Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) has issued a set of standardized protocols for all Canadian construction sites during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Our position is that compliant sites should be open and those that cannot consistently comply with measures and guidelines of public health authorities should shut down,” says CCA president Mary Van Buren, CCA president.
The CCA says it released its first version of version COVID-19 Standardized Protocols for All Canadian Construction Sites on March 26. The association in a statement says it “encourages all construction firms to implement them in their entirety.”
Companies must also remain aware of rapidly changing best practices and integrate with the CCA Standardized Protocols instructions, best practices and requirements from Health Canada and local public health authorities.
This document provides best practices and a consistent national approach for employers and employees to follow in order to protect themselves and the public at large and help minimize the spread of the coronavirus so that work can be continued safely. These protocols include measures on prevention, detection, and rapid response based on information and recommendations from respected public health authorities.
As the situation continues to evolve and new best practices emerge, CCA says it will be keeping this document up to date, and publishing new versions as required. CCA also plans to keep an open dialogue with stakeholders to ensure the industry remains proactive to any emerging risks.
“CCA welcomes the support and endorsement of these protocols by any and all members of the construction industry and its allied sectors,” the association says in its statement.