For the last six years, OGCA has been a supporter of the CoR program. In fact, we were instrumental in bringing it to Ontario. We did this in response to the fact that the Government was mandated to bring in an Accreditation Program. The OGCA felt an already proven effective health and safety system was preferable to trying to create a "made in Ontario" solution. (Note: a previous attempt at an Accreditation system was introduced some years ago and died on delivery.)

OGCA President Clive Thurston made his first "return to work" at our Golf Tournament to cheer on the participants.

Here he is with members of Perkons Environmental, one of OGCA's strongest Golf Supporters.

The Niagara Construction Association is gearing up for courses to be offered beginning shortly. If you are interested, please contact them using the links shown here.

The construction industry continues to be unique among all other industries. When asked, "What is the most important thing a company needs to create a safe workplace?" The answer is, "A Safety Culture." The League of Champions is encouraging those efforts and by doing so, has developed a safety initiative that goes beyond the "tools."

This month's two minute news includes:

• IHSA Highlights struck-by hazards
• H&S Advisory: Struck-By Incidents and Heavy Equipment
• Product Spotlight: Emergency Response Poster
• IHSA has developed a new training program - Suspended Work Platform System - Installers course
• ORCGA's Locate Rodeo celebrates 10 years
• Have your say in developing IHSA's new strategic plan

Click here to read the full report.

MySafeWork has published its July Newsletter. Click here to read it.

In an operation of extreme precision and collaboration, PCL Constructors Canada Inc. (Toronto) recently managed coordination of the new #CFTECBridge to its permanent home on Queen Street West, connecting CF Toronto Eaton Centre with the Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue flagship location in downtown Toronto.

In the early morning hours of July 8, PCL began the day’s activities by reviewing the construction and safety management plan with all workers, followed by preparations to begin moving the bridge. The precise and lengthy move utilized a self-propelled modular transport (SPMT) vehicle that lifted the bridge from its pre-assembly location on James Street, into place for installation on Queen Street West.

Click here to read the press release and watch the video.

Trisura Guarantee Insurance Company is pleased to announce the launch of a new online electronic learning platform. The first of what is to be a series of online learning courses, Surety 101, is accessible at no charge to registered insurance brokers seeking continuing education hours.

Click here for the full press release. 

Bill 148 consultations have received considerable media attention for its proposal to increase minimum wage to $14 dollars and then $15 by January 2019. This change reflects an approach that requires business to increase pay, and benefits to many employees with no ability to cover costs.

The construction industry is fortunate in that most of the proposals will not directly impact us, but they do target the service sector and their ability to expand and grow. The Ontario Chamber of Commerce will be conducting an impact study in which we will participate.

Our submission has focused on the legislation upsetting the balance between employer and worker responsibilities, and changes to the construction sector in contravention of established practices.

Employment Standard concerns raised include those relating to scheduling, and holiday and personal leaves.

Click here to read the submission. (This submission is located in the OGCA members only section.)

The latest Ontario Legislative Reports are available here. Previous issues can also be found at the OGCA website (www.ogca.ca) under Government Relations.

This year, we were at the Glencairn Golf Course for our 38th Annual Golf Tournament in honour of A.R. Timms, one of OGCA’s founding members.

The 79th AGM and Conference is being held in Toronto this year, at the Omni King Edward Hotel, from October 19 – 22, 2017.