MCA Ontario Newsletters

Artificial Intelligence Part 2 - Increasing Productivity 


In the rapidly evolving landscape of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing various industries. For mechanical contracting businesses, AI offers innovative solutions that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and improve project outcomes. Here are some AI programs that are already beginning to transform the way mechanical contractors operate:


  • OpenSpace is a reality capture program that utilizes automated 360-degree helmet cameras and AI-powered progress tracking to provide constant worksite updates.
  • ClickUp Brain’s AI-powered scheduling assistant simplifies scheduling by considering task dependencies, team availability, and project priorities.
  • Field Wire is a data analysis program with sophisticated AI algorithms that provide insight into project trends and anomalies.
  • PlanSwift is an AI-powered estimation tool that measures quantities and dimensions directly from digital floor layouts, streamlining the digital takeoff process.
  • viAct is a safety program that employs a series of cameras to identify possible threats and plan deviations on site to avoid incidents. They boast 95% fewer accidents when used.
  • Rhumbix offers an AI-based field data platform that improves labor productivity and project management through timekeeping and performance analytics.

Other similar programs include DeepomaticTimescapesBuildotsFusion 360, and AVEVA, among many other innovative solutions that are continually being released and enhanced.

Integrating AI into mechanical contracting enhances operational efficiency and provides a competitive edge in an industry that thrives on precision and productivity. By leveraging AI you can ensure your projects are executed flawlessly, on time, and within budget, ultimately leading to increased client satisfaction and business growth. Embracing AI today sets the foundation for a more innovative and successful future in the mechanical contracting industry.


Ontario Introduces Bill 190 - Working for Workers Five Act


The Ontario government has introduced Bill 190, the Working for Workers Five Act, 2024, aimed at updating the provinces Occupational Health and Safety Act. This bill, designed to bolster worker protection and make skilled trades more accessible to women, proposes several key amendments, such as:


  • Mandating that washroom facilities provided to workers be kept clean and sanitary, with specific workplace parties required to maintain and make records of washroom cleaning available.
  • Requiring the provision of menstrual products on larger construction sites to enhance workplace support for women.
  • Expanding the definition of harassment to cover virtual harassment, reflecting the realities of modern workplaces.
  • Allowing electronic copies of the Act and policies to fulfill posting requirements.
  • Permitting virtual meetings for joint health and safety committees.


These measures are meant to adapt the industry to the evolving nature of work environments and are involve some of the first initiatives of their kind in Canada.
 
For more information on this bill click 
HERE!


New Heat Stress Toolkit


With summers getting hotter and hotter, the need for heat stress regulations have never been more important. While hot weather is enjoyable while on vacation, it can pose serious health risks on the job. Excessive sweating from heavy labor or working in hot, humid conditions can lead to dehydration and heat-related illnesses such as heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion, and heat stroke.
 
To address this, the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers Inc. (OHCOW), in collaboration with the Centre for Research in Occupational Safety & Health (CROSH), has launched a new Heat Stress Toolkit. This toolkit, developed with support from Occupational Health and Safety Prevention System partners and local labor unions, aims to support, empower, and protect workers, providing essential guidance for workplaces.
 
Access the New Tool kit 
HERE!
See IHSA’s Heat Stress Guidelines 
HERE!


Ontario appoints skilled trades advisor


The Ontario government has appointed Dave Cassidy, former President of Unifor Local 444, as a Skilled Trades Special Advisor (STSA) to the Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development. In his new position Cassidy will assess the workforce needs in Ontario’s skilled trades, with a focus on the rapidly growing manufacturing and automotive industries, including electric vehicles (EVs).
 
The province is expected to require over 500,000 additional skilled workers over the next decade and in his new role Cassidy will attempt to ensure that Ontario is well positioned to respond to the expansion. His extensive background in the automotive and manufacturing industries equips Cassidy with the experience needed to identify issues and improvements within the skilled trades and apprenticeship system. This appointment is part of Ontario’s ongoing efforts to attract, train, and protect workers, with over $1.5 billion invested in skilled trades since 2020.
 
For more information click HERE!



MCAC/CEC Mechanical Contracting Project Management Training


The Mechanical Contracting Project Management Program is a 10-day course offered in partnership with the University of Waterloo. This comprehensive program includes separate sessions on project estimating, communications, scheduling, claims, and more. Nine instructors, each with relevant experience in the construction industry, guide participants through discussions, workshops, case studies, and simulations. The course is approved by the Canadian Construction Association and provides 15 Gold Seal credits and 70 Professional Development Units (PMP Certification).


Click HERE for more information and to register.


MCAC's Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series is Returning for its 18th year! 


