May - June GVCA Journal - Health & Safety Issue

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3

MAY // JUNE 2020

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE G RAND VALLEY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND VALLEY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

THE

HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUE

With reports on responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, information on the latest health and safety training and products, and an interview with GVCA’s new Chair Mike Reid.

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THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE GRAND VALLEY CONSTRUCTION ASSOCIATION

THE www.gvca.org • @GVCANews

VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 MAY - JUNE 2020

HEALTH & SAFETY ISSUE

PUBLISHER Martha George EDITOR James Raiswell

CONTRIBUTORS

Laura Buck Paul Knowles Katherine Salis

PHOTOGRAPHY Laura Benedict

CONTRIBUTORS GVCA Staff

LAYOUT & DESIGN Janet Day

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FEATURES

DEPARTMENTS

ADVERTISING SALES Sandra Arthurs sandra@gvca.org

519-622-4822 x129 SUBSCRIPTION INQUIRIES & LETTERS

TO THE EDITOR

editor@gvca.org

GVCA Journal is published six times yearly by the Grand Valley Construction Association ©2020. All rights reserved.

Canadian Publications Mail: Product Sales Agreement #42259531; ISSN 2368-2930; in Canadian Periodical Index.

GVCA Journal subscription is a benefit of Grand Valley Construction Association membership and is included in membership fees.

Magazine Subscription: Canada $28/yr (incl. 13% HST).

US/International $32/you (CDN).

Return undeliverable addresses to: Grand Valley Construction Association 25 Sheldon Drive, Cambridge, Ontario N1R 6R8

©2020 Grand Valley Construction Association.

All rights reserved. The contents of this publication may not be reproduced by any means, in whole or in part without prior written consent of the publisher

14 GVCA AGM PAYS TRIBUTE TO CONNECTIONS 18 CONESTOGA COLLEGE PRESIDENT NAMED TO GVCA HALL OF FAME 20 ADJUST AND ADAPT 22 SAFETY PRODUCTS AND TRAINING: THE NEXT GENERATION 25 GVCA CALLING FOR MEMBERS TO DONATE MASKS 26 COVID-19: WHAT NOW? AND WHAT NEXT? 28 HERE TO HELP: WSIB SERVCES DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

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WELCOME

Messages from the Chair and the President

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CRYSTAL BALL REPORT

Two Niagara Falls hotels, and St. Mark’s Lutheran Church affordable housing project

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8

SIGHTINGS Were you spotted?

SAFETY Ladder safety

10 LEGAL Can a worker refuse to perform work because of COVID-19?

13 FINANCIAL Increasing retention through employee benefit plans

30 GVCA EVENTS &

EDUCATION CALENDAR 30 ADVERTISERS’ INDEX

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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WELCOME TO JOURNAL A MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIR

NOW IS THE TIME FOR TRUST It is my pleasure to serve as GVCA’s new Chair. Our association is the conduit for information to industry stakeholders. We are the connectors that bring bidders and buyers together. We serve the industry.

The onset of COVID-19 has forced a new business reality on all of us, and it sheds light on the many issues we in our industry need to address. GVCA has always fostered the concept of collaboration in our industry—and now, more than ever, that concept resonates.

We need to trust and respect each other so we all can move forward in a positive way. Trust that we will look after each other. Trust that the safety of everyone on site is front of mind. Trust that in working together we will get through

A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Mike Reid, GSC

this. Trust that we are all pulling in the same direction. And importantly, trust that we may have to do things in a slightly different order or process that will allow us to carry on our business with the current restrictions in place.

mind. Workers need to know that they are valued, respected, and that their health and well-being is paramount, and their employers are working hard to accommodate the logistics and costs they face during this time.

Buyers need to trust that GCs are doing everything in their power to meet schedules and deliver the best possible projects.

GCs need to trust their trades to perform and adapt to the new realities of social distancing. Subs need to trust that GCs have the best interest of the workers in

Now is the time for trust—and that trust needs to continue long after we get through this crisis.

I am looking forward to serving as your chair, and I am committed to helping all stakeholders build trust.

HOW WILL YOU REACT? I have always said that the next major change that is going to turn our business on its head—the next Uber, if you will— is just around the corner. Maybe this is it.

The new way of doing business forced upon us by COVID-19 is an opportunity for us all to think and act differently.

We’re all faced with a common problem, and the solution to it requires cooperating, worrying less about ourselves, and thinking more about how we can take care of those around us in our offices, our families and our communities.

Martha George, GSC 4

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

Let’s look at the positives this change will bring upon us. We will learn to be

kinder to those around us. We will come up with new and innovative ways of handling our everyday businesses. We will share more kind words, smiles and tolerance.

This is an interesting time for all of us. There is much to learn to shape our business to survive. A crisis like this doesn’t build character, it shows character.

CRYSTAL BALL REPORT

Crystal

Ball

PRE-BID REPORT

UNMATCHED CONSTRUCTION INTELLIGENCE

GVCA’s Crystal Ball Report is a unique and insightful member service. Updated daily by GVCA staff, the report tracks planned projects during the pre-bidding phases, following them from concept to design to prequalification, construction and completion.

Two Niagara Falls Hotels

The amendment will allow the project to move ahead on three parcels of land: 6289 Fallview Boulevard near Murray Street, on the south-west corner of Fallsview Boulevard and Robinson Street, and at 6046 Dunn Street. The latter two parcels will be used for parking.

Project value $200 million Project details: Niagara Council has

approved a zoning bylaw amendment to allow construction of two downtown Hyatt hotels: a 16-storey Hyatt Regency and a 14 storey Hyatt Centric.

St. Mark’s Lutheran Church

The previous bylaw limited building height at 6289 Fallsview Boulevard to 12 metres.

A representative for the developer told councillors the hotels will provide 1,500 new jobs. Construction and related costs will exceed $200 million.

• Affordable housing project

Project Value: $12.5 million Project details: Indwell charity is raising money to purchase St. Mark’s Lutheran Church at 825 King St. W. in Kitchener as part of an affordable housing project.

The proposed plan is to work within the building’s footprint and add several floors above the church hall to create 40 rental units. The sanctuary is to be repurposed as community space, which is important to the church community.

The $12.5-million project has received $4.6 million from federal, provincial and municipal governments. More will be needed to ensure tenant rents can cover operating costs.

Market Snapshot Q1 2020 Waterloo Region & Guelph Waterloo Region & Guelph is home to one of the fastest growing tech communities. With its close proximity to the Greater Toronto Area, the Region has experienced a tremendous increase in demand for office and industrial space. There is currently 1,249,392 SF of office and industrial space under construction in 15 buildings across the 4 cities. Additional construction is planned through 2020.

