Buildforce Canada projects the need for more than 300,000 new construction workers in the next 10 years for this market to stand a chance against the demand. The amount of women in construction is increasing, but not proportionately to these numbers. While women comprised more than 13 per cent of the total construction workforce in 2019, only 4.7 per cent of tradespeople working in construction were female. There’s no shortage of interest in the industry, but there is a shortage of presence in the field. One way to bridge the labour gap is by hiring more women, but the bridge must extend to the site.

Fostering women in construction

The current foundation supports predominantly gear towards fostering women in construction apprenticeships while providing mentorship, career counselling and networking connections. Most initiatives reside in the less populated areas of Canada, like Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Nova Scotia, but the federal government also offers Apprenticeship Incentive Grants (AIGs) to women who apprentice in a Red Seal trade.

Through Canada’s Building Trades Unions (CBTU), establishing a program in 2019 to reinforce female trades participation by 30 per cent, and the government investing more than 300 million dollars for new Offices to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA), women are in a good position to strong-arm their way in.

Nailing the issue on the head

So why aren’t these measures reflected in the statistics? Women’s involvement, or lack thereof, in this industry has less to do with complex systemic barriers and more to do with the rarity of a fruitful work environment for them.

There’s power in numbers – so the solution resides primarily in empowering more women to take on the challenge, as much of a catch-22 as that implies. Some advocates also note that specific structural changes can help pave the way, like if employers make concessions for families and provide onsite daycare.

Wrapping it up with a ribbon ceremony

For every negative outlook, there’s a positive. Statistics Canada notes that for every five women enrolled in an apprenticeship program, one will choose a trade like carpentry or welding – and of those who choose this path, most will receive employment. Roads to change are being built every day, but awareness and support pave the way.

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Following the end of winter, it is not uncommon for properties to have sustained some damage. The seasonal damages ensue when cold temperatures, snow, ice, and salt causes cracks in the foundation, parking lots, walkways, and patios.

Taking proper care of your commercial property with a complete inspection routine protects your workers and visitors from potential hazards. As severe weather cost Canadian businesses $3.1 billion last year, it is important to prevent any incurred damages from worsening and maintaining a safe environment to preserve your investments.

To prepare for comfort and safety in the warmer months ahead, below are 5 spring cleaning tips for maintenance.

Check property for winter damage

After months of snowfall and ice, it is very likely for commercial properties to have fell victim to some corrosion.

The unavoidable freeze-thaw cycle breaks down the integrity of surfaces over time, as freezing water expands into cracks and then melts to create moisture. It is important to use this time to carefully evaluate the physical conditions of your entire property to get ahead of any needed repairs. This allows you to keep the property safe and optimize on the value of your business.

Remove hazardous debris

Ice, snow, shovelling, and plowing can leave quite the aftermath on your property that isn’t visible until the period of thawing. Proactively removing any debris and dangerous materials from the site lowers the risk of injury while maintaining a trustworthy image to guests and clients.

The appearance of the premises goes a long way when it comes to business performance. An unkept property can be perceived as a neglected business, which can tarnish the overall reputation of the company. A property that maintains its appeal, reflects safety, and serves tenants well works to improve the value of the business.

Repair cracked/unsafe parking lots

Parking lots are usually the first area seen and entered by the public. Neglecting to maintain them can present a variety of safety risks to local drivers and pedestrians. Due to the elements of winter, asphalt surfaces may not have held up well during the cold months, making their repairs a top priority to avoid tenant/visitor vehicle damage.

Water drainage and irrigation systems

The impacts of water can seriously damage your property. Poor water drainage and irrigation failures can cause severe damages as it affects the health and safety of the property, with issues ranging from tripping hazards to flooding. To protect the integrity of your commercial property, it is very important to routinely check on these systems i.e. catch basins, to avoid the cumulative risk of any drainage issues overtime.

Update list of contractors

It is beneficial for owners to maintain an up-to-date list of specialists to help with your property inspections and repairs, including paving and construction specialists. With experts on hand, property owners can better resolve any issues found on their site to ensure everything is in working order for smooth operations.

Spring cleaning is important for commercial properties to recover from the effects of winter and prepare them for the changes the warm weather brings. By being proactive with its maintenance with the right specialists, property managers and owners can sleep well at night knowing they’ve prioritized the safety and professionalism of their property to safeguard their investments.

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In order to maintain the integrity of your paving structure, property managers and owners should keep an eye out for indicators of needed asphalt repair or replacement.

