Silhouette of Engineer and worker checking project at construction site, building site with blurred sunset sky in evening time background
by SHCA SHCA

Company Fined $70,000 for Workplace Injury

Silhouette of Engineer and worker checking project at construction site, building site with blurred sunset sky in evening time background

On Oct. 2, 2024, Denovo Window & Door Inc. pleaded guilty in Saskatoon Provincial Court to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.

The company was fined for contravening 9-2 (2) (b) of the regulations (being an employer or contractor failed to ensure that workers use a fall protection system at a temporary or permanent work area where there is a possibility of injury if a worker falls less than three metres, resulting in the serious injury of a worker). As a result, the court imposed a fine of $50,0000 with a surcharge of $20,000, for a total amount of $70,000. Three other charges were withdrawn.

The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on Nov. 15, 2022, in Saskatoon, Sask. when a worker was seriously injured when they fell from a scaffold.

Construction site work in progress with machines
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Delays Adoption of Tier 3 Energy Efficiency Standards to January 2026

Ensuring a better quality of life for Saskatchewan people is a team effort, which includes our residents, communities, businesses and building industries. The Government of Saskatchewan values input from stakeholders when planning for growth, including an effective regulatory structure and safe, healthy, habitable and energy efficient buildings.

As a result, the Ministry of Government Relations is delaying the implementation of Tier 3 energy efficiency in buildings across Saskatchewan by one year, to January 2026. 

“An additional year to implement the next tier in energy efficiency allows our industry partners to have the time and tools needed to ensure the best possible builds,” Government Relations Minister Don McMorris said. “This will maintain Saskatchewan’s competitiveness with other provinces while maintaining affordability for residents.”

In January 2024, Saskatchewan adopted the 2020 edition of the National Building Code (NBC) by regulation under The Construction Codes Act. These regulations involved the implementation of Tier 2 and Tier 3 energy-efficiency requirements on Jan. 1, 2024, and Jan. 1, 2025, respectively in new-build construction across Saskatchewan. The energy efficiency tiers of the NBC only apply to residential buildings of three storeys or less in building height, having a building area not exceeding 600 metres squared.

To learn more about Saskatchewan’s building code regulations, visit: saskatchewan.ca.

Yellow hardhat and old leather gloves
by SHCA SHCA

Company Fined $125,000 for Workplace Injury

Yellow hardhat and old leather gloves

On Oct. 10, 2024, Bakke Contracting Ltd. pleaded guilty in Moose Jaw Provincial Court to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.

The company was fined for contravening clause 3-1 (a) of the regulations (being an employer at a place of employment failed to provide and maintain of a plant, systems of work and working environments that ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health and safety and welfare at work of the employer’s workers, resulting in a serious injury to a worker). As a result, the court imposed a fine of $89,285.71 with a surcharge of $35,714.29, for a total amount of $125,000. Four other charges were withdrawn.

The charges stemmed from an incident that occurred on Feb. 20, 2023, near Brownlee, Sask. when a worker was seriously injured when they fell from an elevated platform.

SARM logo
by SHCA SHCA

Driving Our Roads into the Ground: SARM Calls for More Funding to Aid in Disintegrating Roads and Bridges

The Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) has called for increased funding for rural roads and bridges. These pieces of infrastructure are not only the lifeline for thousands of municipal residents who travel them daily, they also help drive our rural economy by supporting oil and gas, agriculture, mining and other natural resource sectors. Without further aid, the roads and bridges in rural Saskatchewan will continue to deteriorate with significant economic and social consequences.

Rural municipalities (RMs) in the province are responsible for 164,000 kilometres of roads, Canada’s largest road network. Roads in the province connect our rural population to urban centres, transport essential supplies, export goods and more. These busy roads require regular upkeep, maintenance and ongoing building and re-building. In addition, RMs are responsible for 1,280 bridge structures. Unfortunately, years of use have led to 60 per cent of rural bridges at or beyond their expected service lifespan and needing replacement to avoid safety hazards or disrupting the transportation of goods.

