certification you need an outside auditor to review prior to certification and every four years after that. The years between need to be audited by a certified internal auditor. These internal audits also need to be submitted to go2 upon completion. If the company's systems meet go2's standard, they're looking at a 20% savings on their premiums. Sound good? Here is the catch - go2 represents the tourism and hospitality industry sub-sectors, but does not extend COR to the "Industry Groups" within those sub-sectors. What it is really based on is WorkSafe's classification units (cu) for industry. The current "go2 industry partners" have agreed they will support go2 with their premiums paid to WorkSafe, which will go up slightly in order to cover costs. Currently, those of us in golf maintenance, Classification Unit 761031: Golf Course, Driving Range, Pitch and Putt, or Lawn Bowling Facility, are not an industry partner. The NGCOA did meet with go2 but at that time the association thought it was too much for golf to have yet another increase in these tough economic times. When I had heard that the NGCOA had declined partnering with go2 I was disappointed, then I did some quick calculations on savings golf courses would realize. For argument's sake, your annual payroll is one million per year, at our current rate of $1.43/$100 of assessable payroll, your company pays $14,300/year. If your company achieves COR with Return to Work program for injured workers, the total yearly saving is $2860. Not great but not terrible. THE 2012-13 WCTA BOARD OF DIRECTORS (FROM LEFT TO RIGHT): MIKE SCHELLENBERG, TREVOR SMITH, KEITH LYALL, JASON PICK, PETER SOROKOVSKY, TAB BUCKNER, DR. BRIAN HOLL, SCOTT MITCHELL, LARRY OLSON, BRETT FINLAYSON, JEFF BENNETT So then I looked at costs to achieve these programs. Fortunately, Sun Peaks Resort Corporation (SPRC) sent me to go2's Internal Auditors Course and other training focusing on BMPs over the years. So this is what I came up with in order for a golf course with a million dollar payroll (maintenance only) to create and maintain these programs to meet COR standards. First the hidden costs; Superintendent's time to evaluate risk of tasks, create procedures/checklists and other associated paperwork…..I think, based on my experience, 4 to 6 weeks if you're starting from scratch. Then factor at least 1 -2 weeks per year to maintain, update and monitor performance. Hard costs for initial certification: • Internal auditor course $149 plus expenses • External auditor $1500 $2500 expenses included (depending on your location to nearest auditor) • Posters, training resources and associated supplies $500 to $1000 (depending on how elaborate you want to go) So at the high end, costs to get certified can reach $3800 in hard cost and say $5000 for labour for a total of $8800. Add the total savings over four years, $11,440 minus costs equals a savings of $2640 over four years, or $660/year. Remember that this calculation is for start-up only and does not factor in labour required for yearly maintenance nor do we discuss the use of professional help to assist meeting COR standards. In my opinion, at this time with our cu rates where they are, there is no need to become a partner with go2. All that being said, it's important to know that in 2011 or premiums in this cu were $1.07/$100, in 2012 they were $1.28 and now $1.43 - this is the wrong direction we want to go. Comparatively, ski hills pay $3.73/$100. Environment KEITH LYALL, VICE PRESIDENT SUN PEAKS RESORT We have all heard the recommendation made by BC Special Committee on Pesticides, and God knows I don't want to get into that, but I do want to mention the possibility of turf professionals needing further certification. What that will be is unclear at this point; at the board level, I can tell you that we have kicked around terms like, Red Seal or Journeymen. We have also discussed the use of outside accreditation companies such as Audubon, GEO and ISO. A few of us have also discussed the possibility of our own set of standards based on our unique climates and regions. These standards would need to be audited, but how about evaluation from our peers. My thought is we selfpolice and report to the Ministry annually. The fact is things are likely to change in order to apply these much needed products but we are much better off if we can make the change instead of others making it for us. Website and Social Media KEITH LYALL, VICE PRESIDENT SUN PEAKS RESORT Again I would like to start off thanking Dena for her continued work on maintaining the WCTA Facebook page. Also, thanks to Jeff Sutherland and his team at Inside Golf for a much more modern and informative website, www.wcta-online.com. For me I've started a Twitter account, and I have to say I'm impressed. It's so cool to see others and their challenges on the job. @supersproblems has to be one the most interesting things I have seen in social media. I also enjoy the updated news and sports but guys like @bcgolfsuper, @MrPG1869 and @Gixxer60_0 keep me in stiches through the day. So if you are like me and have resisted social media but realize you're behind the times, I recommend Twitter, no fuss and easy to use. Respectfully, Keith Lyall Follow me on twitter @Keith_Lyall. Allied Associations LARRY OLSON PENTICTON GOLF CLUB As my tenure winds down as a director on the WCTA board I feel I can leave knowing that the WCTA is in good hands. No actually I feel it's in great hands. Our executive director, Jerry Rousseau has a firm hold on the reins of our association. That being said he Continued On Next Page WESTERN CANADA TURFGRASS ASSOCIATION 57 IMAGE CREDIT XXXX Health and Safety