Innovation Helps Ellisdon Secure Major Projects Across the Province

Uniting ARCCAW members across Alberta and the Northwest Territories Summer 2011

Innovation helps EllisDon secure major projects across the province A Better Back Tips and stretches to help prevent injury RSAP 101 Skills Canada Everything you need to photos, tool reviews, know about the program kids’ page,

Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement #40063788 Return undeliverable mail to 200-15210 123 Ave Edmonton,AB T5V 0A3

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HARDHAT SUMMER 2011 H women to (just name a few) face numer aboriginal and immigrated recently colour,womenofhave women who equity, pay and employment with lenged porate boardroom, women are chal cor the in forseats fighting Women are done. be to much still is there better, women has changed somewhat for the for environment working the while vote.towomen’s right for campaigns in streets the to took that many years ago that suffragettes wasn’t also Ithome.” “the to returned were women war the from returned men when but effort, war the support to tions workforces building arms and muni and arms building workforces factory of parts significant up made women time that During workforce. the in participating numbers greater conditions. adverse and humiliating in and jobs intensive labour hard in been often has it instances, these In labour. of shortage a was there when war the during as such home, the side out work did women when times been have There era. my was that guess I kids. the after looked and house kept home, at stayed largely women and paycheque Executive Secretary Treasurer’sExecutive Secretary Fast forward to the 21st century and and century 21st the to forward Fast The war years involved women in in women involved years war The went to work to bring homea bring towork towent men that ago years many that not was It change. times ow WorkingTowards - - - - Equality - are also registration forms in this edition of member. There woman every toout mailed be will and online October 29 and 30, 2011, in Edmonton. Registration details are women’s onconference two-day a having is Council Regional a construction trades union. I am pleased to announce the of terms in forCanada first a announce to pleased am I that safe. and welcoming is workplace the ensure that women are accepted and treated as equals, and that order to better serve all of its members. members. its of all serve better orderto in way progressive and contemporary productive, a in forward of issue upcoming an in further featured be Women’swill Council’s who Committee Regional Alberta the of work hard the thank to want I lives. daily their throughout and home at communities, their in site, job the on rights their for up stand to confidence the situations, difficult with deal to tools the with them provide union, our of life the in role greater a play to womenmembers our empowering in step first a be will Wethis hopeeducation. and information of end plac an industry want to encourage women to enter these work as weHowever, if success. of degrees varying with met been have Efforts them. of one being construction – occupations recruit more women into what are called “non-traditional” effect. natory discrimi and demeaning a have that words or activities other “pin-ups,”sexualinnuendo, jokes, ridiculing, labelling and sexist with confronted often are and challenges daily face gender. In manufacturing and construction industries, women relatedto those to addition in challenges varied and ous It is because of the women in the workplace to whom I speak speak I whom to workplace the in women the of because is It This project is yet another in moving the Regional Council Council Regional the moving in another yet is project This week fora together Sisters 150our of bring tointent our It is to years of number last the over attempted been has Much

es, then we need to eliminate barriers related to gender, to related barriers eliminate to need we then es, Martyn A. Piper Piper A. Martyn REPORT Hard Hat Hard . Hard Hat Hard . 7/8/11 8:29:50 AM -

Undeliverable mail should be directed to ARCCAW 200-15210 123 Ave Edmonton, AB T5V 0A3 Email: [email protected] Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement # 40063788 Contents FEATURES Summer 11 PUbLIShEd FoR: 12 Creative Construction Alberta Regional Council of EllisDon’s innovative approach helps it Carpenters & Allied Workers secure projects across the province 15210 – 123 Avenue Edmonton, Alberta T5V 0A3 By Tricia Radison Tel: (780) 474-8599 / Fax: (780) 474-8910 www.albertacarpenters.com 19 Rapid Access Everything you ever wanted to know PUbLIShEd by: about the RSAP program Venture Publishing Inc. By Annalise Klingbeil 10259 – 105 Street Edmonton, Alberta T5J 1E3 20 fit@work Toll-free: 1-866-227-4276 Got back pain? Try these stretches Phone: (780) 990-0839 20 Fax: (780) 425-4921 By Kim Tannas www.venturepublishing.ca 22 Pride in Performance PUbLIShER Celebrating record safety achievement Ruth Kelly at Imperial Oil’s Strathcona refinery ASSoCIATE PUbLIShER By Cait Wills Joyce Byrne ARCCAW EdIToR 24 Total Alignment Martyn A. Piper Millwrights’ training course provides 22 value for TAMSIL employees EdIToR Kim Tannas ART dIRECToR DEPARTMENTS Charles Burke ASSISTANT ART dIRECToR 4 Note From the Executive Colin Spence Secretary Treasurer PRodUCTIoN MANAGER By Martyn Piper Vanlee Robblee PRodUCTIoN CooRdINAToR 6 Site Lines Betty-Lou Smith Honouring long service; Upcoming CoNTRIbUTING WRITERS Annalise Klingbeil, Tricia Radison, women’s conference; Try-A-Trade; Q&A Robin Schroffel, Cait Wills with the new union education coordinator CoNTRIbUTING PhoToGRAPhERS ANd ILLUSTRAToRS 10 Geared Up 7 3TEN, Buffy Goodman, Joey Podlubny, Chris Tait Tools to help you work better VICE-PRESIdENT, SALES Anita McGillis 25 Local 1460 Millwrights Report AdVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Leah Mawer By Bob Hugh SALES ASSISTANT Julia Ehli 26 Training & Apprenticeship Report By Len Bryden Contents © 2011 by ARCCAW Inc. No part of this publication should be reproduced 27 KidZone without written permission. How many workers does it take to build a house?

Undeliverable mail should be directed to ARCCAW 200-15210 123 Ave Edmonton, AB T5V 0A3 Email: [email protected] Canadian Publications Mail Product Sales Agreement # 40063788 Edmonton, AB T5V 0A3 Email: [email protected] Agreement 200-15210 123 Ave Canadian Publications Mail Product to ARCCAW Undeliverable mail should be directed Important Phone Numbers 28 Parting Shot Edmonton 780-471-3200 Fort McMurray 780-743-1442 29 Training & Events; In Memoriam Calgary 403-283-0747 Carpenters Training Centre 780-455-6532 Carpenters Health and Welfare 780-477-9131 Carpenters Pension 780-477-9131 Industrial Workers 403-283-0747 Millwright Local 1460 780-430-1460 oN ThE CoVER: Calgary South Health Local Union 1325 and 2103 Dispatch 1-888-944-0818 Campus, Photo: Joey Podlubny

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HH_Summer11_p04-05.indd 5 7/11/11 2:34:12 PM A roundup of news and events Site Lines News in Brief from around the region BY ANNALISE KLINGBEIL Students Try-A-Trade

For the second year in a row Alberta Carpenters participated in Carpenters-to-Be the Skills Canada Try-A-Trade event. The two-day event took place May 11-12 at Edmonton’s Expo Centre and saw a total of 1,500 high Compete school students learn about different trades, including carpentry. Alberta Carpenters had a 30-foot long booth set up, with safety Sixteen high school students from Edmonton and area equipment, scroll saws and patterns, so students could get a taste participated in the Skills Canada regional competition on April 9. Chris of the trade. “We guided them through cutting the shapes out and Browton, executive director at Skills Canada, Alberta says the regional then took them over to a spindle sander and they sanded them if competition goes a long way in validating that a particular trade is what they wanted and the drill press to drill holes if they wanted,” says a student wants to continue to pursue. “It’s designed for some young Greg Smith, an instructor. “It gives the young person a chance to person that has these competencies, has this passion, has this interest, do a little tiny project and it hopefully will give them a kick-start to has this aptitude to come and test themselves against their peer group,” asking more questions about ‘What is it like to work with wood?’ or says Browton. ‘What is it like to be a carpenter?’ or ‘What is it like to use a power tool?,’” says Len Bryden, director of training and apprenticeship. “It’s a real full sensory experience,” says Chris Browton, executive director at Skills Canada, Alberta. “If you think about anything that creates a memory and makes impact, it’s all about the experience.” Browton says Try-A-Trade is the perfect way for students to test drive different occupations, talk with people in the business that are passionate about what they do and learn what each particular trade is truly about. “I dare say when a lot of the school kids come through our event, they had it in their mind what a this or a that was going to be like, and they come away with quite a different view and a greater appreciation for the skill set required,” says Browton. Bryden says the purpose of the Try-A-Trade event is to promote and expose high school students to a possible future in the trades. “We’re trying to get people more interested in the trades because it gives you a good living. It can be satisfying work and the good thing about it is when you’re doing an apprenticeship, you’re getting paid as you are being trained,” says Wilf Pipke, an instructor. Bryden says events like Try-A-Trade show young people that carpentry is a viable career option. “You can join the carpenters union and we’ll help you with your apprenticeship, and we’ll try to get you through it and show you how to have a good career,” says Bryden. A lot of man hours and hard work went into putting on the carpenter’s booth, including help from both Pipke and Smith, the regional council staff and instructor Mathew McLeod. Guess the Tool

Can you guess the name of this antique tool?

