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Serving the Canadian rental industry for 42 years.
4
EDITORIAL
Be conscious of your employees’ mental welfare.
6 22 28
6
INDUSTRY NEWS
SMS relocates, new directors at AEM, Brown in at Okada, Genie named Cat vendor of the year, more...
22 DRILL INTO THE DETAILS
Know when to join the gang –gang concrete drills, that is.
10 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Cutting corners on safety should never be an option. by Mike Maltby
20 AT YOUR SERVICE
Bad behaviour at networking events can undo years of work. by Russ Dantu
12 LIGHTS, CAMERA, RENTAL ACTION
Higgins Event Rentals is landing high-profile business with a professional approach.
28 COMPACTION SHOWCASE
Everything you need to lay the groundwork for profits.
34 SAFETY FIRST AND LAST
Violating safety standards can be a basis for a crime. by Jeff Thorne
Lessons in intervention
A proactive
Some guy drove a van through a crowd of pedestrians in Toronto the other day, killing 10 and injuring another 15. I suppose it’s a sign of the times that it actually comes as a relief that there was apparently no terror motive. Early accounts suggest the driver was simply a socially maladjusted person, potentially with mental/emotional health issues and probably a death wish. Of course, it hardly matters to the dead and injured why they are dead or injured, but the rest of us might even feel a bit more secure knowing this was a one-off case of a disturbed person on a rampage rather than part of some organized plot by evil ideologues.
But maybe we shouldn’t relax too much. I’ve often felt the world would be a better and safer place if people treated mental health more like we treat physical health. What would be the matter with a yearly visit to a psychologist’s office, the same way we go to the dentist, to have a quick chat about any issues we’re having? Maybe do a brief screening questionnaire? If this were common behaviour, I bet a lot of people like the Toronto killer would be identified and given help before something tragic happened. And heading off would-be killers would only be part of the benefit – imagine the suicides that would be prevented and the marriages saved. There was a time when people didn’t go to the dentist, either.
by Patrick Flannery
Perhaps whatever program of public health education changed that could be repeated.
Absent this sort of grassroots social change, the workplace is often the only place that people with mental, emotional or addiction issues come into prolonged contact with others. Intervention from employers and co-workers could be the only chance for them to get help. I wouldn’t recommend installing a couch in your office for regular therapy sessions, but maybe there’s something we can do when we notice a co-worker struggling.
I called Jennifer Threndyle, a specialist with Workplace Safety and Prevention Services, to ask her what she recommends. She acknowledges that the initial conversation can be a tough one. There’s not much an employer can do except ask the employee privately if everything is OK and if they need any help. If the employee admits there’s a problem, there are few free services an employer can point them to. The Canadian Mental Health Association (cmha.ca) is one and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (camh.ca) is another. These organizations run crisis phone lines that anyone can call for immediate help from a professional. They will also both come out to workplaces to speak to employees about mental health and give good advice to both workers and managers.
Threndyle also recommends implementing an Employee Assistance Program as part of the benefit package you give your employee. We have one here at Annex and it’s a great resource. Any employee struggling with any aspect of their lives can call in complete confidence for free advice. Putting services like this in place sends a strong message to your workforce that they are more than interchangeable cogs in your money-making machine and are instead part of your workplace family, which is, I know, how most rental store owners feel about their employees.
It’s like anything else: a pinch of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Nothing can stop all tragedies, but they should direct our attention to what we can do to make them less common. CRS
DYNAMIC DUO.
AGF GETS THE MUSKRAT
The Special Projects Group, a division of Canadian-owned AGF Access Group, has been selected by Andritz Hydro as a key subcontractor for construction of the Muskrat Falls generation facility in Newfoundland and Labrador. Once constructed, it will be the second largest hydroelectric generating facility in Atlantic Canada. The Muskrat Falls project will produce 824 megawatts of long-term clean, renewable energy. SPG, in collaboration with Hydro Mobile, designed a solution utilizing access equipment for the assembly of four turbine-generators. The packaged solution includes two lots of equipment including 12 Hydro Mobile electric P-series mast climbing work platforms for custom circular setups and four lots of Winsafe aluminum crossover bridging, along with site training and supervision services. The equipment will be used by Andritz personnel
ON THE MOVE
SMS Equipment has announced they have moved their Williams Lake, B.C., branch at the end of April to a new and larger location within the area to better serve their customers. The new location is a short one-minute drive from their previous office and features approximately 8,000 square feet on a level 1.5-acre lot.
Rich Roberts, operations manager for the Kamloops area, says, “We are moving to a larger facility to support growth. We have spent the last several months getting the branch and yard ready to support the transition.” The new Williams Lake location offers more usable yard space along with 5,000 square feet of increased warehouse storage. The new building also allows for more office space, which will be used to add support personnel. New plans are also in place to add service bays in the near future. The new address for SMS Equipment in Williams Lake is 1145 Murray Drive. The phone number and fax number will remain the same.
to install stator windings and other accessories during construction of the new power plant located on the lower Churchill River. SPG’s modular mast climbing solution allows versatility for the steel platform to move up and down, as well as the ability to expand and retract as the diameter changes from one hydro plant to another. The platforms serve as the base for plywood planking allowing a customizable circumference for access to the turbines.
“When using a traditional tailormade steel platform, the contractor would typically use overhead cranes to move the platform during the building process, which is very cumbersome
and time-consuming,” said Alex Di Domenico, general manager of SPG. “Hydro-Mobile platforms are able to ascend and descend together via on-board electric drive systems providing a customizable access system for the turbine construction, on demand.”
Hydro Mobile P-series mast climbing portable units are suited for small jobs that require high capacity or in restrained areas where most platforms cannot fit. The motorized units offer a core capacity of over 8,000 pounds, ideal for a multitude of industrial applications. The P-series are extremely portable while set up is both easy and quick.
“SPG has provided us with a fast and easy solution for the turbine construction. It’s a real benefit to us and makes the job come together much more quickly,” said Sebastien Projean, installation coordinator for Andritz Hydro.
PACKING UP FOR PICKERING
Kubota Canada will be moving its operations to a new facility located in Pickering, Ont., by the end of 2019. The new facility will be designed to house its head office and warehouse operations. KCL has continuously operated in Canada from Markham, Ont., since 1975.
“In Canada, the construction, agriculture, commercial and residential sectors are all highly competitive markets, which gives us the motivation to strengthen our leadership among Canadian customers and dealers. It had become obvious that we needed a new state-of-the-art facility to ensure we could live up to our commitments to meet the increasing needs of our growing customer base,” said Bob Hickey, president.