INDUSTRIAL SF TOTAL

TOTAL BLDGS

OFFICE

SF UNDER CONST

# UNDER CONST

TOTAL BLDGS

SF TOTAL

SF UNDER CONST

# UNDER CONST

Cambridge

33,217,087

503

115,000

2

1,429,347

35

0

0

Kitchener

19,204,592

425

154,390

2

4,923,512

89

477,000

4

Waterloo

8,948,387

239

0

0

7,361,068

116

29,558

1

Guelph

25,634,043

365

473,444

6

1,731,899

52

0

0

Total

87,004,109

1,530

742,834

10

15,445,826

292

506,558

5

For more market statistics and information please contact: Dwayne Clark, Research Analyst, dwayne.clark@cushwakewr.com

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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SIGHTINGS

WERE YOU SPOTTED? GVCA’s Annual General Meeting GVCA’s Annual General Meeting, Business Heritage Tributes, and Hall of Fame Award took place on February 25. The event provided an opportunity for networking within the industry.

Rob Alles of Alles Drywall Interior Construction and Rod Aitken of Ball Construction.

Left to right: Colin Haskin, Darryl McMillan and Ron McMillan of Reid’s Heritage Homes.

Josh Heller of C & H Fire Suppression Systems, Kim McCarthy of XGC Consulting, Ted Van Dinther of Tvan Excavating, and Steve Stecho of Harold Stecho Electric.

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

Richard Zondag of Conestoga College, and Joseph Sabourin and Kathy Schaeffer of Maple Reinders Constructors.

Lauren Ferraz, Adrian Vugts and David Timlock of Collaborative Structures.

Edward (Ted) Dreyer of Madorin Snyder LLP, and Bill Flucker and Jeff Shantz of Melloul-Blamey Construction.

Mike Piette and Jeff Cleminson of Viking Fire Protection.

Patrick Fitzgibbons of ComTrade Electrical Contractors and John Deans, Senia Svorinic and Marlene Hutchison of S.G. Cunningham.

Strassburger ad 7.125x4.675 GVCA print.pdf

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2020-03-31

10:08 AM

Gary Hauck of Ball Construction and Robinne Hauck, Grace Homewood, Jason Homewood and Brendon Aitken of Ball Construction, and Paul Reitzel of WalterFedy.

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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SAFETY

LADDER SAFETY Ladders are common to almost every home and workplace, giving the impression that ladder work requires no special knowledge or skills. But anyone who uses a ladder should have hands-on safety training to learn about the various risks involved and the precautions necessary to prevent falling. Every year, a significant number of injuries occur when people use ladders at work or at home.

Share this infographic with tips on inspecting, setting up and working from a ladder, along with some employer responsibilities to ensure that ladders are used safely in the workplace.

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

Editor’s note: this infographic was created by the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. For more information, visit www.ccohs.ca.

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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LEGAL

CAN A WORKER REFUSE TO PERFORM WORK BECAUSE OF COVID-19?

The COVID-19 pandemic has created considerable uncertainty in the workplace, especially for employers whose employees are unable to work from home and must continue to attend the workplace.

The right of refusal of unsafe work

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and regulations impose a duty on the employer to take all reasonable care to prevent risk or harm to employees.

Section 43 of the OHSA guarantees workers the right to refuse unsafe work without fear of reprisal. Generally speaking, this protection allows an employee to refuse to perform their work when they believe that their health, or that of other employees, is in danger. In such circumstances, the employee may exercise a right of refusal, which triggers a variety of obligations for the employer.

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

The right to refuse unsafe work is to be used only in urgent circumstances and is not to be exercised lightly by employees. The work refusal provisions are not intended to be a substitute for the employer’s internal responsibility system, with recourse to an inspector through a complaint.

What is the procedure?

Workers can refuse work where the conditions are likely to endanger them.

If they refuse, they must report to the employer that they believe the work is unsafe, and provide reasons for their refusal. The employer may then have a

duty to advise other parties of the work refusal, for example, a health and safety representative, a union representative, and/or a health and safety committee.

The employer must then investigate the situation. If, after the investigation, the worker has reasonable grounds to believe that the unsafe conditions remain, the worker may refuse to work and the employer shall notify a Ministry of Labour inspector. An inspector shall investigate the refusal to work in consultation with the employer or a person representing the employer.

Initially, an employee may refuse work which he/she has reason to believe is unsafe, a test which is subjective in its nature. Following an investigation, the worker may continue to refuse work if

IF THEY REFUSE, THEY MUST REPORT TO THE EMPLOYER THAT THEY BELIEVE THE WORK IS UNSAFE, AND PROVIDE REASONS FOR THEIR REFUSAL.

he/she continues to believe that it is unsafe. However, at that stage, the worker’s refusal must be objectively reasonable, taking into consideration all of the information available to him/her at the time, though not necessarily correct. A Ministry of Labour inspector then investigates and makes a determination.

the circumstances are not likely to endanger anyone, the worker is expected to return to work. If the inspector finds that the circumstances are likely to endanger the worker or another person, the inspector will typically order the employer to remedy the hazard.

The inspector must decide whether the circumstances that led to the work refusal are likely to endanger the worker, or another person. The inspector’s decision must be given, in writing, to the worker, the employer, and the worker representative, if there is one. If the inspector finds that

Exceptions

There are generally two exceptions to the right to refuse unsafe work. First, dangers which are inherent to the worker’s work or which are normal conditions of the

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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workplace. Prepare a written policy on company implemented response/requirements. Ask all employees to disclose personal travel and have any employee who has travelled work remotely for up to 14 days after their return. Limit the size of in-person meetings, use audio and video conferencing where possible.

Facilitate temporary work-from-home measures. Increase cleaning efforts – implement more stringent disinfectant clean-up of the workplace, particularly frequently-touched surfaces. Importantly, keep your employees updated as circumstances change.

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The worker’s right to refuse work as a result of covid-19 will be assessed based on the following factors:

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worker’s employment will not generally give right to a right of refusal. Second, when the right to refuse work would directly endanger the life, health or safety of another person, the worker is usually prohibited from exercising his/her right to refuse unsafe work. These exceptions could include, for example, emergency responders, correctional institution workers, and/or health care workers.

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

What can an employer do?

Act with due diligence. Take all reasonable precautions to avoid the risk of COVID-19 transmission or spread in your workplace. Review your work procedures, specifically as they relate to employee, client, and visitor interactions in the

• the measures adopted by the employer to prevent the transmission or spread of COVID-19, including hygiene and personal protective equipment, where applicable; • whether an employee of the employer has been diagnosed with COVID-19; • the state of the COVID-19 situation in the employer’s particular city, region, province and workplace at the time of the work refusal; • any other relevant considerations in assessing whether there is a hazard, a risk, a danger, etc.

