HAVE YOUR SAY
According to Workforce Planning Hamilton's 2017 EmployerOne Survey, construction and manufacturing are two sectors that have recruitment challenges. Want to see the full survey report, click here.
Has your company had trouble recruiting the talent you need?
YES
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WORKING AT HEIGHTS TRAINING DEADLINE EXTENSION
After receiving requests from worker representatives in the construction sector, and in dialogue with employers and health and safety organizations, O,Reg. 297/13 has been amended to extend the time for workers to receive the training. The deadline is being extended to October 1, 2017, lengthening the transition period by six months in specific circumstances.
The worker(s) in question must have completed fall protection training that met the requirements of section 26.2(1) of O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects) before April 1, 2015, and the worker must be enrolled in a WAH training program that will be completed before October 1, 2017. The employer must have written proof of enrollment, which must be made available to an inspector upon request.
Click here to read more.
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Fair Hydro Plan - Ontario Cutting Electricity Bills by 25 Per Cent
On March 2, 2017 the Government of Ontario announced several measures it will be implementing as part of a relief plan to lower electricity bills for Ontario residential customers by an average of 25%. The measures announced will also benefit many small businesses.
Referred to as Ontario’s Fair Hydro Plan, it includes:
- the 8% rebate that came into effect on January 1, 2017
- increases in funding amounts for eligible participants in the Ontario Electricity Support Program (OESP)
- the establishment of an Affordability Fund to help further support energy-efficiency initiatives
- holding electricity price increases over the next four years to the rate of inflation
Initial changes to take effect on May 1, 2017 will be reflected on customer bills starting this summer. Click here to read more on this plan from the Ontario Government.
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We look forward to connecting with you!
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City of Hamilton Building Permits for February 2017
In February 2017 the City of Hamilton issued $100.09 million in building permits. There were 574 permits and 155 zoning verification/property reports issued.
For the month the residential component was strongest accounting for 81.64% of the month's total and valued at $81.71 million. The commercial component accounted for 4.80% or $4.81 million, industrial activity accounted for 10.29% or $10.30 million and institutional activity accounted for 2.08% or $2.81 million.
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IO Expands COR Requirements to include Direct Delivery projects
One of the tools being used by IO to raise the bar on health and safety is the Certificate of Recognition (COR) occupational health and safety accreditation program. A phased approach is underway to ensure contractors on larger jobs are COR-certified.
COR became mandatory for general contractors / constructors in September 2016 on IO's major projects using the Alternative Financing and Procurement (AFP) model. Those projects are generally in excess of $100 million, and certification is required for a company to participate in the RFQ process.
IO projects with a construction value above $10 million, but shy of the AFP threshold are delivered through the Direct Delivery program. Architects and general contractors are individually and competitively procured by IO, using online tendering services such as Merx and Biddingo.
As part of the phased approach, companies currently picking up RFQ documents for Direct Delivery projects are made aware that they must apply for COR within 30 days in order to proceed in the process. However, the safety net will be gone as of Spring 2017.
Click here to read more!
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Congratulations to HHCA Member Bot Construction Group!
On March 29, Bot Construction Group was presented with the Business Icon Award from the Oakville Chamber of Commerce. The Business Icon Award recognizes a prominent Oakville business which is highly regarded in the community.
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Whether you are new to the HHCA, new to a HHCA member company, or have been with us for some time you want to ensure you are getting the most out of your membership and we want that too!
Join us on May 10 for an opportunity to learn more about the services provided by the HHCA including our Safety Group, Plans Room, educational offering and many more benefits included in your membership. There will be lots of time to mingle with fellow members, staff and members of the Board - don't forget your business cards!
Click here to REGISTER!
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Mark your calendars - the HHCA Spring Golf Classic is taking place on June 8 at Beverly Golf & Country Club. Registration & Sponsorship opportunities will become available on April 18 - watch your email for details!
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Upcoming Training at the HHCA
Microsoft Excel (Advanced) for Construction - April 19
Basics of Supervising - April 25 & 26
Working at Heights - May 4
Members Orientation - May 10 - complimentary
Canadian Construction Management Practices - May 17 & 18
Breakfast Connection Series - June 14 - Topic to be announced!
CCDC 2 Document Seminar - June 15 - SAVE THE DATE
Looking for some online training? BuildForce Canada offers a variety of management and safety courses that can be worked on at your leisure. Click here for a complete list of courses available. To obtain a PIN number for any course email Alana.
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Minimum Wage increase in October 2017
On March 24th Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn announced that effective October 1, 2017 the minimum wage in Ontario will be increased to $11.60 per hour. This will be the fourth consecutive annual increase in the province’s minimum wage and the 11th increase since 2004 when it stood at $6.85. Special minimum wage rates that apply to liquor servers, students under 18, hunting and fishing guides, and homeworkers will also increase at the same time. The new rates are the result of changes to legislation that were passed in 2014 to tie minimum wage increases to Ontario’s CPI.
Changes to the minimum wage are announced by April 1 of each year and take effect on October 1. This advance notice allows businesses and workers time to plan for any increases.
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Steps for Life - Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy
For Estella Hickey, Steps for Life is personal. Estella’s son Kyle was killed in an explosion at work eight years ago. Estella has become an advocate for workplace safety, and participating in her local Steps for Life walk is just one of the things she does to spread her message.
Steps for Life – Walking for Families of Workplace Tragedy is a five-km walk to support families like Estella’s affected by workplace tragedy. Created in 2005, Steps for Life is the flagship fundraiser for the Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support (known as Threads of Life). In 2016, 5,000 participants raised more than $600,000 in communities across Canada. This spring, 30 communities from coast to coast will play host to Steps for Life.
Click here to read more.
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Maximizing your Surety Credit
Contracting is an extremely risky business. Indeed the average life expectancy of a construction company is only about 7 years, yet many firms last much longer. Interestingly, there seem to be certain common characteristics exhibited by the most successful of these firms. Many of these traits also happen to be the key areas that surety underwriters focus on, and if put into practice by a contractor, should result in greater surety credit being made available. In fact, these tips might just help you in building a more successful business over the long term.
Sureties evaluate the three C’s of credit in their assessment of a contractor – character (integrity), capacity (ability to do the work, track record) and capital (working capital, net worth, ca sh). In short, a contractor must inspire a fourth
C in the underwriter – Confidence.
To read the full article click here.
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HHCA Members are Hiring
Is your company hiring? Let the HHCA help! Just send the job opportunity to Alana and have it posted on the HHCA website for free.
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Get FREE HR help for your business!
Your HHCA membership includes access to human resources support with Two Grey Suits, an online HR portal. Download draft policies, interview questions, an employee handbook - everything your business needs. There’s even a 1-800 number you can call for advice.
We pay for HR support so you don’t have to. Contact Judith in the HHCA office for details.
CLICK HERE for more information.
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THANKS FOR READING!
We'd love to hear from you. For Safety Group information and events contact Stephanie; education, membership and Plans Room contact Alana, for plans room contact Joann and for billing and operations inquiries contact Judith. For everything else please contact me, Sue.
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