A COVID-19 UPDATE TO MEMBERSHIP - March 30, 2020
Ontario's Ministry of Labour today released much anticipated guidelines for site practices and reporting protocols for the construction industry in the wake of COVID-19. 

Click HERE for download; click HERE for weblink
Extensions for Working at Heights
Worker Certifications
The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development and the Office of the Chief Prevention Officer has extended existing Working at Heights worker certifications.
 
Working at Heights training completed between February 28, 2017 and August 31, 2017 is valid for four years from the date of successful completion of the training program and will now have a one-year extension.
 
Regulation can be accessed HERE.
 
More information will become available throughout the day through the Minister’s and Ministry’s social media channels.
Given the demand for information, the ever-changing legal landscape and the fact that everyone's availability is unique, starting this Tuesday (March 31) and continuing every Tuesday throughout April, updated webinars (9AM-11AM) on the impact of COVID-19 to the construction industry will be conducted. This webinar was first conducted on March 26, 2020 and attracted more 500 attendees. Some content will remain consistent, but also updated slides and information will be included weekly to reflect new information and government directives: 
  • project shutdowns
  • work refusals
  • unpaid accounts
  • insolvencies
  • claims
  • on-site H&S, exposure
  • assessing your organization’s risk and developing a plan to go forward

Date: Tuesday, March 31, 2020 (and continuing each Tuesday during April 2020)
Time: 9:00AM to 11:00AM
Cost: FREE
Details: HERE
Presenters: Keith Burkhardt of Sherrard Kuzz LLP & Rob Kennaley of Kennaley Construction Law
Construction Guidelines for COVID-19
from IHSA Labour Management Network
This document is a collection of resources, best practices and information links designed to help construction employers understand their rights and responsibilities while operating during the COVID-19 pandemic. Click HERE to view/download.
"Niagara Employment Ontario" Supports for Employers During COVID-19
The Employment Ontario providers in Niagara are continuing to provide services to employers throughout these unprecedented times. All EO agencies in Niagara are open for virtual business, and encourage employers to reach out to their local agencies. Click HERE to view services/supports that are available, and your Niagara EO providers.
NHL's Ben Harpur's "Big Game" Hand Sanitizer Fundraiser for Greater Niagara General Hospital
NHL'r Ben Harpur has secured a truck load of hand sanitizer and is running a fundraiser to get it into people's hands.

For every case purchased Ben is donating a case to the GNGH (Greater Niagara General Hospital) for the frontline workers. Cases are at standard pricing (12x500ml bottles at $8.50 or $100/case).
Click HERE for the press release; email HERE to order.

Our thanks to NCA member Sacco Construction for the heads up.
Niagara Area Building Inspections, Permits, Planning Offices - Update by Municipality
The NCA has compiled updates from Niagara's municipal building and planning departments, including building inspections, building permits, planners' availability, and more. Click HERE .
WSIB Update / COVID-19 Compensation
The WSIB Ontario has closed their offices to the public, but are continuing to pay all wage-loss benefits and have ensured all loss-of-earning (LOE) benefits are up to date.
They also have staff in place to help manage any new claims as quickly as possible. 

The Ontario Government is enabling $1.9 billion in relief (through the WSIB) for employers to reduce the financial strain on business brought on by COVID-19. The measure will see premium payments deferred for six months for all businesses in the province.

For full WSIB details , CLICK HERE .

For media release from Ontario Government, CLICK HERE
An Urgent Appeal for Masks
President and CEO of the Niagara Health Foundation Roger Ali has made an appeal for companies and residents to donate any masks they may have in their shops or workplaces. He says they are taking any and all masks, whether they are N95 /respirator or surgical, and they will let hospitals decide which ones they can use.

Our health care community is our front line to getting this pandemic under control, and the shortage of these masks is a major detriment to everyone who works in the health industry.

We are appealing to the construction industry because many contractors
and trade contractors use these particular masks.

Please contact: Karin Sheldrick to arrange delivery. Thank you in advance for your support, and please stay safe and healthy.
A big shout out to Pec Roof Maintenance, Regional Doors and Hardware, and our other member who requested to remain anonymous for their selfless donations. Thank you for your generosity!



Anonymous
Member Donor
REPORT YOUR STATUS - COVID-19 Niagara Construction Job-Site/
Office Closures/Restrictions/Business Notices

To assist our members in sharing the status of their companies/projects at this time, we are posting your  job-sites and/or office closures, business notices and/or restrictions  here  .

Please complete form  here  for us to post the information on our website  or tag us with your changes on Facebook and/or Twitter. Or, just  email  and let us know your updated information.
NCA COVID-19 RESOURCES
The Niagara Construction Association (NCA) is monitoring the COVID-19 situation closely and will do what we can to ensure members have up-to-date information by communicating through e-blast, social media posts, and  COVID-19 RESOURCES. (please navigate the drop-down menu for industry-specific news, updates, information, and links).
Please do not hesitate to contact me at 905-682-6661 or email karin@niagaraconstruction.org with any concerns or questions, or suggestions to our website/eblast COVID-19 information.

We are currently open for business as per our regular hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, but please always CALL AHEAD as this could change quickly, and to ensure a commissioner of oaths is available.

Thank You,

Karin Sheldrick
General Manager
www.niagaraconstruction.org