This article was written by Laura Buck, an associate with Sorbara, Schumacher, McCann LLP. For more information, the firm can be reached at 519-741-8010.

FINANCIAL

INCREASING RETENTION THROUGH

EMPLOYEE BENEFIT PLANS Benefits are an essential part of an employee’s compensation package. In an ever-changing industry with a competitive market for skilled labour, a good benefits plan can help your company retain and attract the right people.

A portion of each employee’s benefits plan is legislated, but some aspects can be adjusted to be attractive to current or potential employees.

All employers in Ontario must provide the following employee benefits:

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Employment Insurance – Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) requires both employer and employee contributions.

02

Canada Pension Plan – CRA requires both employer and employee contributions.

03

Workplace insurance coverage – the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board requirements will vary depending on the industry and work environment.

While it is important to offer a competitive employee benefits package, the cost should be considered and weighed against the benefits. The cost of employee benefits typically makes up around 10 percent of the total payroll costs for a company but can be as high as 30 percent.

Optional elements of a benefits plan, on top of typical compensation, bonuses and profit sharing, if applicable, include: • health coverage • dental insurance • life insurance • vacation days in excess of that required by the Ontario Employment Standards Act • paid sick days • group RRSP plans

• flexible work arrangements • short-term or long-term disability insurance • employee assistance (including mental health components) When developing a benefits plan, consider the unique needs and growth trends in your industry as well as the shift in attributes that resonate best with the current workforce.

It’s important to think about what your employees’ value most. Consider conducting a survey to find out what your employees really want before creating your plan.

Be sure to communicate with employees about the development of the benefits plan and let them know that their feedback will help to influence its design. The positive impact the benefits program will have on recruitment, employee morale and retention may be lost if it is not communicated effectively. Make the plan clear, include measurable goals that can be easily understood and communicate how employees can contribute so that they can take better advantage of it.

As an employer, also think about what your company can afford to spend. Consider starting with less and scale up when possible.

It is always better to add more, than take things away after you have provided them.

Some cost containment strategies include sharing the cost of insurance premiums between the company and employee, limiting the level of coverage (e.g. covering 80 percent of dental costs), building deductibles into the plan, capping coverage at certain limits (e.g. setting out a maximum of

$300 coverage for vision care per year), or using a self-administered plan.

A self-administered plan, or Private Health Services Plan (PHSP), allows your company to write off the medical expenses incurred by you and your employees as a business expense. As an alternative to traditional benefit plans offered by insurance companies, PHSPs allow employers to pay the actual medical costs incurred by employees.

This typically involves setting an annual limit per employee. For instance, a company will reimburse medical expenses deductible under the Income Tax Act, to a limit of up to $2,000 per employee, per year.

If set up correctly, the PHSP will provide a deduction to the employer while simultaneously providing a tax-free benefit to employees. Depending on the size of the company, this option is quite often more effective than using an outside provider. It can help to keep costs down as the employer only reimburses costs actually incurred by employees, as opposed to paying for health insurance for all employees where some may not use it.

In addition, PHSPs provide flexibility to employees in how they use their coverage.

A comprehensive benefits program is an important tool in recruiting and retaining motivated people. This is especially true in today’s job market, where employees may be tempted to move to other sectors of industry, and for employees with family responsibilities. By retaining and attracting the right staff, the benefits earned by your company will exceed the increased cost.

Written by Katherine Salis, CPA, CA, of RLB LLP’s Construction Team. Contact her at 519-822-9933 or visit rlb.ca.

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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FEATURE

GVCA AGM

Pays tribute to connections “Connection is essential. It leads to relationships and we all know that in this business, excellent relationships mean a better construction business and a happier life,” outgoing GVCA chair Josh Heller wrote in the association’s 2019 Annual Update document.

The Grand Valley Construction Association hosted its annual general meeting at DoubleTree by Hilton in Kitchener on February 25. Nearly 100 members and their guests attended and learned a bit about some of the initiatives the association put in place over the course of 2019.

Outgoing chair Josh Heller of C & H Fire Suppression Systems took the occasion to remind members about the connections that are the cornerstone of the association. In his remarks to members in the GVCA’s annual report document, he emphasized the role played by GVCA to bring them essential programs and services.

“The GVCA connects people to projects and business opportunities,” he said. “As an association, we connect our members’ need for information with the appropriate technology tools and industry experts.

We connect people to each other through our events and we connect our members to industry knowledge through our educational offerings. Connections like these equal success.”

Some of the ways GVCA enhanced connections among its members in 2019 included launching a new website to include a chatbox to allow instant communications between members and GVCA staff, joining

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

Indeed, GVCA offered a wide variety of education workshops, including sessions on adjudication, construction project closeout, construction drawings and specifications, construction industry ethics, working at heights and more.

“Connection,” he said, “is essential.

Across all these sessions, and the GVCA’s G R A N D VA L L E Y C O N S T R U C T I O N A S S O C I AT I O N 2 019 A N N U A L U P D AT E It leads to relationships and we all social activities, the association was know that in this business excellent pleased to count nearly 2,700 attendees. relationships mean a better construction The event also featured a celebration of business and a happier life.” those members celebrating 25 years or The association also posted a healthy more in business (see sidebar) and the operating surplus, and while membership induction of Dr. John Tibbits, President totals remained static from the previous and Chief Executive Officer of Conestoga years, staff counted a robust increase in College Institute of Technology and engagement and participation in events Advanced Learning, as the 2020 inductee and educational sessions. into the GVCA Hall of Fame (see feature on page 18). the Link2Build alliance which connects members with construction-bidding opportunities across the province, and hosting a robust series of events, all of which sold out.

BUSINESS HERITAGE TRIBUTES GVCA took time out during its annual general meeting to recognize those members that are celebrating 25 years or more in business. They are: • Able Concrete • AccessSMT • AKS Interior Systems Inc. • Alcove Drywall Systems Inc. • Amico Infrastructures (Oxford) Inc. • Brick & Co. Restorations Ltd. • Burke’s Restoration Tri-City Inc. • Core Tec. Contracting • CS Reno’s Inc. • GHD Contractors Limited • Herzing College • J.L. Richards & Associates Limited • Kirlen Construction Inc. • Koski Glass

GVCA CONSTRUCTION BY THE NUMBERS of RFPs/ Number cations: fi prequali

ts: of projec Number

2,344 2,176 4,475 2017

2018

2019

ely of privat Number ojects r funded p posted:

440 445 847

211 201 245

2017

2017

2018

2019

2018

2019

• Reid’s Heritage Homes • SRM Architects Inc. • Stumpf Fire Protection Limited • Thyssenkrupp Elevator (Canada) Inc. • Tri Con Haid Concrete Finishing Ltd. • Viking Fire Protection Inc. • Waste Management of Canada Corp • Wellington Dock & Door

The GVCA’s annual report document is available online at www.gvca.org.

