ICI construction is back. Let’s return to work safely.
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This week, the construction sector returned to work. All ICI contractors are now able to begin recovering from the significant economic and financial impact of being closed for six weeks.
The remobilization of the construction industry is a significant victory for our members, and we hope that all contractors return to work safely and with only minor delays. This reopening was only possible due to the tireless advocacy by your Government Relations staff at the OGCA. Together with our allies in the design and construction industry, we were able to provide conclusive evidence from the WSIB that ICI worksites were safe and ready to get back to work.
However, we are by no means close to “normal.” The new “COVID normal” will put further emphasis and pressure on health and safety in the construction sector. Should infection rates increase and sites become infected, our industry would be subject to heighten scrutiny and shut down without hesitation. As contractors, we need to double our efforts in making sure that ICI worksites are the safest in Ontario, and be at the epicentre for health and safety innovation. Throughout the pandemic, we have been working closely with the IHSA and the Chief Prevention Officerto create practical guidelines that will protect workers and work on construction projects.
PPE solutions are also available. You can find a list of Health Canada approved products here. The OGCA is also reviewing PPE suppliers and will be providing a list on our website shortly.
As we get a better understanding of the actual economic impact of COVID-19, the remobilization of the construction industry has already been seen as a useful tool for economic recovery. In this time of recovery, the OGCA will shift focus to advocacy on other issues caused by the pandemic, such as its impact on delay claims, contract relief, the labour pool and supply chain.
For more information about the economic impact of COVID-19, health and safety information and other topics related to ICI contracting in Ontario, please visit www.ogca.ca.
