Protecting Your Workforce From COVID

The OGCA and industry partners are surveying construction companies to determine the industry's exposure to Covid and promote best practices.

Provincial data shows that men aged 19 to 39 have the lowest vaccination rate and, therefore, construction may have a higher exposure to the current 4^th wave outbreak.

Many broader public sector buyers, including the Cities of Toronto, Ottawa, and Hamilton and Metrolinx now require contractors to require their workforce to be fully vaccinated. Some members have adopted policies requiring all employees to demonstrate complete vaccination by November 1. Many general contractors are in a difficult position since most have experienced employees who have decided not to be vaccinated. 

The OGCA's discussion with the provincial government clarifies that they do not intend to mandate private businesses to require full vaccine coverage of their employees. For construction employers, this means each company – together with their buyers and subcontractors – must determine their vaccine strategy. 

Consider taking the following actions to support your COVID Safety Plan:

• Have a clear policy for vaccination and communicate it to all your employees. The OGCA has draft policies on our website that can serve as a template.
• Provide opportunities for your workers to be vaccinated. The Go-Vaxx Vaccine Bus is available to the industry to run on-site vaccine clinics. We will report soon on members who are using this opportunity.
• Implement or update your COVID-19 Safety Plan. As an employer, you are required to have a written plan that is communicated to your employers. The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development has released this link to guide you through this process.