LINK2BUILD STATS (END OF 2019) 442

CSPs posted

7

member associations

3,000+ member companies

200+

public and privatesector buyers

11,000

total construction bid opportunities

YOU TO THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

TUNITIES + EDUCATION = SUCCESS

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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Construction Insurance & Surety Specialists

1

Industry Specific Programs Tailored Insurance and Surety Solutions Dedicated Risk Management Team

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cowanconstruction.ca

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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BUSINESS HERITAGE TRIBUTES Along with reviewing the past year’s achievements, GVCA’s annual general meeting is an opportunity to salute member companies that have been in business for 25 years or more. This year, 22 companies received a Business Heritage Tribute.

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1

utgoing GVCA Chair Josh Heller is presented with O a certificate of appreciation by President Martha George.

2

eceiving their Business Heritage Tribute for 25 years R in business are Leigh Ann Stinson and Rob Milovancev of Brick & Co. Restorations.

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ennis Cinello accepts the Business Heritage Tribute D on behalf of Herzing College, which has been in business for 55 years.

4

I ncoming GVCA Chair Mike Reid addresses the audience.

5

eid’s Heritage Homes is celebrating 42 years in R business. Colin Haskin, Ron McMillan and Darryl McMillan accepted the Business Heritage Tribute on the company’s behalf.

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iking Fire Protection received a Business Heritage V Tribute for 90 years in business. Accepting it on behalf of the company are Mike Piette and Jeff Cleminson.

6

Our AGM is also an opportunity to salute some exceptional employees who have achieved Gold Seal certification. The certificates were presented by GVCA Director and CCA Representative Wes Quickfall and President Martha George.

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eceiving his Gold Seal certificate for Superintendent, R General Contractor, is Adrian Vugts of Collaborative Structures.

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ason Homewood of Ball Construction enjoys some J laughs as he accepts his Gold Seal certificate for Estimator, General Contractor.

9

athy Schaeffer of Maple Reinders Constructors K received her Gold Seal certificate for Project Manager, General Contractor.

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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FEATURE

CONESTOGA COLLEGE PRESIDENT NAMED TO GVCA HALL OF FAME Dr. John Tibbits has been named the 2020 recipient of the Grand Valley Construction Association Hall of Fame Award.

By Paul Knowles

Tibbits is the long-time President and CEO of Conestoga Institute of Technology and Advanced Learning—commonly known as Conestoga College.

Membership in the Hall of Fame goes to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the construction industry and to the community, and who have been continuing supporters of the efforts of the Grand Valley Construction Association and its member companies.

“Dr. Tibbits has been visionary in expanding and promoting the skilled trades, particularly the construction trades,” says GVCA president Martha George. “Under 18

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

his leadership, there have been construction trade facilities built, thousands of trades people trained, and hundreds of construction jobs created. Dr. Tibbits has contributed greatly to our economy, and to the talent pool that those in the construction industry, draw from.”

John Tibbits has headed Conestoga College since 1987. He has overseen the exponential growth of the institution through the more than three decades that he has served. Particularly significant has been the ongoing partnership with all elements of the construction industry, and the remarkable growth of many

educational streams that provide leaders, consultants and employees in that sector.

Tibbits says that he is honoured by the award, but stresses that it actually honours the entire college. “I’m the President of the college,” he says, “but it’s the college as a whole that has a huge impact” on the construction industry.

Tibbits has worked hard to embed his institution into the communities that it calls home, and into the industries and economic sectors it serves. He is a member of the board of Canada’s Technology Triangle (Honourary Board), Polytechnics Canada, and the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce. He has been chair of the Grand River Hospital Board and a board member on the Greater Kitchener-Waterloo Chamber of Commerce, Cambridge North Dumfries Hydro, the March of Dimes, Skills Canada (Ontario), Thyssen Krupp Budd Canada, and Communitech.

The GVCA Hall of Fame Award is the latest in a series of honours that Tibbits has received – including the unusual development, initiated by a major

corporate sponsor, of having Conestoga’s Waterloo Campus named in his honour.

In 2000, Tibbits was voted Business Leader of the Year by the Greater Kitchener Waterloo Chamber of Commerce. He was also presented with the Impact Award

by Communitech, which recognizes an individual who has shown significant commitment, support and dedication to the development of Communitech.

In 2009, Dr. Tibbits was inducted into Skills Canada-Ontario’s Klaus Woerner Hall of Fame. In March 2011, he received the Cambridge Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement award.

Tibbits is eager to share credit for the success of his college, but it is clear that it has been his vision and his commitment to bringing that vision to reality that has laid the foundation for Conestoga’s growth and impact in the community.

The college president is proud that Conestoga is “the largest apprenticeship college in Ontario.” More than 3,000 apprentices receive their in-school training at the college annually.

He says, “Conestoga has made a big difference in the construction industry,” impacting both the leadership of the industry and the entire spectrum of employees. On any construction project in this part of the province, the odds are good that a large percentage of tradespeople are Conestoga grads.

from the ground up, in construction.

This in turn has led to the development of degree programs for potential leaders and consultants.

Conestoga was among Ontario’s first partners in the delivery of Women in Skilled Trades (WIST) programming, which facilitates women’s access to employment in non-traditional trades through tuition-free training. Over the last 20 years, more than 500 women have participated in WIST training at Conestoga, launching careers in skilled trades.

CONESTOGA HAS MADE A BIG DIFFERENCE IN THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY / Dr. John Tibbits Throughout the growth of constructionrelated programs, says Tibbits, “we have received a lot of support from the industry.” More than 100 companies currently are active supporters of the college’s

trades-related programs, though participation in Program Advisory Committees.

In fact, he isn’t sure which partner is inspiring the other – “It’s chicken and egg” he says with a smile. “We’re all in it together.” He adds that construction in southern Ontario is a “dynamic environment.”

Tibbits carried out this interview by phone, on a day when his college was closed because of the current COVID-19 pandemic. He agreed that this is an unusually challenging time, both for the college and for the construction industry, but said that he is fundamentally optimistic about the future. He said that he expects reconstruction of the former Erwin Hymer Group plant in Cambridge to continue. The 250,000 square foot building on Reuter Drive was purchased by the college for $33.5 million, and is slated to open in September 2021, as home to the College’s trades schools. “I’m pretty sure we’ll go ahead” on schedule, says Tibbits.

