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December 2011

Message from our President

With the holidays fast approaching, I would like to thank you for your continued involvement with the Association.

It has been another very active year for the Association. The biggest issue continues to be Swing Stage Safety, which B&CRAO's Safety Task Force has worked tireless on. Below you will find an update from Safety Task Force Chair Mark Lecce. I would like to thank Mark for his leadership and the rest of the Task Force for their hard work on this file.

The holidays are a time to spend with friends and family, but this season I hope you will take a moment to pause and remember those in our industry who tragically lost their lives in workplace accidents. Our thoughts go out to their families.

In addition to the important work of the Task Force, the Association continues to try to improve the level of service we offer you, our Members. We strive to provide you with better events, better seminars and better promotion of our Industry with stakeholders. We look forward to continuing these activities in the new year.

Once again, thank you for your support of B&CRAO.

From myself and the rest of the Board of Directors, have a happy holiday and all the best in 2012.

Sincerely,

Philip Sarvinis
President, B&CRAO

Message From The Safety Task Force

Dear Members,

As we near the two year anniversary of the tragic swing stage accident that occurred on December 24, 2009, let us pause and remember those four individuals and their families, and the families of all those others who have lost their lives due to construction related accidents.

We continue to move forward as an association to raise the level of safety for the workers in our industry. In mid-January of 2010 a "Safety Task Force" was formed under the Building and Concrete Restoration Association of Ontario, and given a mandate to improve worker safety throughout our industry.

A working group of labour, management representatives, and B&RAO's safety task force members under the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA) Construction Legislative Review Committee (CLRC) was convened in July 2010 and has had 11 meetings and 4 sub-group meetings to-date on the subject of changes to the Regulations for Construction Projects dealing with Suspended Access Equipment.

Proposals include:

• Improved training requirements for both workers on Suspended Access Equipment and workers setting up Suspended Access Equipment - clearer and more detailed learning outcomes.
• Improved means of notification of Suspended Access Equipment work on a project.
• Clear design requirements for platforms and systems.
• Improved inspection and annual review criteria.

The Working Group under the CLRC will forward its recommended regulatory changes to the Provincial Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee of the IHSA (which is recognized under Section 21 of the OHS Act as a committee to advise the Minister of Labour) for stakeholder input before being forwarded to the Minister of Labour.

The safety group looks forward to the finalization of the recommendations, and will be making them available to the association once they have been adopted by the working group.

I would like to take this time to personally thank the members of the task force for their time and efforts in this process, although at times painful, your dedication and commitment has been an important factor in getting this where it is today.

On behalf of the Task Force we would like to extend to you our best wishes this holiday season, and our hope of a safe and successful new year.

Yours sincerely,

Mark Lecce Chair,
Health & Safety Task Force
Vice President B&CRAO

November 2011

Passing of Mr. Angelo A. Porciello

The Board of Directors of the Building and Concrete Restoration Association wishes to inform you of the passing of Mr. Angelo A. Porciello, one of our members. Angelo passed away quietly on November 21, 2011. Our thoughts and prayers are with Angelo's family during this difficult time. His Obituary follows:

PORCIELLO, Angelo Anthony - Peacefully on Monday, November 21, 2011 in Mississauga. Loving husband of Mary for 33 years. Devoted father of Stephen (Melissa) and Michael. Beloved son of Pierina and the late Antonio. Dear brother of Tony (Velda), Josephine (Sam), Bruno (Sandra), David (Karen) and Andrew (Linda). He will be sadly missed by his nieces, nephews, family and many friends. Angelo will be remembered for his hardworking nature and perseverance. He was an inspiration to many. Friends may call at Turner & Porter "Peel" Chapel, 2180 Hurontario Street, Mississauga (Hwy. 10, N. of QEW) from 6-9 p.m. on Wednesday and Thursday. Funeral Mass will be held at Sts. Martha and Mary Church, 1870 Burnhamthorpe Road, Mississauga on Friday, November 25, 2011 at 10 a.m. For those who wish, donations to the Canadian Cancer Society would be appreciated.

October 2011

Great Summer Events

B&CRAO would like to thank all its members for participating in two great events this summer.