The new Pickering facility will have a surface area of 565,500 square feet with the possibility of increasing to 1,000,000 square feet in the future. The facility will cost approximately $67 million for the land and building. KCL plans to grow employment from 190 current employees to 250 employees by 2027. The facility will feature enhanced testing, training and increased warehousing areas with room for future expansion.
“Pickering was selected as our future head office location because it provides a great sense of community and lends itself perfectly to our growing technological advancements,” continued Hickey. “Our new location will enable us to have easy access to highways, affordable housing for our employees, as well as to equipment testing and training areas. We would also like to express our sincere thanks to Mayor Ryan as well as to other city of Pickering officials for welcoming KCL and making this project possible.”
SMS
Exceptional comfort and an easy to maintain Kubota Tier IV Diesel engine combine for an impressive piece of equipment in Kubota’s SSV Series. New side lights expand the operator’s visibility on the job site, and the roll up door and wide operator area make for a more alert and productive work environment during those long all-day jobs. But best of all, our SSV Series are easy to maintain, so you can focus on your job site, not on your equipment.
INDUSTRY NEWS
CHARTER TO HANG ‘EM UP
Following a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years with the company, Caterpillar has announced that group president Rob Charter has elected to retire. Since 2015, Charter has been a group president of customer and dealer support.
“During his three decades with Caterpillar, Rob has built a reputation for his focus and unwavering commitment to helping our customers succeed,” said Caterpillar CEO, Jim Umpleby. “Rob’s global perspective – he’s held positions in Asia, Latin America, the United States and in his home country of Australia – is just one reason he’s a valuable member of our executive leadership team. Rob is also known within the company for his passion for developing and mentoring Caterpillar employees around the globe. We wish him a long and happy retirement.”
Charter’s retirement will be effective June 1, 2018. The company expects to announce a replacement in the near future.
“I’ve had an extraordinary career and am grateful for the
BROWN TO LEAD OKADA
opportunity to have served our customers for the past three decades,” said Charter. “I’m honoured to have led some remarkable teams. Over two-thirds of my time at Caterpillar was spent working alongside what I still believe is one of the company’s greatest competitive advantages: our dealer network. My wife, Tammy, and I look forward to returning home to Australia and spending more time with our family.”
Charter joined Caterpillar in 1989 as a development engineer in Melbourne, Australia. Early in his career, he worked in service training, machine sales and service, mining product support, manufacturing, construction, quarry and forestry. Charter was also a district manager in Australia. Charter’s next leadership position was with Caterpillar’s Asia Pacific Division in Tokyo as product manager. In 2005, he was appointed southern region manager in Caterpillar’s Latin America division, a position he held until 2008 when the Caterpillar board of directors named Charter vice-president of the Asia Pacific distribution services division. He held this position until January 2013 when he was appointed as vice-president of the excavation division. He became a group president and a member of Caterpillar’s executive office in 2015. Charter holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Ballarat University in Victoria, Australia, and has completed the Stanford University executive program.
Oakada America has announced the promotion of Jim Brown to the position of president. Brown, who has replaced Tony Neikirk, previously served as the executive vice-president of Okada America, being appointed to that position in 2015. Neikirk, who steps down after 20 years of service to Okada in many managerial capacities, will continue to serve as a consultant through the transition. Brown brings a wealth of construction and mining equipment experience spanning more than 30 years. He has brought a focused, pro-active customer philosophy to Okada as he has extensive expertise at the manufacturing level and recognizes the importance of putting the customer first. His previous experience includes engineering, general management and outside sales of construction and mining equipment. He has served in upper management for engineering personnel, national accounts, product marketing, service center facilities and sales and service departments. As president, Brown will establish both company and individual sales goals while maintaining and strengthening the distributor network. In the top position, Brown will oversee the operations of this construction equipment attachment manufacturer. Brown looks to meet the changing market challenges by building on the Okada tradition of great products and customer-oriented product support. The native of Ohio, who is a graduate of both the Kent State University and the University of Notre Dame, has been actively involved with the Associated Equipment Manufacturers having served previously as the chairman of the Mounted Breakers Manufacturers Bureau. Jim and his wife, Karen, currently reside in Stow, Ohio.
NEW MARKETING CONTACT AT ATLAS COPCO
Atlas Copco Power Technique North America has appointed Shaunelle Ogwal to the position of marketing communications coordinator. Ogwal is responsible for coordinating and executing marketing tactics that align with Atlas Copco’s targets and goals, including trade shows, sales support and print and digital materials. Ogwal brings more than 10 years of strategic creative marketing experience to the Atlas Copco position. The brand provides air, power and flow solutions to multiple segments through products such as mobile compressors, pumps, light towers and generators.
“Atlas Copco empowers people to innovate, and I’m looking forward to combining the innovative culture with my creativity and experience to create success in our marketing efforts,” Ogwal said. “It’s a great team behind great products, which is an exciting thing to be a part of.”
GENIE NAMED CAT VENDOR OF THE YEAR
At the company’s 2018 Rental Summit allied vendor fair and reception, Cat Rental Stores named Genie the Cat Rental Store 2017 Vendor of the Year. The criteria for the award are quality, product support and policy, ease of doing business and overall vendor satisfaction. This is the first year the Cat Rental Store Vendor of the Year award has been given.
“I am very pleased to bestow Genie with the honour of our 2017 Vendor of the Year,” said Erica Baird, global allied product manager for global rental and used equipment services. “The Cat Rental Stores have distinguished Genie as an exceptional vendor, committed to providing our dealers with quality products and support to ensure our customers’ success from the start to the finish of any project or job. We look forward to growing our long and successful relationship with Genie.”
According to Baird, at the end of last year Caterpillar worked with its dealers to determine the key attributes required to be recognized as the Cat Rental Stores Vendor of the Year. Baird stated that Genie, a leading, global manufacturer of aerial lift equipment, was recognized for its ongoing commitment to provide the highest overall value to Cat Rental Store dealers and, most importantly, to Cat Rental Store customers.
“It is a privilege to receive this prestigious recognition from Caterpillar,” said Paul Smith, Genie national accounts manager. “At Genie, we are committed to the success of our customers’ businesses, from delivering high-quality aerial lift equipment to our responsive support after the sale. We take great pride in providing Cat Rental Stores the products, services and programs they need to meet the growing and changing needs of their customers.”
NEW DIRECTORS AT AEM
The Association of Equipment Manufacturers has elected John D. Lagemann, senior regional vice-president of sales and marketing at Deere & Co., as the new AEM 2018 vice-chair. He fills the unexpired officer term of Jim Walker of CNH Industrial, who recently retired. In a related move, AEM elected Scott Harris of CNH Industrial to the association’s board of directors, to fill Walker’s unexpired 2018 board term. Lagemann has served in AEM leadership roles since 2011; he currently chairs AEM’s AG sector board and is a member of the AEM board of directors. Harris, who recently transitioned to CNH’s agriculture side as vice-president of Case IH North America, had served as a director on AEM’s CE sector board since 2016.