But he adds, “We’ll probably move a little slower in other areas. We’ll have to look at this very carefully…. In the long term, we will continue to grow and expand the College.”

Conestoga’s trades training presently includes 21 apprenticeship programs, 16 certificate programs and 12 diploma programs.

Tibbits told the GVCA Journal that the College’s connection with the construction industry is “a strength”. Looking back to his first days on the job, in 1987, he recalls that there were already construction industry-related programs at the college. “I saw that as a strength from the beginning.”

He asked himself, “What business are we in?” A big part of the answer to that question involves “applied learning” which prepares people for all of the roles,

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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FEATURE

ADJUST AND

ADAPT

GVCA’s new Chair offers advice for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as for new life realities on the other side of the outbreak.

Under ordinary circumstances, GVCA’s new Chair Mike Reid would be looking forward to a busy year of leading the association’s Board of Directors, attending industry functions, and working on business development at the WalterFedy Group of Companies which includes WalterFedy and AEC Developments Inc. That’s not to say that any of his duties in each capacity are falling by the wayside or are in any way diminished in light of th COVID-19 pandemic, but the day-to-day reality of performing each is vastly different today than it was even as recently as early March—as it is for us all. Amid all the disruptions—cancelled events, mandated business closures, and working-fromhome requirements—he’s keeping an even keel and advising others to do exactly the same.

“Adjust and adapt, and follow the guidance being put in place by the public health authorities—that’s my approach these days,” he says. “The reality is, though, people aren’t bred for this kind of situation. We’re social animals. Our muscle memories don’t remind us to stay six feet apart from one another.

Now more than ever, we have to keep this reality in mind, and adjust our behaviours.”

Construction is, and always has been, a collaborative business. Owners depend on general contractors who depend on subcontractors who depend on sub-subcontractors and

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

Meet

Mike Reid

GVCA’s new Chair counts more than 30 years’ experience in the industry.

Here’s a brief look at his life and career to date.

Reid was born in St. John’s, Newfoundland, but his father’s work as a banker caused the family to move often—to Toronto, Woodstock, Sault Ste. Marie and finally Waterloo.

Reid graduated from the Architecture program at Fanshawe College in London in 1982. Like many at the time, he had a hard time finding work, and with interest rates on his two student loans averaging more than 20 percent, he had a real incentive to find work fast.

His first full-time, permanent work in the construction industry was as a labourer with Hallman Construction. In between work on site, he also performed building maintenance. He would later take on site superintendent duties for the company.

After further stints working as an estimator, project manager and general superintendent for Acapulco/Gall Construction, running his own general contracting business for eight years, and working as an estimator at Conestoga Roofing, he joined WalterFedy in 2000.

There, he took on various duties such as estimator and project manager before taking on the reins of the firm’s Construction Services Department. He became a partner in the business in 2004. Ten years later, the firm’s Construction Services Department was converted into AEC Developments. In December 2019, Reid handed over the leadership of AEC to a colleague and became the Business Unit Leader of Contract Administration & Field Review at WalterFedy.

Outside the office, Reid is an avid sports volunteer. He currently sits on the advisory committees for Conestoga College’s Construction Renovation and Construction Management, Architecture – Project and Facility Management programs, and has served on the board of directors of the GVCA since 2014.

suppliers, and so on and so on. Clear and open communication among the links in the chain is imperative—but it’s not always practiced.

Too often, what’s promised doesn’t always line up with what’s done over the course of a project. Expectations are high, pressures are higher, and schedules are tight.

Reid’s hope is that the changes forced upon us by self-isolation and social distances will create a culture where communication becomes more open and direct. Where the white noise and chatter that seems to accompany every discussion fades away, and where the core of a message is clearly expressed from one party to another—and promises are kept.

“I believe we have the opportunity now to make those kinds of changes, and get better at communicating with one another,” he says. “Let’s take time now to say what we need from each other, make promises we know we can keep, and get back to enjoying the work that we all love doing.”

As the Business Unit Leader of Contract Administration & Field Review with the WalterFedy Group of Companies, Reid has the particular benefit of seeing job opportunities coming down the pipe, as well as those in progress in the ground. Even despite the uncertainty created by the COVID pandemic, he’s optimistic about the work prospects in store for the industry, both during and on the other side, of the outbreak.

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“We’re very busy on the design side right now,” he says. “There is a lot of work still on the board that should continue in the months ahead, and we’re seeing cancellations of only one or two small projects. Our long-term customers don’t believe the world will stop any time soon.”

That said, he cautions that the construction environment on the other side of the pandemic may be an altogether different reality from what the industry has been used to. Purchasers have enjoyed low interest rates for long periods of time, but with tightened consumer spending, lowered interest rates and a massive injection of cash coming into the economy from federal and provincial stimulus packages, it’s entirely possible that interest rates could rise to levels not seen in decades.

Always the optimist, that doesn’t faze Reid. He’s worked in the industry since the early 1980s, and lived through several years where interest rates were consistently above 20 percent. Of course that’s not ideal for business, but everything cycles.

“It’s how you deal with the bad times that makes you a success in the good times,” he says.

Wise words.

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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FEATURE

SAFETY PRODUCTS AND TRAINING: THE NEXT GENERATION What’s new in the world of health and safety training and technology?

We look at a few items of interest for keeping people safe and productive on the jobsite.

The world of health and safety is always changing. Happily, manufacturers and training providers are responding in kind. We’ve rounded up a few of the latest products and training programs on the market today that can help your company and your employees work safer and more productively.

PROGRAM: Entry-level construction training One of the few positives to come out of the 2009 swing-stage accident that killed four workers on a Toronto construction site

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

The Guardian suits made by Sarcos Robotics are metal frames enhanced with sophisticated robotics.

was the call for mandatory entry-level safety training to be made available to new workers in our industry.

Although the draft standard for that training has been created by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA) and industry partners, the IHSA has taken matters upon itself.

In January, it announced the launch of a two-day program that specifically targets those entering the construction industry or those who are new to a particular job or trade. It includes modules on hazard identification and control, occupational health, personal protective equipment, common tools in construction—and more.

The course runs the gamut of every sector of the industry— from residential to roadbuilding, and everything in between.

As a result, the IHSA is quick to point out that the program is for worker awareness only. It does not replace any required construction-setting certification programs, and should always be supplemented by job-specific training provided by employers.

