There has been much talk and speculation over the oncoming legalization of marijuana and what its impact on our society will be. This discussion and the consultations taking place are welcomed, but we have noticed that they fail to include any mention of the serious impact on health and safety in the workplace. Problems already exist due to legalized drugs, including legal medical marijuana, in the workplace.

The Ontario Government consultation, in fact, does not even mention the impact that this will have on Health and Safety in the workplace. This is, in our opinion, a glaring omission.

Click here to read the full article.

Could this be the future best selling cookbook? Thanks to Clive Thurston for providing the photo.

 

The OGCA will no longer be producing this Guide as it was no longer up to date and contained a serious flaw that is not supported by OGCA. Under Section 6.1 Mandatory Material - Bank Reference the OGCA does not support the submission of any information other than a reference letter from a proponent’s financial institution. The remaining information especially where a project is Bonded is not relevant and in the case of private companies not open to public review. Bonds make such information completely unnecessary.

CCA has released the CCDC 10 document, a newer version strongly based on our original but more current with recent trends. OGCA will be making the document available to owners and members at no charge.

Prequalified Companies Invited to Bid on West Park Healthcare Centre Development Project

 

TORONTO – Infrastructure Ontario (IO) and West Park Healthcare Centre have released a request for proposals (RFP) to three teams prequalified to design, build, finance and maintain the new hospital development project in Toronto. The release of the RFP marks a critical milestone in the project, enabling the teams to begin work on proposals for the new facility.

Click here to read more...

Both the City of Vaughan and the County of Peterborough have recognized the importance of membership in associations, whether they be local construction associations or the OGCA.

The tender documents for the Construction of Fire Station #7-4 at 835 Nashville Road, Vaughan, state as follows:

k) Membership Affiliation
Provide current documentation to demonstrate memberships in good standing. List of Membership Affiliations shall also be included on the submitted CCDC 11 – 2016 Contractor’s Qualification Statement.

And the Prequalification for Council Chambers Renovations, in the County of Peterborough says:

12. Proof that, as a General Contractor, you are a member in good standing with the Ontario General Contractors Association (OGCA).

This is welcome news for OGCA members! 

Safety affects every aspect of your company from the jobsite to the boardroom. We need to work together to continue making a difference by creating a safety culture in the construction industry.

Rob Ellis, founder of MySafeWork, continues to spread awareness to corporate leaders, workers and students by transferring safety knowledge and leadership principals. The message is simple: Safety on the job and proper on the job training is paramount for youth/apprentices entering the workforce.

By becoming a champion, your company is demonstrating that safety is priority number one and that the importance of putting safety first, with all employees, matters.

The League recognizes companies who believe and stand for safety. Join the League of Champions today by visiting, www.theleagueofchampions.com

Be sure to check out the next issue of the Generals for an interesting article on the development and continuing growth of Maple Reinders Constructors. Coming out September 12!

Congratulations to APP member e-solutions!

bids&tenders™ has arrived!

The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) would like to introduce bids&tenders™, a leading e-bidding system that makes it easy for you to review, register and submit bids for goods and services online, 24/7. We’ve joined hundreds of purchasing agencies who have already made the switch. Click here for more information.

The only safety conference of its kind for world-class EHS executives. Join 100 of the most influential leaders in health and safety in Austin, TX for two days of inspiring keynotes, dynamic breakout sessions and a first look at the groundbreaking technology that’s going to shape the next chapter of EHS management.

 

Save My Spot

The WSIB will be making important decisions about the policy covering Mental Stress, effective January 1, 2018, in the next month. The September Board of Directors meeting will make decisions about the policy and major features of the program which will directly impact the decisions they will make about the 2018 Assessment premiums.

The decision on numerous program design features will determine not only the coverage features for recipients but the cost of the new benefits. The WSIB has advised employers that they are considering many features including if the work related test should be significant or predominance.

OGCA and other employers have argued for the predominance test which will require at least 50% of the stressor be work-related. Many believe that this will increase the likelihood that the policy will not be abused.

The cost of mental stress is being applied to the 2018 assessment rates which will need to generate a projected $150 million to cover 2018 claims costs. The WSIB in 2017 began to move towards target rates that are lower in most industries including construction but the new costs will result in smaller reductions and even increases for some.

The OGCA Construction Lien Act Committee, chaired by Paul Raboud, has submitted extensive comments to Minister Naqvi and his officials (click here to read the submission).

OGCA is supportive of the proposed reforms which focus on updating the provisions, prompt payment and mandatory adjudication. The legislation is based on recommendations of the review conducted by Bruce Reynolds and Sharon Vogel, and our recommendations focus on practical changes to help the Act perform smoothly and address the practical realities of the construction industry.

We are working cooperatively with the government to address these issues in the amendment process.

Seminars and information sessions will be made available soon, and the legislation and its implementation will be a focus at the OGCA Annual General Meeting.

Are you ready for the second longest time of your life? Worried you won’t have enough money in retirement? Concerned about losing your work identity? Envisioning where you will live after you leave work? Wondering how your relationships will change with your family, friends and partner? Join us for this entertaining presentation, being held as part of the 79th AGM and Conference. The presentation will begin at 8:00 a.m. on Friday, October 20, following breakfast.

Safety Awards Presentations - September 19, 2017 - Verdi Conference Centre, Mississauga - More information to follow 

AGM & Conference - October 19 - 22, 2017 - Omni King Edward Hotel - Registration now open - Book today!

Leadership Day - February 23, 2018 - Verdi Conference Centre - Mark your calendar - More information to follow