Reopening Ontario Act- Regulation 43 Construction Expanded |
The Ontario government recently added to Section 43 referring to Construction under the Act. The revised wording below includes the use of the words “enhance the efficiency” which would allow for construction work to continue on projects that are for businesses that “extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials”. The revised section is provided below:
Construction
43. Construction activities or projects and related services, including land surveying and demolition services, that,
(g) were commenced before January 12, 2021 and that would,
(i) provide additional capacity for businesses that provide logistical support, distribution services, warehousing, storage or shipping and delivery services,
(ii) provide additional capacity in the operation and delivery of Information Technology (IT) services or telecommunications services, or
(iii) provide additional capacity to, or enhance the efficiency or operations of, businesses that extract, manufacture, process and distribute goods, products, equipment and materials.
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Today, Stephen Lecce, Minister of Education, issued the following statement regarding the provision of emergency child care services:
"Beginning this Tuesday, emergency child care will be extended to additional frontline workers in Toronto, York Region and Peel. This will include construction workers working on essential projects that have been permitted to continue during the provincial shutdown, and transit workers who are unable to work remotely.
In the construction sector: individuals who work for a business that undertakes construction activities or projects and related services, including land surveying and demolition services, that are permitted to be open under section 43 of Schedule 2 of O. Reg. 82/20 of the Reopening Ontario Act.
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ECAO TRAINING AND WEBINARS |
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Construction Labour Relations for Supervisors Virtual Traning- March 9 and 11
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We are facilitating our next “Construction Labour Relations for Supervisors” course over Zoom. Instead of having a one-day, in-class session, we’ve divided the content over two days.
This seminar will provide a general overview of labour relations in the construction industry, and specifically within ECAO. It’s geared toward non-bargaining unit supervisors and contractors.
Here are some of the topics that will be covered:
- Evolution of Labour laws
- Steps for Effective Negotiations
- Provincial Bargaining
- History of the Provincial Agreement
- Investigations and grievances
- Jurisdictional Disputes
After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting. There is a possibility that the e-mail could land in your spam folder, please make sure to check it. Please contact Kamakshi at kahluwalia@ecao.org to receive the confirmation again.
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ECAO Fire Alarm & Protection Certification Program - Distant Learning Level 5 (Recertification) Course |
Did you notice your Certi-Fire credentials have expired or are about to expire? Under the agreement with the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, the Certi-Fire Fire Alarm Certificate must be renewed every five years. We strongly encourage you to make arrangements to renew and keep your certificate current. The Distant Learning Level 5 (Recertification) Course will be commencing on Thursday, March 18, 2021. The course will start at 6:30 pm in the evening. Participants are required to have an internet connection in order to attend the course via “Go to Meeting”. They can connect through a computer, laptop, or tablet with a camera and microphone. Registration is now open!!
Distant learning will benefit you remotely to continue study in the comfort of your own safe environment, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. As time is money, you can also save your commute time travelling if you have a restricted schedule or live too far from a Local Training Hall. If you would consider taking the Distant Learning course (fee applies), please contact our Certi-Fire Program Administrator at contactus@certifire.org or 1-800-387-3226 ext. 8509 for more information.
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Milwaukee Tool unveiled their first lineup of laser solutions providing all-day run-time, best-in-class visibility, and easy set-up. The lineup includes two green lasers on the M12™ System, and three green lasers powered by REDLITHIUM™ USB. The M12™ Lasers join the largest sub-compact system, made up of more than 100 tools for maximum portable productivity, while the USB Rechargeable Lasers provide rechargeable convenience and performance. |
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ECAO Fire Alarm & Protection Certification Program - Distant Learning Level 1 Course Coming in Spring 2021 |
Having Certi-Fire Electricians on staff would bring you an opportunity to grow your business beyond Fire Alarm System installation and retrofitting!