PROGRAM: COR 2020 The Certificate of Recognition program is gaining in popularity —not only among contractors who recognize it as one of the leading occupational health and safety management systems (OHSMS) around, but also among purchasers, many of whom are requiring contractors to hold COR (or other, similar OHSMS) as a condition of contract.

Earlier this year, the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) amended its COR program to meet the requirements of such new programs as Supporting Ontario’s Safe Employers and the Health and Safety Excellence program—programs launched by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, respectively.

So what’s new in COR 2020? Briefly, it reduces its audit tool from

19 elements to 14. This was achieved by blending some similar elements. In addition, the IHSA has added new requirements for procurement and change management, contractor management, control of documents, and control of records.

The end result, says the IHSA, is a system that allows organizations to tailor their programs to best suit their own needs, while also meeting mandatory requirements.

Those companies that have already achieved their COR certifications will be transitioned to the new standard over the next four years—or sooner, if they prefer. IHSA advises those companies that have not yet started their COR certification to work toward the 2020 standard.

More information about COR 2020 is available at www.ihsa.ca.

GVCA, in partnership with IHSA, will provide training to help the industry on their path to achieving COR certification. Contact safety@gvca.org to learn more.

GEAR: Guardio ARMET helmet Two Swedish companies have partnered to produce the world’s first hard hat that offers a brain-protection system.

The Guardio ARMET helmet is the product of work by personal protective equipment manufacturer Guardio and MIPS, a helmet manufacturer that creates products for athletes in such sports as cycling, skiing and rock-climbing.

The helmet adopts the proprietary Multi-directional Impact Protection System (MIPS) brain protection system.

The technology reduces the rotational motion transmitted to the brain from angled impacts to the head. Rotational motion can affect the brain and increase the risk for minor and severe brain injuries. MIPS’ added protection system— a low-friction layer and slip plane that allows movement of between 10 and 15 millimetres between the head and the helmet—has been proven to reduce the rotational motion when implemented in a helmet, by absorbing and redirecting energies and forces otherwise transmitted to the brain.

According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “the construction industry has the greatest number of both fatal and non-fatal traumatic brain injuries among U.S. workplaces.” Between 2003 and 2010, one quarter of all construction fatalities in American workplaces were caused by such injuries.

The hard hats—which are not yet authorized for use in Canada, but which are in the process of being certified for distribution—

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

23

generally look and feel like a typical hard hat. They range in size from 53 to 61 centimetres in length, weigh about a pound each, and come in a variety of colours.

GEAR: Safety harnesses fitted for women Safety harnesses are one of the most important pieces of personal protective equipment a worker can wear while working at heights. The trouble for most female construction workers is that nearly all safety harnesses are designed to fit men’s bodies.

A collaboration between software manufacturer Autodesk and the Associated General Contractors of America aims to change that. In November, the groups announced a grant program to distribute specially designed safety harnesses for female construction workers to those companies who employ women in at-heights working roles.

“The construction industry agrees safety must be everyone’s priority, but we also need to recognize when safety needs aren’t being met for some workers. Technology is improving jobsite safety, but it’s not a silver bullet,” said Allison Scott, director, Autodesk Construction Solutions. “Construction is – and will continue to be – a people-driven business. The industry needs more people, and women must feel safe and welcome on jobsites if we want them

to choose a career in construction. Ultimately, when we address safety for women, we improve safety for everyone.”

Ill-fitting PPE is a major concern for female construction workers.

It’s not a question of comfort, although that is a problem for many.

The larger problem is that PPE that doesn’t fit well can be a danger.

A fall-protection harness that is too loose, for example, may still catch a woman when the scaffolding beneath her collapses, but it could seriously injure her neck or shoulder in the process.

The grant program will fund the purchase of approximately 300 fall protection harnesses developed by manufacturers 3M and MSA and which are sized for women. They will be distributed to 21 firms across the United States.

Women are greatly outnumbered in the construction workforce in Canada, but are making in-roads into the industry. Last year, women accounted for about 13 percent of construction’s total workforce—a fact that makes the need for, and availability of, female-fitting safety products even more pronounced.

GEAR: Exoskeletons If your firm has around $100,000 to spend on the latest in safety technology, maybe an exoskeleton is just the ticket.

You’ve seen them in science-fiction movies, and the suits are now starting to make in-roads on construction sites across the country.

Design-wise, the Guardian suits made by Sarcos Robotics are metal frames enhanced with sophisticated robotics.

A worker steps into the frame of the battery-powered suit and guides it around the worksite using only his or her movements.

The suit allows the worker to lift and carry loads of up to 90 kilograms for as many as eight hours.

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

The Fortis suit

by Lockheed Martin.

The Fortis suits made

by Lockheed Martin offer different applications.

These units feature a single large arm that straps on to a worker’s back, and which allows the worker to wield heavy power tools effortlessly. The result: far less muscle fatigue, far fewer injuries relating to tool vibration, and far more productivity.

FEATURE: COVID-19

GVCA CALLING FOR MEMBERS TO DONATE MASKS Full, unopened boxes of N95 masks can be donated to St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener to assist in containing the spread of COVID-19. you to check your stock. The hospital will purchase your surplus. You or a family member could be the next person they need to treat.”

GVCA has asked members to help in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic by donating masks to St. Mary’s General Hospital in Kitchener or to a hospital in your area.

Health care workers are on the front lines of caring for those affected by the virus, and the products they depend on to do their job safely are in short supply. Those members that have extra N95 masks are encouraged to donate them to the hospital to further help with health care.

“St. Mary’s General Hospital and its devoted health care staff are in desperate need of N95 masks in order to treat patients of COVID-19, and to examine potential patients for the disease,” said GVCA president Martha George in an email to members.

“The hospital is appealing to the construction industry because many contractors and subtrades use these particular masks. We are pleading with

The hospital can only accept full, unopened boxes.

“Our health care community is our front line to getting this terrifying pandemic under control, and the shortage of these masks is a major detriment – a potentially fatal one – to everyone who works in the hospital, and to those visiting or entering the facility.”

Donations to St. Mary’s can be made by contacting purchasing and supply chain manager Suzy Araujo at saraujo@smgh.ca or by calling 519-749-6578, ext.1210.

Alternatively, if other health care facilities in your area are also suffering from shortages of masks, please contact that facility directly.

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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FEATURE: COVID-19

COVID-19:

What Now? And What Next?

With information on best practices to ensure the health and safety of your teams, as well as advice on project management, and insurance and contractual claims.

There’s hardly an element of life—business or pleasure—that hasn’t in some way been changed by COVID-19. Whether we’re shopping for groceries, staying at home or working remotely, our response to the virus, and the strategies we’ve taken to limit its spread, has transformed everything.

