March 2020
ASSOCIATION NEWS
MCA Alberta Office Update:

As the COVID-19 crisis appears to be here for the foreseeable future, MCA Alberta staff continue to monitor evolving situations and provide information and support to our members and the industry as needed. The Board of Directors are fully engaged in determining a path forward for our sector of the industry and reviewing best practices to protect employees and their families as our knowledge of the coronavirus increases.

We recognize the strain on people and businesses will continue to grow as this crisis stretches out. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your association for any support you may require. I n fact, the MCA staff will be reaching out to you. Please take our calls.

MCA Alberta is currently working with:

MCA Canada
To develop a letter to federal and provincial health authorities assuring them the mechanical contracting industry will continue to deliver safe working environments for employee and healthy living environments for all Canadians.

To develop a best practices guide for mechanical contractors. Watch for their release soon.

Western MCA’s Collaborate
The early impact of COVID-19 is being felt with the total impact yet to be determined. In an effort to help members navigate these unchartered waters, the Western MCA’s are collaborating to share, facilitate and organize tools and resources supporting mechanical contractors in BC, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba.
 
We are working on the development and delivery of information sessions customized for and important to mechanical contractors; as dates are confirmed, notices will be sent out to members.
 
Russ Evans
Executive Director
C 403-863-5158  P 403-250-7237


ASSOCIATION SHARED RESOURCES
"We are stronger together"
COVID-19 Project Suspension Impact Checklist

Based on the collaborative efforts of a number of industry professionals who worked together over the last few days.
While we could never expect to be exhaustive or capture all the nuances of each project, this document is intended to provide a methodology and comprehensive thought starters for those who may have to consider partial, short or longer term suspension of work.
For all details click here

Understanding Coronavirus Exposure for Plumbing Professionals

W hat are the implications for those who work in the plumbing industry and what steps can plumbers take to stay safe?
It is likely that the COVID-19 can indeed be spread through building sanitary drainage systems. This became apparent when the Chinese government identified an outbreak in a Hong Kong high-rise building. Therefore, for as long as the pandemic is still active, it should be assumed by anyone working on a sanitary drainage system that the virus is present. Considering the potential to come into contact with water and aerosols that contain the coronavirus when working on sanitary systems or sewers, it is highly recommended that plumbers wear proper personal protective equipment (PPE), including a full face shield that is worn over safety glasses, and gloves.

Read more from International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials here

COVID 19 and your Construction Contracts

CCA hosted a webinar on Friday on your construction contracts and mainly Force Majeure. It provided info on contracts, insurance, bonding and more.

see all slides here

PANDEMIC PLANNING FOR THE CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY - Version 2.0 
This version contains a significant amount of content that was shared by many of our colleagues in the industry.
 
Please use this document and feel free to share it across the industry as we navigate this situation together.
Click here for full document
GOVERNMENT UPDATES
Government Information on Employment Changes and Tax Update

There have been several updates and new benefits that the Government of Alberta has added that should be available April 1, 2020. For a full list click here

Workers Compensation WCB - Premium relief for employers

Which companies are eligible for a deferral of 2020 premiums? All private sector employers are eligible. This includes businesses with coverage only in place for business owners and directors (personal coverage), as well as those in voluntary industries with coverage in place on or before March 23, 2020

Read fact sheet here

Essential Services
Both Ontario and Québec have released Monday additional details as to what 'essential' businesses will be allowed to stay open. This is what they listed on construction.
Construction
  1. Construction projects and services associated with the healthcare sector, including new facilities, expansions, renovations and conversion of spaces that could be repurposed for health care space
  2. Construction projects and services required to ensure safe and reliable operations of critical provincial infrastructure, including transit, transportation, energy and justice sectors beyond the day-to-day maintenance
  3. Construction work and services, including demolition services, in the industrial, commercial, institutional and residential sectors
  4. Construction work and services that supports health and safety environmental rehabilitation projects
CITY UPDATES
Municipal Building update: restricted access

Effective Monday, March 23, as the City responds to the COVID-19 pandemic, access to the Municipal Building will be restricted to employees, as well as citizens who require business services. We have taken this extraordinary measure to ensure a safe and secure workplace for our employees.
See full update here

Suspension of construction sites
If you are suspending activity on a construction site, please inform The City of Calgary by calling 311. Building inspectors will attend multi-family and high-rise sites that would have higher risk to public safety should construction activity be stalled at this time. Inspectors will review public access, loose debris, and security of the sites. 311 is prepared to respond to these calls and track all suspended sites.