“We are very pleased to announce John’s expanded leadership of AEM and welcome Scott to its board of directors. Their knowledge and dedication exemplify the active company participation that underpins AEM’s success and growth for its members, the equipment industry and the overall agriculture and construction-related sectors,” said Dennis Slater, AEM president. “We also take this opportunity to publicly thank Jim Walker for his years of leadership as an AEM officer and board member, and his support of the AEM staff,” Slater said.
June 6
CRA Alberta Golf Ponoka, Alta. crarental.org
June 7
CRA BC Members Meeting Vernon, B.C. crarental.org
June 20 - 22
Canada’s Farm Progress Show Regina, Sask. myfarmshow.com
CRA Atlantic Golf Hatchet Lake, N.S. crarental.org
Sept. 18
CRA Ontario Golf Guelph, Ont. craontario.org
Nov. 9 - 11
ARA Leadership Conference Chicago, Ill. ararental.org
2019
Jan. 8 - 10
Landscape Ontario Congress Toronto, Ont. locongress.com
Feb. 6 - 7
Canadian Concrete Expo Mississauga, Ont. canadianconcreteexpo.com
Feb. 17 - 20
The Rental Show Anaheim, Calif. therentalshow.com
John Lagemann
Scott Harris
CRA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
STAY SAFE THIS SUMMER
We’re getting busy, but hopefully not too busy to be careful.
by MIKE MALTBY, CRA PRESIDENT
As we head into summer and activity at our rental operations shifts into high gear the staff and volunteer leaders of the Canadian Rental Association begin to regroup and plan for the upcoming year. With trade show season behind us for another year, we can all begin to look ahead. Our local chapters are planning for upcoming summer socials and golf tournaments, the national office has already begun work for next year’s regional trade shows and the hospitality event to be held at The Rental Show in Anaheim, Calif.
With equipment rental revenue expected to grow four to five per cent each year until at least 2021, we expect that you are also in the midst of your busiest season yet. We know that when things get busy, sometimes safety and maintenance procedures get sidestepped or ignored. The busier our operations get the more important it is to review our company procedures with our staff and remind them that the consequences of cutting corners can significantly outweigh the shortsighted benefit of false productivity. As a wise man once said, if you think safety is expensive, try an accident.
Did you know we work in what is arguably the most dangerous sector of employment in Canada? According to 2016 figures from the Association of Worker’s Compensation Boards of Canada, there were more lost-time injuries among occupations involved in transport, equipment operation, equipment installation and equipment maintenance than any other. Construction itself records the third most lost-time claims after manufacturing and health care, but those are straight numbers that don’t account for the relative number of people in the professions. My guess is our per capita rate of injury is the highest. Creating an equipment maintenance log, determining what to include in a policy or writing a procedure from scratch can seem like a daunting, time-consuming task when you’re busy running your business. But we owe it to our workers to do what we can to make sure they get home safe each evening.
Mike Maltby is vice-president of Ingersoll Rent-All in Ingersoll, Ont. Mike has been a fixture at CRA Ontario events since beginning his time with the association in 2006, and looks forward to connecting with CRA members nationally in the coming years.
This would be a good time to take a look at the resources available in the safety section at crarental.org, as well as the forms and resources pages on ararental.org. Between these two sites, there are over 70 forms and templates available to help you streamline all aspects of your operation. Topics covered include inventory control, employee management and recruitment, accounting, facilities, tenting, theft and many others. You will find checklists, inspection sheets and policy samples. These forms are easy to download and most can be customized with your company’s information. Use these templates to get started and to gain an understanding of how other rental businesses have approached similar issues. As CRA members, we are very fortunate to be able to take advantage of these resources for nothing more than the cost of membership. Having a safety consultant prepare these policies for your business from scratch would cost thousands.
Hopefully, with some reinforcement of your company policies with managers and staff, mistakes and accidents can be kept to a minimum and we can all have a safe and successful peak rental season. CRS
Canadian Rental Service is a proud media partner of the CRA. Find association news and a complete archive of past President’s Messages at canadianrentalservice.com > Canadian Rental Association.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, RENTAL ACTION
Higgins Event Rentals lands high-profile gigs in Toronto.
Watch the hit CBC TV show Murdoch Mysteries and see the dashing detective analyzing clues on an elegant wine glass, or notice the dinnerware and linens in the riveting television series The Handmaid’s Tale. Chances are those props have come from the shelves of Higgins Event Rentals.
by JACK KOHANE
Higgins is proud of its ability to retain long-time employees. Long-time employees have led to long-time customers.
The Toronto-based, one-stop-shopping party and event rental titan also sources authentic props for Canadian productions of Molly’s Game, Designated Survivor and Saving Hope, among others, as well as working with movie directors and designers for decorative furnishings used on sets.
Many of those shows have gone on to win awards, so it’s fitting that Higgins Event Rentals has earned its own share of handsome hardware. In 2016, Higgins snared the Family Enterprise of the Year award from The Canadian Association of Family Enterprise, then in March, 2018, Higgins clinched the Canadian Rental Association’s coveted Most Creative Design for the winning Tabletop Design Challenge at its annual banquet, as well as the President’s Image Award recognizing Higgins as
tops among those who exemplify the industry’s highest standards of service and innovation. In addition, Michelle Nicol, Higgins’ ace account manager and festival specialist, has been crowned with Canadian Rental Service’s Top 10 Under 40 accolade twice, as well as Rental Professional Of The Year in March 2018.
“We are delighted that we’ve been honoured with these prestigious awards,” says John Higgins, who, with his brother, Dave, are the current leaders of the company. “These kinds of awards are a tribute to the tradition of honest hard work that my parents initiated and that our dedicated team continues today.”
Higgins Event Rentals, a multi-generational family business, was started in 1982 by the husband-and-wife team of Denis and Peggy Higgins, who were high school sweethearts
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COVER STORY
back in the day. A virtuoso in the financial industry, Denis could handle the operations side of the business and understood how a start-up can live up to its potential. So he set his mind to making a go of a neighbourhood rental shop. Peggy would be the driving force, with a natural flare for design, purchasing and well-developed hospitality skills needed to deal with event planners, designers and producers. At first branded under the United Rent-All banner, their small business operated pretty much like a general rental store in Etobicoke’s Royal York Plaza in the fast-growing west end of Toronto. Taking over the space from a department store, they warehoused chain saws, cement mixers, baby cribs and other odd items for rent.