(Answer on page 8)

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HH_Summer11_p06-09.indd 6 7/8/11 8:31:43 AM Long Service Members Honoured

Local 1325 members attended the biennial pin presentation that honoured members with long service on April 16. “Every second year we do a dinner and dance and we give the long service members a pin,” explains Bob Provencher. Over 250 people attended the festivities, which honoured members who reached 25 to 60 year milestones, at Edmonton’s Crowne Plaza (Chateau Lacombe) Hotel. “It’s a celebration in the involvement of our trades,” says Provencher. Brother Jim Smith, the Canadian vice-president of the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners, was the evening’s keynote speaker. “The point of the evening is to be able to talk to the men and women that you’ve worked with over the years, that you may have lost touch with,” Provencher says. HONOURED MEMBER: (left to right) UBC Canadian vice-president James Members attended the evening with family and friends, and a sense of pride was evident. “You tell a Smith, 1325 member Ron MacIntyre and Local 1325 president Greg Budd. Ron is few stories and have a few laughs and recognize that receiving his pin for 60 years of membership these people have been there a long time,” Provencher says. “Their labour, their skills and their kinship have contributed to the building of this province and to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners of America,Local Union 1325 building of our union. The line most heard throughout Long Service Awards Recipients for Years 2009 and 2010; Presentation 2011 the evening is ‘You know we built that.’”

60 Years of Service Rybchinski, R (Wayne) Schneider, Allan Seiersen, Elmer Shupenia, Frederick Robert Graham, Ronald MacIntyre, Ronald Wilson Skanes, Joel Soroka, Werner Steiner, Charles Tomlinson, Maurice Vallee, Albert Vlodder, Jake Waldner, Ernst Wolf 55 Years of Service Maurice DeBlois 30 Years of Service Merne Arsenault, Rodrigue Belzile, Wayne Bender, Ross Blackwell, George 50 Years of Service Bondarewicz, Taras Boychuk, Eric Burchill, Jeff Cantelon, Michael Christie, Lee Chinn, Gerard Dussault, Norbert Franke, David Haly, Walter Maslanko, Alaattin (Alex) Ciplak, Cole Coon, Gary Cooper, Daryll Crouter, Wilfred Nicholas Pacholuk Deschamps, Gerry Desilets, Nikola Dragicevic, Manuel Duarte, Kenneth Eliuk, Albert Erickson, Manuel Esteves, Randy Farnsworth, Stephen Foran, 45 Years of Service Elton Galavan, Romeo Gauthier, Sucha Gill, Craig Gordon, Thomas Graham, Douglas Alderton, Joseph Belas, George Brietzke, Gary Cooper, Erich Deimling, Normand Hachey, Shaun Harley, Melhem Haymour, Richard Hryciuk, Kenneth Rudolph Elliott, Joseph Haas, Miguel Lopes, Valmond Mailloux, Herman Jacques, Dale Jones, Roderick Jones, Wilbert Kelley, Martin Kenny, Mike Key, Martell, Joe Pretto, Gerhard Stellmach, Huibert Vanderwerf, Edward Waywood Jevto Kujundzic, Brian Lambertus, Victor Lampinen, Rejean Lebouthillier, Kerry Lowry, Bill (Donald) MacKenzie, Wayne Miller, Allan Minaker, Ilija Miok, 40 Years of Service Leonard Misener, William Murrin, Don Neary, Luis Neves, Maurice Oliver, Craig Garry Bailey, Donald Calahoo, Richard Chambers, Clement Champagne, Dennis Parsons, Robert Pedersen, Harold Pekarchik, Joaquim Peniche, Dave Petten, Chichak, Edward Chudy, Robert Comer, Ernesto Dasilva, Randy Dwernychuk, Elmer Pruss, Raimonds Reijeris, Craig Robinson, Antonio Rodas, Clayton Sauve, Norman Gilbert, Fred Klein, August Kolb, Edward Kublik, James Lavender, Albert Savoie, Doug Sawchuk, Alfred Schilke, David Simms, Carl Smith, Brian Donald MacKay, Karl Mader, Derek Maginn, Roar Olsen, Frederick Persiel, Mike Spurrell, James Stephens, Aaron Stewart, Darcy Superkoski, Barry Tabbert, Semchuk, John Seniuk, Mike Vlahovic Wayne Thorwaldson, Fraser Todd, Rod Tsuida, Glenn Tucker, Zbigniew Urban, Johan VanSanten, Gary Walsh, Grant Welda, Michael Wheeler, Richard White, 35 Years of Service Eugene Williams, Danny Zajac Diogo Afonso, Antonio Azevedo, Jose Baeta, Antonio Barbosa, Joao Barreiro, Colum Barry, Kris Bissoon, Gordon Block, Ignazio Borrelli, John Buckley, Brian 25 Years of Service Butcher, Dennis Chiasson, Joao Coelho, Trevor Cripps, Marko Culo, Manuel Perry Asham, Alfredo Azevedo, Stanley Boudreau, Ermidio Buset, Daniel Butt, Domingues, Otto Eichmann, Ronny Eliuk, Manuel Esteves, Maurice Filax, James Emery Caissie, George Demelo, Alvin Doerksen, Daniel Doiron, Yves Doiron, Forjan, Alfred Gagnon, Al Gardiner, Christian George, Dennis Gudmundson, Douglas Ellis, Harvey Falls, Terence Favell, David Frigault, Joseph Gennaro, Ewald Hert, Daniel Holowaty, Milan Jojic, Walter Kuehnel, William Lambertus, Douglas Humm, Terry James, Gregory Jessome, David Johnstone, Edmond Bryne MacArthur, James Matthews, James McCarthy, Fredrick McDonald, Landry, Kjeld Mikkelsen, Graham Norman, John Paquet, Barry Petten, Emile Donald Melnychuk, Richard Miller, Larry Mitchell, Pierre Morin, Adao Neves, Preteau, Edward Routley, Joseph Terrio, Marcel Thornhill, David Todd, Vincent George Pekarchik, Manuel Reis, Edwin Rembowski, James Rockwood, Leo Warken, Charles Wood, Paul Young

For details on the upcoming 1325 Picnic, ACAW Trust Funds information meetings and training sessions, turn to page 29.

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HH_Summer11_p06-09.indd 7 7/11/11 2:34:53 PM A roundup of news and events Site Lines News in Brief from around the region

Giving Back Women Unite

Q&A with Chester Fergusson Crystal Bowen was one of eight Alberta women who attend the 10th annual Women Building California conference in Oakland, California, at the end of April. For the first When Chester Fergusson joined the carpenters time, the National Building and Construction union more than 20 years ago, he was living in trades department co-sponsored the annual his half-ton truck. “My home, what my family event and in turn, it was also known as the 1st gets to enjoy today and the lifestyle I get to have Women Building the Nation Conference. is directly related to what the union has given Bowen, an apprentice, says the event was me,” says Fergusson, who since joining the both inspirational and empowering. “The union has worked as a journeyman scaffolder, highlight of it was meeting women that journeyman carpenter, a business agent and worked as tradespeople during World War II,” an instructor. Fergusson recently took on the says Bowen. “They were in their 80s and 90s position of union education coordinator and and just the cutest women. To know that they approaches his job with a desire to give back to a were welders and built all these big ships, that union that has given him so much. was pretty neat.” The two-day conference saw over 600 women attend sessions with topics that varied from safety to child-care issues, public Q: What is a typical day like as union saved his life and turned him around. speaking and community involvement. Bowen education coordinator? is oftentimes the minority on a work site A: A typical day is on the phone and Q: What is the hardest part of your and said being surrounded by women was looking at applications. [I’m on the current position? incredible. “I came back with a renewed vigour phone with] members that call and say A: Time. Lack of time. There are only so to push forward,” she says. they’d like to join. I’m educating them many hours in the day. on the union and what it is to be a union member and the fact that we don’t Q: What do you like to do in your necessarily have jobs for them. This is a spare time? brotherhood where we stand together A: I treasure my spare time because I have and so they have access to work, but I a three-and-a-half-year-old granddaughter don’t want them to come here thinking and she is my life. I spoil her rotten. She has that they are guaranteed a job. me wrapped around her little finger and I think she knows that. My wife and I like Q: What’s your favourite part of to dance and we like to have people over your current position? for barbecues. I take karate as an energy A: Meeting new people and educating release. I used to coach a lot but I find I Answer to the people on the union. I live and don’t have time. breathe the union. When I was younger, somebody once “Guess the Tool” said to me, “If you were to die today, would Q: Does that come from what the you be happy with what you’ve done? This is a cabinet maker’s union has done for you? Would you be able to go to your grave wood inﬁ ll plane A: Yes. One of the things I want to do in knowing that you did what you could do? this role is put together a film for new Would you be able to look back and be members to see what the union has to proud about what you’ve done?” There was offer. I have one nephew that had been a period of time when I was a young kid that going through some tough times, and I wouldn’t be able to say ‘yup, I’m proud of he told me that the union saved his life, it’... Now at my age, at 54 ... I think the good that the opportunity that it’s given to I’ve done outweighs some of the stupid him and the wages he makes have stuff I’ve done. (From Page 6)