Our Members Appreciation Event was held this year at the exclusive Executive Lounge at the Rogers Centre to watch the Toronto Blue Jays play the Kansas City Royals. This intimate setting allow for some great conversations, while the caterers provided excellent food during the game. Thank you to all that attended and for your continued support of the Association.

In September held its 14th annual golf tournament for the Ken Smith Memorial Trophy. 144 golfers took to the course on what turned out to be a beautiful day. B&CRAO would like to congratulate players from Huinink Construction, this years winner of the Ken Smith Memorial Trophy with a score of –14. In addition B&CRAO congratulates Alex Fortey of Huinink Construction, winner of the Longest Drive competition sponsored by Policy Concepts and Mr. Altaf Chaudhary of Duron Ontario Ltd, winner of the Closest to the Pin competition sponsored by Sika Canada. Thanks to everyone for playing.

SAE Working Group Update

As part of B&CRAO's commitment to Health & Safety, members of your safety task force have been meeting since March 2010 with industry stakeholders reviewing the current regulations with respect to suspended access equipment. The stakeholders are building owners, general contractors, B&CRAO, Scaffold Industry Association of Canada (SIAC), Ministry of Labour, local unions, and the Infrastructure Health & Safety Association (IHSA).

We have been working on a "Needs Analysis - Proposed Change to Act/Regulation" form for submission to the Provincial Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee and its Construction Legislative Review Committee to enable consideration of legislative changes as it relates to suspended access equipment.

We will endeavour to keep our members updated as the process progresses.

Please be safe this construction season.

The Passing of Phil Sopher

The Board of Directors of the Building and Concrete Restoration Association wishes to inform you of the death of Phil Sopher, President of Wall-Tech Restoration Inc., one of our members.

The following comments about Phil appeared in his Obituary in the Toronto Star:

"Devoted hockey dad. Passed away peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, June 18, 2011 after a long courageous battle with cancer. Phil is survived by his loving wife Mary; his two sons Liam and Mathew; his parents Ruth and Ron; and his brother Charles (Brigitte)."

On behalf of B&CRAO, the Board extends its condolences to Phil's family and, following the family's suggestion, is making a donation in Phil's name in lieu of flowers to the Sunnybrook Hospital.

February 2011

B&CRAO Thanks Safety Task Force Members

At B&CRAO’s February seminar held on February 16th, Association President Philip Sarvinis expressed our appreciation to members of the Safety Task Force by presenting them with special plaques.

In recognition to their hard work and the countless hours volunteered, plaques were given to:

• Keith Bowie, Bowie Contracting Limited
• David Cousins, Davroc & Associates Ltd.
• Frank DiGiacomi, Tritan Inc.
• Walid Habis, Construction Control Inc.
• Steve Leblanc, Unique Restoration Ltd.
• Andrew Porciello, Maxim Group Inc.

In addition, special recognition was given to Mark Lecce, CanMar Contracting Ltd. for his efforts in chairing the Task Force. Also, an honorary lifetime membership was presented to safety consultant Danny Cal of Danny Cal Consulting Ltd. for all the advice he has given to the Task Force.

B&CRAO Hold Informative Seminar on The Economic and Construction Outlooks for Canada and Ontario

B&CRAO members gathered to hear a presentation by Mr. Alex Carrick, Chief Economist of Reed Construction Data Canada. To download a copy of Mr. Carrick’s presentation please click HERE.

Province moves forward on Workplace Safety Recommendations, February 14, 2011, Toronto Star, Rob Ferguson

Ontario is one step closer to improving the safety situation for workers in the wake of a tragic Christmas Eve scaffolding accident that killed four migrant workers in 2009….

To read this importantarticle on workplace safety please visit: http://www.thestar.com/news/ontario/article/938753--province-moves-forward-on-workplace-safety-recommendations

December 2010

B&CRAO Welcomes Dean Report on Workplace Safety

Toronto, December 16, 2010

The Building and Concrete Restoration Association of Ontario (B&CRAO) welcomes the Report on Workplace Safety produced byformer Cabinet Secretary, Tony Dean.

