The Generals magazine is one of the most well-read and trusted publications in the Ontario construction industry, with 86% of survey respondents rating the credibility of The Generals magazine as excellent or above average.

In this issue, learn more about the carbon impact of returned concrete, unique safety solutions, and OGCA's General's Den winners!

Start reading now!

Each day, contractors, supervisors and workers dedicate their skills and expertise to getting the job done safely.

Operating various equipment, ladders and other machinery or tools can be dangerous when performed near overhead or underground powerlines. In the past year, contact with overhead wires has increased three times. 

Hydro One has created a Resource page and Power Safety Toolkit to continue prioritizing safety and understanding the proper procedures that protect workers and the public from the serious dangers that come with working near powerlines.

The OGCA is launching the Construction Technology Survey in order to better focus on what our contractors want to know about, or what can save them time, money and resources.

Please take a moment to complete this short (3-5 minute) survey which will better instruct the OGCA Innovation Committee with what is truly important to the overall construction sector, and what can improve business for our members.

To access the survey, please click here, or use the QR code below: 

The Canadian Institute’s 16th National Conference on Navigating Risk in Construction Contracts & Projects will address the most critical challenges faced by the construction industry.

To learn more, please click here.

A recent trial decision of the New Brunswick Court of King’s Bench resulted in another prosecution of a supervisor under the Westray Bill amendments to the Criminal Code effectively establishing a new crime of occupational health and safety ("OHS”) criminal negligence. This case has broad implications for construction and high risk workplaces across Canada.

To read more, please click here.

The government is supporting projects that help jobseekers prepare for good careers in industries with in-demand jobs, such as construction, manufacturing, hospitality and food and beverage processing. Over the last two years the MLITSD held a series of skilled trades career fairs in towns and cities across the province, welcoming more than 40,000 people. In addition to thousands of students in grades 7 to 12, the ministry also welcomed many teachers and parents whose encouragement is helping students make informed decisions about their futures, including fulfilling and well-paying opportunities in the skilled trades.

Training is what turns potential into a paycheque. The following online content helps to ensure the young people of Ontario know that meaningful work and life-long careers are waiting for them in the skilled trades.

Similar to the successful completion of any project, advancing health and safety in the workplace is not the role of just one or two parties, it takes the commitment and dedication of everyone. The foundation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act is the Internal Responsibility System, and it was created to ensure that everyone, including supervisors and workers have inescapable roles in achieving health and safety.

Please click here to read the full report. 

The Industry is advocating for better safety for roadside workers. The Highway Traffic Act needs to be amended to make drivers slow down and, if possible, vacate the lane next when they see a roadside workers' vehicle with emergency lights on. Failure to comply would result in penalties. The IHSA is seeking support for this change and has provided a template for a letter of support.

To access the drafted letter template and to submit your letter of support, please click here.

To read the February edition of Monthly News & Updates in health and safety, please click here. 

Join LOC’s free Webinar on February 20th, 2024 to learn about how Opening Minds (a division of the Mental Health Commission of Canada) and Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) collaborated together to build a new program to support mental health in the Trades!

To find out more about this new program: The Working Mind (TWM) for the Trades and to register for the Webinar, please click here.

The Canadian Concrete Expo is Canada's only National Trade Show dedicated to the Concrete, Construction, and Aggregates Industries.

Conference Sessions, Live Demos and Stage Presentations provide attendees the chance to experience the latest tech, equipment, and key industry insights, while the vast exhibition floor is where deals are made, people connect, test the gear, and take advantage of exclusive show offers.

To learn more, please click here.

To pre-register by February 13 with the VIP code for complimentary trade show admission, click here.

Rodrigue Gilbert, Senior Vice President of Public Affairs and Procurement Practices at the Canadian Construction Association (CCA) will succeed CCA’s current President Mary Van Buren on May 1, 2024. As communicated last fall, Mary announced that she is stepping down to pursue other interests, and her last day as President will be April 30, 2024.

To read the full announcement, please click here.

The Advanced Construction Procurement Seminar will be held on February 20 and 21, 2024. OGCA members have access to an exclusive 10% discount, when using the code 10OFF.

To learn more about the seminar and to register, please click here.

The 5th Annual Legal Guide to Managing Construction Liens in Ontario is an intensive program developed for experienced industry professionals and legal advisors. In this one-day event, attendees will gain a practical understanding of how to navigate the technical elements and legal and practice changes impacting construction liens processes in Ontario. 

Dates:

1. February 21, 2024, In-Person or Online (Blended)

2. April 4, 2024, Online (Replay)

Register here!