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 movement. iPolitics is independent, non-partisan website. Click here to view the article.

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 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 […]

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.

Business Manager Presented with Diamond Jubilee Medal

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has been awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. The presentation was made June 29 at a luncheon following the Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament held at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton. The medal was presented by Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. The award is in recognition of Gallagher’s contributions to Canada. Gallagher told those at the luncheon that he was honoured to receive the award. He said he couldn’t have accomplished it without the support of the industry, the union, and late Local […]

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher has been awarded a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.

The presentation was made June 29 at a luncheon following the Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament held at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton.

The medal was presented by Oakville MPP Kevin Flynn. The award is in recognition of Gallagher’s contributions to Canada.

Gallagher told those at the luncheon that he was honoured to receive the award.

He said he couldn’t have accomplished it without the support of the industry, the union, and late Local 793 president O’Neill, who was also his friend.

He dedicated the award to O’Neill.

“I haven’t done any of this on my own,” he told the audience. “It was done with the co-operation of a great many people, and with the support of the members of Local 793.”

Gallagher noted that two major projects – raising money to send a bulldozer to an orphanage in Kenya and raising funds to help the Red Cross support victims of an earthquake in Haiti – was done with support from the industry and from late president O’Neill.

It is the second time that Gallagher has been honoured with a Jubilee Medal. He was also a recipient of the Queen’s Jubilee Medal in 2002.

The commemorative medals are being presented throughout the year to individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities.

The medals were created to mark the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s accession to the Throne.

MPP Flynn told the audience that Gallagher is a leader in the construction industry and is involved in numerous charity projects.

He said a very limited number of individuals are being honoured for what they’ve done for the community.

Flynn said every so often he gets a chance to recognize someone for the work they’ve done and he was pleased to present the medal to Gallagher.

The medal itself depicts a crowned image of Queen Elizabeth II. The anniversary is expressed by the central diamond shape, by the background composed of a pattern of diamonds, and by the two dates.

The ribbon is an arrangement of the blue, red and white colours found in the 1953 Coronation Medal, the 1977 Silver Jubilee Medal, and the 2002 Golden Jubilee Medal.

The medal was designed by the Canadian Heraldic Authority and is composed of nickel silver. It was manufactured by the Royal Canadian Mint in Ottawa.

Business Manager Mike Gallagher Praises Work of United Way

Money raised at the 24th annual United Way of Oakville Mayor’s Invitational Golf Tournament will help some very worthwhile community causes, Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher told 150 people who attended a dinner following the fund-raising event. “I want to thank the United Way for the good work they do and our wonderful community of Oakville for helping those agencies and people that need help,” he told the audience. “We know that our money is going to a very, very good cause and we appreciate the work that the […]

Money raised at the 24th annual United Way of Oakville Mayor’s Invitational Golf Tournament will help some very worthwhile community causes, Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher told 150 people who attended a dinner following the fund-raising event.

“I want to thank the United Way for the good work they do and our wonderful community of Oakville for helping those agencies and people that need help,” he told the audience.

“We know that our money is going to a very, very good cause and we appreciate the work that the United Way does in Oakville every single day.”

Local 793 was the title sponsor of the June 27 golf tournament, the biggest fund-raising event held each year by the Oakville United Way.

This year, the tournament raised more than $130,000 for 33 community agencies that provide programs for isolated seniors, struggling families and people striving to get back on their feet.

Gallagher said Local 793 was title sponsor of the tournament because the union made a commitment to be involved in the community when it moved its head office to Oakville in 2005.

“It’s something that we take very, very seriously and we hope to continue to be involved in supporting the Oakville community.”

Gallagher noted that a number of unionized contractors also participated in the tournament, including EllisDon, Cooper Construction Ltd., Bot Construction Group and Associated Paving.

Chris Stoate, chair of the Oakville campaign, thanked attendees for their support and said he is hopeful that the success of the tournament is an indication of where this year’s fund-raising efforts are headed.

Last year, the campaign raised $4 million.

Oakville councillor Keith Bird told the audience that money raised at the tournament will make “a real difference” in the lives of many in Oakville.

Oakville Major Rob Burton said in a statement that the event relies on the hard work of the tournament committee, staff and a host of other committed people.

“The generosity of the local business community ensures that Oakville will continue to be a healthy, caring and inclusive community,” he wrote.

