News Feed

The objective of the National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO) program is to combine formal training with the individual's personal field experience. Effective September 1, 2017, there will be a new standard. This new standard aims to strengthen the NCSO designation, making it more credible while allowing ease of transferability amongst other provinces. The most recognizable change to the SCSA NCSO program will be the introduction of a written exam, nationally recognized by participating Canadian Federation of Safety Associations (CFCSA) members. 

The NCSO designation meets the national standard requirements and verifies that a person has met the training, practical application, years of experience and written performance measurements set out by the CFCSA. 

Last week girls from grade six to eight attended SaskPower sponsored trades and technology camps at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the SCSA was there! Girls Exploring Trades and Technology (GETT) camps provided participants with a safe, supportive environment to explore the tools, equipment and skills needed for a trades and technology career. 

On April 13, 2017, the federal Liberal government tabled the Cannabis Act. Until the Act becomes legislation, employers have been left with questions about the Act, its implications on their workplaces and their occupational health & safety policies. The Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association has compiled this list of online resources to help answer some of those questions.

The SCSA is proud to congratulate Lori Senz, Program Administrator, on achieving her HSA certification. The SCSA currently has seven staff members who have received their HSA certification and there are another nine registered in the program, including the President, Collin Pullar.

The objective of the Health and Safety Administrator (HSA) program is to provide formal training for an administrator of a health and safety program, who does not possess a minimum of three years construction field experience.

Legislation changed and we responded! The regulations, which set out the definition and duties of prime contractors in Saskatchewan, came into effect January 1, 2015.

A prime contractor is responsible for coordinating the health and safety activities at multi-employer worksites.  Their duties include ensuring policies, procedures, and safe work practices are used on the worksite; and preparing a written plan that coordinates activities and identifies the prime contractor’s backup and the supervisors on the worksite.  

We see it all the time . . . #SafetyDoneRight but we rarely take the time to acknowledge the significance of working safely.  At the SCSA, we know that there is a return on your safety investment when you and your staff go home safe at the end of the day. This is your chance to give credit to those employees championing safety in your organization.

The heads of Canada’s provincial and territorial construction safety associations signed a national agreement to meet the new National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO™) standard at this year’s annual meeting for the Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA).

On Friday May 19, 2017, Health Canada announced that they are delaying two of the WHMIS 2015 transition timelines. The two new deadline dates affect suppliers who are manufacturers and importers, and suppliers who are distributors and those who import for their own use.

Steps for Life walks were held in both Regina and Saskatoon on May 7th to kick off North American Occupational Safety and Health (NAOSH) week. Between the two cities just under 200 walkers participated, raising almost $30,000.00

The Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA) and all provincial and territorial Construction Safety Associations within it actively work to promote awareness of construction health and safety, improve information sharing, and collaboratively produce workplace health and safety training standards/information resources. 

If you are a contractor who wants to compete for high-risk work with SaskPower (such as construction), you will want to join ISNetworld and ensure you are Certificate of Recognition (COR®) certified.

In the spring of 2017, SaskPower will use an external company, ISNetworld (ISN) to help pre-qualify all contractors who compete on high-risk work, including construction or maintenance projects. Around 70 per cent of the contractors used by SaskPower already subscribe to ISN.

Apprenticeship makes good business sense. In fact, this supply and demand training system has made good business sense since its inception in Saskatchewan more than 65 years ago.

Two of the Saskatchewan Apprenticeship and Trade Certification Commission’s (SATCC) main roles are training apprentices and certifying tradespeople. There four compulsory trades - Plumber, Construction Electrician, Sheet Metal Worker, and Refrigeration Mechanic - in which tradespeople must be an apprentice or journeyperson in order to work in the trade. While we encourage employers to hire and train apprentices, we also remind employers that in non-compulsory trades, such as carpentry, where apprentice or journeyperson status is not required to work in the trade, they can still certify their existing tradespeople. It’s important to keep in mind that under both certification avenues, workplace safety is key.

CTV News Saskatoon - May 17, 2017

Residential construction workers compliance with safety regulations is falling, according to 2016 City of Saskatoon inspections. Only nine per cent of workers used barriers like railings and ladders when using equipment, the numbers show. The figure was double — 18 per cent — in 2015. The inspection numbers also show a decrease of workers who covered floor openings during construction.

