Isnetworld vs. Complyworks

[Sigma]

I appologize for adding a non recreational thread but I could not find another appropriate forum about the subject and I know there are probably many people on this forum that are more familiar about the subject than I am.

I am interested in the opinions of people on this forum that are knowledgeable in either ISNetworld or Complyworks or both. My questions is "What are the pro's and con's of each company and should we switch from ISNetworld to Complyworks or to another database company".

Some background info:

Since my retirement 6 years ago, I have worked part time as the safety officer for my son in law's small family trucking company (less than 10 employees). The majority of our business is in the oilfield and construction industry. We have been COR certified for about 6 years. At that time the prime contractor which gave us about 50% of our business requested that we use ISNetworld as a safety database which we joined and maintained including the RAV review. We paid the large annual fee and initially answered about 1500 questions in their database them reanswered all the new questions each quarter. This takes a lot of time to complete. Over 6 years no contractors have ever asked if we were a member of ISNetworld and only one asked if we were a member of complyworks. They were only interested in our COR status and of course our prices. The original prime contractor (ISN client) is now only about 0.2% of our business.
We have heard that Complyworks is easier to use and takes a lot less time and is about 1/3 of the annual cost. We have until next spring when our ISNetworld renewal is due to make a decision.
Are there any other options?
We are not interested in getting a 3rd party company to take over our safety program either.

Thanks in advance.
Sig

[Ice Fishing Maniac]

Some companies are listed on ISNetworld, some others prefer the COMPLY WORKS.

Its simply a private cash grab IMO.

If you don't have the one they prefer, you need to get set up or you wont be working for them.

I had one outfit that wanted me to be on a new different company list. I said we have the 2 others (ISNetworld / Comply Works), and if you want prefer the new one, then you pay for it and set it up. I'm not wasting anymore time and $$$ b/c you prefer the NEW ONE (I don't recall the name)...just because more than likely your company is part owner in it.

I understand the logistics of this system but for the small guys, it gets costly, JUST to be able to be certified to DO WORK, not nessessarily getting the work on the project!!!

[Spectre]

Originally Posted by Ice Fishing Maniac

Some companies are listed on ISNetworld, some others prefer the COMPLY WORKS.

Its simply a private cash grab IMO.

If you don't have the one they prefer, you need to get set up or you wont be working for them.

I had one outfit that wanted me to be on a new different company list. I said we have the 2 others (ISNetworld / Comply Works), and if you want prefer the new one, then you pay for it and set it up. I'm not wasting anymore time and $$$ b/c you prefer the NEW ONE (I don't recall the name)...just because more than likely your company is part owner in it.

I understand the logistics of this system but for the small guys, it gets costly, JUST to be able to be certified to DO WORK, not nessessarily getting the work on the project!!!

100% agree. I'm in a similar boat.

[dumoulin]

Originally Posted by Sigma

I appologize for adding a non recreational thread but I could not find another appropriate forum about the subject and I know there are probably many people on this forum that are more familiar about the subject than I am.

I am interested in the opinions of people on this forum that are knowledgeable in either ISNetworld or Complyworks or both. My questions is "What are the pro's and con's of each company and should we switch from ISNetworld to Complyworks or to another database company".

Some background info:

Since my retirement 6 years ago, I have worked part time as the safety officer for my son in law's small family trucking company (less than 10 employees). The majority of our business is in the oilfield and construction industry. We have been COR certified for about 6 years. At that time the prime contractor which gave us about 50% of our business requested that we use ISNetworld as a safety database which we joined and maintained including the RAV review. We paid the large annual fee and initially answered about 1500 questions in their database them reanswered all the new questions each quarter. This takes a lot of time to complete. Over 6 years no contractors have ever asked if we were a member of ISNetworld and only one asked if we were a member of complyworks. They were only interested in our COR status and of course our prices. The original prime contractor (ISN client) is now only about 0.2% of our business.
We have heard that Complyworks is easier to use and takes a lot less time and is about 1/3 of the annual cost. We have until next spring when our ISNetworld renewal is due to make a decision.
Are there any other options?
We are not interested in getting a 3rd party company to take over our safety program either.

Thanks in advance.
Sig

I totally feel for you....
The program was created in the US and is non-compliant to AB OH&S. It's a money grab; but, company’s still want to use it as some crippled benchmark. The problem is that you have to develop two safety programs: one for OH&S and one for Complyworks or ISN. IMO, those programs should be eradicated completely and allow B-C, AB, SK and MN OH&S (for example) to develop software which would do the same. This way, you wouldn’t have to come up with 2 manuals and thousands of dollars in yearly membership fees.
The reality is that a lot of business can be done regardless and you have to cater to your custom. That said, if ISN is too expensive and not worth the business it attracts, DUMP IT!

[Snort]

I would think that if you aren't being asked for either, don't have either one. I agree with the cash grab statements.

[Sledhead71]

I understand your frustration, I have to engage 4 different safety management companies to work for my clients, ISN, Complyworks, PIC's and the ACSA to maintain my COR.

As well I need to maintain my Quality Assurance Program through our governing body and ISO.

Complyworks is by far more user friendly than the other, my PIC's audit was through Skype with a Texan conducting the audit with his piece on the desk.. It was amusing to say the least, easy audit as we talked guns.

Wish you the best, and drop me a PM if you wish.

[Mickey]

They all are a cash grab.
Never gotten a job for being on any of them.
Only hear when you aren't on them and that is why they can't use you.
I have 2 full time safety guys on and could use a 3rd because of the red tape and the MSAs that everyone wants.

What happened to calling someone because they give good service?

[hal53]

Originally Posted by Mickey

They all are a cash grab.
Never gotten a job for being on any of them.
Only hear when you aren't on them and that is why they can't use you.
I have 2 full time safety guys on and could use a 3rd because of the red tape and the MSAs that everyone wants.

What happened to calling someone because they give good service?

^^^ this we use Comply works, very awkward system to find approved vendors if you are in a different area, luckily I stick close to home and use the same ones, But, boy oh boy, the whole world knows in a Nano-second if there is an issue with your business insurance...they are a cash grabbing joke...

[fajita123]

Originally Posted by hal53

^^^ this we use Comply works, very awkward system to find approved vendors if you are in a different area, luckily I stick close to home and use the same ones, But, boy oh boy, the whole world knows in a Nano-second if there is an issue with your business insurance...they are a cash grabbing joke...

We've recently began requiring all companies have an acceptable grade in ISN. Supply Chain says it's to ensure we aren't exposing the company to additional risk in hiring unsafe contractors (we usually retain prime). It's definitely been an issue with some of the smaller/local contractors we use often getting set up in ISN.

[Eye'ee]

We work the oilfield as a service company. We do a bit of work for a lot of different companies. We need isnetworld and complyworks and cor. This costs a lot of time and effort. Then some oil companies use some other verification of our safety record. And some other companies require us to pay for the privilege of being able to invoice them. It seems there are a lot of ways to keep us paying to be able to work.

[nekred]

Thanks I needed that!....