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HH_Summer11_p06-09.indd 8 7/8/11 8:32:09 AM Apprentices Visit Vegas Las Vegas is not only home to hotels, casinos and shopping centres. It’s also home to the United Brotherhood of Carpenters International Training Centre. In April, George Wilson, business representative with the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters, accompanied 12 third-year apprentices on a trip to the Las Vegas training centre. Wilson says the 11 brothers and one sister enjoyed three days of training and union education, and despite 7:30 a.m. session start times, the apprentices did manage to squeeze in some time on the Las Vegas strip. “It was a super good group and they got involved and participated and were mixed in with apprentices from all across Canada,” says Wilson. Over 130 apprentices from across North America attended the conference and enjoyed educational sessions and a tour of the 345,000- square-foot International Training Centre facility. “The intent is to capture third years because they’re the future of the organization,” says Wilson.

Retirees’ Social The Sixth Annual Millwrights Retirees’ Social was held on Stand Up! Be Heard! June 7, 2011, at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish Hall in Sherwood Park. Once again we were honoured to have two charter members The Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers attend, Bill Bilida and Herb Huber. The social was attended by over is planning a women’s conference for October 29-30 in Edmonton. 60 guests, including members and former members along with their Brandi Thorne, one of the organizing members, says the theme of spouses. Special thanks to Guy and Pat Dunand for organizing such a the two-day conference is “Stand Up! Be Heard!” Thorne says she’s successful event. estimating 150 women will attend the conference and hear guest Answer to speakers discuss a variety of topics centred on the theme. “Our focus is going to be union participation and how our voice and “Guess the Tool” our involvement gets us where we need to be as well as professional development skills for women and women’s health and safety issues,” says Crystal Bowen, who is also involved in planning the conference. Both Thorne and Bowen attended the Women Building the Nation Conference in California and say having conferences where women can be surrounded by other women is important. Bowen says there is security in knowing there are other women in the trades and being able to network with them. Thorne says as an organization, ARCCAW values diversity. “However, with diversity, unique challenges are presented,” says Thorne. “It is important to address and meet these challenges. The women of this union are taking responsibility and ownership for creative and equitable solutions for challenges presented to them.”

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HH_Summer11_p06-09.indd 9 7/8/11 8:32:48 AM Geared Up Tools to help you work better FINE FINISH Bostitch has introduced a new 15 Gauge Finish Nailer (N62FNK-2) that promises to be a game-changer for trim carpenters. The new model is designed for applications such as the installation of molding, door/window casings, trim, hardwood flooring, furniture, solid hardwood flooring, and advanced woodworking. One of the tool’s innovative features is the addition of the world’s first rear exhaust on a 15-gauge nailer. Located at the end of the handle, it directs air away from the user and eliminates blowback. “The innovation doesn’t stop there,” says product manager Clyde Arceneaux. “It also provides an on- board dust blower for clearing the work surface from dust and debris without slowing down.” A third breakthrough feature is the addition of an integrated LED work light, which lights up the work surface for precise fastener placement in low-light situations. Weighing only 4.15 pounds, it has a storage capacity of 128 nails, the highest magazine capacity in its class. The N62FNK-2 finish nailer kit includes the basic tool; plastic carrying case; 1,000 FN-style 2˝ angled finish nails; swivel fitting; hex wrench; STAND AND DELIVER set of four profile tips; and operator’s manual. Available at DeWalt recently announced the launch of four construction supply stores, hardware stores and online retailers, new miter saw stands, each featuring screw-attached, it retails for approximately $219. non-marring polymer feet that are secure and won’t www.bostitch.com mark flooring surfaces, in addition to leg lock levers for easy setup and breakdown. “Our new miter saw stands are lightweight and easy to transport, but they COMPACT CUTTER are durable enough to withstand professional job site This spring, Bessey introduced a more compact version conditions,” says Bryan Shinn, brand category manager of its aviation snip. The D15A Compact Aviation Snip has all the for Dewalt. power of a full size aviation snip but, at 25 per cent smaller than the If portability is a priority, try out the Compact Miter standard size, it’s more manoeuvrable to get into even the most Saw Stand (DWX724). It weighs only cramped spaces. 30 pounds and measures less than The D15 snip comes in left, right and straight versions and has four feet long when folded, making drop forged cutting heads with a European engineered shape. The it easy to fit sideways in a truck bed left and right versions have distinctive angles that create a flow- for transport. The stand also through cutting head design. “This allows sheet metal, once cut, to features 29-inch extensions move along the cutting head and beneath the hand. As a result, the taking it up to 100 inches D15 snip permits longer continuous cuts and, provides wide and allowing it to greater productivity with fewer injuries,” easily support up to says the company. The locking 10 feet of material. mechanism allows for The DWX724 is opening and closing with available through one hand and limits the independent maximum opening of the distributors for snip. The snip retails for approximately approximately $13-15. $199. www.besseytools.com www.dewalt.com

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REGISTRATION FORM CHATEAU LOUIS HOTEL •EDMONTON, ALBERTA •OCTOBER 29-30, 2011 Final deadline:August 31, 2011 to 150participants. encouraged since resources are limited registration www.albertacarpenters.com/ Register online: OR Fax: T5VOA3Edmonton, Alberta 200, 15210-123Avenue & AlliedWorkers Regional Council ofCarpentersc/o 2011 Women’s Conference Alberta Please sendregistrations to: HURRY! beaccommodated Food allergies &requirements can • Sunday:brunch&snacksprovided • provided Saturday: snacks,lunch&dinner • hotel breakfasts willreceive complimentary accommodations are provided Registrants forwhom • to make arrangements Registrants willbecontacted • to Edmonton memberscoming adistance expensespaidforthose Travel willbearranged or • madeby reservations ARCCAW provided forandhotel Accommodations willbe • REGISTRATION DETAILS will allhappenduringCanada’s NationalWomen’s Month–we intend History to make inAlberta! ourown history This say! to have you what hear will union your that guarantee will leadership union UBC Canadian and Alberta both by conference leave you feelingempowered to beactive andproductive unionmembers. you’ll have plenty of networking and opportunities, engage in discussions on pivotal topics. Our aim is to give you a weekend that will workshops, provocative and speeches keynote stimulating ARCCAW.attend You’llthe within craftswoman a be to means it what any in Sisters for Canadian UBCjurisdiction. held kind its of first the be will it as moment, significant a also is it Canada, within But Council. Alberta the within craftswomenof history the women’sfirst-everin Regional its moment Council hosting big is a conference. is Alberta event The This MESSAGE FROM THEWOMEN’S COMMITTEE This will be a weekend during which you’ll discover that your voice is important and effective. And the active, eager support of our exploring and learning Edmonton weekendin (free!) a spend to invited are 1460 and 2010 2103, 1325, Locals of members Female (780) 474-8910 (780) Quickregistration isstrongly St and Up 2011 A Celebration Women’s Month History Information Booth Dynamic Speakers Networking Reception Panel Discussions Workshops ACTIVITIES Please provide Edmonton travel to/from arrangements I willmake myown accommodation Saturday, October 29, 2011 Friday, October 28, 2011 Please provide accommodations Please register meto attend REGISTRATION DEADLINE:AUGUST 31, 2011 CONFERENCE DATE: OCTOBER 29-30, 2011 RC UBC NUMBER: # YEARS MEMBER:LOCAL:UBC NUMBER:#YEARS T-SHIRT SIZE:(Women’s Sizes) EMAIL: (OPTIONAL) POSTAL CODE: CITY: ADDRESS: NAME: CA W ! Be Momentum & Gaining Support Professional Development Women’s Health&Safety Too isHerstory History TOPICS Wo men’ H conference I aminterested involunteering forthe need arrangements I have food allergies /conditions that S at [email protected] . Piper All questionsshouldbesentto Martyn PHONE: PROVINCE: s Conference M eard! L XL 7/8/11 8:33:25 AM Company PROFILE

CRANE POWER: EllisDon is managing construction of the $1-billion South Health Campus in Calgary, with Phase 1 expected to be completed in March 2012. The tower cranes in operation are the largest ones in North America.

