As COVID-19 cases climb, CCA asks its members to stay vigilant

CCA

The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) is asking its members to “remain vigilant” as COVID-19 cases increase and new strains of the virus emerge.

While the CCA notes that the health, safety and well-being of its workers is the top priority of its more than 20,000 member firms, 
the association issued a reminder that it is essential to follow worksite health and safety protocols as well as general public health measures.

“We are proud of our industry and the firms of all sizes who quickly adapted and consistently implemented health protocols across Canada,” said Mary Van Buren, president of the CCA.

“This pandemic highlighted the value of past infrastructure investments, including maintenance, that ensured that the increased volume of goods, food and medical supplies moved efficiently across our roads and bridges, that we could work from home because of broadband connectivity, that we have clean water to drink and for hygiene and that we have hospitals where we receive excellent care.”

RELATED: Here’s what is considered essential construction in Ontario

Before the pandemic emerged, the Canadian construction industry already employed disciplined health and safety protocols on construction sites and at manufacturing facilities.

Companies have significantly amplified these by adhering to CCA’s COVID-19 Standardized Protocols for All Canadian construction sites.

As well, the CCA and its partner associations have a wealth of resources available to member firms to assist them during the pandemic. (click here to view the CCA’s coronavirus resources)

“It is vital to Canada’s health and economy that our strong track record of safety in the first wave continues into this second and potentially more challenging wave,” Van Buren said.

“I know many of us are frustrated by this long road, are experiencing pandemic fatigue and making personal sacrifices. Together, we can stay the course so that Canadians continue to benefit from the essential work and services provided by construction. There is light at the end of the tunnel.”

The construction sector is one of Canada’s largest employers. The industry, 70 per cent of which are small and medium-sized enterprises, employs more than 1.4 million Canadians and contributes 7.5 per cent of Canada’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

“The risk is high if we do not maintain our vigilance in the fight against COVID-19,” the CCA said in a news release.