This year marks the 18th anniversary of the Richard McKeagan scholarship program and MCAC’s dedicated support. In 2024, MCAC is proudly offering over $20,000 in scholarships, demonstrating their commitment to supporting apprentices, post-secondary graduates, and current undergraduates in their educational journeys within the mechanical contracting field. The scholarships address various essential needs, including support for tools, women's workwear, and assistance with education and trade-related expenses. Applications for the Richard McKeagan Scholarship Series opened on June 3rd and will close on September 1st.


We encourage all eligible candidates to take advantage of this valuable opportunity.


For more information on click HERE!


New IHSA Mental Health Program - The Working Mind


The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA) has introduced a new mental health program tailored for the trades aiming to address stigma and stress while building worker resilience. The program, developed in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada, represents a significant advancement in mental health treatment for trades workers. Pilot sessions of The Working Mind (TWM) for the Trades held in May were well received, with many of the 15 courses, running from June to December, already fully subscribed.


The Zoom based TWM courses are specifically designed for trade workers and supervisors in sectors such as construction, electrical, transportation, and utilities. The program includes tailored sessions for workers (five hours), supervisors (eight hours), and facilitators (a full five-day schedule). Modules cover Mental Health and Stigma, Mental Health in the Workplace, and Stress & Resilience, with an additional course for supervisors on Supporting Your Team. The initial sessions will be free and delivered online with plans for future site visits. The program features experiential learning with storytelling components where real-life workers from Ontario's trades share their struggles and recovery journeys, aiming to resonate deeply with participants and reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.


For more information on the program or to register click HERE!


Dan LeDuc Webinar Series Part 2 & 3


The MCAO recently hosted Dan Leduc for Part one of our Dan Leduc Webinar Series, Change Order Protocols. The engaging webinar was a fantastic success, and we are extremely excited for parts two and three!



  • Part 2 – Contract Pitfalls – September 24th, 2024
  • Part 3 – Delay Claims – November 21st, 2024


These webinars are free for all members, so please feel free to register for either or both of the remaining sessions.
 
To sign up please click 
HERE and if you encounter any issues registering, please contact our Operations Manager, Dylan Knight (dylan@mcao.org).


MCA Ontario 2025 Conference - More info to come in early fall!

Looking for more?

Our intent is to make this a quarterly newsletter that is full of timely and valuable information for you. If you would like to see a specific topic or concern included in a future version please reach out to us atmcao@mcao.org. We welcome any feedback and/or questions you may have.

MCA Ontario Newsletters

December 18, 2024
Holiday Training Code Giveaway! – Waiting on Workplace Safety In honor of the holidays, we are thrilled to give away a large number of online BuildForce and Workplace Safety training courses to our members! All courses are self-paced, with BuildForce codes qualifying for gold seal certification credits. Courses include: BuildForce o Introduction to Construction Estimating o Construction Project Management Workplace Safety o Workplace Incident Investigation o Conflict Resolution If you would like to request any of the above codes, please contact our Operations Manager, Dylan, at dylan@mcao.org . Happy Holidays!
October 15, 2024
MCA Ontario 2025 Annual General Meeting/Conference
May 1, 2024
Bill 149, Working for Workers Four Act On March 21, 2024, the "Working for Workers Four Act, 2023" received royal assent in Ontario.The bill amends various workplace laws, such as the Employment Standards Act, 2000, and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997. Provisions of the act key to the construction industry include: Enabling additional "super indexing" increases to Workplace Safety and Insurance Boardbenefits. Requiring employers to disclose salary ranges in job postings and inform if AI is used inthe hiring process. Banning the requirement of Canadian experience in job postings. Enhancing oversight of how regulated professions assess international qualifications. Lowering the employment period for firefighters diagnosed with esophageal cancer toreceive compensation. See the full bill HERE!
January 1, 2024
2024 WSIB Premium Rates The WSIB has announced that average premium rates for Ontario businesses will remain steady for 2024. While most sectors have had slight fluctuations, G6 Non-Residential Building Construction was one of few sectors to retain their same average premium rate from2023 of $1.55 per $100 of insurable payroll. This stability, however, may be short lived dueto the WSIB’s announcement of a 6.5% cost of living increase to people receiving in comereplacement, as well as, the 2% super indexing included in Bill 149, which both signal that rates are likely to increase in the future. To access your individual 2024 premium rate statements, visit the WSIB website HERE!
December 1, 2023
Holiday Giveaway! MCA Ontario recently purchased a large number of Project Management and Estimating Courses from BuildForce Canada to be distributed to our members throughyour local MCA’s! To celebrate the holiday season, we kept 10 BuildForce course codes to offer to members who subscribe to our newsletter. (Limited to one per company). Please email our Operations Manager Dylan Knight at dylan@mcao.org with your zone andcompany name to request one.
October 1, 2023
MCA Ontario 2024 Annual General Meeting/Conference Our 2024 Annual General Meeting/Conference is on the horizon! Join MCA Ontario as we explore the city of London April 11-19. Click the photo below to view some of the exciting tours and dinners we have planned for our conference. We hope to see you there!
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