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HH_Summer11_p12-14.indd 12 7/8/11 8:57:00 AM Creative CONSTRUCTION Innovative approaches, good people and strong relationships define EllisDon’s approach

By TRICIA RADISON

f there is one word that defines EllisDon, an international contractor headquartered in Toronto but with deep roots in Alberta, it’s innovation. The company has made a name for itself in a highly competitive industry, securing major projects across the province, and Iparticularly in Calgary, by being willing to look for and develop new and more effective ways of getting the job done. Take Eighth Avenue Place, a 49-storey office tower EllisDon recently completed in downtown Calgary. To build it on schedule, EllisDon placed the cranes outside the footprint of the building instead of inside, as is more common. “If you’ve got the mast of the crane sticking down 20 floors, you can’t finish those 20 floors until you pull the thing out,” explains Vince Davoli, senior vice-president, Western Canada, from his office in Calgary. So EllisDon brought in three luffer cranes from Italy, giants that were freestanding from the ground up. The company’s engineers then designed the biggest steel ties ever used in North America, about one metre in diam- eter, to tie the cranes to the building at every 10th floor. With no interfer- ence from the cranes, the project was successfully completed on schedule. “We look at how to build something right the first time,” says Davoli. “We’re very innovative, creative, we’re very flexible in our approaches and we will look at anything. We’ll tear things apart to make it work. Whatever the owner wants, we’ll try to make it work.” Doing things differently has been key to the company’s success since brothers Don and Ellis Smith founded EllisDon in 1951. Born in Provost, Alberta, the brothers grew up in Edmonton but moved to Ontario where they started the contracting business. In 1956, they made the decision to become the first Canadian company to own and operate tower cranes in order to better serve customers. Don Smith purchased the company from his brother and first entered the Alberta market in the 1960s. The work wasn’t flowing so EllisDon left, re- entering the province in the ’70s. This time, the company was here to stay. Many of its earliest projects were notable. The original Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton, built for the 1978 Commonwealth Games, the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Edmonton, and the Standard Life tower in Calgary are a few examples. EllisDon also constructed a number of buildings at the University of Calgary in those early years, as well as undertaking infra-

HARDHAT SUMMER 2011 13

HH_Summer11_p12-14.indd 13 7/8/11 8:34:22 AM Company PROFILE

structure projects like sewage and water plants in Edmonton. Growth followed. “When I came here full time in 1983, we had in Calgary maybe 35 salaried staff,” remembers Davoli. “At our peak two years ago, we had 190. Today we’re at 170.” Annual build volumes grew from an estimated $20 million in 1983 to a record high approaching $900 million in 2009. Although EllisDon takes pride in doing what Davoli calls “a little bit of everything,” it has made its mark in the institutional and commercial sectors. The company is a specialist in hospital construction and has completed several, including the Richmond Road Diagnostic Treatment Centre, the McCaig Tower at the Foothills Medical Centre, and the Alberta Children’s Hospital, all of which are in Calgary. Today it is working on Calgary’s South Health Campus, a $1-billion project. At the University of Calgary, EllisDon constructed the Calgary Centre of Innovative Technology and the Information and Communication Technologies building. It is currently the contractor for the $140-million Energy Environment Experiential Learning building, the $150-million expansion of the Schulich School of Engineering building and the $100- million Science A Building expansion. Commercial projects in the city centre include Livingston Place, Jamieson Place, Bankers Court and the Calgary Board of Education tower. Asked what differentiates EllisDon, Davoli pinpoints a thirst for excel- lence, good people, and strong relationships with subtrades. The relationship EllisDon has with the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers (ARCCAW) is important. “We look to them to provide us with experienced and efficient people who are up to date with current practices and safety-minded,” says Davoli. “Especially in today’s environment, with how safety-conscious it is, you really need to make sure that you’ve got some safe workers.” Mike Cooper, ARCCAW business representative, knows how much EllisDon values trained workers and points out that the union’s three training facilities in the province are designed to make sure contractors get the skilled labour they require to perform quality work. The union even offers members training that mirrors the in-house training EllisDon offers its TOWERING ACHIEVEMENTS: Calgary’s Eighth Avenue own people. Place (top left), Jamieson Place and McCaig Tower “They’re extremely happy about that. They see where their dollars are going within the training fund,” says Cooper, adding that EllisDon is also solidly behind apprenticeship. know of issues early on so he can deal with them proactively. That commu- But a lack of trained labour is a challenge Davoli says the entire industry nication is important to the company; Davoli says EllisDon cherishes its is going to face again, probably sooner rather than later. He sees major com- relationship with the union and believes that by communicating and work- panies snapping up engineers, a sure sign that things are starting to pick ing together, both will be successful. up. With the boomers retiring and some specialized labour lost during the recent slowdown, he’s concerned about the future labour situation but says that EllisDon still plans to enter new markets, such as civil construction, ELLISDON FACTS and expand its presence in heavy industrial construction. • EllisDon was the first Canadian construction company to establish In the meantime, EllisDon has begun work on the $1.3-billion interna- its own engineering, research and development and quality tional terminal at the Calgary airport. It’s an exciting project that comes assurance department with unique challenges. • Named one of Canada’s Top 100 Employers in 2010 and 2011 and “When you’re at an airport, you don’t have one or two or three clients one of the Best Employers in Canada for 10 years running to worry about; you’ve got several thousand,” says Davoli. Passengers, the • Employee-owned public, the airlines, and everyone else involved have to be kept in mind and • Approximately 1,000 employees worldwide kept up to date on what’s happening. “It’s a huge co-ordination effort,” • Has offices in North America, the West Indies and the United Arab Davoli explains. Emirates A number of institutional and commercial projects are also in the pipe- • Completes more than $2 billion in new construction annually line. The strong relationship EllisDon has with the union will contribute to • Named one of Canada’s greenest companies in 2011 for the second the contractor’s ability to effectively manage the coming workload. straight year thanks to a corporate culture that embraces Cooper says there is strong communication between the union and environmental sustainability EllisDon. He stays in contact with supervisors, asking them to let him

14 HARDHAT SUMMER 2011

HH_Summer11_p12-14.indd 14 7/8/11 8:34:35 AM Carpenters Local 1325 Bursary Trust Fund Application Year 2011

Edmonton Office Fort McMurray Office #133, 15210-123 Avenue Bay 6, 266 MacKay Cres. Edmonton, AB T5V 0A3 Fort McMurray, AB T9H 5C6 Ph: (780) 733-2160 Fax: (780) 477-7143 Ph: (780) 743-1442

HISTORY

Have you received a Bursary Award from Local 1325 Bursary Trust Fund previously? ______If yes, please state date: ______

DEPENDENT INFORMATION *Include copy of Birth Certificate

Name: ______SIN #______Address: ______City: ______Province: ______Postal Code: ______Ph: ______Applicant’s relationship to member: ______Date of Birth ______Month Day Year HIGH SCHOOL INFORMATION

School of Graduation: ______Address: ______City: ______Postal Code:______Graduation Date: ______Grade 12 Diploma YES/NO: ______*Please include transcript

POST-SECONDARY INSTITUTION INFORMATION

Institution Name: ______Address: ______City: ______Province: ______Postal Code: ______Institution/Registrar Phone: ______Course of Study applied for: ______Commencement date: ______Date of acceptance: ______Length of Course of Study: ______Post-secondary: Years completed to date: ______

MEMBER’S INFORMATION

Name: ______Address: ______City: ______Province: ______Postal Code: ______Phone: ______Member UBC#______

* Additional information may be attached * Terms contained in application are defined in Schedule A * Inquiries to: Diana Stubbard at (780) 733-2160

HARDHAT SUMMER 2011 15

HH_Summer11_p15-18.indd 15 7/11/11 2:35:10 PM Carpenters Local 1325 Bursary Trust Fund Waiver Authorization Year 2011

Edmonton Office Fort McMurray Office #133, 15210-123 Avenue Bay 6, 266 MacKay Crescent Edmonton, AB T5V 0A3 Fort McMurray, AB T9H 5C6 Ph: (780) 733-2160 Ph: (780) 743-1442 Fax: (780) 477-7143

APPLICANT WAIVER AUTHORIZATION

Applicant hereby authorizes LU 1325 Bursary Trust Fund Administration to:

• Release social insurance number to Canada Customs and Revenue Agency • Obtain dependent information from ACAW Health & Welfare Plan • Obtain enrollment and/or attendance information from: Educational Institution: ______Address______Phone: ______Applicant Name (print clearly): ______Applicant Signature: ______Date: ______Witness Signature: ______Date: ______

Information obtained through this waiver shall be used expressly and solely for the purpose of administration of this Bursary application.

