Construction Secretariat says Growth to Remain Stable

Provincial economic growth is expected to hover around two per cent both this year and next, according to a report released recently by the Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS). That figure is essentially in line with average growth since 2000. The report looks at economic data and building permit values in each region of the province. […]

Provincial economic growth is expected to hover around two per cent both this year and next, according to a report released recently by the Ontario Construction Secretariat (OCS).

That figure is essentially in line with average growth since 2000.

The report looks at economic data and building permit values in each region of the province. It suggests that interest rates will likely remain low for some time and that there will be increased industrial investment.

The report also sums up comments made by speakers at a recent state of the industry and outlook conference sponsored by the OCS.

Katherine Jacobs, director of research and analysis at the OCS, is forecasting that 2012 will turn out to be a positive year for commercial and industrial construction while it will likely be a lower year for the institutional sector because stimulus programs have ended.

Doug Porter, deputy chief economist at BMO, indicated that Ontario’s economy will grow at a moderate pace over the next few years, there will be a soft landing for Canada’s housing markets, interest rates will remain low and the dollar will stay strong.

Christine Kaszycki, assistant deputy minister for the Ring of Fire Secretariat, said the area northeast of Thunder Bay has the potential to become one of the most significant mineral developments in Ontario in over a century.

She said huge opportunities exist for the trades in mining-related and infrastructure work as mining developments in the Ring of Fire come on stream.

Mike McCann, general manager of strategic projects at Vale, noted that the company plans to invest $3.4 billion at its Ontario operations over the next few years. He said there would be heavy demand for the skilled trades this year, peaking at close to 2,000 workers in 2013/2014.

The OCS report lists the top 10 construction projects started this year. They are:

  • $1.75 billion – Humber River Regional Hospital in Toronto
  • $1.45 billion – Detour Lake Gold Mine Restart and Mill Addition in Cochrane
  • $305 million – Erieau Windfarm in Blenheim
  • $250 million – Durham York Waste-to-Energy Centre in Durham
  • $238 million – Ashbridges Bay Maintenance and Storage Facility in Toronto
  • $189 million – Go Transit Weston Tunnel Upgrade Separation in York Region
  • $150 million – Port Hope Solid Waste Management Facility in Clarington
  • $119 million – Fraser Morgan Nickel/Copper Mine in Onaping Falls
  • $107 million – Burlington Skyway Wastewater Treatment Plant in Burlington
  • $80 million – Ivaco Rolling Mills Steel Mill Expansion in L’Orignal

Ed Broadbent Defends Union Movement

Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent has written an opinion piece about unions, equality and democracy. The article is posted on the website iPolitics. In the article, Broadbent touches on the importance of unions in Canada and why they remain essential to our democracy. He also stresses why we must expose recent attacks on the labour […]

Former NDP leader Ed Broadbent has written an opinion piece about unions, equality and democracy. The article is posted on the website iPolitics. In the article, Broadbent touches on the importance of unions in Canada and why they remain essential to our democracy. He also stresses why we must expose recent attacks on the labour movement. iPolitics is independent, non-partisan website.

Click here to view the article.

Tower and Mobile Cranes Target of Summer Safety Blitz

Inspectors from the Ontario Ministry of Labour will be targeting tower and mobile cranes during a safety blitz of construction sites in July and August. The inspectors will be checking for hazards involving tower and mobile cranes that could result in injury or death to workers as well as the public. During the blitzes, inspectors […]

Inspectors from the Ontario Ministry of Labour will be targeting tower and mobile cranes during a safety blitz of construction sites in July and August.

The inspectors will be checking for hazards involving tower and mobile cranes that could result in injury or death to workers as well as the public.

During the blitzes, inspectors will check on maintenance of equipment, worker training, the use of safety equipment and other potential health and safety hazards to help prevent workplace injuries.

The blitzes are part of Ontario’s enforcement strategy to increase compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations. As part of the blitz, a team of more than 25 inspectors will visit construction sites that use tower and mobile cranes. The inspectors have received special training and will climb each tower crane that they inspect.

Inspectors will be looking at:

  • Tower Crane Maintenance and Other Records: Inspectors will check for records on the condition of the tower crane, before and after erection, and ensure that design drawings for the installation of a tower crane were done by a professional engineer. Inspectors will also check that tower cranes were properly inspected prior to first use, and regularly inspected and maintained afterwards. Meanwhile, inspectors will review logbook entries to ensure operational functions, such as limit and overload limit switches, were properly tested.
  • Mobile Crane Maintenance and Other Records: Inspectors will check for records such as the operator logbook and operator manual. They will also check that cranes were inspected and maintained as required.
  • Training: Inspectors will check that mobile crane operators are certified to operate a crane at a construction site or are being instructed in crane operation and accompanied by a person who has the required certification.
  • Various Other Issues: Inspectors will check on the structural, mechanical and foundational integrity of cranes, safety system, setup, proximity to people and safe hoisting practices.

The labour ministry says appropriate enforcement action will be taken for any violations of the Act and its regulations.

Between 2007 and 2011, one worker died and seven workers were seriously injured in tower and mobile crane incidents at construction sites across Ontario.

Of the crane injury incidents, four were related to tower cranes and three were related to mobile cranes.

The injuries resulted from incidents such as a:

  • Tower crane striking scaffolding that caused a worker to fall;
  • A worker being struck by a piece of material that was being hoisted; and
  • A worker being pinned under a load that was being lowered to the ground.

Close calls in which no one was injured involved a(n):

  • Tower crane breaking into two;
  • Tower crane tipping over;
  • Rigging failure; and
  • Uncontrolled descent of material that landed in a busy traffic intersection

Labour Minister Linda Jeffrey said health and safety of Ontario workers is a priority.

“For their sake and their families, we want to make sure every employer, employee and supervisor is well aware of the hazards of working in pits and quarries and at construction sites, and knows how to avoid them.”

Ontario Chief Prevention Officer George Gritziotis said workers can be seriously injured or killed by hazards in workplaces.

“We’re working to improve health and safety and prevent injuries and deaths at Ontario’s construction sites,” he said.