5.0 Risk Management

Under the direction of the Board of Directors, senior management has established a comprehensive risk management framework within DCC’s general management framework. The framework identifies the risks associated with DCC’s environment and its main business activities, evaluates the probability and potential impact of risk occurrence, and defines mitigation measures to avoid or minimize risk. The framework is integrated into the Corporation’s strategic planning process to ensure high-risk areas receive special consideration in the planning exercise, particularly with respect to establishing priorities and allocating resources.

The Risk Management Committee, composed of the President and Vice-Presidents, establishes the overall risk mitigation strategy. The management team is responsible for implementing actions that will mitigate risks while promoting awareness of risk management among employees. At the same time, sound risk management practices are embedded in DCC’s corporate culture. Staff members are expected to identify risks and deal expediently with issues and problems. When necessary, operating risks are referred to senior managers for guidance and assistance.

DCC balances risks with the need to provide a high level of timely operational support to DND and the CF. DCC’s risk management approach includes sound business process documentation, as well as effective and efficient levels of delegation of authority, supported by speedy communication up the chain of command.

5.1 Environmental Responsibilities

To mitigate DCC’s impact on the environment, the Board of Directors and senior management group of DCC are committed to the principles of sound environmental stewardship. The Corporation’s operational policies and procedures are designed to minimize environmental impacts on all work sites, and specify the significance of environmental incidents that must be reported by employees. No such incidents occurred in 2008–09 (there were also no such incidents in 2007–08).

In 2008–09, DCC implemented environmental incident reporting criteria to match DND’s criteria for spill reporting.

5.2 Maintaining a Safe Work Environment

Occupational health and safety is a primary concern at DCC, and the Corporation invests in safety-related communications and training.

Highlights of DCC’s safety program in 2008–09 included the launch of an updated Health and Safety Manual including revised policies, processes and participant responsibilities. At the same time, DCC also launched a reporting and tracking structure to help DCC identify, analyze, and respond to employee health and safety recommendations. In addition, the Corporation introduced an online safety orientation and re-orientation process in 2008–09.

DCC is also working with DND to review DND’s guide and standards for its operational safety program. DCC will continue to support the client as it goes through this review.

The number of lost-time injuries increased from five in 2007–08 to seven in 2008–09, while the number of hours lost rose from 63 to 733. One major incident contributed to this increase.