MISSISSAUGA, ON, Oct. 25, 2016 /CNW/ - For a fourth consecutive year, Morguard was named as one of Canada's Safest Employers in the Retail and Services category for its Canadian commercial portfolio. This unprecedented recognition demonstrates strong employee and tenant engagement with the real estate company's Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) strategy.

"Morguard has made a significant investment in our programs to manage health and safety initiatives in our workplaces," said K. Rai Sahi, Chairman and CEO, Morguard Corporation. "Our recognition as one of Canada's Safest Employers is indicative of our commitment to ensuring the highest safety standards at our owned and managed portfolio."

The success of Morguard's health and safety policies is the result of the company's unique approach to developing plans in-house as well as the focus on employee engagement with the program. This success is realized by:

• Developing programs internally to allow for a greater level of control and customization for each stakeholder and to create clear lines of responsibility and accountability
• Encouraging active employee and tenant participation through inclusive program planning, implementation and measurement
• Identifying potential hazards proactively and working as a team on solutions and risk mitigation
• Building knowledge through formal training programs and coaching

"Ensuring our accountability to workplace health and safety is a priority not only for our employees but for tenants, visitors, clients and shareholders alike," added Sahi. The collective efforts of managing and implementing OH&S programs is a large responsibility. Morguard manages more than three million work hours annually across more than 300 commercial and development projects in Canada. Morguard's office and industrial properties and shopping centres receive more than 120 million visits every year. Designing these programs in-house helps Morguard meet the demands of each property.

The Thomson Reuters Awards program recognizes Canadian organizations for outstanding performance in workplace health and safety. The Awards submissions were reviewed by an expert judging panel followed by an employee safety perception survey. Judging criteria was based on Leadership and Management Support, Employee Engagement, Communication, Innovation and Injury Statistics.

About Morguard
Morguard Corporation (TSX: MRC) is a major North American real estate and property management company.  It has extensive retail, office, industrial, multi–suite residential, and hotel holdings owned directly, or through its investment in Morguard REIT (TSX: MRT.UN) and Morguard North American Residential REIT (TSX: MRG.UN). Morguard also provides real estate management services to institutional and other investors. Morguard's total assets owned and under management is valued at $19.9 billion.

SOURCE Morguard Corporation