“The Rural Integrated Roads for Growth (RIRG) program provides funding for RMs to support rural road construction, bridge construction, culvert installation and maintaining eligible roads at primary weights. The RIRG program is funded by the Ministry of Highways, administered by SARM, and right now every RM has a laundry list of roads and bridges that are in serious need of repair or rebuild,” said Bill Huber, acting president of SARM.

The cost of building a bridge per square foot increased by 36 per cent between 2010 and 2020 and another 25 per cent between 2020 and 2022. Road construction costs have also increased, resulting in a sharp rise in project withdrawals, deeply impacting RMs. Funding for the RIRG program has steadily decreased over the years from $25M in 2009-2014 to $15M from 2015-2023. While SARM was pleased to see a modest increase in funding in the 2024/2025 program year (to $17.4M), funding for this essential program continues to lag behind the great infrastructure needs among the RMs.

“Government’s infrastructure spending must keep up with inflation. The civil construction industry needs and has been asking for a long-term, serious commitment to build and maintain our provincial road network. The industry continues to see increased expenses in escalating costs for fuel, materials and labour, while the base spending on infrastructure capital remains relatively unchanged. Inflationary costs reflected in bid pricing that isn’t adequately addressed through realistic infrastructure funding leads to less projects tendered, which creates further financial uncertainty for the industry, it becomes a vicious circle,” said Shantel Lipp, president of the Saskatchewan Heavy Construction Association.

Shantel Lipp
by Shantel Lipp Shantel Lipp

Priorities for New Government

Shantel Lipp

Our Saskatchewan election is almost over. When the government convenes this fall, whoever they may be, I will be working to ensure Saskatchewan’s urgent infrastructure issues are top of mind. Here are some specific things I will be immediately communicating to all MLAs, ensuring they understand our issues as they put together their new legislative agenda:

  • Last month, the SHCA joined Insightrix Research, a Saskatchewan research company, to gauge where issues impacting the heavy construction industry register in the minds of Saskatchewan residents.
  • Healthcare, education, cost of living and the economy are the top priorities for most Saskatchewan residents. However, right behind these, infrastructure and road safety improvements are major concerns – especially because they are directly linked to economic growth.
  • Saskatchewan residents know that robust infrastructure fuels a thriving economy by ensuring safe and efficient transportation and that our residents need to safely travel across the province.
  • Most agree that the provincial highway system has gotten worse over the past 10 years and 63 per cent believe the government must increase its investment in road repairs.
  • Research also indicates that 53 per cent of Saskatchewan residents support increasing spending to improve northern roads. Other findings of the research included:
    • 79 per cent agree Saskatchewan based companies should be given preference to work on provincial and municipal infrastructure projects.
    • 72 per cent agree road construction should be 24-hour projects due to our limited construction season.
    • 89 per cent agree that unused funds for construction projects should be carried over to be used in the next construction year.

Our research also indicated that Saskatchewan residents believe municipalities should be committing more resources to local infrastructure projects:

  • SARM, representing rural municipalities, puts infrastructure at the top of its list of priorities for the next government.
  • SARM represents rural municipalities who are responsible for 164,000 kilometres of roads and 1,280 bridges, 60 per cent of which are at, or beyond, their lifespan.
  • The organization says bridge building costs increased by 36 per cent per square foot between 2010 and 2020 and increased another 25 per cent between 2020 and 2022.
  • As SARM and the SHCA know, government funding is not keeping up with the needs or inflation.

Without adequate rural infrastructure our oil and gas, agriculture, mining and other natural resource sectors will suffer bringing our economy significant consequences. The consequences of rural residents not being able to safely travel are also dire. SUMA, representing urban municipalities, says increasing infrastructure spending is critical:

  • SUMA is responsible for over 60 per cent of public infrastructure.
  • Considering inflation, there isn’t enough revenue coming in for municipalities to maintain this infrastructure.
  • SUMA wants to see government go increase and create new revenue streams for urban municipalities to maintain infrastructure.
  • SUMA would also like property assessments simplified, with more frequent assessments, so municipalities can properly fund infrastructure.

