Mar 11, 2020By Michelle Branigan
As the spread of COVID-19 rapidly increases around the world, companies are beginning to prepare for the possible impact of the virus on their operations. While Canada is currently low risk for transmission (as of time of writing), it’s important to take precautions and have an infectious communicable illness policy in place to protect your people and operations. Remember that by prioritizing your employees’ health, you’re protecting the overall ability of your organization, as well as the communities you operate in.
We’ve seen the economic impact the virus has had around the world. By acting before the worst effects are felt, we can respond with agility to quickly changing circumstances, with hopefully minimal impact on operations and services. With that in mind, I’ve come up with a quick list of considerations that employers should review. The following tips have been compiled from the Public Health Agency of Canada - a5 and the World Health Organization recommendations for workplaces.
1. Review provincial legislation regarding sick leave, and if you do not already, offer additional paid sick leave to employees. Employees who feel they have no choice but to come to work ill pose a danger to their colleagues and the company, so make it clear to all employees how your company’s policies are accommodating the outbreak.
◦ TIP: The Public Health Agency of Canada suggests suspending the need for doctor’s notes, as this will reduce the burden on a stressed health care system.
2. Post clear information in the workplace about how employees can protect themselves.
◦ TIP: Communications regarding proper handwashing technique, respiratory hygiene and reducing exposure can often be found online from your city’s public health department. Ottawa Public Health offers this example.
3. Consider cancelling non-essential travel and make use of teleconferencing whenever possible. Review and relax policies on working from home, if this is an option. Monitor Government of Canada travel advisories and communicate immediately with employees who are returning from risk areas.
4. Make sure that supervisors are kept up to date on symptoms and infection control procedures and know how to contact local public health authorities if they suspect someone may be at risk. If your company has an occupational health department, they should be prepared with messaging and strategies for containing any suspected cases.
5. Review your internal communications procedures and make sure that there is a simple way to reach all employees to keep them informed of updates and changes to company policies as the situation progresses. Share factual, reliable information from trusted health authorities with your company, in order to avoid panic.
◦ TIP: The WHO publishes regular information and advice for the public.
Communicating regularly and openly about company policies and procedures can go a long way in mitigating fear. Ultimately, remaining flexible and accommodating during this time will leave your organization (and community) better able to bounce back when the outbreak has passed.
Michelle Branigan is CEO, Electricity Human Resources Canada.
Salex Announces Promotion of Paul Manson to GTA Sales Manager
January 26, 2021 – Salex, a facilitator of commercial lighting installations and control systems for Canada’s architectural lighting community, is excited to announce the promotion of Paul Manson to GTA Sales Manager. Paul joined Salex back in 2015, and has over 25 years of invaluable industry experience.
Dedicated to the education and promotion of quality, high-efficiency lighting and controls, Manson’s extensive background in on-site electrical installation, national accounts, relationship building, manufacturers, and sales team management at Philips Lighting, will provide valuable experience to fulfill his new role.
Changing Scene
Canadian Electrical Contractor Discussion Group: Can You Count the Deficiencies?
Have you ever been called to fix the work of a 'handyman'?
"Was supposedly done by a"certified ' electrician....told the homeowner that he got a $266 permit....no record at TSBC. Can you count the deficiencies?"
"There is a second panel change in the triplex also.......even more deficiencies. Think the guy was a glorified handyman. Ones not obvious: 240 BB heat hooked up 120....drier on 2p20....range on 2p50....water heater fed with 2c14 Bx on 2p15."
Go HERE to join the discussion
Government of Canada Invests in Training for Skilled Trades Certification
The Canadian government is making targeted investments, so that key groups facing barriers—like women, newcomers, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and Black and racialized Canadians—can better find work in the skilled trades through projects led by unions and their partner organizations.
The investment will be $63.5 million, over five years, for 68 projects as part of the Union Training and Innovation Program (UTIP) 2020 call for proposals. The aim is to help certify skilled tradespeople and prepare them to fill available jobs as the economy restarts. Minister Qualtrough made the announcement during a virtual event hosted by one of the funding recipients, the UA Piping Industry College of British Columbia, in Delta, B.C.
Benefits for Electrical Contractors of Learning Networked Controls
By Steve Mesh
Are you an electrical contractor? Are you new to the world of Networked Lighting Controls (NLCs)? Are you looking for new opportunities to strengthen your business in these uncertain times?
If you answered yes to all three of these questions, read on. NLCs are a (relatively) new introduction to the lighting industry. I say “relatively” because, in point of fact, some networked control systems have been available for decades. If you haven’t had any prior experience with installing NLCs, then you might think these are fancy and highfalutin.
EWEL Announces Relocation of Sherwood Park Branch
EWEL has announced the plan to move its Sherwood Park branch into a brand-new facility at #130 3001 Buckingham Drive, Sherwood Park, Alberta. Relocation has proceeded in staged phases since late summer 2020 and will conclude by late February 2021.
The new unit space is approximately 9,500 square feet with a 4,500 square foot yard, which makes it nearly three times larger than the previous location. The expansion stems from EWEL’s steady growth over the last four decades, necessitating space for increased inventory, more comfortable spaces for employees, and for more streamlined warehousing processes.
Product News
Milwaukee 2" Hole Dozer Bi-Metal Hole Saw
Milwaukee HOLE DOZER Bi-Metal Hole Saws new 3.5 TPI tooth design offers you longer life in metal applications. The Bi-Metal Hole Saws also feature Lifetime Tooth Break Warranty and can take on all general-purpose applications.
The ALL-ACCESS SLOTS solve the frustration of plug removal, making you more productive with less downtime between holes.
New Sizes for Satco CCT Selectable Wall Packs
SATCO continues to expand its wall pack selection with options that make installation flexible and stock versatile. The latest additions in the line include the CCT Selectable Small Wall Pack and the CCT Selectable Compact Round Wall Pack.
The Small Wall Pack is perfect for light commercial uses such a smaller storage units and municipal lighting, as well as commercial Main Street buildings. As with all of the fixtures in this exterior family, these wall packs offer advanced features, are built durable and are able to withstand harsh, all-weather conditions.
Leviton Mini-Meter Power Meters in Indoor Enclosure
VerifEye™ 0.5% Mini Meter Kits offer a fully integrated, line-powered wireless Automated Meter Readings (AMR) solution with 0.5% accuracy for multi-tenant applications.
Designed to provide a simple and effective energy monitoring solution, the 0.5% Mini Meter Kits accurately capture measurements of power consumption and meet the rigorous requirements of ANSI C12.20 (0.5) Code for Electricity Metering. The 0.5% Mini Meters offer an all-in-one, low cost bundled solution for tenant billing applications, new construction and retrofits.
Peers & Profiles
Taking a Closer Look at the Trilliant Libra Smart Meter with Steven Lupo
By Blake Marchand
Trilliant, an international provider of utility solutions for advanced metering and smart grid systems, recently announced a custom-made product for the North American market with the release of its Trilliant Libra Series Edge-Ready Smart Electric Meter.
The meter’s technology will allow utilities to enter the connectivity sphere by providing peer-to-peer data acquisition and analytics, while enabling new energy management features that benefit both customer and utility.