“We were raised a strong family of four sons and one daughter,” says John. “Our parents’ legacy has grown into a devoted family operation in Toronto with over 65 full-time employees (with a cadre of part-timers tapped for duty as the brisk spring/summer events season blossoms).
“It’s surprising that in the early years of Higgins Event Rentals only a fraction of our business offered dishes, glassware, cutlery, linen, tables and chairs,” continues John. “From humble beginnings, we eventually set a blistering pace focused
on growth and becoming pioneers of Toronto’s event rental industry.”
As the company’s general sales flourished, Denis found a buyer for the tool side of the company and that sale allowed the couple to focus on the booming party rental industry. As the company scaled up, the children became more and more involved, starting with summers and weekends. They learned the business from the ground up. Nicol lauds how Denis and Peggy differentiated their enterprise from the competition by consistently challenging the old model of event rentals. “They did it by sourcing new designs, seeking out new products and setting new standards for the industry,” she affirms. When the senior Higgins retired in 2000 (sadly, Denis has since passed away), the second generation of the family took over the helm of the company.
That dynamic bond linking past and present is immediately evident as one enters the front door of the company’s new 55,000-square-foot plant in south Etobicoke. Displayed with pride of place in the foyer is a handwritten copy of the fledgling company’s first rental sale in 1982: a single appliance dolly for $6. Also prominent here for clients and staff to see is the company’s jumbo-sized
vision board. Written large over a stylized scene of Toronto’s downtown skyline is the Higgins vision statement – to be the number-one source for event professionals – along with such core values as promoting effective communication, delivering on promises, treating everyone with respect and always advancing the value of teamwork and productivity. The board also proclaims growth targets the company will attain by 2021: boosting its number of client caterers from 300 to 400; increasing exclusive venue contracts from 8 to 15; raising tented events from 350 to 500 and hiking its street festivals supplied from 60 to 100.
“These numbers are achievable based on our performance,” vows Dave. “We’ve doubled our sales in the past five years, and we’re looking ahead with confidence.” To illustrate, in the past year (with more than 1,800 in-stock product lines), Higgins has supplied a burgeoning clientele, big and small, with well over 100,000 chairs, close to 50,000 tables, 800,000 pieces of cutlery and over one million glassware items. Dave notes that 25 per cent of the company’s revenues is generated by renting out tables and chairs, a further 25 per cent in glass and dinnerware and the remaining 50 per cent spread out across tents of all sizes and linens. For the present, the Hollywood North rental segment of Higgins accounts for 10 per cent of overall sales. “TV and movies are a very
Glassware and furniture are important, but the lifeblood of Higgins is tents. Toronto’s vibrant multicultural festival season keeps everything they can stock out on rent.
CRA Alberta
Wednesday June 6th
2018 Golf Tournaments
Wolf Creek Golf Resort, Ponoka AB
CRA Atlantic
Sunday August 19th
Indian Lake Golf Course, Hatchet Lake NS
CRA BC
Friday September 21st
Shadow Ridge Golf Club, Kelowna BC
CRA Manitoba
Thursday August 23rd
Southwood Golf & Country Club, Winnipeg MB
CRA Ontario
Tuesday September 18th
Springfield Golf & Country Club, Guelph ON
CRA Quebec/ALQ
Wednesday August 15th
Club de golf le Portage, L’Assomption QC
COVER STORY
promising area for us over the next few years,” predicts Dave. “We provide a range of services for film staging and set design, tent delivery, lunch rooms and dinnerware for meals. When it’s time for ‘lights, camera,’ we’re ready and able to spring into action.”
Higgins Event Rentals boasts a welding shop to customize its chrome-plated beverage stands and plexiglass communal tables. The brothers try to tap into local sources for materials and cut their own multi-coloured and customizable plex bars in-house. Their industrial-grade BBQs and portable ovens, for example, are made by Crown Verity (based in Brantford, Ont.). These represent significant cost savings, claims Dave.
A key aspect of the company’s success focuses on building partnerships with customers to fulfill their event needs, as well as staying lean (in terms of inventory levels) as indoor and outdoor events dictate over the different seasons. “Many of our employees have been with us for 20 years and most of our customers have
remained with us throughout the years,” says John. While the bread-and-butter affairs of weddings and banquets are the company’s mainstays, there’s an especially powerful message in teaming with charitable organizations and being a reliable and trusted supplier in running successful street festivals and fundraising events. A must-have are modular tents that can be quickly expanded to house from dozens up to hundreds of visitors. “We’re fortunate to live and work in Toronto, one of the most multicultural cities in the world,” John enthuses. “Every year there are more street fairs and venues celebrating our diverse cultures. Our goal is to help make it happen.”
Helping to stem climate change is another priority initiative at Higgins. Nicol spotlights the company’s innovative moves to reduce its carbon footprint. “This is hugely important,” she declares. “By making small changes in the way we do things we can make significant changes for both our bottom line and the environment.” Some
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of those changes include switching from plastic wrap to reusable lids for all our glassware boxes, resulting in less plastic wrapping going into the garbage, and shifting from wrapping flatware in plastic wrap to packaging it in reusable containers. “This saves an enormous amount of wasted plastic,” she explains, adding that the warehouse uses motion-activated lighting to ensure areas not in use are unlit. “Otherwise it would cost a fortune and waste a lot of energy to light the entire building all day long,” she states.
The family has seen dramatic changes in the rental business since Higgins opened its doors 36 years ago. “Years ago, I’d only need to show a client some folding chairs and plain white tablecloths and that’d be the sale,” John recalls. “Nowadays, people see things on TV or in movies and they want those items, that same colour, that design. And since it could be our own prop they see, we can supply it. If we don’t stock it, we have a huge network to draw on to satisfy the client’s needs. That’s the beauty of a family-run business: we can turn on a dime.” CRS
As an active and involved member of the Ontario CRA, account manager Michelle Nichol is making a name for herself and Higgins in the industry.
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AT YOUR SERVICE
The perils of networking
by Russ Dantu
What on earth does networking have to do with customer service? Well, everything! Once you have a solid reputation for exceptional customer service, it’s good to get the word out as much as you can and networking is a great way to achieve this.
We are the face of our businesses 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Any time we are out in public, we have to be on our best behaviour. This rule applies even more so when we are at a networking event.
I have made over $1.6 million dollars from networking in the past eight years. I consider myself a professional networker. I know how to work the room and how to maximize my success at networking functions. I also know what doesn’t work and I see it all the time at different events: too much alcohol and people acting like it’s a place to hit on other attendees.