Our main messages for the new government are:

  • SHCA members continue to see escalating costs for fuel, materials and labour, while the base spending for urban and rural infrastructure remains relatively unchanged. This can’t continue.
  • Inflationary costs reflected in bid pricing that isn’t adequately addressed through realistic infrastructure funding leads to less projects tendered, which creates further financial uncertainty for the industry and impacts the health of the Saskatchewan economy.
  • Our research shows Saskatchewan people support increased government funding for infrastructure. Our municipalities say it is critical.
by SHCA SHCA

Company Charged, Fined $100,000 for Serious Worker Injury

On Sept. 3, 2024, Adler Firestopping Ltd. pleaded guilty in St. Walburg Provincial Court to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020.

Adler Firestopping Ltd. was charged for contravening subsection 12-5 (2) (a) of the regulations (being an employer failed to ensure that every scaffold is designed, constructed, erected, used and maintained so as to perform safely any task that the scaffold is required to perform, resulting in the serious injury of a worker).

Three other charges were withdrawn.

As a result of this charge, the court imposed a fine of $71,428.57, with a surcharge of $28,571.43, for a total amount of $100,000.

The charge stemmed from a worksite incident that took place on Nov. 28, 2022, on the Thunderchild First Nation in Saskatchewan. A worker was seriously injured as a result of a fall from a work platform.

Aqua Detail Inc.
by SHCA SHCA

Aqua Detail Inc. – Regina

Aqua Detail Inc. specializes in providing top-tier automotive detailing services, including options tailored for fleet vehicles.

Maintaining a fleet’s appearance is crucial not only for projecting a professional image, but also for extending the life of each vehicle. 

Aqua Detail Inc. can assist with this by offering:

  • Their attention to detail: Ensuring that every vehicle receives a thorough cleaning that enhances its appearance and longevity with high-quality products
  • Flexible scheduling: Accommodating your fleet’s schedule to minimize downtime
  • Customized packages: Tailoring services to meet the specific needs of your fleet, ensuring each vehicle receives the attention it deserves

Contact Aqua Detail Inc. to discuss how these services can support your fleet maintenance and keep your vehicles looking their best.

*Fleet rates available for negotiation.

Click here.

Financial health oasis in an economic desert
by SHCA SHCA

Saskatchewan Provides $225,000 to Support Rural Economic Development

On Sept. 10, 2024, the province announced a new funding agreement with the Saskatchewan Economic Development Alliance (SEDA) to support rural investment readiness. The province will provide SEDA with $225,000 to enhance investment readiness in rural Saskatchewan.

“Today’s investment by our government will help ensure that rural communities across the province are ready to attract new investment and benefit from Saskatchewan’s rapidly growing economy,” said Jeremy Harrison, trade and export development minister. “Collaboration between government and organizations like SEDA is an important component of Saskatchewan’s investment attraction strategy to secure the next decade of growth in the province. Supporting rural economic development is one of the many ways we are protecting and promoting Saskatchewan and supporting our strong and vibrant communities.”

The funding will be matched by PrairiesCan for a combined total of $450,000 over two years.

“The world is investing in Saskatchewan to meet the needs of a more sustainable global economic future,” said Dan Vandal, federal minister for PrairiesCan. “This support to SEDA will assist rural regions in Saskatchewan prepare for new investment and new economic opportunities, to build stronger rural communities with good local jobs. Our government recognizes that we cannot have a prosperous Canada without successful, competitive and thriving rural communities.”

The project will help targeted regions and local businesses to prepare for investment and growth. This work will help protect and promote the province to the benefit of all those who work and live in Saskatchewan.