By now, most companies have shuttered their office doors, and continue to operate their businesses from remote locations.

Nearly everyone has the technology to work from home, and video-conferencing tools such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams allow groups to meet digitally should faceto-face discussions be required.

access to running water and hand sanitizer may comprise worker safety. On the other hand, those sites may be the exception to the rule. Construction sites generally have facilities in place to ensure high safety standards, and are bolstering those arrangements even further in the wake of the situation.

Construction companies are dealing with a particularly complex new reality.

Whether it’s a question of keeping workers on site and in the office safe from contagion, considering the implications of force majeure and jobsite delays, or looking ahead to implications for the supply chain, uncertainty is a theme.

The larger concern for the industry is what to do with work on construction sites.

At the time of writing this article—late March—construction sites remained open and operational. And while some groups have raised the question about shutting down these sites, others such as the Canadian Construction Association have very strongly indicated their desire to keep sites running.

What else can be done? Be vigilant about access to your sites. Don’t allow unnecessary visitors, and ensure everyone who comes to the site each day—employees as well as visitors—completes a questionnaire asking about any potential exposure to the virus, and provides their telephone numbers and email addresses should the virus present itself on your site.

We’ve done our best to bring together what we know about the virus, and how experts are telling us all to respond. Here is some of what we’ve learned about how you can help to contain exposure now, and what you can do to ensure business continuity later.

Health And Safety The first thing to turn your attention to is the health and safety of your employees.

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

The issue of operating sites during the pandemic comes down to a question of worker safety. Can sites continue to operate at or near capacity while also giving workers the tools they need to maintain safe social distances from one another and to ensure proper hygiene to further limit the spread of the virus? Those groups calling for site shut downs have argued that a lack of sanitation supplies such as

Day-to-day hygiene protocols must call for social distancing, and limiting groups of people to small numbers. Basic procedures such as washing hands, avoiding physical contact with others, and coughing and sneezing into tissues should also be observed. In addition, ensure high-touch surfaces such as doors, elevator buttons, keyboards and phones are cleaned often.

Construction materials such as wood, rebar and pipes are rarely touched with

FEATURE: COVID-19

bare hands, and may therefore require less cleaning, but extra cautions should be taken for cleaning protective gear such as gloves and eyewear.

Try to also limit the use of shared resources—such as vehicles—to one employee.

YOUR WORKSITES For now, worksites remain open. As long as they do, operations will continue as close to normal as possible. But very real questions remain about how contractors will manage through this difficult period, and what implications may arise if a building is delivered late.

As far as project management is concerned, there are a few measures you can take to try to reduce the impact of the pandemic.

Start by examining your workflow and schedule. Can they be re-organized to mitigate delays? Can materials be ordered for early delivery and stored off-site?

The City of Guelph announced in midMarch that it has shut down all city services, including building permit inspections, for the foreseeable future. This will cause delays. If your site reaches the point, for any reason, where work must be suspended, make sure all completed work and work in progress, and the site as a whole, is properly protected and secured. As the impact of the pandemic could be felt for an extended period of time, you’ll also have to ensure regular monitoring of the site.

If you have not started work on a site, evaluate all personnel, economic, and scheduling risks of delaying the project.

The Council of Ontario Construction Associations (COCA) sent a letter to Premier Doug Ford and many other senior provincial cabinet ministers calling for the government to draft legislation that protects contractors and subcontractors from any liability for project delays caused by the pandemic and by companies’ response measures.

“As you know, the construction industry is already dealing with a shortage of skilled workers. It is entirely foreseeable that additional disruptions in the workforce will result in project delays,” wrote COCA president Ian Cunningham.

“Contractors and subcontractors are typically bound by contract to complete work according to fixed deadlines. Missing a contractual deadline usually results in legal liabilities, with substantial financial damages, for contractors and subcontractors. Owners can claim compensation, for example, for lost rent, the cost of alternative accommodations for tenants, lost profit, increased financing costs, increased insurance and bonding costs, and increased salary expenses, among other damages. Delay claims by owners against contractors and by contractors against subcontractors usually exceed the price of the contract or subcontract in issue. These losses are typically uninsured.”

The letter goes on to explain that most contractors and subcontractors are small businesses that cannot afford additional financial burdens placed on them as a result of widespread delay claims. COCA also expresses concerns about the potential for owners to withhold payments to contractors until such time as a court rules on whether workforce disruptions relating to the pandemic are considered to be beyond a contractor’s control.

“If the government does not act, the economic impact of the pandemic will fall by default upon the shoulders of Ontario’s construction employers,” said Cunningham. “We suggest that this will have a long-term negative effect on Ontario’s economy and employment. We urge the government to act now to avoid that outcome.”

Force majeure events, and other contract provisions

those that allow for delays to be forgiven in the event of an occurrence outside the contractor’s control. COVID-19 may trigger such clauses.

As with all legal documents, the precise wording of any clause will determine its applicability. Check closely to underst and what is a force majeure event. A pandemic on its own may not be sufficient to claim; you will also have to prove an actual delay, and tie a clear link between the pandemic and the delay.

If delays persist for a long period of time and are outside of anyone’s control, your contract may allow you to suspend or even terminate all or a part of the scope of work.

If that is the case, what are the risks to your project, and what measures do you have in place to mitigate those risks?

Your builders’ risk and business interruption policies may also have coverage available for COVID-19 impacts. Again, you will have to prove a clear causal link between the pandemic and any claimed losses.

DOCUMENT & COMMUNICATE Underpinning all these concerns are two important practices to observe: documenting everything and communicating often.

The paper trail you create by documenting every step taken, and every change made, could make the difference between allowable claims of any sort, and failure. Record every action, no matter how small, and be clear about dates and times.

Just as important: keep talking. Talk to your people, your clients, your jobsite teams and everyone in your supply chain.

This pandemic is evolving rapidly; our responses to it are changing just as quickly.

Keep everyone up to date on a regular basis—daily is best—about your thinking.

Most construction contracts have provisions in place for force majeure events—

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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FEATURE: COVID-19

HERE TO HELP:

WSIB services during the COVID-19 pandemic Workplace Safety and Insurance Board president and CEO Tom Teahen itemizes the ways the board is helping businesses and employers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

28

The COVID-19 pandemic is changing everyday life for people around the world, including how we work and do business.

why we are doing everything we can to help, so people can focus on their job or business or family, and always on their health and safety.

At the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), we know people have more than enough to deal with—trying to keep businesses open, keep working, care for kids or loved ones—without having to worry about their premiums or other reporting requirements. That’s

What kind of help can we give? It starts with options to make doing business with us easier during this time of unprecedented challenge. That includes using our new online services as well as financial relief for businesses.