Alligator cracks

Cracking patterns that resemble alligator scales are known as alligator cracks. Visibility of these patterns are likely indications of the paved surface’s foundation deteriorating. This issue should be fixed as soon as it’s noticed to prevent cracks from worsening.

Fading

A once dark and rich-coloured asphalt unfortunately won’t retain such vibrancy over the years. Exposure to sunlight, natural wear and tear, and/or aging of the asphalt results in the surface beginning to look faded. When this happens, the pavement structure starts to lose its binding agents and oils leads, leaving behind a dull, brittle, and weakened surface.

Drainage issues

A smooth asphalt surface should permit excess water to easily run off without puddles remaining. Poor drainage causes early pavement distresses leading to driving problems and structural failures. With improper drainage, water can collect in the low spots on your commercial property, causing further damage to your asphalt surface.

Warping

Heavy vehicle traffic and/or an insufficient or compromised base can cause your asphalt surface to appear wavy or warped, which can result from improper installation.

The process of repair

Whether you are looking to repair, replace, or newly install a paving structure, there are more indications of a well done, or poorly done, paving job than meets the eye. While the work may look like it’s done well cosmetically, there are various aspects to keep an eye on that may indicate otherwise.

• Good foundation – A solid subgrade and a strong aggregate base are crucial for all new paving surfaces. This means that any loose, soft, wet dirt needs to be replaced with a compacted rock base to stabilize the earth and properly support the pavement above.
• Seamless transition areas – The new layer of asphalt should blend smoothly with the old coating, with smooth transitions between the new pavement and other paving surfaces, curbs, or drains. The presence of bumps can significantly affect the ride quality of the road. A well-laid paving surface should have no bumps as cars or trucks roll over.
• Thickness of overlay – The heavier the traffic, the thicker the asphalt layer should be. Inaccurate thickness can lead to premature cracking and poor stability beneath the surface. Paving experts should be able to easily evaluate your paving needs and provide an optimal solution.
• Water drainage – Water may be the biggest enemy to asphalt. It has the power to erode the structure quickly. All new asphalt should have a good slope and good drainage performance to keep water running off and never pooling on, or nearby the surface.

Giving your commercial lot’s asphalt surface a long life requires timely assessments to recognize areas of needed maintenance. With these tips in mind, commercial property owners can be aware of when to repair their asphalt paving and asses when the job is done well. Ensure you get the right team of paving experts who can get the project right the first time.

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Before the next major storm comes and starts to impact your area, being both prepared and aware can go a long way to minimizing these risks and negative impacts. We’ve created a list of common winter construction hazards and some winter safety tips to keep you and your workers safe this season.

Keep an eye on the weather

As temperatures drop and storms roll in, keep a watchful eye on your workers for signs of hypothermia and frostbite, and make sure they are dressed for the weather. Give your workers enough time to secure the construction site and get home before severe weather strikes.

Inspect and clear job sites

Winter storms can cause a surprising amount of damage, especially when snow and ice are allowed to accumulate. You need to inspect your construction sites for downed powerlines, trees, or any other debris, while also clearing snow ice from walking and working surfaces like walkways, scaffolding, ladders, and roofs, and icicles from overhead. Salt or sand can melt icy patches, and improve traction for workers. If the patch can’t be removed, ensure it is marked appropriately to avoid injuries.

Warm up equipment and tools

Make sure you and your workers are following the manufacturer’s instructions on properly warming up heavy equipment before use. Fluids like engine and hydraulic oils in equipment must be rated for the temperatures in your area and may need to be replaced if necessary. You may also need to take further precautions with pieces of equipment that use air compressors and pneumatic tools by draining fluid air compressor tanks after each use to prevent accumulation of moisture from freezing and put antifreeze tool oil in your pneumatic tools to protect from the cold.

Provide appropriate PPE and layer up

Take extra steps to ensure workers are wearing all their personal protective equipment (PPE) during winter conditions. Hard hats should always be worn to protect from falling hazards like icicles and can be lined inside to prevent heat from escaping. Gloves and mittens with manual dexterity should be worn when working with tools and materials as frostbite can occur immediately if workers touch extremely cold metal with their bare hands. Keeping warm is one of the most important things when working in the winter, so layer up clothing with a thick waterproof layer over an inner layer of moisture-wicking thermals and avoid leaving skin exposed as much as possible. Designate an area on the job site with heating for workers to warm up after working and limit their exposure to the cold.

Simply being prepared and aware of the inherent dangers that the winter brings can go a long way toward preventing injuries, incidents, risks, and negative impacts on your workers and your construction site. We hope these tips give you the help you need to stay safe and productive this winter.