Inquiries can be made by contacting Diana Stubbard at (780) 733-2160.

16 HARDHAT SUMMER 2011

HH_Summer11_p15-18.indd 16 7/8/11 8:35:00 AM Carpenters Local 1325 Bursary Trust Fund Year 2011

APPLICATION RULES AND REQUIREMENTS:

• Application shall be received at the office of Local 1325 no later than August 31st and must include:

1. current name, address and phone number of applicant and member 2. copy of birth certificate of applicant 3. copy of high school transcript 4. name, address and phone number of post-secondary institution and/or registrar 5. verification of the registration acceptance 6. applicant waiver application (must be signed in all cases)

• If supporting documents are not available at the time of application, please call Diana Stubbard at (780) 733-2160 for time extension.

• Timely receipt of application and supporting documents at the offices of Local 1325 is solely the responsibility of the applicant. 75% of “Bursary Fund” income • The formula for award shall be: (current fiscal year, ending June 30th) number of applicants • Maximum award $1,000.00

• Maximum of two (2) awards

• Applications for bursary award must be for a post-secondary program commencing within a twelve (12) month period following August 31st of application year.

• Each bursary payment requires a separate application (birth certificate & high school transcript are not required on 2nd application).

• Bursary awards (dollar amount) shall be declared by Carpenters Local 1325 Treasurer at the September General Meeting.

• Bursary award payment shall be made November 1st in the year of the application or at verification of commencement of course, whichever is later.

• Please refer to Schedule “A”, page 4.

Inquiries can be made by contacting Diana Stubbard at (780) 733-2160.

HARDHAT SUMMER 2011 17

HH_Summer11_p15-18.indd 17 7/8/11 8:35:10 AM Carpenters Local 1325 Bursary Trust Fund Year 2011

SCHEDULE “A”

DEFINITIONS:

APPLICANT:

(a) a dependent child, of a member of UBC Local 1325.

(b) a person who has not reached their 25th birthday as of August 31 of the year of application.

3 Dependency status is determined by the Bursary Fund Trustees (verification using Alberta Carpenters and Allied Workers Health & Welfare Trust Fund records).

MEMBER shall mean:

• A person in good standing of Local 1325 for two (2) consecutive years at August 31 of the application year.

3 Good Standing status shall be verified by UBC Local 1325 Ultra System.

• The mother/father/legal guardian of applicant.

POST-SECONDARY EDUCATION:

• A post-secondary program requiring a high school diploma at a Post-Secondary Educational Institution recognized by “Alberta Learning.”

• A post-secondary program must be a minimum of two (2) years in duration. (Exceptions may be considered for condensed post-secondary programs (requires a written appeal, by the applicant, to the Bursary Trust Fund Committee).

• Only post-secondary programs requiring full-time attendance will be considered.

• Trade school attendance shall not be considered for the purposes of a bursary award.

3 Additional information relevant to your application may be attached. 3 Inquiries to Diana Stubbard at (780) 733-2160.

Robert Provencher Bursary Chair

18 HARDHAT SUMMER 2011

HH_Summer11_p15-18.indd 18 7/8/11 8:35:53 AM Rapid Access RSAP offers workers immediate access to job sites, improved privacy and increased safety

By ANNALISE KLINGBEIL

he Rapid Site Access Program (RSAP) is a the job site so you’re able to assess if someone may be impaired for actual work voluntary program for Building Trades of Alberta construc- rather than a pre-access test that may have been 14 days before he even went to tion and maintenance workers. In exchange for their agree- orientation.” ment to be random-tested while at work, they can gain access Yvon Seveny, legal counsel for the Alberta Regional Council and all of its Tto participating industrial work sites without pre-access drug and locals in Alberta, says from a legal perspective it’s important to remember alcohol testing. The Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and that RSAP is voluntary. “One of the questions that people had of the union is Allied Workers recently signed on to the program, and on April 30 wheth er or not random drug and alcohol testing violates human rights laws a meeting was held for members who had questions or concerns and the first answer to that is, it’s voluntary.” about the RSAP, its viability and their rights and freedoms. Rendell explains that the new program also includes a third-party case man- Derrick Schulte, dispatcher for the Alberta Regional Council, ager, Organizational Health Incorporated (OHI), which interacts with unions says the voluntary program makes the drug and alcohol testing pro- and contractors on behalf of the program. That means if a member fails a drug cess more efficient. “The Rapid Site Access Program was developed and alcohol test, their case management is taken over by OHI. Thus, there is in conjunction with all the building trades unions to allow rapid more privacy between the member, the employer and the union. mobility for members between job sites when leaving the employ- In addition, the case is managed by experts, rather than employers as it was ment from one contractor to another, by not having members retest in the past. The previous process meant that an employee could violate the every time they are out of work.” With RSAP, workers simply take a drug and alcohol policy and then quit their job and go to a new employer, who single urinalysis test, paid for by the program when they sign up. would have no way of knowing that the employee had a violation. “Anyone If they have already taken a pre-access urine test, another one is that is working towards returning to work safely has the assistance of the not required. expertise at OHI, and in the meantime, unions that have signed up for RSAP Val Rendell, a labour relations representative with Construction have agreed not to dispatch that person to the next job until the third party Labour Relations who is also in charge of RSAP, says the program case manager says that they’re safe,” says Rendell. was developed to respond to the redundancies and frustrations that Another difference with the random testing through RSAP is the way in which exist around site access testing. “We developed a program whereby members are tested. “It’s a quicker test and it’s not as intrusive,” says Schulte. active status in our database would mean that the worker could get Instead of a urine-based test, RSAP utilizes a mobile lab in which a member’s cheek onto a participating site without a site access test, and in exchange and gums are swabbed. “RSAP exists to help the members get to the job sites in a for that, the worker would agree to be random-tested for drugs and reasonable time, to remove some of the indignity that was caused by the process alcohol while on that participating site,” she says. of pre-access testing and The previous process involved pre-access tests that often the invasion into life- FAQS ABOUT RSAP required members to wait upwards of a week to get tested and get styles, and the timeline How do I register? confirmation before starting at a job site. “Sometimes the guys it took guys to get to You can go to www.rsap.ca and click regis- waited nine, 10, 11 days or longer to get their test and the confirma- jobs,” explains Schulte. ter, or download a form from www.clra.org. tion to go because you had small communities like Grand Prairie, “The program elimi- When is the testing done? Peace River or Athabasca that may have only one lab looking after nates some of the wait- All testing is done at work, and on paid time. all the people,” says Schulte. With RSAP, members can start work ing times and it also What are the benefits of signing up? immediately, saving them both time and money. allows the contractors • quick access to participating sites The program was developed by union, contractor and owner and the owners to mobi- • random tests are done with oral swabs stakeholders as part of an overall approach to safety and loss man- lize the manpower they • increased privacy and confidentiality agement. Schulte says the program increases on-the-job safety need in a way more • improved job site safety because of its timeframe. “This [random testing] is actually done on efficient matter.”