Let’s start with alcohol. I enjoy having a beer, wine or cocktail like a lot of other people do. It’s important that you don’t overdo it at networking events or you can end up looking like an idiot. I can still remember an association golf tournament I attended over 20 years ago where one individual had a bit too much to drink. “Eric”
of plus beer and mix. He poured us drinks until we said “No more!” Eric continued to drink, which was a big mistake. By about the 14th hole, Eric was slurring words and being loud and belligerent to the other groups around us. He then swung at a tee shot, missed the ball completely and fell flat on his face.
Eric was a big man. He was about a biscuit shy of 320 pounds. It took three of us to lift him up and sit him back on the cart. We actually had to call the pro shop and ask them to come and pick him up, as he couldn’t even sit straight on the golf cart.
He didn’t stick around for the steak dinner and awards that night. They called him a cab. He was thoroughly embarrassed by his actions and we were all embarrassed for him as well. Some members thought it was funny but others did not see the humour in it at all. He left the association soon after that event.
The other way that some people self-destruct their networking efforts is by attempting to use the event as an opportunity to hook up with the other attendees. If you want to pick someone up, go to a nightclub. A networking event is a business event and needs to be kept professional. There is nothing more disgusting than someone hitting on another person during a business event.
If you have staff representing your company, make sure they fully understand that these are not acceptable practices. It takes a long time to build up the trust and respect of our customers. It only takes one event to lose that trust and respect. If you are looking for new business, these practices will leave the potential customer with a very bad taste in their mouth.
was a well-respected member of our association and general manager of a car rental facility, but on this particular day, he lost a lot of respect.
I was in his foursome that day. One of the other gentlemen was like Rodney Dangerfield on the golf course. He came with a fully loaded bar in his golf bag. I’m not sure where he put his golf balls, tees and other equipment, but the bag had every hard liquor you could think
When done properly, networking can be a great way to deepen relationships with your present clientele and also to add new customers to your list. In the next newsletter, I’ll share some of my top networking tips you can use to increase your networking experience. CRS
Russ Dantu is a 30-year veteran of the rental industry and has been delivering workshops, seminars and keynotes on customer servicce for over 15 years. For more information, visit russdantu.com or email russ@russdantu.com
TVH covers 90% of the US industrial equipment population with 1 day ground service to ensure your parts are delivered when you need them.
DRILL INTO THE DETAILS
Choose the right concrete dowel drill for the project.
Concrete drilling projects can cover one mile to a hundred, and a few holes to thousands. But before choosing a drill based on the clear facts, you’ll need to hammer into the details, which could reveal that bigger isn’t always better, less could be more and working smarter not harder goes a long way.
by RICK WALSTAD, E-Z Drill president and CEO
Equipment-mounted drills can be mounted to a backhoe or excavator to quickly move from one patch the next. They also have advantages when it comes to accurate spacing. And, obviously, operator fatigue is limited.
From handheld to on-grade and slab rider to equipment-mounted, there are several different types of concrete drills with various features and capabilities that can affect everything from efficiency to accuracy and ease of use to safety.
THE SPEC SELECTION
The simplest drills are handheld electric hammer or pneumatic rock drills. They get the job done, but come with three significant drawbacks. First, they can lead to injuries of the hands and arms since operators absorb the machines’ vibrations. In addition, lifting and
repositioning the drills at the next spot can lead to back injuries. Second, they are slow. Operators can only drill one hole at a time and to top it off they can have a hard time maintaining the consistent pressure that’s needed for fast, effective drilling. And third, handheld drills are inaccurate. There is simply no way an operator can drill holes perfectly straight by hand.
Faster, safer and often-specified options are dowel-drilling machines that don’t require operators to hold them. One type of dowel-drilling machine is an on-grade drill that sits on the subgrade and drills into the
Flexibility.
ELEVATE streamlines your existing business model, not build a new one. We’ve listened to what’s important to our customers’ business and are providing a solution that has an immediate impact. Powered by Trackunit means ultimate flexibility and ease of integration.
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More than Telematics.
Two-gang drills are better suited for 5,000 to 10,000 holes.
slab. They are available in mobile as well as stationary models. Stationary drills typically are small but lightweight, so operators can easily reposition them. And even though they don’t come equipped with wheels, most manufacturers can add wheels to make them mobile. Mobile units, while typically bigger, are even easier to reposition because they are equipped with wheels that roll along the subgrade.
Drills that work from the slab rather than the subgrade are called slab riders. They operate without disturbing the subgrade and are equipped with up to five drills for even greater efficiency on some large projects. They are bigger than on-grade models, but are equipped with wheels and auto-alignment features for fast and easy repositioning. Some are even self-propelled for quick manoeuvering to the next drilling spot while an optional towbar attachment pulls the air compressor. For added versatility, some slab riders even
can be converted to drill on-grade, which gives contractors the versatility to work on a variety of drilling projects.
Equipment-mounted drills also work on the slab, but are attached to a backhoe or excavator that repositions them quickly. They are available with three to five drills and can rotate 360 degrees to quickly drill on opposite sides of a slab without moving the carrier machine. Equipment-mounted drills also feature adjustable spacing and smooth, precise shifting capabilities that allow users to drill a second set of holes without repositioning.
SCRATCHING THE SURFACE
Understanding the types of drills is a good place to start when selecting one for a project, but you also must consider jobsite limitations. If there are only a few inches of slab exposed, an on-grade drill is your only option. And if there isn’t much area to work on the subgrade, like in smaller patches, you might need a more compact model with fewer gangs.
Single gang, on-grade drills are lightweight and load easily into a truck, which makes them a great choice for projects where you will need to move frequently. However, they might not be an efficient option for large projects that cover greater distances. That’s when it’s time to take a look at larger models.
Slab rider drills are considerably heavier, so they must be loaded onto a truck or trailer to be towed to the jobsite and unloaded with a forklift or other piece of machinery. While the logistics might be more challenging compared to
Slab rider drills reference from the top of the slab, which is more level than the subgrade. As a result they are more accurate.
on-grade drills, slab riders can deliver greater efficiency on large, long-distance projects like lane additions. Also, because they are mounted on wheels, self-propelled and don’t need to operate from the subgrade, they can quickly and easily move from one patch to the next. This also makes slab riders ideal for full-depth repair jobs where patches are located in close proximity to one another. And finally, slab rider drills reference from the top of the slab, which is more level than the subgrade. As a result, they are more accurate.
On larger full-depth repair projects that consist of multiple intermittent patches that span several hundred feet, an equipment-mounted drill might be the most efficient. Rather than loading an on-grade or slab rider drill and driving it to each new patch, the operator simply lifts the drill with the backhoe or excavator and drives to the next patch. While basic jobsite conditions will help narrow down your decision, the number of gangs also is a factor.
