407 ETR Concession Company Limited has achieved a significant milestone in employee safety, reaching four million hours without a lost-time injury.
This accomplishment underscores the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a safe work environment, particularly for employees who face the risks associated with live traffic on Highway 407 ETR — the busy toll road that crosses the northern part of the Greater Toronto Area.
The last recorded employee injury at 407 ETR occurred in 2019, highlighting the effectiveness of the company’s safety protocols and culture.
“This year is our 25th anniversary and what better way to celebrate than by announcing four million hours without a lost-time injury,” said Javier Tamargo, President & CEO of 407 ETR. “This is a remarkable feat that demonstrates how committed 407 ETR is to safety.”
Robust safety culture
407 ETR attributes this achievement to a robust safety culture, which includes extensive risk management, an active Joint Health & Safety Committee, and ongoing employee training. The company encourages employees to report unsafe conditions, near misses, and incidents, and leverages emerging technologies to enhance safety measures.
Recent initiatives include the use of drones for overhead structure inspections and laser-enabled sensors to detect unauthorized vehicles in work zones.
Evan McMillan, a highway patroller and member of the 407 ETR Joint Health & Safety Committee, expressed pride in the company’s safety culture.
“Health and safety play a very important role at 407 ETR. I’m proud of the dedication to safety from my peers and I’m looking forward to continuing our work to promote and enhance safety culture at 407 ETR.”
Evan McMillan, a highway patroller and member of the 407 ETR Joint Health & Safety Committee
To celebrate this milestone, the company hosted its annual Employee Safety Day, attended by representatives from the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA) and the League of Champions. Employees participated in the event by signing jerseys from the League of Champions, symbolizing their commitment to workplace safety.
Dan Fleming, Chair of the League of Champions, praised 407 ETR’s accomplishment.
“Four million hours without a lost-time injury is an outstanding achievement and goes to show their endless commitment to health and safety with a strong focus on maintaining an exemplary safety culture,” he said.
Chris McKean, Vice President of Programs & Strategic Development at IHSA, also commended the company.
“Congratulations, 407 ETR. A milestone this big takes so much work from everyone within the company. Leadership creates the right environment and culture for continuous improvement to ensure the Joint Health & Safety Committee members get the right training and encouragement to identify hazards so you can all go home safe every single day.”
Training and technology
In addition to its safety record, 407 ETR has implemented 1,190 hours of corporate safety training in 2023 and continuously explores new technologies to further enhance workplace safety.
407 ETR operates an all-electronic open-access toll highway spanning 108 kilometers across the Greater Toronto Area, from Burlington to Pickering. The company is owned by Canada Pension Plan Investment Board, Cintra Global S.E., and AtkinsRéalis Canada Inc.