HARDHAT SUMMER 2011 19

HH_Summer11_p19.indd 19 7/8/11 8:36:08 AM Good posture, regular exercise and proper lifting techniques are key to keeping your back at its best

By KIM TANNAS | Photography by BUFFY GOODMAN

t doesn’t matter whether your job involves lifting heavy objects on a regular To prevent back pain, it’s important to exer- basis or simply shuffling papers in an office chair, most people at some point in their cise regularly – that involves both a balanced lives will experience some type of back pain. “It’s estimated that 80 per cent of the gen- stretching and resistance training program – eral population is reported to have low back pain,” says Matt Smith, certified personal to keep your muscles and joints in harmony. Itrainer and corrective exercise specialist. It’s also important to take adequate breaks There are many reasons it’s so common, he says. “The big one is muscle imbalances due while doing repetitive lifting tasks. When your to poor posture/and or previous injury,” adding that lack of recovery time when lifting, body becomes fatigued and you know you’re carrying too much weight and awkward positioning, or twisting, while lifting are also pushing yourself too hard, that’s when injuries major contributors. are more likely to occur. Using a proper lifting technique and ensuring you’re not lifting more than you can handle are also key. Lifting while twisting is a frequent motion for scaffolders, but avoid it if you can, says Smith, as it’s one of the most common ways to injure your back. Back pain can be as individualized as the person experiencing it. “It can vary according to the trade you’re in and even be specific to the job you’re doing in that trade,” says Smith. We’ve provided some general guidelines along with some basic stretching techniques, but a personalized assessment can be extremely helpful, says Smith, who has certification in corrective exercise and can provide a personalized routine to target the specific problem that might be causing your back pain. Keep in mind it’s important to check with your doctor before starting any type of new exercise routine. Also, if you just recently injured yourself, seek help from a doctor or physiotherapist before attempting any of these exercises. For any questions or if you would like more information on getting a free movement and postural assessment, please contact Matt Smith by email at [email protected]. He is the manager of ARCCAW’s in-house health centre and is a Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology Certified Personal Trainer and National Academy of Sports Medicine Corrective Exercise Specialist.

Matt Smith, CSEP-CPT, NASM-CES

20 HARDHAT SUMMER 2011

HH_Summer11_p20-21.indd 20 7/8/11 8:36:40 AM Lower Back Rotation Begin in a seated position with your legs extended straight out in front of you. Bend your left leg and cross it across your right leg. Keeping your spine straight, place your right elbow on the outside of your left knee and place your left palm on the floor. Rotate gently around spine until you feel a light stretch in your lower back. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with the other side.

Bridge Lie on your back with your knees bent and hands at your sides. Supporting your body with your palms, press hips upward, squeezing your glutes until you’re in a bridge position. Try to keep your body in a straight line from knees to head. Hold for two seconds, then slowly lower back down. Repeat 10 times.

Abdominal Crunch Position an exercise ball under your lower back with knees bent at 90 degrees. Place hands by your ears or across your chest and squeeze your abs to lift your shoulder blades off the ball. Hold for two seconds and slowly lower back down. Repeat 10 times. This exercise can also be done without a ball. Follow the same instructions, squeezing the abs and lifting your shoulder blades off the floor. Note that you are just crunching the abs together and not trying to sit up off the floor. Hip Flexor Stretch Kneel down on your right knee with your left knee bent at a 90-degree angle. Place your right arm overhead with the palm facing inward. Then tighten the glutes to help push your hips forward until you feel a stretch in the front of the hip and leg. Reach with your right arm, bending slightly towards your right side. Hold for 30 seconds and repeat with opposite side.

Proper Lifting Technique Keep your feet about shoulder width apart and make sure you have a firm hold on the object. Bending your knees and keeping your back straight, tighten your abs and use the strength of your leg and hip muscles (not your back) to lift the object, essentially trying to push your hips forward while holding onto the object. This allows you to lift safely without your back taking all the force and becoming tired, strained or injured. Keep the item balanced and close to your body rather than at the end of your reach.

HARDHAT SUMMER 2011 21

HH_Summer11_p20-21.indd 21 7/11/11 2:36:07 PM PRiDE in Performance Imperial Oil and Steeplejack Services recognized for their remarkable safety achievement at the Strathcona refinery

By CAiT Wills

casual attitude towards safety standing performance in all other aspects of operations,” he says, explain- equals casualty.” ing that the total recordable incident rate, or TRIR, for 2009 (the most That’s an adage that rings espe- current public numbers to date) was 0.12, “our best ever performance, cially true at the Strathcona refin- and a level that is substantially better than industry benchmarks.” Aery in Strathcona County. “Imperial Oil’s health “Safety is our number one value,” says Boyd Barrilleaux, Strathcona and safety goal is zero injuries and illnesses. We refinery manager. “This award recognizes the shared commitment from strive for an incident-free workplace and a culture each of our employees and contractors to embrace that value in every- that complies with our clear and simple objective: thing that they do. At Strathcona, a job is well done only if it’s done safely.” Nobody gets hurt,” says Frank Engli, the refin- “The daily concern for managing all risks and preventing incidents ery’s turnaround manager. has resulted in a deeply ingrained culture of safety and prevention at Thanks to that attitude, Imperial Oil’s refinery Imperial Oil,” says Engli. “It’s a culture where employees and contrac- has received an inaugural award from the Alberta tors constantly look out for themselves as well as their fellow workers. It Petro-Chemical Safety Council for their low on- has created an environment that regularly encourages safety awareness site injury rates. The award officially recognizes through safety meetings, the use of safety tools, employees mentoring them as the Best Performer in 2010 among APCSC co-workers and contractors, and site-wide safety stand-downs where members in Class 4, which represents two to five workers take time to reflect on the importance of safety.” million person-hours by all workers who access “The safety tools and programs that we use have been chosen as a the site. The award is based on the lowest “all result of our experiences in the field,” says Engli. “We plan to continue injury” frequency rate for workers on a site, region to expand the development of behaviour-based safety tools and pro- or project. All injury includes medical aid, restrict- cesses, and promote a ‘culture of coaching,’ ” he says, explaining that ed work and lost-time injuries. refinery workers are trained in loss prevention. All safety incidents and As part of the team that contributed to this suc- near misses are reported and carefully reviewed. As part of the followup cess, Imperial Oil awarded Steeplejack Services investigations, the company and employees look not only at the actual (Contracting) Ltd. with a 2010 Safety Award in safety events, but also at significant near misses and the potential conse- recognition of outstanding safety results, and quences of what might have happened. “What we learn is incorporated for leadership and commitment to the “Nobody into training, facility designs and procedures for continuous improve- Gets Hurt” philosophy. Steeplejack has gone more ment,” he says. “We believe the company’s commitment and perfor- than 13 months injury-free on the Imperial Oil mance in the areas of safety, health and the environment are closely tied Strathcona refinery site. to outstanding performance in all other aspects of operations.” “Our total recordable and lost-time incident Steeplejack is a member of the Brock Group and provides specialty con- rates continue to be among the best in our indus- tracting services to a diversified client base within Western Canada. Their try,” says Engli. “We believe the company’s com- 48-year history in the scaffolding business means that, with more than mitment and performance in the areas of safety, 1,000 employees, safety isn’t a trend; it’s an imperative. “Thirteen months health and environment are closely tied to out- without a single injury is remarkable,” says Mark Lindblad, branch man-

22 HARDHAT SUMMER 2011

HH_Summer11_p22-23.indd 22 7/8/11 8:37:19 AM PRIDE in Performance

ager at Steeplejack who, until four months ago, was on site at the refinery. journeyman is responsible to his team,” although Lindblad is adamant “For Steeplejack Services to receive this award shows the team was given that “tools for success need to come from the top down… If you don’t an opportunity to focus on safety, which can’t be compromised.” support people for success, how can you expect success?” Steeplejack’s safety program follows a model of policy and leader- “Safety is never compromised. If work can’t be done safely, CPPI ship, planning, implementation, monitoring and measurement, check- member companies just won’t do it. They take safety seriously and have ing and correcting and management review, which Lindblad says is part an outstanding track record to prove it. The goal is to have no one hurt of the larger scheme of on or off the job,” says safety at Steeplejack. Peter Boag, president of Some of the tangible “Safety is our number one value. This award the Canadian Petroleum measures Steeplejack recognizes the shared commitment from each of Products Institute. “The has implemented at safety record for our the Strathcona refin- our employees and contractors to embrace that 17 Canadian operating ery include a best prac- value in everything that they do. At Strathcona, refineries is among the tices overview, which is highest for all manufac- completed not only at a job is well done only if it’s done safely.” turers,” he says, adding the beginning of a con- – Boyd Barrilleaux, Strathcona refinery manager that CPPI refiners place a tractor’s employment, high priori ty on protect- but also biannually; an ing the health and safety of incentive program, whereby an employee loss prevention submission is employees, contractors and neighbours. Refiner members, says Boag, included in a monthly gas card draw; a daily “re-focus meeting,” where have invested significantly in process safety management for safer each morning’s safety issues – if applicable – are reviewed and corrected; communities and operations based on integrity, confidence and trust. guest speakers at the safety site meetings, and weekly client reporting in The institute reports that, in 2009, total recordable injuries were a “safe acts index,” which is compiled into a database, addressed and sub- down 68 per cent since 2005, while lost-time incidents dropped by 77 mitted back to the client on a monthly basis. per cent. The safety record at refineries keeps improving while the These measures are some of the ways Steeplejack continues to drive demand for petroleum products continues to rise, says Boag. Safe safety as a number one priority. But it is the contractors – from the jour- operations are achieved through the constant attention and vigilance neyman down to the greenest apprentice – who live Steeplejack’s philoso- by all employees. There is no substitute for well-trained, experienced phy of “pride in performance,” which Lindblad says is key to success, and professional and technical workers. is based fundamentally on workplace safety. “I congratulate the Steeplejack Strathcona employees for achieving “From the first-year apprentice to the seasoned journeyman, we want a year of record safety performance,” says Boag. “This excellent safety mentorship. At the end of the day, we want to make sure that the contrac- record is the result of tightly managing all facilities, systems and tor goes home with all their digits, and having learned something, so the processes to prevent accidents.”

