City of Calgary sponsors post secondary academic award in memory of Michelle Krsek

Calgary - On August 1, 2009, three year old Michelle Krsek was tragically killed as a result of an unsafe construction project. Michelle has not since been forgotten, and her untimely death has become a catalyst for public awareness with respect to the public safety of construction projects.

With a view to strengthening its public safety mandate, The City’s Development & Building Approvals (DBA) has successfully advocated changes to provincial legislation to raise the fine limits for those who imperil public health and safety.  Additionally, DBA has embarked on a number of further initiatives aimed at promoting construction site safety, including developing a wind warning system, creating a multi-disciplinary team called the Coordinated Safety Response Team, publishing the On Site Construction Safety Best Practices Guide, developing a Building Envelope supplement to the Recommended Practices in Health & Safety Guide, and developing a Safety Response Unit. 

“The City has instigated numerous safety initiatives to engage owners and industry towards eliminating public safety concerns. The award is reflective of the opportunity to educate future project managers regarding public safety in the construction industry” notes Marco Civitarese, Chief Building Official, Development & Building Approvals.

On April 1, The City will have the honour of presenting two academic awards valued at $1,750 each to two students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Construction Project Management Program at SAIT Polytechnic.  The purpose of this award is to raise further awareness of the importance of construction site safety as well as to honour the Krsek family.  

The City would like to advise the media that the Krsek family wishes not to be contacted for further comments.  We ask that you please respect their wishes and direct all media inquires to The City of Calgary.

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