As you may know, the work undertaken by the heavy construction industry is considered an essential service and as such our industry is permitted to work during the current Critical (Red) COVID-19 restrictions.
Given the urgency of stepped-up COVID restrictions implemented by Manitoba Public Health as of November 12, and given our industry has been allowed to continue to work, it is critical that we remind all our companies of the need to be diligent in implementing and following COVID-19 prevention protocols.
We cannot afford to have an outbreak at one of our construction sites or companies. Accordingly, we strongly encourage all our companies to review their COVID protocols to ensure you are doing all you can. You may refer to the COVID-19 resources on the WORKSAFELY™ website for additional information.
The Province has also confirmed that travel to the north for essential construction work continues to be permitted, and travel into Manitoba for construction purposes may continue to be exempt depending on where the person is travelling from. Restrictions are in place for eastern Canada and exemptions are considered on a case-by-case basis.
Don Hurst
Director, MHCA WORKSAFELY™ Program