The post Winter safety tips for construction professionals first appeared on Fort York Paving.

1. Check alerts

Many apps and websites show quick updates on the forecast. Keeping your phone weather alerts turned on will show you useful information such as high UV index, rain percentages, smog/fog alerts and tornado warnings. Additionally, the Government of Canada releases Public Weather Alerts for Ontario which shows the weather concerns in specific areas. This allows workers to prepare for what they have to face in a given area and how to prepare for it.

2. Hydration

Since Ontario’s summers tend to be very humid, it is important to stay hydrated at all times. This can be assured by bringing a large thermal bottle filled with cool water when working outside on the site. Drinks such as coconut water and sports drinks contain electrolytes that help fuel your body and keep you moving throughout the day while staying hydrated. It is also important to take frequent water breaks throughout the day to avoid dizziness and dehydration.

3. Take advantage of the shade

UV rays can affect your eyesight and head when they are exposed. Therefore it is important to be in the shade as much as possible or take five-minute shade breaks once in a while. Shade protection for faces, such as hats and sunglasses, is also needed to avoid any headaches or heat exhaustion.

4. SPF

The sun is inevitable when you are outside; therefore SPF is key to sun protection to keep your skin from burning. It is important to research what sunscreen is right for your body and how often to re-apply it. The level of SPF corresponds to the extent of UVB protection you’re getting from your sunscreen, so choosing any SPF between 30 and 60 is ideal. Experts also suggest to reapply sunscreen every 80 minutes to ensure active workers are getting full protection. Wearing long sleeves and covering the neck when possible will prevent sunburns and prevents sunscreen from sliding off.

5. Listen to your body

Construction workers spending excessive time working outdoors in the summer risk heat exhaustion and heat stroke from constant exposure; that’s why it is important to recognize the symptoms of both illnesses to avoid any harm. Other related illnesses such as heat rashes, heat stress, heat cramps, etc. can be cured; however it can also be fatal is not treated. Given that heat-related illnesses are common on the work site, it is crucial to monitor symptoms throughout the day and record any bodily changes when possible.

These five protection tips are helpful for construction workers to beat the heat this summer. The sun does impact construction productivity outdoors, so implementing these basic practices in daily work life will make a difference.

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The good news is that the stats are promising. Since 2016, the number of women in the Canadian constructor sector has risen from 162,400 out of 1.385 million to 182,000 out of 1.43 million in 2019. However, it’s estimated that women still make up more than 13% of the total construction workforce, while women tradespeople only represent 4.7% of the entire talent pool.

“There are a lot of women who really want to pursue these careers — just like there are a lot of men that really don’t but may be stuck in them for various reasons. However, women continue to face unique barriers to entering, advancing, and staying in the trades,” said Nina Hansen, Executive Director at the British Columbia Centre for Women in the Trades (BCCWITT) in an interview with Daily Commercial News.

Surely, while there is growing interest among women to enter the trades, there remain some obstacles in raising awareness for the sector and retaining those who join it. Some of these obstacles are culturally-base, such as the lingering perception that trades are a male-dominated sector and are either unwelcoming or lacking in opportunities for women.

Organizations raising profile of construction jobs for women

These issues are not being ignored. Organizations like the Canadian Association of Women in Construction, Conestoga College’s Women in Skilled Trades (WIST), and many provincially-based groups are working hard to raise the profile of construction jobs among women and enhance access to apprenticeships, training, and education specifically for women.

Moreover, the federal government now offers Apprenticeship Incentive Grants (AIGs) to women who apprentice in a Red Seal trade and has invested more than $300 million toward launching new Offices to Advance Women Apprentices (OAWA) in Manitoba, Nova Scotia, and Saskatchewan, with plans to open more offices around the country.

Attraction and retention

Ultimately, the key to attracting and retaining more women in the field is not only to unite existing industry professionals to promote the field, but connect mentors and role models to those coming up the ranks.

“We need more women leaders because there are gaps in management in all facets of the sector,” says Luana Buratynski, president of CAWIC tells Daily Commercial News. “In groups like ours, we want to help women develop the soft skills they’ll need to move up in construction management.”

The needle is moving, but it may not be fast enough. Buildforce Canada’s research indicates that the country will need to bring in 300,000 new workers over the next ten years to keep up with demand and that recruiting women is a key way of filling the labour gap. The good news is that support and awareness are building; now, it’s time to build on that momentum.

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