“We strongly believe the Dean Report has taken the right course in emphasizing mandatory safety training for every worker as well as awareness training for Health and Safety representatives and supervisors,” said B&CRAO Vice-President Mark Lecce, Chair of theAssociation’s Safety Task Force. “We also support the comprehensive approach to safety the Report has taken as well as the creation of a prevention office to help ensure a safe work place.”

B&CRAO formed its Task Force in January 2010 after the swing stage tragedy. The Task Force prepared two briefs and participated in extensive consultations on improving workplace safety that took place this year including meetings with Health and Safety Committees and the Dean Expert Advisory Panel.

B&CRAO members are contractors, material suppliers, consultants and engineering firms with expertise in the field ofbuilding and concrete repair. The Association (www.bcrao.ca) was founded in 1985 and has over 100 members.

November 2010

November - Update on Safety:
B&CRAO Safety Task Force Continues to participate with the Ad Hoc Committee on Suspended Access; Lecce meets with Tony Dean
Ad Hoc Group

B&CRAO’s Safety Task Force members, led by Mark Lecce, B&CRAO’s Vice-President and Chair of the Task Force, have been participating regularly in sessions since August with the Ad Hoc Construction Legislative Review Working Group on Suspended Access Equipment. Lecce has been joined in the meetings with the Ad Hoc Working Group by Keith Bowie, Bowie Contracting Ltd., David Cousins, Davroc & Associates Limited, and Health and Safety Consultant, Danny Cal.

The Working Group’s activities are designed to provide input to the Province’s Labour Management Health and Safety Committee for action should its decisions require regulatory change. The focus of the meetings has been to examine the specific regulations related to suspended access issues and to recommend changes. The meetings are attended by stakeholders such as the scaffolding industry association, union representatives, and health and safety representatives as well as officials from the Ministry of Labour.

Among the issues discussed include revisions to the notice of project; suspended access set-ups and inspections; work plans related to suspended access; the engineering and set-ups involved; platform design, inspection before use; and training. The issue of having owners responsible for filing their own notice of project is also under consideration.

Expert Panel

In late October, Lecce met with Tony Dean, Chair of the Minister of Labour’s Expert Advisory Panel. This panel is tasked to Review the province’s occupational health and safety system.

At the meeting which included John VanderDoelen, Director, Review Project Secretariat of the Expert Advisory Panel, Lecce brought forward the following key points:

• The regulations related to suspended access require tightening. “Codes of practice” guidelines, while important and useful, for some areas of safety, might not be sufficient to ensure safe practice on job sites. Managers, supervisors and workers need specific rules they can follow to ensure safety. The system should ensure that there is a single set of rules to avoid confusion resulting from potential conflicts with practice guidelines.
  
  
• Time is needed to accommodate changes: Any rules that are decided on should provide the industry up to a year to retrain workers and to ensure that all those involved in swing stage activity are fully aware of the new requirements and integrate them into their activities.
  
  
• Hands-on training is required: Workers must have hands-on training, especially related to the specifics related to life-lines, harnesses and lanyards, rigging, number of people allowed on a stage, etc. The training should be structured not only to impart the skills required to work but also to help determine competency. Government should ensure that trainers and supervisors also must have the necessary expertise.
  
  
• A better definition of Independent contractors: With the funding problems confronted by Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, there have to be rules so that independent contractors pay premiums to WSIB.
  
  
• Owners must be involved: The rules have to be changed so that the owners have responsibility. Owner involvement and the legal risk associated with that involvement could contribute significantly to the hiring of responsible contractors and adequately trained workers.
  
  
• Signage on sites: all sites should have signs indicating key rules; the location of tie-offs; infractions, fines; and numbers to call.

The discussion acknowledged that while these rules would make a significant improvement in safety, it is likely to take several years before the industry achieves a level of compliance approaching 70 to 80 per cent.

Dean also made the point that the issue of safety extended far beyond the area of suspended access but involved all areas of construction. He said that his report would cover a wide range of activities and cover examination of equipment, training and competence of both workers and supervisors.

Dean said that he intended to have his Report completed by the end of this month or the beginning of next.

