There’s no denying that construction is a major player in Canadian economy, employing more 1.2 million men and women. In addition, it remains to be one of the sectors that can endure amidst economic challenges, as proven back in 2008 when the employment rate decreased in Canada and other parts of the world because of the recession. Even when it took a hit then, falling 5.7%, it carried on and got back on its feet by 2010.

According to Statistics Canada, Canada’s construction industries—residential, non-residential and engineering, repair and other construction services—accounted for 6.0% of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP), contributing a whopping $73.8 billion. Meanwhile, those who are employed within the sector are among those who are the highest paid in the skilled trades industry, with construction project managers taking the biggest slice of the pie, earning an average of $74,883 per year plus potential for bonus, profit sharing, and commission.

Recently in Canada, initiatives to building more environment-friendly infrastructure and increase the nation’s readiness against the effects of climate change have been launched and more are likely to come. In addition, the Government of Canada have made known that it intends to build energy retrofits and multi-use path systems throughout the nation. All of these developments make the construction industry an essential component to keep the Canadian economy alive during the pandemic.

However, the construction field isn’t exactly invincible to the effects of COVID-19. Like any other industry, there have been necessary adjustments put into place to ensure that the workers remain safe and healthy while completing construction projects according to timelines and specifications.

Delays

After the novel coronavirus was declared as a pandemic and physical distancing restrictions were set up throughout the country, a large number of employees who work in industries deemed as essential services expressed their concern on how to maintain their health and safety while working onsite. This included construction workers who felt anxious about the possible transmission of the disease since construction sites don’t necessarily provide the option of physical distancing because of the nature of the tasks involved.

As a result, some construction companies put their work on hold, as the health and safety of their workers are priority. When physical distancing restrictions were gradually being lifted, construction companies resumed operations while ensuring that workers are protected and out of harm’s way of the virus by providing them with the necessary Protective Physical Equipment (PPE).

Still there was a lull with their operations, and now these companies will have to modify their timelines and specifications to coincide with the delays they have experienced.

Work hazards

Of course, the construction industry isn’t exactly a work environment free of hazards and other dangers. In fact, according to Statistics Canada, construction workers suffer accidents three or four times more than workers in any other field.

Construction workers are exposed to a long list of dangers on a day-to-day basis, including confined space access, working at heights, electrical safety, working in extreme temperatures, using tools and equipment, and others. Now, aside from these given factors, they are not facing yet another danger, which is COVID-19.

This makes it all the more critical to ensure safety measures are in place while developing and implementing new protective instructions for best practices. In addition, contractors will need to keep themselves up-to-date with COVID-19-related instructions issued by local health authorities.

There’s no doubt that construction work is physically draining. Now, with the COVID-19 threat, contractors will need to be mindful of the big responsibility of overseeing the implementation of occupational health and safety practices to ensure workers avoid job hazards, injuries, and the virus. From the look of things so far, it seems that they are well-prepared and ready. If they aren’t, people will suffer the repercussions and projects will be even more delayed, or disappear completely. If you decide to work an apprenticeship during the summer in the trades, make sure to consider the health hazards and report any when you seen them.

SOURCES:

https://www.spi-s.com/en/blog/ohs-leadership/construction-workers-3-or-4-times-more-accidents

https://canada.constructconnect.com/dcn/news/economic/2020/05/horrendous-april-labor-market-stats-for-u-s-canada

https://www.mondaq.com/canada/construction-planning/935110/legal-update-covid-19-construction

https://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Project_Manager%2C_Construction/Salary

https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/11-402-x/2011000/chap/construction/construction-eng.htm