HARDHAT SUMMER 2011 23

HH_Summer11_p22-23.indd 23 7/8/11 9:12:12 AM Total Alignment

Millwrights Local 1460 provides training course speciﬁ cally designed for TAMSIL/FT Services employees

uring the first week of June, five TAMSIL Regardless of their background and experience, all participants millwrights attended a three-day training felt that the course provided value and provided positive feedback D course in Machinery Alignment, presented regarding the course content and delivery by the union hall trainers, by the Millwrights Union Local 1460 in Edmonton. Jim Archer, Dave Knight and Hans Kruger. This was a first in a number of respects. It was the first As the accompanying chart illustrates, the overall satisfaction rating union-presented course specifically for TAMSIL; it was amongst the trainees was very high. the first training course resulting from the Critical Skills Further constructive feedback received from the trainers and trainees Development Project led by the Learning Organization on the length of the course was also enlightening – it was too short! & Development (LOD) team of TAMSIL’s parent At FT Services’ request, the Millwrights Union compressed the company, FT Services; it was the first course where course duration to three 10-hour days; a deviation from the normal five union members currently working for TAMSIL attended eight-hour days required. on company time; and it was the first non-safety training, “The [Millwrights] Local 1460 could not have been more accommodating craft-specific course organized by FT Services. in meeting our request,” says Ruth Sutcliffe, LOD specialist with FT Services, TAMSIL’s five millwrights, four from the Suncor main tasked with the Critical Skills Development Project. “In the training and site and one from the Nexen Long Lake site, ranged in development of our craft and its members, we share the same goals and experience level from fourth-year apprentice to 30+ objectives. It has been a pleasure working with the Millwrights Local 1460 year journeymen supervisor. training team, which bodes well for a long and fruitful association.” “This group of members was enthusiastic and The course, which included both classroom and hands-on training, knowledgeable,” says Bob Hugh, Millwrights Union covered subjects such as pre-alignment checks (including checking director of training. “They participated freely, and correcting “soft foot”), the different types of misalignment (and making it a highly interactive course.” why we need to correct them); the effects of pipe strain and allowing for thermal growth, and how to properly align machines using both dial and laser alignment equipment. “Site surveys conducted in numerous process plants across North America have concluded that 70 per cent of all pump failures are attributed to some form of misalignment,” says Chris Yexley, general manager, maintenance and reliability, for FT Services. “Ensuring that our craft are properly trained in certain critical skills partially fulfills our obligations under the Process Safety Management regulations. A competent From L to R: Dave Knight (trainer), Logan Mosiondz, Trenton Hill, James Lucas, Dave craftsperson, together with detailed maintenance instructions, where Gladden, Jim Archer (trainer) and Steve Jordan appropriate, gives us a high degree of confidence that work will be executed in a skilled and safe manner. This is the end objective.” Only time will truly tell how effective this training has been. However, the measurement of success will also be dependent on how OVERALL SATISFACTION RATING much opportunity the participants are given to apply these skills at site. FT Services’ Critical Skills Development Process requires that followup 100% field assessments be carried out. The results from these, together with 80% the feedback from both the trainers and trainees, will be used to assess the overall effectiveness of the course delivery and to determine if 60% modifications to either the content or duration need to be made. 40% A dedicated FT Services team, comprised of LOD, reliability, and operations representatives, has visited a number of individual 20% union training centres and been impressed with what they have seen 0% and heard. This was the first of what is hoped to be many successful ventures in the development of training courses offered to TAMSIL’s LOW AVERAGE HIGH VERY HIGH various union personnel; the next being “Hoisting & Rigging.”

24 HARDHAT SUMMER 2011

HH_Summer11_p24-25.indd 24 7/8/11 8:37:51 AM Local 1460 Millwrights REPORT Expansion Plans

he Alberta Regional Council is adding an annex building to the current location in T Edmonton. Included in the new building will be another millwright shop, complete with another overhead crane. The new crane will have a seven metric tonne capacity. The size and layout of the new shop will be very similar to our existing facility. We will have a mezzanine floor that can accommodate classroom space plus union record storage. This will ensure we have sufficient capacity to offer several courses simultaneously without having to prearrange classroom availability. On June 8, Trade Winds to Success students visited our shop and were informed about the eight-week millwright pre-apprenticeship program we have developed. The 22 students will make a decision about participating in the pre-apprenticeship program Bob Hugh, Senior Business offered by the plumbers, pipefitters, electricians, Representative - Millwrights boilermakers, ironworkers, carpenters and millwrights. We need to attract at least six students to our program to make it a viable opportunity. Approximately one-half of the Trade Winds to Success students that graduated from our previous eight-week millwright pre- apprenticeship program are now productive members of our local. On May 11 and 12, 2011, Millwrights Local 1460 participated as an exhibitor in the 2011 Provincial Skills Canada Competition held at the Edmonton Expo Centre. This event is Alberta’s Largest Trade and Technology Career Fair. We invited Stan Buller with KBIM to demonstrate laser levelling and flange facing while Dave Knight and Hans Kruger demonstrated laser alignment and wire line alignment procedures. The alignment and wire line props that Dave and Hans fabricated received very favourable feedback from a variety of community colleges that were attending the trade fair. Lisa Wilson was very busy giving out information about our local to the over 5,000 people from across Alberta who were there to explore a trade career option. One of our members, Gerald Gayton, placed third in the 2011 Provincial Skills Canada Competition for the millwright trade. Gerald has been invited to participate in the 2011 Canadian National Carpentry, Drywall & Millwright Apprenticeship Contest that is held August 26 and 27, 2011 in Quebec City, Quebec.

HARDHAT SUMMER 2011 25

HH_Summer11_p24-25.indd 25 7/8/11 8:38:03 AM REPORT Training and Apprenticeship Membership Has Its Privileges s we move into the middle of summer 2011, we are seeing a definite surge in both numbers of members requesting A training and available jobs out there. What we still see happening is members will register for training, either while working or in between jobs, and then when it is time to attend the scheduled training they cancel at the last minute, or worse yet, don’t show up. Quite often the reason is because of a job, or not being able to leave a Len Bryden, project, and in most cases that can be understood. Letting us know as Director of Training and Apprenticeship soon as possible of a cancellation is greatly appreciated to help us plan our Alberta Carpenters Training Centre classes. (You don’t want to be stuck with a no-show fee, so cancel early!) The other reality though, is the longer that apprenticeship or other Did you know the Alberta Carpenters Training Fund will reimburse required safety training is put off, the harder it can be to get back on all tuition costs for the available NAIT/SAIT – ISM/Lather three-year track, and to see what should be regular raises in the pay scale not (eight weeks/year) apprenticeship program? With the market desperately happening can be frustrating. needing trained ISM/Lathers (Interior System Mechanics/Drywallers, Everyone must also understand that with increased demand for etc.), there is an opportunity to get into another exciting and rewarding services comes a need to expand and adapt, which also takes time to trade through your membership. Please contact me right away so I can implement. This is a real balancing act as we at the ACTC attempt start you down the right path to get going in this apprenticeship program. to gauge demand month by month and match that with availability I will be making more announcements regarding this through our of different types of training. Please be sure to commit to the dates collective websites and via membership e-mails, so please take a look when scheduled for you, and encourage others to the same! you can. I will also be asking for volunteers to come forward for a number We have brought on two new full-time instructors in our Edmonton of upcoming events this year and next, such as a Habitat for Humanity location and one contract-turned-full-time instructor to work with 100 per cent union-built home happening this year in Edmonton. Let’s our lead instructor Hughie Bruce in Calgary. We are looking at show our friends from Habitat that we are serious about helping our offering a more varied course schedule in our Calgary centre to meet communities and showcasing our skills. Contact volunteer co-ordinator the needs of our area contractors. We are pushing as many scaffold Angela Robichaud from Habitat for Humanity at 780-451-3416 ext. 223 for courses in the province as we can, and are ramping up to provide more information or to sign on as a carpenter union volunteer. more with our new instructors. It takes time and training to be a Some interesting facts: The Training Fund paid out just over great instructor, and we are currently training what we feel will be $265,000 in Student LOA Benefits for our scaffold programs for great additions to our team. (Many thanks to all the highly qualified people who qualified, as well as $29,000 in Student Travel benefits applicants for the positions; we are keeping resumés on file for future.) (total of $294,524) in 2010 alone. In 2010, the Alberta Carpenters Our training centre in Fort McMurray with Stan Cisna continues Training Fund spent over $1.1 million in training courses, materials and to fill up on a regular basis for scaffold classes. Not to mention all reimbursements. This does not include any operating costs, other costs, the other great work that is being done by our other instructors in or wages and benefits for staff. Edmonton with our scaffold, carpentry and safety training, and the We are constantly looking at new and innovative ways to use the hard work that all of our administration staff does on a daily basis – it training fund wisely, to properly educate as many as possible and enhance does not go overlooked. our members’ skills and safety, and to let contractors know they are As of this fall, all Level 3 Scaffold and JM Upgrade Classes are getting some guarantee of success, pride and professionalism when being increased by one week in duration. This will incorporate a they hire our members exclusively. This is what we are about. As the UBC International Certified Rigging program, and a one-day UBC saying goes, “Membership has its privileges!” Just ask one of our many Foreman leadership class. This is what contractors and members have thousands of qualified, certified, ticketed and trained members what been asking for and now it is here. they think now that they are at the JM level, or even an apprentice going AWP – Scissor lift and Powered Manlift (JLG, etc.) is a two-day through an apprenticeship program. They will all say, “It’s worth it!” course that will be available in Edmonton, as well as Forklift and Contact us or link to our ACTC website from www.albertacarpenters. Telescoping Forklift (Zoom-Boom, etc), with its first offerings on our com for more information on our schedules or our training centre posted 2011-2012 schedule. policies, and keep up the good work!