May 16, 2017

2016 OHS INSPECTIONS SHOW IMPROVED COMPLIANCE
ON SASKATCHEWAN CONSTRUCTION SITES

SASKATOON, SK: The Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA), the Saskatoon Land Development Branch, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, and the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) are reminding home builders and renovators to cover unguarded openings on worksites and to wear proper personal protective equipment.

In July of 2016, the Saskatoon City Council revised their policy on Residential Lot Sales, requiring homebuilders to complete mandatory builder training and safety certification in order to qualify for purchasing city-owned lots. Frank Long, Director of Saskatoon Land, believes the new criteria will help improve safety records in the residential sector. “Safety is a priority for the City of Saskatoon. Ensuring our builders and their trades are aware of and committed to safety in the work place will result in fewer injuries and job interruptions. This dedication to continuous improvement benefits the entire industry,” says Long.

GLOBAL NEWS

May 9, 2017: A mom will be without her car for a week after her son was clocked going two-and-a-half times the speed limit in Saskatoon. The Saskatoon police traffic unit said the 16-year-old teen was doing 153 km/h on McOrmond Drive on Tuesday morning. The speed limit is 60 km/h.

CBC NEWS

May 10, 2017: Saskatoon police handed out over $18,000 in speeding tickets to 50 drivers in a construction zone Tuesday. The Saskatoon Police Service's traffic unit issued the fines over just two hours near the corner of Boychuk Drive and Highway 16, where a new interchange is under construction. Tickets start at $300 in construction zones.

Regina – A former laborer was sentenced May 3 in Saskatoon Provincial Court for defrauding the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB).

The former claimant pled guilty to going back to work while still receiving income replacement. He was given a 12 month Conditional Discharge and 30 hours community service. The fraud amount has been reimbursed to the WCB.

On May 3rd and 4th the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) held their 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM) in Regina and Saskatoon respectively. At the meetings, it was shared that 88 percent of employers reported no injuries, achieving their goal of Mission: Zero. Furthermore, the Time Loss injury rate was the lowest it has been in 64 years.

Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) Mental Health Week, May 1 – 7, marks a week-long event dedicated to raising awareness for mental health in Canada. Started in 1951, this is the 66th annual mental health week.

for the Better Business Bureau of Saskatchewan, Inc.

REGINA,SK - In celebration of exemplary leadership in ethical business practices and service excellence by Saskatchewan business and professional organizations, the BBB will host the 12th Annual Torch Awards for Ethics on Thursday, May 4th, 2017 at the Conexus Arts Centre in Regina.

• Violence responsible for 4% of workplace injuries reported to WCB in 2016
• 936 claims reported due to violence
• 2 workplace deaths in 2016 due to violence

REGINA, SK – The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and the Saskatchewan Association of Safe Workplaces in Health (SASWH) announced a province-wide initiative today to address workplace injuries due to violence.

Continue pursuing safety excellence and help make Saskatchewan safer by signing the Saskatchewan Health and Safety Leadership Charter on June 8, 2017. Help increase awareness that injuries are preventable and not an inevitable part of life. Join the 600 signatories of the charter.

Remembering workers injured or killed on the job; committing to keeping each other safe.

In 2016, 31 Saskatchewan workers died from workplace injury and disease.
On April 27^th the names of the 31 workers will be read in the Legislature in Regina.

The Labour Councils around the province have organized events.
We encourage all locals to support and attend the event in your area.

The Steps for Life walk in Regina and Saskatoon is fast approaching! Please join Team SCSA on Sunday May 7^th to partake in a fundraiser to support the Association for Workplace Tragedy Family Support (known as Threads of Life).

The Canada-Saskatchewan Job Grant helps employers increase their training budget to ensure they can provide their workers with the training they require to meet workforce demands. The Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) is proud to be recognized as an eligible third-party training institution under the Grant. Take advantage of this valuable business opportunity by considering SCSA training programs offered by the SCSA year-round at its training centres in Regina and Saskatoon:

Media Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 5, 2017

SASKATOON, SK, April 5, 2017 – In honour of the first-ever Saskatchewan Construction Week proclaimed April 3-7 by the Government of Saskatchewan, the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) and the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) will be joining the Saskatchewan Construction Association and industry partners from across the province to develop a shared roadmap for transitioning Saskatchewan construction companies into the safest in Canada at the Saskatchewan Safety Summit taking place at the Saskatoon Inn & Conference Centre from 11am-3pm on April 6, 2017.