September 2010

B&CRAO’ 13th Annual Golf Tournament enjoys full-turn-out

B&CRAO’s Annual Golf Tournament, held at the Carrying Place Golf and Country Club, was a success once again this year. The 13th Annual Tournament on September 15 had 38 foursomes --- the most the 18 holes could accommodate in a “scramble” --- and was played in excellent late summer weather.

Every hole was sponsored, as were the contests for longest drive and “closest to the pin”. ln addition, for the first time for a B&CRAO tournament, there were four additional sponsorships. CanMar Contracting Limited and Volvo Rents were sponsors of the Tournament and CPD Construction Products and Duron Ontario Ltd. sponsored the Cocktail Reception before dinner. The Association would like to thank all its corporate sponsors for their generous support.

The Ken Smith Memorial Trophy which goes to the best round of the day was won by the team from Vector. Eliseo Conciatori and Andrew Moad, the only two golfers playing in that foursome, scored a 61, one better than the team from Tremco Limited which was made up of Peter Sotirakos, Joe Bone, Ed Bordzy and Frank Campaca. There were two foursomes with a 63 --- from Conterra which included Tony Crisostimo, Fabio Tedesco, Rocco Liscio and Anthony Logullo and Structural Contracting, consisting of John Ienco, Carlo Mariani, Mitchell Gerskeep and Anthony Puopolo.

Derrick Norman won the longest drive contest and Matt Paulus was “closest to the pin” in the contest for that award.

July 2010

B&CRAO’s Safety Task Force Makes Presentation To Minister of Labour’s Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety

On June 28, Mark Lecce, B&CRAO’s Vice-President and Chair of its Safety Task Force, presented the Association’s safety brief to the Ontario Minister of Labour’s Expert Advisory Panel on Occupational Health and Safety at the Centre of Health and Safety Innovation in Mississauga.

The panel, chaired by former Ontario Cabinet Secretary, Tony Dean, is scheduled to report to the Minister of Labour by the end of this year.

Lecce, leading a delegation including David Cousins of Davroc & Associates Limited, and Health and Safety consultant Danny Cal, said, “B&CRAO believes that employers and building owners, contractors, engineers and workers as well as officials in the Ministry of Labour, WSIB and Safety Associations are all partners in achieving occupational health and safety.”

Lecce and Cousins outlined B&CRAO’s position. Lecce made recommendations covering both regulatory and non-regulatory changes relating to work on suspended access equipment.

Cousins’ remarks focused on the role of owners. He said, “Owners presently have no mandated role in health and safety. There has to be a way to involve owners.”

The B&CRAO Safety Task Force brief also responded to the Advisory Panel’s questions about other areas of concern including issues concerning the partners in the occupational health and safety system, the underground economy, the problem of vulnerable or precarious workers, and training.

This B&CRAO health and safety activity was prompted by the tragic accident involving the death of four swing stage workers with another seriously injured at a construction site in Etobicoke on December 24, 2009 and a subsequent accident in which there was another fatality.

The Safety Task Force was given a mandate to proceed with its work by a special meeting of the B&CRAO membership in January 2010. A series of Task Force meetings to develop the brief followed. The brief was approved by the B&CRAO Board of Directors at its meeting in May 2010.

The Safety Task Force Brief, Recommended Changes to the Occupation Health and Safety System, can be downloaded by clicking here (PDF - 493KB).

B&CRAO Presents on “Contractor and Owner roles in Health & Safety”

On Wednesday June 9th B&CRAO’s Vice President, Mark Lecce, made a presentation at a forum co-hosted by the Greater Toronto Apartments Association (GTAA) and the Federation of Rental-housing Providers of Ontario. The forum was entitled “What Property Owners and Managers Need to Know About Contractor Responsibility and Liability and Your Role in the Relationship”. Mark gave a presentation on “Contractor and Owner roles in Health & Safety”. B&CRAO would like to thank the hosts of this event for fostering a dialog on this important topic.

To download this presentation please click here (PowerPoint - 4.8MB)

An Update from Tony Dean, Chair of the Expert Panel appointed by the Minister of Labour to review the Occupational Health and Safety System

“The Expert Panel met for the third time on June 15 and has gathered considerable momentum. The Panel has now completed public meetings in Sudbury, Mississauga, London, Windsor, Ottawa and Thunder Bay.”