DOING THE NUMBERS
Single-gang drills are usually ideal for jobs that require several hundred to a few thousand holes, while two-gang
TECH TIPS
drills are better suited for 5,000to 10,000 holes. And as the number of holes increases, so can the number of drills on a machine.
But choosing the right number of drill systems can go beyond the size of the project. For example, concrete slabs need time to set before they can be drilled and in some cases several pours are required. Some of these projects might include a lot of holes but a smaller drill with fewer gangs could be more
cost-effective because operators are limited in terms of how many holes they can drill at a given time.
On the other hand, if you only can drill during certain hours of the day or night, which is common on busy highway projects where minimal traffic interruption is allowed, a high production rate is a must, even if the total number of holes isn’t high. So while a single-gang would get the job done, a multi-gang will drill more holes in a shorter time period.
Keep in mind that if you increase the number of drill systems, you’ll also need more air to power them. Each gang operates independently and typically requires about 100 cubic feet per minute from an air compressor, so if you’re operating a five-gang drill, at minimum you’re going to need a 500-CFM air compressor.
GET BELOW THE SURFACE
Whether it’s on-grade, slab rider or equipment-mounted, matching the right drill with the project takes more than knowing the surface details. To be sure you’re making the best impact on your efficiency, accuracy and productivity, drill into the details. CRS
About the Author
Rick Walstad is the president and CEO of E-Z Drill. Reach him at rwalstad@ezdrill.com or connect with him on LinkedIn.
About E-Z Drill
E-Z Drill offers contractors equipment for concrete drilling and doweling that is faster, more accurate and safer than handheld rock drills. The company was established in 1987 and manufactures slab rider, on-grade and equipmentmounted drills with as many as five gangs as well as vertical utility models and concrete drilling accessories, such as dust-collection systems. E-Z Drill also can custom design and build automatic drill systems for specific jobs.
Multi-gang drills are often self-propelled and equipped with wheels and autoalignment features for faster repositioning and greater efficiency on projects that cover long distances.
PUTTING CLASS-LEADING PERFORMANCE WITHIN REACH
The Snorkel A38E electric articulated boom lift delivers class-leading performance and versatility. Suitable for indoor or outdoor use, the superb working envelope delivers up to 13.5m working height and 5.9m outreach, putting even the most inaccessible tasks within reach. Capable of lifting up to 215kg, the Snorkel A38E weighs just 3,795kg and is fitted with non-marking, high grip tires for use on all types of terrain. The articulated/telescopic boom configuration ensures compact stowed dimensions to maximize transport space and the direct DC electric drive is zero emission and delivers 36% gradeability.
FDS Inc. Tel 800 - 361 - 3346, www.equipementsfds.com | Saskatchewan
Lay
the groundwork for profits with these innovative compaction products.
COMPACTION SHOWCASE
SMART WATER SYSTEM
husqvarna.com
Forward plate compactors are used to compact soil and asphalt for repair jobs and maintenance work, such as driveways, pathways and parking lots. When compacting asphalt, it is important to use water. The LF 75 LAT forward plate compactor from Husqvarna features a removable water tank with an oversized secure cap to make refills fast, easy and less frequent. Water consumption is optimized with an easy-to-reach flow adjustment valve. The water flows using a unique system that eliminates the need for piping, which could get clogged or broken. Another features is the exclusive vibration dampening handle that allows operators to keep working with less fatigue. The plate does not leave marks on the asphalt and the maintenance-free water system prevents asphalt from sticking to the plate. The
13-litre, corrosion-free water tank is very easy to hook on and off for speedy refilling.
BATTERY-POWERED
ca.wackerneuson.com
Wacker Neuson is introducing an emissions-free, cordless, battery-powered vibratory rammer. Using lithium-ion battery technology, the AS50e is ideal for commercial interior construction or renovation projects; use in poorly ventilated areas including trenches; in soundsensitive areas such as hospitals; or for rental yards and environmentally conscious builders. Wacker Neuson has been able to take the best of the performance characteristics of the rammer, percussion system and ramming shoe and adapt it to the battery-operated rammer, allowing users to experience similar compaction results to those of engine-powered units but with zero emissions. The AS50e is convenient to
operate with a quick, pushbutton start and is easy to guide along walls. The guide handle is specifically designed for the rammer and results in low hand-arm vibration for the operator. This environmentally friendly rammer is quieter than engine-driven rammers, making it ideal for noisesensitive applications as well as protecting the operator from noise and carbon dioxide emissions. Because the machine requires no power cable during operation, the operator has uninhibited movement while compacting. The AS50e weighs 154.5 pounds and hits at a percussion rate of 680 blows per minute. The long-life battery is separate from the rammer and can replaced in a few quick steps without any additional tools. Operators and rental centres will see a low total cost of ownership with the maintenance-free electric motor. The AS50e joins Wacker Neuson’s line of two-cycle, two-cycle oilinjected, four-cycle and diesel models.
COMPATIBLE WITH ANY MACHINE
ammann-group.com Businesses can more easily monitor machine usage and
ultimately improve profitability with Ammann ServiceLink. The digital fleet management system from Ammann provides light equipment owners with access to key information, such as battery status and maintenance schedules. Ammann ServiceLink also is a great tool for rental houses. It can monitor machine utilization 24 hours per day, seven days per week, enabling rental fleets to accurately track and charge for off-hours use, such as weekends. The new system from Ammann offers end users digital access to important data for light equipment machines, such as Ammann vibratory plates. Ammann ServiceLink features a hardware relay that can be mounted on any machine with a battery up to 30 volts. The relay stores and sends machine details, such as battery voltage, working hours and machine starts. Additional information, such as warranty or maintenance schedules, can be stored directly on the ServiceLink
system. The data can be accessed through a desktop computer or an intuitive app. ServiceLink is compatible with all machines with battery power up to 30 volts, no matter the brand of the machine. This enables fleet tracking without a separate tool for each brand. ServiceLink is available on new light equipment machines from Ammann. It also is offered as a retrofit for older Ammann machines and for equipment built by other manufacturers, too.
UNIQUE GEOMETRY
toro.com
Toro’s lineup of forward and reversible plate compactors are designed with a unique base geometry, optimal eccentric placement, amplitude and vibrationsper-minute that allow the unit to provide maximum compaction for stable, even surfaces. Also, a heavy-duty design provides protection to the engine and machine components for extended life. Toro offers three models of forward plate compactors with an eccentric force range of 2,200 to 4,000 pounds. Toro’s new line of reversible plate compactors offers a centrifugal force range from approximately 4,950 to14,160 pounds and features hydraulic travel control with an innovative safety valve to offer overload protection and a longer product life.