The Saskatoon & Region Home Builders' Association (SRHBA) is pleased to be taking part in the first-ever Saskatchewan Construction Week by hosting the upcoming Civic Night: Unscripted. There will be some new faces at this year's Civic Night, and in the spirit of change they've also freshened up the format for the program compared to years past.

The annual Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board’s (WCB) Compensation Institute wraps up later today. Over 500 participants registered for the second day of this 20^th annual event, held at TCU Place in Saskatoon this year.

Today’s sessions offer diverse learning opportunities, with the emphasis on return to work. Speakers from Canada, the United States and Germany speak on various aspects of return-work-programs.

WorkSafe Saskatchewan presented the 2017 Safe Worker and Safe Employer Awards today in Saskatoon.

The 2017 WorkSafe Saskatchewan Safe Worker award winner is Heidi McCaskill, a parts person with Cervus Equipment Peterbilt, Regina, SK.

The 2017 WorkSafe Saskatchewan Safe Employer award winner is GFL Environmental Inc., Saskatoon, SK.

The first-ever Saskatchewan Construction Week — proclaimed April 3-7, 2017, by the Government of Saskatchewan — is a celebration of the important economic and social contributions made by the province's second largest private sector employer.

Total injury rate drops 11.9% from 2015
• Total injury rate 5.55%
• Time Loss injury rate 1.86%
• 85.7% of rate codes have a lower total injury rate than in 2015
• 88% of Saskatchewan employers achieved zero injuries
• Saskatchewan 3rd-highest in Canada for workplace injuries

REGINA, SK – Today, the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) officially released its 2016 injury rates. The total workplace injury rate for 2016 was 5.55 percent, an 11.9 percent drop from 2015, and a significant decrease from 2008 when the total injury rate was 10.21 percent. The Time Loss injury rate decreased from 2.07 percent to 1.86 percent. Time loss claims fell by 604 claims to 7,813. Total claims fell 2,220 from 2015, an 8.69 percent decrease.

To watch the presentation from WCB live, please go to this link: https://app.sli.do/event/rebrqtli/ask

For the CLASS B- Building Construction rate codes the changes forecasted for 2018 will have the following impacts:

• B11: Construction Trades:  +$0.01/$100 of payroll (+0.7%)
• B12: Residential Construction: -$0.07/$100 of payroll (-2.7%)
• B13: Commercial, Industrial Construction: -$0.26/$100 of payroll (-13.2%)

To see the presentation, visit this link: https://app.sli.do/event/rebrqtli/slides

Join the Saskatchewan Common Ground Alliance (SCGA) for the 2017 SCGA Contractor Safety Breakfast in your community!

All managers, owners, supervisors, equipment operators, and labourers are invited to bring their crew for a free breakfast to discuss the industry's safety issues. Our province's pipeline and utility companies have been holding their annual spring Contractor Safety Breakfast in locations throughout Saskatchewan for over 25 years.

Please note that our Safety Construction Orientation Training (SCOT®) online training course was updated to comply with Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) 2015 Globally Harmonized System (GHS) standards. A WHMIS 2015 certificate will be issued to those who successfully complete the SCOT course.

Check out our exciting safety demos at the Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association’s (SRHBA) 2017 HomeStyles Home Show in Saskatoon! This year, the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) will be presenting eye protection and ladder safety demos to ensure homeowners and contractors are getting their renovation and home build projects done with zero injuries.

The Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) was proud to recognize several important safety leaders in the province at its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Thursday, February 16, 2017 from 12:00-2:00pm at the Travelodge Hotel in Saskatoon. The AGM was kicked off with keynote speaker, Dr. Larry Rosia, President and CEO of Saskatchewan Polytechnic, who spoke about the changes facing the construction industry and the close relationship between Saskatchewan Polytechnic and the SCSA.

No one wants a work-related tragedy to happen. A fatality, serious injury, or occupational disease exact a huge emotional and economic cost, and the ripples reach family members, friends, co-workers, the community and beyond. But if the worst does happen, the way the employer responds can make a significant difference to the family of an injured or deceased worker.

The SCSA will be hosting a booth at the Saskatchewan Safety Council’s Industrial Safety Seminar again this year from February 6 to 8 at the Queensbury Convention Centre in Regina.