The Certi-Fire program is recognized and approved by the Ontario Fire Marshal. It provides the licensed Electricians with the certification to meet the requirements and resolve the property management fire alarm concerns for proper fire alarm installation, testing, verification, and maintenance. There are four (4) consecutive levels in this program and recertification is mandatory every five (5) years to stay current with the code.
Level 1: Conventional Fire Alarm Control Panels and Installation of Input and Output Devices
Level 2: Integrated Fire Alarm Control EVAC Systems and Fire Alarm Extinguishing Control Panels
Level 3: Troubleshooting of Complete Fire Alarm Systems
Level 4: Advanced Fire Alarm Control Panel: Addressable Digital and Analog Devices
Level 5 (Recertification): Update Codes, Standards and Technology
Registration for the Distant Learning Level 1 course is now open! The course will be tentatively commencing on Tuesday, April 20, 2021. It will start at 6:30 pm in the evening and take 3 hours per week and up to 12 weeks to complete the course depending on the participants’ schedule. There will be also a hands-on portion taking place on weekends. Participants are required to have an internet connection in order to attend the course via “Go to Meeting” They can connect through a computer, laptop, or tablet with a camera and microphone.
Distant learning will benefit you remotely to continue study in the comfort of your own safe environment, especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic. As time is money, you can also save your commute time travelling if you have a restricted schedule or live too far from a Local Training Hall. If you would consider taking the Distant Learning course (fee applies), please contact our Certi-Fire Program Administrator at contactus@certifire.org or 1-800-387-3226 ext. 8509 for more information.
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Canada United grants up to $5,000 available! |
Over $14 Million has been contributed to the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund by the Federal Government, RBC and Canada United partners to support recovery efforts due to COVID-19. We have provided relief to over 2,000 small businesses across the country.
We are pleased to let you know that applications will be accepted again starting next week on February 16th, 2021 at 1 p.m. EST.
Grants of up to $5,000 are still available to small businesses to cover expenses related to personal protective equipment (PPE), renovations to accommodate re-opening guidelines and developing or improving website and e-commerce capabilities.
Learn more about the Canada United Small Business Relief Fund on the OCC website.
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‘It’s just a flu’: COVID prevention rules are often ignored on Toronto construction sites, workers tell the Star |
Construction workers say that many worksites in Toronto deemed essential during the stay-at-home order are rife with COVID-19 rule violations, including people working in confined spaces while not wearing face masks.
However, Ontario’s Ministry of Labour and other industry groups see things differently, saying they have been impressed with most employers’ oversight during the pandemic and that the government has been aggressive with ensuring compliance.
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Skills Ontario applauds and supports Government of Ontario’s Skills Development Fund to boost economic recovery |
The Honourable Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development, has announced the Skills Development Fund, a new opportunity for businesses, union leaders, and training providers to submit their ideas on how to relieve pandemic-induced barriers to hiring, training and retaining workers. The Government of Ontario is dedicating $115 million to this fund and applications are now open. As an organization dedicated to building the province’s future skilled workforce, Skills Ontario applauds this initiative.
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Diversity & Inclusion Column
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Black History Month
February marks Black History Month. Let's celebrate the many achievements and contributions of Black Canadians who, throughout history, have done so much to make Canada the culturally diverse, compassionate and prosperous nation it is today.
Anti- Racism Toolbox Talk
Racist actions, activities, tones, or remarks have no place in Ontario workplaces including construction sites!
Not only does the ECAO have a zero-tolerance for any form of racism or intimidation; we are taking our responsibility to stand up and be actively anti-racist in policy and action.
To assist and educate our member companies and their employees on what racism is, how to recognize it on construction sites, and how to eliminate it for the good of all; we have developed the toolbox talks and accompanying poster.
Please take the time to have the discussion clearly communicating that racism is unacceptable in your company and on your worksite and get a commitment from workers to “See it, Say it, Stop it”.
Please print and post the poster to reinforce our message to all workers, contractors, and visitors: racism of any kind will not be tolerated.