“This project aligns with SEDA’s mandate to support Saskatchewan’s economic development ecosystem,” SEDA CEO Verona Thibault said. “We look forward to engaging with industry and enhancing investment readiness in rural areas of the province over the next two years.”

Saskatchewan is committed to fostering a competitive business environment where all businesses can succeed. The province will continue to build on this now and into the future, creating more jobs and opportunities for the people who call this province home.  

Saskatchewan currently has the lowest rate of inflation, according to the Consumer Price Index, at 1.4 per cent. Exports are experiencing significant growth, totaling over $101.9 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined. This is a 52.2 per cent increase from the previous two-year period of 2020-21, which saw $66.9 billion in total exports. 

Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers also indicate that Saskatchewan’s 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.2 billion, or 1.6 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent.

Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.

Earlier this year, the province revealed “Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy,” in conjunction with the launch of the investSK.ca website. These initiatives are positioned to amplify growth in Saskatchewan, serving as pivotal instruments in driving further development.

A solitary yellow safety helmet rests on the gritty floor of a construction site, highlighting workplace safety and preparation.
by SHCA SHCA

Survey Tool Proves Effective in Predicting Injuries and Improving Safety Performance

The Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association (SCSA) and EHS Analytics are proud to share the success of an innovative Safety Culture Survey tool, designed to predict injuries and enhance Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) performance. With the participation of almost 800 construction companies, making it the largest survey of its kind administered at an industry scale, the tool has proven to be an effective leading indicator for safety performance.

The survey tool uses the Institute for Work & Health Organizational Performance Metric (IWH-OPM), an eight-item questionnaire developed by IWH to assess values and beliefs around safety within workplace culture. The large-scale participation of the Saskatchewan construction industry provided data collected over three years, through six rounds of the survey. EHS analyzed the data to gain insights and further support the industry’s safety efforts.

Key findings include:

  • A strong correlation between high survey scores and lower future lost time injury rates.
  • Identification of areas where safety improvements can significantly reduce injury risks.
  • Enhanced ability for firms to benchmark their safety performance against industry standards and peers.
  • Confirmation of the effectiveness of COR® certification.
  • Shortcomings in Canadian OHS performance are not highly related to a lack of tools or equipment.

“Our analysis has proven that the Safety Culture Survey is a true leading indicator of safety performance,” said Mohammad Khalkhali, data science team lead at EHS Analytics. “Finding easy-to-measure, effective leading indicators in safety is incredibly challenging, and the Safety Culture Survey provides companies with the ability to foresee and mitigate potential hazards before they result in incidents. Leading indicators are often considered the ‘Holy Grail’ in safety for predicting risk, and this tool achieves that goal.”

Every SCSA member company is invited to participate in the survey and view their results in a custom analytics dashboard. Companies can see how their score compares to peers, find follow-up questions to make proactive adjustments to their safety program and monitor their performance over time.

“Having insights into one’s own company in a way that can predict incidents is a game changer,” said SCSA president Collin Pullar. “We encourage all of our members to utilize this simple, but insightful culture survey to better understand where they are doing well, but also better recognize and address weakness in their culture to prevent potential injuries. This is a powerful Canadian-built tool, and we would love to see as many companies as possible use it and learn from it to prevent accidents within their workforces.”

“At the Institute for Work & Health, our mission is to conduct and mobilize research that supports policy-makers, employers and workers in creating healthy, safe and inclusive work environments,” said Peter Smith, president of IWH. “To that end, it is heartening to see health and safety organizations such as the SCSA use the IWH-OPM to both understand organizational health and safety practices over time, and to better understand the relationships between these practices and safety outcomes in Saskatchewan.”

The survey is delivered twice a year to SCSA members, each fall and spring. The next round begins on Sept. 23, 2024.

For more information, including an infographic of industry results and white paper, visit scsaonline.ca/resources/safety-culture-survey.