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

Financial relief

package

It is critically important for us to help businesses reduce the financial burden associated with the rapidly evolving COVID-19 situation. Working with the Ontario government, we have developed a $1.9-billion financial relief package that allows any business

FEATURE: COVID-19

to defer premium reporting and payments until August 31, 2020. All businesses are eligible for this deferral. We are also waiving interest and penalties during this time.

Also, costs associated with COVID-19 related claims will not be allocated at an employer or class level. Instead, they will be allocated on a Schedule-wide basis and there will be no change in rates for 2020.

Support of people

with claims

While our WSIB offices are closed, we are still here to help. Our staff are actively managing claims, processing new claims, and answering phone calls. People can also upload claim-related documents such as forms, letters, reports and

receipts directly to us through our website.

The WSIB is also ensuring wage loss benefits are continuing to be paid and all lossof-earnings benefits are up to date. People whose workplace shuts down temporarily will also keep getting their benefits.

Managing COVID-19

related claims

We also have a team working through COVID-19 related claims. While the nature of some people’s work may put them at greater risk of contracting the virus, any claims we receive will be adjudicated on a case-by-case basis, taking into consideration all the facts and circumstances.

People who contracted COVID-19 while

at work—meaning they have a diagnosis or symptoms of COVID-19—can file a claim to determine if they are eligible for WSIB coverage.

People who believe they were exposed to COVID-19 while at work but are not ill at this time – meaning they have no diagnosis or symptoms of COVID-19 – should not file a claim. They can instead file an exposure incident form through our Program for Exposure Incident Reporting or Construction Exposure Incident Reporting programs as relevant.

Having an exposure incident report on file can help us work through any eventual claim much faster.

The WSIB website has more information and the latest updates about how we can help during this difficult time. While we are in unprecedented times, we will get through this together.

Thank You!

To the healthcare workers at our regional hospitals, Ball Construction thanks you and is working to support your immediate needs.

At the Grand River Hospital we converted eight standard patient cubicles into acute care rooms in 2 ½ days.

Let’s all stay safe and follow the Government’s guidelines to get through this together!

Grand River Hospital, Kitchener

Building Canada’s Future Since 1923

519-742-5851

www.ballcon.com

GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

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CALENDAR

EDUCATION & EVENTS MAY - JUNE 2020

Please note: We are continually monitoring the situation with the COVID-19 pandemic, so the courses and events we have listed may be postponed and rescheduled. Please check our calendar at www.gvca.org for possible changes, or give us a call. A reminder: our vast array of online courses can still be accessed at any time!

CCDC 2 Seminar

12

Approved Working at Heights

15

Approved Working at Heights – Refresher

JUL

JUN

20 & 27 Construction 101 and Beyond 9

Approved Working at Heights

12

Approved Working at Heights – Refresher

10

Approved Working at Heights – Refresher

14

Approved Working at Heights

All education courses and training courses take place at GVCA, 25 Sheldon Drive, Cambridge (unless noted otherwise).

Gold Seal Exam Date October 23, 2020 Apply by September 11, 2020

REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED for all courses and events. To register, or to request additional info,

c ontact admin@gvca.org or call 519-622-4822 x120 o r visit www.gvca.org/calendar

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GVCA Journal // VOLUME 9 • ISSUE 3 // MAY- JUN 2020

MAY

7

JUN

Unfortunately all in-class courses scheduled for May have been postponed and will be rescheduled at a later date.

EVENTS

JUL

MAY

EDUCATION

Postponed until further notice. New date to follow.

27

Women In Construction (WinC) Spring Dinner – Tapestry Hall, Cambridge

Postponed until further notice. New date to follow.

18

16

GVCA Golf Tournament – Conestoga Golf and Conference Centre, Conestogo

Leaders in Construction (LinC) Golf Tournament – Conestoga Golf and Conference Centre, Conestogo

To view a complete list of upcoming events and to register, please visit www.gvca.org.

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YOU NEED WORK-READY EMPLOYEES. WE’RE HERE TO TRAIN THEM. Highly trained, safety-conscious and skilled, LIUNA members are the right people for the job.

Employers know that LIUNA provides more comprehensive, advanced training for its members than any other union in Canada. LIUNA is committed to training and has created partnerships with employers including investments by our pension fund in P3 projects.

Hands-on training through the Construction Craft Worker (CCW) Apprenticeship Program is available for all LIUNA members to ensure a safe, productive workforce. Members are ready to work safely from their first day on the job, making them a valuable asset to employers.

LIUNA represents more than 80,000 members in all sectors of the construction industry in Ontario including; industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI), residential, roads, gas pipeline, sewer and watermain, electrical power systems, demolition, utilities and heavy engineering.

Visit liunaopdc.org/affiliated-local-unions to find a LIUNA local affiliate near you.

gvca presents the

SHOW

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THE SH O T OR F

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OW

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building excellence awards

SIONS SUBMIS ONLINE .org ca www.gv gvca.org s@ rd a w a BE -4822 519-622

CELEBRATE YOUR AMAZING ACCOMPLISHMENTS UNDER THE BIG TOP! This event will be a dazzling spectacle to recognize the work behind the scenes of the most remarkable construction projects completed by GVCA members in the past two years. Projects must have posted Substantial Performance between January 1, 2018 and December 31, 2019.

Come recognize the all-star cast, crew and background performers who have out-performed with superior workmanship and innovative solutions that are magic to construction.

No matter what your role in the circus of construction, this is your chance to show off your exceptional work and most extraordinary achievements.

new date

FRIDAY

OCTOBER

Project submissions were completed by the Prime Contractor, and include the names of all those involved in the construction pyramid. Restoration or Conversion, Innovation & Sustainability, and Community Leader can be submitted by any member in good standing with the GVCA. There are numerous categories, with awards presented to all winners, including the owner.

2020

74 GRAND AVE. S. CAMBRIDGE, ONTARIO

3 ring circus

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE NG ONE RI

THE

NG TWO RI

RING MASTER

THE

R

LION TAMER

G THRE IN

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SUBMIT YOUR PROJECTS!

RD

Tapestry halL

ONLINE SUBMISSIONS! We were pleased to provide full online submissions this year and there was no cost to submit. We received many amazing entries and are looking forward to honouring award recipients in October.

23

THE

JUGGLER

RINGSIDE SEATS

Available for individuals and for groups

of 8 or 10.

SUBMISSION FORMS NOW ONLINE! COME ONE COME ALL FOR A NIGHT OF FUN! WE’LL SEE YOU THERE!

To find out more about the awards or register to attend, go to: www.gvca.org