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HH_Summer11_p26-27.indd 26 7/8/11 8:38:21 AM KidZone By ROBIN SCHROFFEL Team Building

How many people does it Q: take to build a house? A: 160.

No, this isn’t one of those light bulb jokes. An American writer Engineer: Checks that the house will meet building and fire named Russ Lay actually counted the number of people that codes. help to build a house. Many of you know that carpenters are Excavator: Digs the hole where the foundation will be workers who help build the houses we live in, but they couldn’t poured. do it all by themselves. Porta-potty company: Brings portable toilets for the workers In fact, building a house from start to ﬁ nish takes a whole to use. network of people, each with a special job to do. Some of them Crane operator: Lifts wood and other heavy parts onto the build, some of them decorate, and some of them work at the upper floors with a crane. stores where the contractor buys the supplies. It’s because of Drywall company: Installs the inside walls. everyone’s hard work and co-operation that when families Painter: Paints both the inside and the outside of the house. move into a new house, they have everything they need. Carpet layer: Lays down the carpet and other flooring. To build a house, you need a lot of people and companies Electrician: Connects the house to electrical power. doing many diﬀ erent jobs. Meet a few of them: Plumber: Makes sure the bathrooms and kitchens have clean hot and cold water. Contractor: Oversees everything and makes sure the Trash bin company: Delivers a big bin to collect all the house is built well. garbage, and takes it away to the dump. Get Out of the House start

See if you can ﬁ nd your way through the maze and out of the house

finish

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HH_Summer11_p26-27.indd 27 7/8/11 8:38:42 AM Downstream Parting Shot Development

Built in 1954, the Bearspaw plant was primarily constructed to reduce the chances of ice packing and winter flooding on the Bow River through the City of Calgary. It was built by what was then named the Calgary Power Co. Ltd. (the company’s name was changed to TransAlta Utilities Corporation in 1981) and was the first of three major hydroelectric plants projects undertaken by the company in the mid-1950s. Today, the Bearspaw plant generates enough electricity to supply the equivalent of 10,700 Alberta households.

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HH_Summer11_p28-32.indd 28 7/8/11 8:49:31 AM UPCOMING Downstream Development In Memoriam Training + Events ARCCAW notes with sorrow the GENERAL EVENTS passing of the following members. Local 1325 Picnic October 4, 2011, 7:30 p.m. LOCAL 1325 August 14, 2011, 11:30 a.m. Carpenters Union Hall 15210 123 Avenue, Edmonton 301 10 Street NW, Calgary George Quinn February 2011, Age 63 2011 Canadian National Carpentry, Drywall & First Wednesday of each month: Millwright Apprenticeship Contest Local 1325 meeting Raymond Dionne August 26-27, 2011 Third Thursday of each month: April 2011, Age 85 Quebec City, Quebec Local 2103 meeting Fourth Tuesday of each month: Scott Spellman Local 1460 meeting May 2011, Age 34

Peter Doering TRAINING February 2011, Age 83 Alberta Carpenters Training Centre Kenneth Samson February 2011, Age 72 The following is a sampling of training courses that are open for registration at the time of Thomas Zgierski publication of this edition of Hard Hat. For full May 2011, Age 38 listings or more information on training courses, visit www.abcarptc.ab.ca or phone the Edmonton LOCAL 2103 oﬃ ce: 780-455-6532 or toll-free 1-877-455-6532.

Samuel Burak Edmonton May 2011, Age 90 OSSA Fall Protection: August 2, 12, 16, 26 OSSA Confi ned Space: August 6, 20, September 3 H2S Alive (Enform Certifi ed): August 7, 21, September 4 Industrial Technical Training: September 19 to October 2 MEETINGS Period 1 Carpentry: October 31 to December 23 Active Members of Locals 1325 and 2103 are invited to attend ACAW Trust Funds Information Calgary Meetings. For more information call 780-477-9131, Industrial Technical Training: September 6 to 18 Option 2 or toll-free at 1-800-588-1037, Option 2. OSSA Confi ned Space: September 10 H2S Alive (Enform Certifi ed): September 11 October 1, 2011, 9:30 a.m. Pre-Employment Carpentry Program: Carpenters Union Hall December 5 to February 3 15210 123 Avenue, Edmonton Fort McMurray October 3, 2011, 8:00 p.m. To register for classes, you must be a Fort Radisson Hotel McMurray resident. 435 Gregoire Drive, Fort McMurray Scaff olding Level 3: November 28 to December 23, 2011; March 26 to April 20, 2012 Scaff olding Level 2: April 23 to May 11, 2012

Millwrights Training Centre Get ahead financially. Visit www.albertamillwrights.com for a current listing of training courses available.

Speak to us today for: • Investment planning and advice • RSP, RRIF, TFSA and RESP guidance • Mutual Funds, GICs and other investment solutions • Mortgage and Borrowing services

Proud to support the Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters & Allied Workers.

Camille Coderre Account Manager, Small Business 780-448-7763 [email protected] ® Registered trademarks of The Bank of Nova Scotia.

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000HH.Stanley_DPS.indd 1 1/13/11 4:01:25 PM HH_Summer11_p28-32.indd 31 7/8/11 8:50:07 AM Alberta Carpenters Training Centre

We’ve trained North America’s best scaffolders for 15 years. The Alberta Carpenters Training Centre has delivered its 3-year Scaffolder Apprenticeship and Carpenter JM Upgrade Scaffold Programs, as well as dozens of other safety and skill training programs, to thousands of students in three training centres – Edmonton, Ft. McMurray & Calgary – since 1994. Our new $23 million centre includes two state-of- the-art scaffold shops, including one purpose-built to accommodate suspended scaffolding. ACTC-trained scaffolders work on some of the world’s largest mega-projects. Many of the scaffolds they design and build are unique, highly-complicated, and critical to both human safety and worker productivity.

www.abcarptc.ab.ca

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If you have products or services that demand the attention of the construction industry and want to reach this key target audience, Hard Hat provides a unique forum to access more than 11,000 of the sector’s key decision makers.

The Alberta Regional Council of Carpenters and Allied Workers (ARCCAW) represents more than 11,000 members working across several construction industries, including carpenters, millwrights, scaffolders, interior system mechanics, roofers and floor layers.

For further details or to discuss your advertising needs, contact: Leah Mawer, Account Executive 10259-105 Street, Edmonton, AB T5J 1E3 Tel: (780) 990-0819 ext. 246 • Toll-free: 1-866-227-4276 ext. 246 Email: [email protected]

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