Appia Development needed a more efficient and effective way to manage safety documentation across multiple job sites. The shift from paper-based processes to the SALUS digital platform has not only streamlined their workflows but also empowered their workforce to promote safer work environments on-site.
Founded in 1991 by Jim Bosa, Appia Development has grown into one of North America’s premier property development firms. With a focus on innovation and setting new industry standards, the company has become known for its forward-thinking approach. Operating with a core team of approximately 20 employees and over 150 subcontractors, Appia regularly completes residential and commercial projects across Vancouver and the lower mainland.
Before going digital, Appia’s safety processes relied heavily on paper-based forms, creating a bottleneck in efficiency and risk management. With multiple job sites, the company needed a system that could streamline safety documentation, improve accessibility for field workers, and save valuable time on-site.
Ron Strik, Construction Manager at Appia, recognized the growing need to shift towards a more modern approach. He knew the transition wouldn’t be simple but was convinced that the benefits would be significant. "It was SALUS’ vision and passion for digital safety—from the top down—that made the difference. The CEO’s commitment to accessibility for field workers and the ability to collect and access information with just a few clicks was a game changer for us."
With the SALUS platform in place, Appia quickly saw a major shift in how safety was managed on their job sites. Each day, over 300 forms are submitted through the app, covering daily risk assessments, certification checks, and more. Workers now have immediate access to relevant forms, reducing paperwork and improving the speed at which safety audits and inspections are completed.
“Before, we did everything manually. Now, with a few clicks of a button, I know who’s on-site, who’s submitted their forms, and who needs recertification. I can even go back in time to check specific details about our workers’ presence on-site,” says Ron.
The implementation was supported by SALUS’ Customer Success team, who helped Appia customize their forms and streamline the process. "They really took the time to understand our needs and make the system work for us," Ron adds.
The digital shift has not only saved Appia time but also contributed directly to the company’s safety culture. “Our workforce learned quickly that this app was saving them time and promoting safer work on our job sites,” Ron notes.
The digital forms have allowed Appia to easily track certifications, inspect equipment, and store important records like first aid logs and scaffolding inspections—all in one place. "The beauty of going digital is the ability to track and retrieve information instantly. If there’s a question, we can pull up the exact report or record we need."
Moreover, the move to digital has provided Appia with tangible cost savings. Ron estimates that by eliminating paper-based systems, they are saving thousands of dollars annually. "Hiring someone to manually catalog forms and do certification checks took hours. Now, everything is organized, saving us both time and money."
For other companies still relying on paper documentation, Ron offers straightforward advice: “This app is the future. It’s a good idea to get familiar with it.”