In 2018, the WCB will adopt changes to its Rate Model based on recommendations that came from an external actuary’s review in 2016. These changes to the WCB's Rate Model will impact the premiums employers pay.

The WCB will be hosting industry-specific sessions in Regina and Saskatoon from February 27 to March 8, 2017.  Attend your industry session to learn the potential impact to your rate code. (Current data will be used as an indicator of what your 2018 rates will be.)The sessions provide an opportunity for you to give input on how the transition to the enhanced Rate Model will be adopted.

Kavis Reed – former Roughriders’ coach and the current General Manager for the Montreal Alouettes – will be speaking at the Leadership in Safety Luncheon on Thursday, February 9, 2017, hosted by the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) and The Regina & District Chamber of Commerce (R&DCC).

The SCSA will be holding its Annual General Meeting at the Travelodge Hotel in Saskatoon on Thursday, February 16, 2017 from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm to review business from the 2016 year and recognize SCSA board members and safety award winners. To RSVP or for additional information, please contact Executive Assistant, Jenna Lamha: jennal@scsaonline.ca

According to the WCB news release published on December 20, 2016, a former equipment operator was sentenced today in Regina Provincial Court for defrauding the WCB of $80,000.00.

The Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) has released a discussion paper regarding its Funding Policy and is seeking input from stakeholders and customers on recommendations that have come from the 2015 Asset Liability Study and subsequent considerations based on the WCB’s analysis.

Collin Pullar, President of the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association, would like to wish you and your family a very happy and safe holiday season on behalf of the SCSA staff and Board of Directors working for the construction industry. Click on the video below. Please note that our offices in Regina and Saskatoon will be closed on December 23, 2016 and will reopen January 3, 2017 at 8:00am. We look forward to serving you in the new year!

Every year, the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) is proud to honour individuals, companies, and committees, for their commitment to promoting effective health and safety management systems in the residential and commercial building construction industry in Saskatchewan.

The WCB will conduct eight education sessions in six locations around the province to educate employers and the public about the recommendations that have come from the Rate Model Review. The public is encouraged to attend and learn more about the WCB Rate Model.

At its annual premium rate setting meetings this month, the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board(WCB) proposed to drop its 2016 average premium rate by 7.5% across the board and by 3.2%, 6.4%, and 8.4% specifically for the B11, B12, and B13 building construction rate codes, respectively.

Media Release
August 17, 2016

2015 OHS INSPECTIONS AT CONSTRUCTION SITES RAISE SAFETY CONCERNS
48% compliance with wearing protective headgear on sites
50% of workers trained in fall protection plan
41% use fall protection

REGINA, SK: In September 2013, Kurt Ferguson was only 22 years old the day his construction career ended. He was crossing the floor of the house he and his crew were building in Moose Jaw when he stepped into an unguarded hole cut for stairs and plummeted into the unfinished basement.

Media Release
July 29, 2016

BUILDING & SAFETY TRAINING A MUST TO BUY LAND
Policy Change Makes Safety and Training a Priority for Saskatoon Home Builders

SASKATOON, SK: The Saskatoon and Region Home Builders’ Association (SRHBA) and the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) applaud City Council’s approved changes to contractor eligibility criteria, which now require home builders to complete mandatory builder training and safety certification in order to qualify for purchasing city-owned lots.

Registration for the new WHMIS 2015 Train the Trainer classroom course are now being accepted. 

The updated course will enable participants to instruct WHMIS 2015, as well as site-specific WHMIS 2015 to workers within their company. 

The Summer 2016 SCSA Safety Advocate is here!

Media Release - June 15, 2016                                                                                     

For the Regina Bypass leadership group, creating a safe working environment for its team members and residents of the communities along the Bypass route is a priority. 

The Regina Bypass Slow Down campaign looks to engage drivers to reduce their speed and pay close attention to work zone signs as they travel through construction sites.

The Slow Down campaign highlights near life-sized images of real workers and their families. Regina Bypass project manager David Callander and his daughters are featured on the first Slow Down sign.

MEDIA RELEASE

June 7, 2016 – Andrew Hann was on his way to a promising career when a workplace accident took his life - he was just 25 years old. His family would like to turn their tragedy into an opportunity to promote workplace safety. In Andrew’s name a fall protection demonstration trailer was donated to the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) and the Andrew Hann Memorial Scholarship was created for Occupational Health and Safety Practitioner program students at Saskatchewan Polytechnic.

The Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board (WCB) is looking for input from organizations with respect to the 2015 excess surplus distribution to be paid in 2016. The considerations are listed in detail in the following document released by the WCB this month:  Discussion Paper - Excess Surplus Distribution May, 2016. 

The latest WCB Employer Stakeholders' Update - April 29, 2016 highlights the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board's Q1 2016 goals, which include Board governance and oversight; communication and education for stakeholders; and improvements to Board appeals tribunal wait times.

SCSA Safety Advisors will be performing exciting safety demonstrations with HGTV celebrity guest star Damon Bennett on site at the 2016 Homestyles HomeShow taking place at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon from March 10-13, 2016.  Make sure you stop by and have a chat with us about your next home build or renovation! Thousands of dollars in door prizes will be drawn each day. To find out more about the show, visit: www.homestylesonline.com; www.facebook.com/homestyleshomeshow; www.twitter.com/HomeStylesShow

View the Homestyles Homeshow Brochure

REGINA, SK: Several individuals and companies in the Saskatchewan construction industry will be honoured for safety leadership during the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association’s (SCSA) annual general meeting (AGM) being held at the Queensbury Convention Centre in Regina on Thursday, February 25, 2016 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. Mayor Michael Fougere will bring greetings, followed by the annual awards ceremony, the annual report presentation, and the appointments for the 2016 SCSA Board of Directors.

You're invited to the SCSA AGM on Thursday, February 25, 2016 in Regina at the Queensbury Convention Centre. Please RSVP to Ashley Alves ashleya@scsaonline.ca no later than February 15, 2016
11:30 a.m. - REGISTRATION
12:00 p.m - LUNCH & GREETINGS FROM MAYOR MICHAEL FOUGERE
1:00 p.m. - ANNUAL AWARDS PRESENTATION, SCSA ANNUAL REPORT PRESENTATION, 2016 BOARD OF DIRECTORS APPOINTMENTS

Join us at the 43rd Annual Industrial Safety Seminar at Prairieland Park in Saskatoon on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 from 1:30 pm – 3:15 pm for a Free Open House.

The SCSA will be on site showcasing a variety of safety demonstrations focused around the importance of proper fall protection equipment, lifting techniques, as well as head, hand, and eye protection. Make sure you stop by to see these exciting demos and chat with our Safety Advisors to learn how you can improve safety in your company!

The SCSA Board of Directors and staff extend our warmest wishes for a safe and happy holiday season. Please note that our offices in Regina and Saskatoon will be closed from 12:00pm on December 24, 2015 and will reopen  January 4, 2016 at 8:00am. We look forward to working with you in the New Year!

The SCSA partnered with Safe Saskatchewan, WorkSafe Saskatchewan, WCB, and its sister safety associations, to develop a resource guide for employers to help them achieve Mission: Zero. The Young and New Worker Safety Orientation resource educates new and young workers about workplace safety. Research indicates that 6,000 workers under the age of 25 are injured on the job each year.

SCSA Regional Safety Committees are a primary vehicle for interface with employers and employees in construction. Meetings are free to attend and usually include a meal and a presentation from a guest speaker to discuss a safety topic.

The SCSA is in the process of updating its training courses and resources to reflect the changes to the original Workplace Hazardous Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) requirements in Canada that will incorporate the Globally Harmonized System of Classifying and Labelling Workplace Chemicals (GHS) – an internationally agreed-upon hazard communication system developed by the United Nations.

The SCSA is pleased to announce that it will be making changes to our Construction Safety Officer (CSO) process to ensure its compliance with national standards – National Construction Safety Officer (NCSO). The Canadian Federation of Construction Safety Associations (CFCSA) is currently looking to standardize individual Construction Safety Associations' CSO programs to improve nationally reciprocity.  

The Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) acknowledges individuals, companies, and committees throughout the province of Saskatchewan, for efforts given to promote the SCSA, and for the invaluable input toward health and safety in the construction industry.

The Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) approved the 2016 average employer premium rate for 47,783 employers covered by workers’ compensation and for the ninth consecutive year, rates have dropped. In 2016, the average employer premium decreased from the 2015 level of $1.46 to $1.34, which is an 8.2 percent decrease.

Have a look at the new and improved SCSA Safety Advocate publication!