Video Inspections on Google Duo
The City is preparing to launch a video inspection service using Google Duo (available on the App store). City building inspectors will advise if a video inspection can be conducted. They will require a site contact to speak directly with the person on-site, and confirm the app is installed. Please note, video inspections will be done at the discretion of the building inspector and cannot be requested. 311 is now screening anyone with a scheduled inspection. If anyone on the property is sick, experiencing even mild symptoms, or under self-isolation (even if feeling well), your inspection can not proceed.
Self-isolation includes: the 14-day waiting period after returning from travel, as well as anyone monitoring for symptoms under the guidance of Alberta Health Services

See full update from March 25th here






In order to ensure the health of our staff and Edmontonians the Development Services Branch will no longer offer in person services at the Edmonton Tower Service Centre in relation to applications for development permits, building permits, business and vehicle for hire licences, lot grading support, encroachment agreements and compliance certificates as of end of day Friday, March 20.
These services continue to be offered by email, web application or by phone. Please see edmonton.ca for further information
.
LEGAL ADVICE
COVID-19 Ten Construction Industry Questions & Answers

By McLennan Ross Construction and Labour & Employment Teams
As the Alberta construction industry continues to deal with the evolving COVID-19 crisis, the McLennan Ross Construction Group is working hard to stay ahead of the legal challenges that this unprecedented situation poses to our clients. 
To assist you, we have prepared answers to 10 of the most frequently asked COVID-19 questions that affect the Alberta construction industry.

Read them all here

Work Refusals and COVID-19

The following is general information and not legal advice

Where a worker has a reasonable basis or reason to believe that there is a dangerous condition in the workplace, or that their duties present a danger to their health and safety (which is not an inherent or normal condition of their work), the worker may be able to refuse to attend work or perform certain duties. [1]
In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, employers can expect to see work refusals from employees based on:

Read full article here

Questions & Answers for Employers from Schuewett Law

Find all the answers to questions you have about layoffs, termination, work refusal, rates of pay and more.

Full article here
EDUCATION & TRAINING
All Face to face events have been cancelled .

If you are looking at E-learning MCA Canada has courses that are self-guided instruction, allowing members to take the training at a place and time that suits them best.
Courses like Intro to Estimating, BIM, Industry ethics and more.
For list please click here

MCA Canada has free webinars:

MCA Western Provinces present a conversation with CEO Whisperer Cameron Herold who has coached hundreds of companies through exponential growth – and many of those during times of uncertainty. Save the date for Thursday April 2 , 2020 at 9:45 AM and we will send invite details soon.

Get Instant Access To 8 Coronavirus Focused Conversations For Business Leaders Navigating These Turbulent Times

Dirk Beveridge hosted a series of 20 minute video conversations with leaders and subject matter experts to give you the insight you need to proceed forward with confidence as the days to come are unknown.
The videos from Leading Through The Coronavirus Pandemic sessions   are live for you NOW!   
 
HEALTH FOR CONTRACTORS
Member great idea of the week! Gear for safety calls.

As service technicians you will be labeled as an essential service. Here is what one company is doing to keep their technicians items in one place and can be disinfected easily.

Every Tech now has a bucket & lid labelled Personal Protective Gear with the following in their vans:
  • 1 - Full face respirator with a clean bag, dirty bag, and documents for the mask
  • 1 set - 75SCP100L Defender Multi-Purpose cartridge with P100 filter in a clean bag
  • 1 - Green Tape
  • 3 sets – Tyvek white suites with hoods with a bag for dirty coveralls
  • 3 sets - Booties
  • 5 - Lens Wipes
  • 1 - Hand sanitizers
  • 1- Disinfectant wipes

Free health analysis solution
As the Impact of COVID-19 continues to be felt by everyone around the world, at SafetyTek we are offering a COVID-19 Workforce Health Analysis solution for free, to help protect workers against exposure to the virus while keeping business up and running.

Full details and how to sign up today. Click here
See press release here


Mental Health programs and services
Now more than ever it is key to keep communication open and honest with your employees. Metal health issues are bound to spike during these unprecidented times. Make sure your employees know where to get the help they need.

Alberta Health Services for Albertan's click here for Addictions & Mental Health

HeadsUpGuys i s a depression resource that provides guys with information and practical tips to manage and prevent depression in men. HeadsUpGuys is a depression resource that provides guys with information and practical tips to manage and prevent depression in men.
Click here for more info.

Anxiety Canada i s an online resource providing self-help information, community programs and workshops
Click here for website
HR CORNER
Short-term disability coverage for plan members in quarantine or self-isolation*

Please note: This announcement applies only to groups with short-term disability coverage through Equitable Life
With the spread of COVID-19, many people have been instructed to self-isolate or quarantine themselves or are doing so voluntarily. We realize this is a stressful situation for people and they may be wondering if they are eligible for disability benefits. Short-term disability is designed to replace a plan member’s earnings if they are unable to work due to illness and injury. As a result, only plan members who meet the following criteria are eligible for benefits:

Read full notice here
HR guidance for Employees

Looking for links and what benefits you can access if you are layed off or need Government assistance? Here are a few tips.
click here to read full list

Employers can look at the following Government benefits to help with your bottom line.
Work Sharing Program - Click here

Temporary wage subsidy- Click here
Sample ROE Form - Click here

Prevent & Prepare posters from Government available here for your offices and worksites.