Ontario Tories Lose Legal Fight to Working Families

The Progressive Conservatives have lost a major legal battle in their long-running war with the Working Families coalition of unions. Click here to see the story.

The Progressive Conservatives have lost a major legal battle in their long-running war with the Working Families coalition of unions. Click here to see the story.

Gallagher Speaks About Temporary Foreign Worker Program

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher was interviewed by Crane & Hoist Canada recently about changes to the federal government’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The article is reprinted here with permission of the publication. Click here for the story. Click here for more information about Crane & Hoist Canada.  

Local 793 business manager Mike Gallagher was interviewed by Crane & Hoist Canada recently about changes to the federal government’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program. The article is reprinted here with permission of the publication.

Click here for the story.

Click here for more information about Crane & Hoist Canada.

 

Bruce to Milton Transmission Line Expansion Now in Service

The Bruce to Milton transmission line project that many Local 793 operators worked on is now up and running. Hydro One completed the expansion project six months ahead of schedule. Up to 500 workers were employed on the project during peak construction periods. Operating engineers cleared the way for access roads, helped install footings, and worked on the assembly and erection of towers. The 180-kilometre-long, double-circuit, 500-kilovolt line is the largest transmission infrastructure project in Ontario in 20 years. More than 700 transmission towers were erected. The line connects more than […]

The Bruce to Milton transmission line project that many Local 793 operators worked on is now up and running.

Hydro One completed the expansion project six months ahead of schedule. Up to 500 workers were employed on the project during peak construction periods.

Operating engineers cleared the way for access roads, helped install footings, and worked on the assembly and erection of towers.

The 180-kilometre-long, double-circuit, 500-kilovolt line is the largest transmission infrastructure project in Ontario in 20 years. More than 700 transmission towers were erected.

The line connects more than 3,000 megawatts of electricity from the Bruce Power complex in Kincardine to a switching station in Milton.

Work on the project started in 2010. It was originally expected to be in service by December 2012, but the project was finished early.

Energy Minister Chris Bentley said completion of the project is an important event for the province.

“Today marks a major milestone in Ontario’s electricity infrastructure and we are paving the way for a future that offers new technologies while delivering clean, renewable power for growing communities and generations to come,” he said.

Hydro One CEO Laura Formusa said construction of the transmission line was made possible because of co-operation by various parties.

“The project was made possible through a shared commitment from the residents, businesses, municipalities, conservation groups and First Nations and Métis groups along the corridor.”

Be Careful In The Summer Heat

Joe Redshaw, Director of Social Services With summer and hot weather approaching, it’s a good time for Local 793 operators to take steps to avoid heat stress and exhaustion. Problems caused by excessive heat can affect anyone – even the young and fit. Construction workers are especially susceptible, though, because they’re often exposed to direct sunlight and humidity. Workers can suffer a myriad of problems from rashes and cramps to exhaustion and full-blown heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stress can include sunburn, fainting, heavy sweating, headaches and dizzy spells. It’s […]

Joe Redshaw,
Director of Social Services

With summer and hot weather approaching, it’s a good time for Local 793 operators to take steps to avoid heat stress and exhaustion. Problems caused by excessive heat can affect anyone – even the young and fit.

Construction workers are especially susceptible, though, because they’re often exposed to direct sunlight and humidity. Workers can suffer a myriad of problems from rashes and cramps to exhaustion and full-blown heat stroke. Symptoms of heat stress can include sunburn, fainting, heavy sweating, headaches and dizzy spells.

It’s important, then, for construction workers, as well as employers, to prepare ahead of time, recognize symptoms of heat stress and know how to treat it when problems arise.

Heat stress occurs when the body can no longer maintain its normal temperature. The body’s internal thermostat maintains a constant inner temperature by pumping more blood to the skin and by increasing sweat production. But in very hot environments the body temperature can rise, resulting in heat stress. When the body can no longer cope, a number of illnesses can occur, including:

Heat Rash: This is characterized by tiny red spots on the skin that can cause a prickling sensation. It’s a result of inflammation when the ducts of sweat glands become plugged.

Heat Cramps: These are sharp pains in the muscles caused by an imbalance resulting from failure to replace salt lost with sweat.

Heat Exhaustion: This is caused by loss of body water and salt through excessive sweating. Symptoms include weakness, dizziness, visual disturbances, intense thirst, headaches, vomiting, muscle cramps and diarrhea.