To read more of this update visit: http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/eap/update_1.php


May 2010

In May B&CRAO held a special seminar entitled Preparing for the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST), a presentation by Mr. Brian Wurts, Senior Manager of the Indirect Tax Group at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP. This seminar gave participants some excellent background information on the HST as well as advice on various scenarios members may be faced with. A copy of the written materials provided can be found HERE.

B&CRAO is pleased to welcome three new members of the Association, that were approved in May:

B&CRAO in the news: “Additional steps need to be taken, industry safety task force says”, Daily Commercial News, May 25, 2010- http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id38976?search_term=lecce

April 2010

There were two changes to the B&CRAO Board last month. Mr. Scott Pearson resigned his position from the Board, which opened a new position for a representative from the Manufacturer/Supplier Category. After a canvas of members from that category, five interested parties were identified. It was a very hard choice, but B&CRAO s happy to welcome Hank Saresina from Soprema Inc. as its newest Board Member under the Manufacturer/Supplier Category.

In other news, B&CRAO is happy to welcome Mark Lecce, from CanMar Contracting Limited, as its new Vice-President. Mr. Lecce is a representative from the Contractors Category, and has been doing some excellent work as part of B&CRAO’s Safety Task Force. In his new role as Vice-President, Mr. Lecce will act as Chair of Board meetings whenever the President is unable to attend.

March 2010

Following the recent swing-stage tragedies, B&CRAO has established a new Safety Task Force. The Task Force has been charged with the mandate to:

“Raise the level of Health and Safety within the industry, using the existing legislation, to help ensure that our members are adequately trained and understand the hazards associated with the work they perform; and to work with the provincial government to ensure our industry’s views are represented.”

The Task Force is in the process of establishing an Advisory Panel to help it develop policy proposals to take to the provincial government. This small Panel will be comprised of engineering representatives, a certified safety consultant, as well as building owners. Check back soon for details of the Panel’s membership.

The Task Force reports to the B&CRAO Board and is steered by an executive comprised of:

• Keith Bowie, Bowie Contracting
  
• Mark Lecce, Canmar Contracting Limited
  
• Andrew Porciello, Maxim Group
  
• Frank DiGiacomi, Tritan
  
• Steve Leblanc, Unique Restoration

February 2010

A message from Philip Sarvinis, President of the Building and Concrete Restoration Association of Ontario.

The Building and Concrete Restoration Association of Ontario wishes to express its sincere condolences to the family and friends of the 43-year old restoration worker who passed away on February 18th after a tragic accident on a restoration jobsite. Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the people who knew the worker.

Founded in 1985, the Building and Concrete Restoration Association of Ontario (B&CRAO) is an association of contractors, material suppliers, consultants and engineering firms with expertise in the field of building and concrete repair from across the province.

The Association works to promote safety in the workplace with its membership and it fully support the Ontario Ministry of Labour's role in ensuring a safe work place in Ontario. Our member’s activities are regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Labour and therefore we encourage all members to maintain the standards that are legislated by the Ministry in all of their projects.

B&CRAO in the news: “Building and Concrete Restoration Association steering safety task force,” Daily Commercial News, February 1, 2010 - http://www.dcnonl.com/article/id37355?search_term=bowie

December 2009

A message from Philip Sarvinis, President of the Building and Concrete Restoration Association of Ontario.

In the wake of the terrible swing stage accident that took place in Toronto on December 24th, 2009, the Building and Concrete Restoration Association of Ontario wishes to express its deep sorrow and condolences to the families involved in this tragedy.

Founded in 1985, the Building and Concrete Restoration Association of Ontario (B&CRAO) is an association of contractors, material suppliers, consultants and engineering firms with expertise in the field of building and concrete repair from across the province.

The Association works to promote safety in the workplace with its membership and we fully support the Ministry's role in ensuring a safe work place in Ontario. Our member’s activities are regulated by the Ontario Ministry of Labour and therefore we encourage all members to maintain the standards that are legislated by the Ministry of Labour in all of their projects. As in the past, the Association continues to advocate for the use of qualified contractors with owners, operators and other organizations and does not support or condone any contractors who operate outside the law in Ontario.