Hello everyone,

Today, and especially in light of the current threats of the Coronavirus, we believe it is imperative to continue to be led by the guidance of health, as well as, federal and provincial government authorities.

This includes, but is not limited to, Premier Doug Ford’s announcement, stating the shutdown of all non-essential construction services across the province in an effort to slow the spread of COVID-19.

As stated on the Government of Ontario’s website, some Residential Construction is still listed as an essential service:

Construction

30. Residential construction projects where,

a footing permit has been granted for single family, semi-detached and townhomes
an above grade structural permit has been granted for condominiums, mixed use and other buildings, or
the project involves renovations to residential properties and construction work was started before April 4, 2020.

31. Construction and maintenance activities necessary to temporarily close construction sites that have paused or are not active and to ensure ongoing public safety.

While we understand that this may not have been the answer we were all hoping for, we do still have contractual and legal obligations to continue work on our current projects, as well as to do our part to try to maintain a normal and stable economy.

We also believe that it’s best to strictly follow the direction of the authorities, as we trust they have the information and qualified expertise to make these measured and informed decisions.

Jackman is continuing to take every reasonable precaution to keep our sites safe.

In addition to the prevention and risk measures outlined in our Management meetings, and in our previous correspondence to trades and suppliers, we are again emphasizing the strict adherence to the following social distancing and personal protection guidelines:

All staff and visitors are now subject to answering and recording screening questions before gaining access to any Jackman site
One main entrance and exit for each site, which is also now locked throughout the day
Staff and visitors must immediately go to handwashing station upon entrance into site
Wearing gloves for all work activities and limiting the sharing of tools
Maintain a minimum of 2 meter distance from other workers
No sharing of food or beverages, and disposing of any items that may have come into contact with your mouth or facial areas immediately
No communal dining or meeting areas
Anyone showing any, or that has been in contact with anyone showing cold or flu like symptoms requires a 2 week leave from work
Anyone who recently, or that has been in contact with anyone who recently travelled outside Canada requires a 2 week leave from work
Anyone in contact with someone whose being tested for, or who has previously tested positive for Covid-19 requires a 2 week leave from work
Implementing a maximum number of approx. 20 people per job site (job site specific). Jackman management and site supers can determine together the correct number to ensure the safety of the site.
Each individual subtrade required to work in their own designated area if possible.
Only one or two people in a unit at time, depending on the size of the unit, to ensure proper social / work distancing is followed
All onsite Jackman offices are for Jackman personnel only. If they do accept visitors, it is to be only one person at a time.
Ensuring there is proper hand washing equipment and sanitation/diluted bleach containers on site (if not, please contact us, and we can send to site)
Ensure we are sanitizing all door handles and main traffic areas at the beginning of every shift

Failure to adhere to the above personal protection guidelines will result in an immediate removal from site. This applies to everyone on site, including Jackman staff, all subtrades, inspectors, etc.

Your first and second offence of any of the above will result in a 48 suspension from ANY Jackman site, and the offender will be unpaid, or to incur any expenses as a result of the delay personally.
Your third offence will result in a $2,500 fine that you and your company will incur as a result of your negligence and disregard for our site safety. This fine will be donated to a local hospital of your choice.

We would like to be clear that this letter was in no way directing staff, trades and suppliers to put themselves in danger, and I believe our site management staff are very sensitive to any virus threats.

Jackman is trying to live up to and fulfill our contractual obligations with the parties we are responsible to, follow the directives of various governing bodies of authority, while adhering to strict health and safety measures including recent directives concerning the Coronavirus.

Should the authorities direct a complete shutdown of construction sites, Jackman will immediately comply.

However, if you no longer feel comfortable continuing to work, rest assured that we support your decision, and that your job will still be available to you once our sites are running normally again.

Should you elect to take a layoff, the following options are available to you: (Internal use Only)

We understand that during these uncertain and unprecedented times that you have lots of questions, pressures and anxiety, and we are working relentlessly to ensure you all remain safe, and that we will all come out of this unscathed - together.

Should you require anything further, please feel free to reach out to me directly.

We will keep you updated with any further news as it develops.

Stay alert, stay safe and stay healthy everyone.

Thanks,

Eric Jackman

President