Heat Stroke: This condition requires immediate medical attention and is characterized by an elevated body temperature. Signs of heat stroke include dry, hot skin, a high body temperature and complete or partial loss of consciousness.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety also notes that prolonged exposure to heat can cause other problems such as sleep disturbances and susceptibility to minor injuries and sicknesses.

The Centre also says that the lens of the eye is particularly vulnerable to radiation produced by red-hot metallic objects because the eye has no heat sensors and lacks blood vessels to carry heat away.

The Ontario Ministry of Labour recommends that workers in a hot environment should try to drink a cup of water every 20 minutes and that workers also:

avoid working in direct sunlight;

reduce the pace of work;

increase the number of breaks;

take breaks in a cool or shaded area;

schedule heavy work for cooler periods;

wear light-coloured clothing; and

reduce the physical demands of work.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act says employers have a duty to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers.

This includes developing hot environment policies and procedures to protect workers in hot environments due to hot processes or hot weather.

 

 

For more information about heat exhaustion and heat stroke, go to http://www.ihsa.ca/resources/health_safety_manual/pdfs/health/Heat_Stress.pdf

 

 

Three Teams Vying for Work at Humber College

Three teams have been pre-qualified to bid on building a new academic support and student services facility at Humber College. Infrastructure Ontario has selected Integrated Team Solutions, PCL Contractors Canada Inc. and SNC Lavalin Capital. The new facility will become the main entrance at the north campus of the college in Etobicoke. It will feature group and independent study space, an expanded library, enhanced student services and a student gallery and showcase. The three teams were pre-qualified based on their design and construction capabilities and experience, and their financial capacity […]

Three teams have been pre-qualified to bid on building a new academic support and student services facility at Humber College.

Infrastructure Ontario has selected Integrated Team Solutions, PCL Contractors Canada Inc. and SNC Lavalin Capital.

The new facility will become the main entrance at the north campus of the college in Etobicoke. It will feature group and independent study space, an expanded library, enhanced student services and a student gallery and showcase.

The three teams were pre-qualified based on their design and construction capabilities and experience, and their financial capacity to undertake the project.

The teams will be invited to respond to a request for proposals that will be issued in late June.

Training, Colleges and Universities Minister Glen Murray said he is pleased to see the project moving ahead.

“This expansion will help to meet the increasing demand for postsecondary education across Ontario and ensure that we continue to build a highly skilled and educated workforce.”

Etobicoke North MPP Shafiq Qaadri said the expansion will accommodate new programs and provide a state-of-the-art learning and working environment for students, faculty and staff.

“Projects like these are evidence of our government’s clear commitment to investing in infrastructure in Etobicoke north, creating jobs and spurring economic development.”

Canada and Michigan Ink Agreement on New Bridge in Windsor

The federal government has announced the conclusion of an agreement between Canada and the State of Michigan that paves the way for building a new bridge over the Detroit River at Windsor. The new span, known as the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC), is expected to cost $1 billion. The announcement culminates nearly 10 years of political wrangling and controversy surrounding the bridge project. It was made official by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder in a historic binational announcement. The agreement establishes the framework for the […]

The federal government has announced the conclusion of an agreement between Canada and the State of Michigan that paves the way for building a new bridge over the Detroit River at Windsor.

The new span, known as the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC), is expected to cost $1 billion.

The announcement culminates nearly 10 years of political wrangling and controversy surrounding the bridge project.

It was made official by Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder in a historic binational announcement.

The agreement establishes the framework for the role of Canada and Michigan in building the bridge, as well as the responsibilities for the construction, financing, operation and maintenance of the new international crossing.

The bridge is expected to reduce congestion at the critical Canada-U.S. border crossing in Windsor and support the creation of new export-related jobs and investment opportunities along the Quebec City-Windsor corridor.

The crossing will be located off Brighton Beach on the Canadian side and link to the Detroit industrial community of Delray, just north of Zug Island.

The project will generate between 10,000 and 15,000 construction jobs in Ontario and Michigan.

The project will include the bridge, Canadian and U.S. inspection plazas, and an interchange with Interstate-75.

Construction is expected to take four to five years.

The project will be funded by the Government of Canada, with the U.S. plaza being the responsibility of the U.S. government.

The private sector is also expected to contribute to the project through a public-private partnership.

The Windsor-Essex Parkway, which is currently under construction, will connect Highway 401 to the new bridge.

With the signing of the agreement, Canada and Michigan can now proceed with the next steps of the project, which include further design work and property acquisition on the U.S. side.