LOW WEIGHT, HIGH COMPACTION
husqvarna.com
The Husqvarna LT 6005
rammer is ideal for compacting soil in trench and sewage systems, gardening and landscaping, compaction on backfill, foundations, patching and repairs. It is equipped with a Honda GXR120 engine, which is specially designed for rammers. The LT 6005 is easy to handle with rollers on the steering bar and a lifting handle on the foot. Despite its low weight, the LT 6005 delivers the deep compaction users need with a combination of high centrifugal force and speed. Additional features include three fixed positions for the throttle control (stop with gas line fully closed, idle, and full speed); slimmed handles to enable the machine to work in narrow spaces or close to obstacles; and easy access to all service points. The balanced design gives excellent traction and manoeuverability while the high impact and speed delivers outstanding compaction efficiency.
FAILURES PREVENTED
webermt.us
MDM engine protection from Weber MT provides additional active engine protection for reversible plate compactors. It is now a standard feature offered for reversible plate compactors of the CR 6 to CR 9 series which complements the newly refined Compatrol 2.0 compaction control
system. This means improved operational safety, greater efficiency and a longer service life. MDM engine protection constantly checks all essential parameters of the engine. The Hatz diesel engine will shut off automatically if the MDM discovers that the engine oil pressure or oil level is too low, the engine temperature is too high, or the air filter is full. If this happens, the operator is notified accordingly by an LED indicator. This safeguard makes disastrous engine failures caused by insufficient maintenance a thing of the past. Better still, the system also indicates when the engine needs to be serviced. These benefits, combined with the high quality of the soil compactor, increase and improve the service life and operational safety of the engine. MDM engine protection is also part of the Compatrol system version 2.0. Compaction control and engine protection together offer a dual safety feature. Compatrol 2.0 is distinguished by its exceptional time and cost efficiency. This new and improved compaction control allows for uniform compaction across the entire compacted surface. Weak spots can be detected and compensated in good time. Perfect work results can now be achieved with a much smaller number of passes. The completion time and cost savings run at up to 25 per cent.
MORE OPTIONS
johndeere.com
John Deere is adding three new plate compactors to its portfolio of over 100 Worksite Pro attachments, offering customers more models
while maintaining the same reliability. Designed for trench, slope and excavation compaction applications, the PC4, PC7 and PC10 plate compactor models deliver powerful performance and productivity. These attachments are compatible with the John Deere 26G, 30G, 35, 50G, 60G compact excavators; the 310L, 310L EP, 310SL, 310SL HL, 315SL and 410L backhoes; as well as most competitive models. A large eccentric rotating weight creates vibration and impulse energy to deliver the optimal attachment productivity and performance. The weight’s mass is further away from the shaft to provide increased impulse forces up to 8,000 pounds and improved compaction rates when working with compact granular soils. To maximize attachment reliability and durability, the motor is inset within the frame to protect it from damage. Hydraulic motor bearings use oil splash lubrication, and sealed eccentric bearings provide maintenance-free operation. Delivering 4,000 pounds of impulse force, the PC4 model is available in a 13-inch width. The PC7 delivers 6,400 pounds of impulse force and is available in an 18-inch width. The PC10 model delivers 8,000 pounds of impulse force and is available in a 24-inch width. All three models boast a 2,000-RPM frequency at regulated flow. The plate compactors are backed by John Deere parts, service and warranty coverage
AVOIDS OVERCOMPACTION
multiquip.com
The Compas compactionanalyzing system for MQ Mikasa is now available as a bolt-on option for dieselpowered MVH-series reversible plate compactors. Compas helps contractors improve efficiency and maximize productivity, while avoiding costly overcompaction. A series of LED lights indicates the progress made with each machine pass. As soil stiffness changes, lights turn on and guide the operator to either make additional passes or stop because optimum soil conditions have been attained. MQ Mikasa reversible plates feature ergonomically designed handles designed to minimize the vibration transferred to the operator. Removable extension plates allow the plate to be adapted for various trench applications. Compas units are equipped with Hatz diesel engines designed to provide dependable service.
SUPERIOR GRADEABILITY
brooksconstruction.ca
The new RPX 35 reversible plate compactor from Altrad Belle offers greater power,
faster travel speeds and can climb steeper gradients. The industrial-grade powerful Honda GX200 gasoline engine comes as standard with a centralized, easily accessible recoil start and stop function along with a low-oil alert feature. This model also comes with an hour clock feature as standard, ideal for tracking operating hours and service intervals on the machine.
The unique baseplate design gives optimum performance, excellent gradeability and travel speeds up to 89 feet per minute. The compactor includes a fully integrated wheel kit for safe, easy transportation to and from job sites. The fixed handle with its strong locking mechanism delivers more positive handling and control to the wheels, reducing the shock loading on the control handles when tilting into transport position. The control handles offer ultra-low hand/arm vibration making the RPX 35 safe for operators to use for long periods. The machine also incorporates an ergonomically positioned throttle control for operator comfort. The compactor includes wraparound steel for full engine protection, specifically designed for rental, hire and contractor use.
EXPANDED APPLICATIONS
bomag.com
Bomag’s new generation of compact BW 124-5 single drum vibratory rollers –available in both smooth (BW 124 DH-5) and padfoot (BW 124 PDH-5) drum configurations – offer a 47.2inch drum width and a tight turning radius of just 88.2 inches. Ideal for compacting granular and cohesive soils on congested jobsites, they feature dual-pump drive that
allows them to climb up to 55-per cent grades. The intuitive Bomag Economizer compaction measurement system now available for the BW 124-5 series offers a higher level of compaction control not available on prior models. Cost-effective Economizer alerts operators to soil compaction progress, reducing passes and saving time and money. It requires no calibration to reliably deliver real-time compaction progress. Economizer warns operators of potential overcompaction as well as allowing for identification of soft spots in the material. A new four-post ROPS/FOPS structure safeguards the operator from machine rollover and falling objects, while improving the operator’s 360-degree view around the machine. A new, multifunctional travel lever at the operator’s fingertips offers simplified control of the optional leveling blade. The flexible blade expands the range of applications for the BW 124-5 Series roller to include material distribution, profiling and leveling. The roller’s new 46-horsepower, water-cooled diesel engine meets stringent Tier 4 Final/ Stage IV emissions standards.
