By Logan Stein

Construction sites taking precautionary measures

Mar 27, 2020 | 2:38 PM

The Medicine Hat Construction Association is working closely with officials to ensure the safety and well-being of all construction workers in the city.

“Increased disinfecting of surfaces, tools, and having more workers travelling to work sites independently are just two ways the construction association is ensuring the safety of workers in the city,” said John Digman, Executive Director of the MHCA.

Construction sites are exempt from the 50 person mass gathering rule, but workers are still expected follow risk mitigation strategies to practice social distancing. For more condensed projects, the workloads are being adjusted, along with the number of people on site.

Some projects may be delayed for the time being, but newly built homes will continue to see construction.

Industrial work, such as larger projects like the francophone school in Saamis Heights are expected to continue as well.

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“Health and safety is always at the top of the list for any project.”

“So health and safety is always at the top of the list for any project, we are just dealing with a different health issue in the form of this pandemic. But we deal with health and safety issues every single day with construction,” said Digman.

“I think Alberta, and the government of Alberta and the construction industry are working exceptionally well together. With regard to other provinces around Canada, each province can make their own decisions. And I think Quebec has closed all non-essential construction. But Alberta along with Ontario and other places consider construction to be an essential service. We are all working together to make sure its safe.”

Bill Black, president and chief operating officer of the Calgary Construction Association has said that the commercial construction sector makes up about nine to 10 per cent of Alberta’s gross domestic product. When expanded to include architects, engineers, manufacturers and distributors, that number is closer to 15 per cent.

Alberta Health said when it comes to construction sites, anyone with flu-like symptoms is not required to come to work, must self-isolate and call 811.

Digman added that employees always have the right to refuse dangerous work.

“Concerns rather than fears at the moment, and construction people are no different, so the construction industry as a whole which is a vital industry for both the province and the country, is taking as many steps as needed to maintain the safety of their workers and the general public.”