Resources
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OCCUPATIONAL HEALTH & SAFETY |
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Toolbox Talks
The Center for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) reports that in any one year 1 in 5 Canadians experience a mental health illness or addiction problem and by age 40, 1 in every 2 people have had a mental illness.
Construction workers can be stressed about many things including work, schedules, weather, time away from home high, risk of work-related injuries, and pain. If they fail to seek help they can be at risk for more injuries and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and even suicide, according to researchers at Harvard School of Public Health.
ECAO has developed a Toolbox Talk on Mental Health. We are encouraging our members to use this template in their regular occupational health and safety Toolbox Talks with employees. Click here for the template.
Mental Health Resources
ECAO has compiled a detailed list of useful Provincial Mental Health Resources for our members to help them and their employees during the pandemic. The resources include help for those with depression and links for resources for children. Click here for full details.
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WSIB COVID19 Claims Statistics – Update |
Construction claims are as follows:
- Building equipment construction (G4) has 39 claims approved, 14 not approved and 5 pending
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Foundation, structure and building exterior construction (G3) has 22 claims approved, less than 5 not approved and less than 5 pending
- Infrastructure construction (G2) has 19 claims approved, none approved and none pending
- Building construction (G1) has 15 claims approved, 6 not approved and none pending
- Residential building construction (G1) has 15 claims approved, none approved and none pending
It appears from the WSIB data that there have been a total of 110 claims approved from all construction classes which is 0.74% of all approved claims. The quite remarkable performance given that there are estimated to be more than 500,000 people working in the industry.
It’s also important to note that only about 5.25% of Ontario’s total COVID19 case count is due to workplace transmission.
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Rate Framework
This webinar outlines the new ‘Rate Framework’ and how your company will be assessed going forward. Learn how these changes will affect your company. This webinar is a general level presentation intended for all employers who have some experience dealing with the WSIB from a premium/assessment perspective.
Mental Stress
This webinar outlines the legislative modifications that have changed the handling of mental stress claims, and how mental stress entitlement, both traumatic and chronic, is determined by the WSIB.
A Practical Guide to Return to Work for Employers (Non-Construction)
This webinar explains the benefits of having a return to work program, your legal obligations under the WSIA, key steps for implementing a return to work program and plan, as well as resolution strategies for disputes in return to work.
A Practical Guide to Return to Work for Employers (Construction)
This webinar explains the benefits of having a return to work program, your legal obligations under the WSIA, key steps for implementing a return to work program and plan, as well as resolution strategies for disputes in return to work.
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On Monday, February 22, we go LIVE with Extravaganza Day #2 at the EBPowerCon Cyber show & Expo.
Here's what we love about EBPowerCon...
- The ability to come and go as you please, whenever you want, from wherever you are, until the show closes in April.
- Thought leadership from our roster of industry experts in subjects like Sustainability, Electrified Transport, Smart Cities & Smart Buildings, and Intelligent Lighting.
- Free registration PLUS the ability to network with other registrants from all over Canada.
- Our amazing sponsors—SurgePure, Procore, ABB, Eaton, IPEX, and Ledvance—plus additional friends in the Exhibit Hall.
The EBPowerCon Cyber show & Expo was launched by the team at Electrical Business Magazine for Canada's professional electrical community—contractors, engineers, maintenance, and related stakeholders—with the goal of shedding light on trends and technologies so as to empower them with knowledge and insight into markets and opportunities.
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Building what's next starts with advancing women | Procore Webinar
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Title: Foundations for Progress: The Future of Women in Construction
Date: Thursday, February 25
Time: 11 AM PT
Grab a seat at this roundtable to hear how championing women and working to create a more inclusive world will impact the direction of the construction industry.
We'll cover:
- +The diversity of perspectives of women in construction
- +The power of exposure and mentorship for the next generation
- +Ways to get involved and make lasting change
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