NEW COMPACTION LINE
dynapac.com
Dynapac North America has announced its
extended product offering by introducing a full range of light compaction equipment. The range, including rammers, forward and reversible plates, walk behind and articulated utility rollers, will widen the Dynapac portfolio and offering to its customers. The global Dynapac sales and after-market sales network will fully support customers with technical service, training, parts and warranty support. Continued strategic investments will further strengthen the sales and support network as the light equipment will be available worldwide. To meet market demands, product introductions will begin during the second quarter of 2018 with focus given to the highest utilized models. The complete range will be available by the end of 2018.
EASY SEAL SERVICE
mbw.com
MBW’s hydraulic shifting reversible plates solve maintenance problems that have long plagued this product type. MBW exciter systems are vented to prevent damage to shifting mechanism seals. Worn shifting seals are readily serviced from the outside of the exciter assembly (patented), eliminating the complicated process of opening and exposing the exciter assembly for service purposes. Maintenance is simplified, service time is reduced dramatically. Available in either 24- or 26-inch versions.
EXTRA POWER
doosanportablepower.com
Doosan Portable Power offers the BX-60, part of the BX Series of single-direction, vibratory plate compactors for the compaction of granular soils, crushed aggregates, and hot mix asphalt on small- to largesized open jobsites. Key features of the BX-60 include a compact vibratory plate design that offers great manoeuverability on the jobsite, compaction in confined areas and fold-over handles that provide ease of storage. The compactor also has high centrifugal force and a handle-mounted ratcheting throttle designed for improved control around jobsite obstacles. The BX-60 has an operating weight of
182 pounds and delivers a centrifugal force of 3,400 pounds with a vibration frequency of 5,600 vibrations per minute. It travels at a maximum speed of 82 feet per minute, with an area capacity covering 6,943 square-feet per hour. The compaction depth of the BX-60 is recommended to 12 inches. Powered by a rugged Honda four-cycle engine at 3,600 revolutions per minute, the BX-60 is engineered with recoil start for years of dependable operation. The BX-60 compactor is also fitted with standard vibration-reducing, padded grip handles that are fully adjustable to maximize operator comfort and transport convenience.
INNOVATIVE COMBINATION cnhind.com
Case Construction Equipment has introduced two new combination vibratory rollers, the DV209CD and DV210CD. The new vibratory rollers compact with the front drum and deliver a smooth finish with rear pneumatic tires. The DV209CD and DV210CD come standard with automatic vibration control, crab steering, an oscillating articulated roller joint and a pressurized triple-filtration water system. High-frequency is offered as a standard feature allowing for frequencies up to 4,020 vibrations per
BUSINESS TO BUSINESS
• DRI-EAZ
Dehumidifiers, Blowers, Water Extraction and Specialty Drying
• JENNY Air Compressors
• OZTEC Concrete Vibrators, Backpacks and Ceiling grinders
E-mail: eastcan@rogers.com • Cell: 416-230-8045 For Quebec: Erick Desormeaux Tel 514-249-9706 • Toll Free 1-866-611-0843
E-mail: edfa@gmail.com
AD INDEX
minute for greater control of compaction performance based on the thickness and density requirements of each lift. The DV209CD and DV210CD also feature a fully adjustable and intuitive operator environment with a steering wheel instrument cluster and digital display. With operating weights of 20,753 and 22,440 pounds, respectively, the DV209CD and DV210CD are ideal for municipal roads, parking lots and residential developments, as well as more large-scale paving applications such as highways, airports and industrial areas. The new models feature a Tier 4 Finalcertified 100-horsepower Deutz engine.
SAFETY FIRST AND LAST
Now it’s serious Breaching safety regulations can be criminal.
by Jeff Thorne
The courts are getting serious! In a highly anticipated decision, the Honourable Pierre Dupras of the court of Quebec’s criminal and penal division found Sylvain Fournier, the owner and president of S. Fournier Excavation, guilty of manslaughter. Fournier is the first person in Canada to be convicted of manslaughter for failing to ensure health and safety regulations were followed. This is the first case of its kind and the details of this case are not unlike many other health and safety cases.
On April 3, 2012, Fournier’s company was replacing a sewer line in a residential neighbourhood in Lachine, Que. Fournier and his employee, Gilles Levesque, were at the bottom of the trench at a depth of approximately 2.6 meters. The trench collapsed, engulfing Levesque. It had not been shored as per section 3.15.3 of the safety code for the construction industry.
Levesque’s death led the Crown to charge Fournier with criminal negligence causing death under the Criminal Code. Justice Dupras agreed with the judge presiding at the preliminary inquiry in accepting the Crown’s argument that failure to comply with Quebec’s safety code could constitute the underlying “unlawful act” requirement referred to in section 222(5)(a) of the Criminal Code. Essentially what has been established here is that failure to comply with provincial legislation meets the unlawful act requirement established in the Criminal Code. How many provincial cases deal with contraventions of the law? In a roundabout way, all of them
The Court justified the conviction of manslaughter based on the following grounds. The accused, Fournier, committed an unlawful act by not solidly shoring the banks of the trench with quality material in accordance with the plans and specifications of an engineer as required by section 3.15.3 of the safety code for the construction industry. This unlawful act led to the fatality. By not shoring the slopes, Fournier’s conduct departed from the standard
of care of a reasonable person in the same circumstances. The angle of the trench walls, the proximity of the excavated soil to the trench walls and the fact that the work required entry into the trench all made the risks of harm objectively foreseeable.
In a nutshell, a provincial regulation was contravened and that contravention led to a fatality. The individual directing the work departed from a reasonable standard of care. Based on the task being performed, the risks were foreseeable and preventative measures could have been put in place.
Employers and supervisors need to stand up and take notice. The courts are serious. As we have now seen, contravening health and safety legislation where there has been a fatality could lead to manslaughter charges under the Criminal Code of Canada, and penalties under the Code are nothing to shake a stick at.
Employers, make sure that your safety system is truly a system where safety is taken seriously and integrated into all aspects of the organization. Safety responsibilities must be clear and concise. Workers perform better when they know what to do, when to it and what constitutes a job well done. Make sure there is a system in place for the selection and training of supervisors who know how to hold workers accountable. Monitor work performance through direct observation. Schedule time in your day to observe the work that is being carried out as this provides you the best opportunity to commend positive safety performance and curb poor performance. And for goodness sake document your efforts.
The safety landscape in Canada is changing. Everyone deserves to go home safely at the end of the day and those who fail to provide a safe work environment may be facing stiffer penalties. CRS
Jeff Thorne is manager of training at Occupational Safety Group.
Spring into Action!
Multiquip has you covered with a complete line of light compaction equipment. The completely redesigned AR14 vibratory roller brings greater productivity and improved performance. The MQ Rammax RX1575 is now available with bolt-on drum extensions and our reversible plate line will bring in profits with its dependability and wide model range. Ramp up your profits this Spring with Multiquip compaction!
