Construction Safety Nova Scotia
35 MacDonald Avenue B3B 1C6 Dartmouth, NS, Canada

We want to hear from you! We are conducting a survey to get feedback from members and stakeholders in the construction industry to help inform the development of our next strategic plan. The survey will take approximately 10 minutes to complete. All responses will be kept confidential.... Are you a member? Most construction firms in Nova Scotia are automatically members with Construction Safety Nova Scotia. A Member is any company whose SIC codes are 4011- 4499 and 3551 and has a current account with the WCB. Fill out this survey to be entered to win a swag package with CSNS gear and $200 worth of visa gift cards. Follow the link to start! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/CSNSEngagementSurvey

So you’ve been told to self-isolate but what exactly does that mean? Did you know that it is illegal if you do not self-isolate under certain circumstances? We have broken down exactly what you need to know about self-isolation to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the following images! If you would like to learn more, please visit the Nova Scotia Government website for more information: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/symptoms-and-testing/

Today we honour the brave men and women who have fallen as well as those who continue to risk their lives so others may live in peace. Lest we never forget. Our office will be closed today and will re-open on Thursday, November 12 at 8am.

‘Tis the season for common colds, flus, and allergies but when you throw a global pandemic in the mix it can be very confusing to decipher what symptoms you should watch for. COVID-19 affects different people in different ways and most infected people will develop mild to moderate illness and recover without hospitalization. We have broken down the most common, less common and serious symptoms of COVID-19 for you in the (as found on the World Health Organization’s website). ...On average, it typically takes about 56 days from when someone is infected with the virus for symptoms to show, however it can still take up to 14 days from exposure. It’s very important that if you believe you have come into contact with COVID-19 that you self-isolate and confirm through a laboratory test. It’s important to know that the virus can be spread from someone who’s infected but not showing symptoms (asymptomatic) or those haven’t yet developed symptoms (pre-symptomatic). If you are unsure of your symptoms, you can use the COVID-19 Self-Assessment tool on the Government of Nova Scotia’s website to find out if you or a family member should be tested, to schedule a COVID-19 test or to request a call back from Nova Scotia Health https://covid-self-assessment.novascotia.ca/

How much do you know about the risk of spread through aerosols? What is the difference between aerosols and droplets? Aerosols are respiratory droplets that are less than 100 micrometers in diameter that can remain suspended in the air for hours. Droplets are particles that are larger than 300 micrometers and due to air currents, fall to the ground in seconds.... Approximately 1,200 aerosols are released for each droplet. This means that it is more important than ever to wear a mask to reduce the spread of aerosols and droplets in the air. Want to learn more? This interactive article demonstrates how the virus can spread through the air suing three different scenarios. Stay safe and ventilate! For more information please visit: https://english.elpais.com//a-room-a-bar-and-a-class-how-t

Self-Isolation requirements have changed! Yesterday, the province released new guidelines for self-isolating. The new change states that if one person is self-isolating in a home, the whole household must also self-isolate. For more information please follow the link: https://novascotia.ca/coronavir/restrictions-and-guidance/

Did you know that the Government of Nova Scotia has a COVID Alert app? It is a free exposure notification app that lets you know if you may have been exposed to COVID-19. You can also use the app to let others know if you test positive without sharing any personal information. The more people who use the app, the more effective it will be in helping to protect each other and our communities! For more information please visit: https://novascotia.ca/coronavirus/covid-alert-app/

Chief Public Health Officer Dr. Theresa Tam has recently made the recommendation that Canadians choose three-layer non-medical masks with a filter to prevent spread of COVID-19 as they prepare to spend more time indoors over the winter months. The three-layer non-medical masks have been recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) since June. The recommended three-layer non-medical mask can be homemade or purchased, and should: Be made of at least 3 layers:... - 2 layers should be tightly woven material fabric, such as cotton or linen - The third (middle) layer should be a filter-type fabric, such as non-woven polypropylene fabric, craft fabric, or the non-woven fabric that’s used to make some reusable shopping bags. Disposable filters are also recommended. Be large enough to completely and comfortably cover the nose, mouth and chin without gaping Allow for easy breathing Fit securely to the head with ties or ear loops Be comfortable and not require frequent adjustments Be changed as soon as possible if damp or dirty Maintain its shape after washing and drying The Public Health website now includes instructions for making three-layer masks that adhere to the recommended guidelines. Please click here to read more: https://www.canada.ca//sew-no-sew-instructions-non-medical Please remember that reusable masks and filters should be washed daily and disposable filters should also be changed daily!

We have a few course offerings in the New Glasgow area coming up; Fall Protection Basic (November 18) and Emergency First Aid (November 19) To register, please call (902)468-6696 or toll-free at 1-800-971-3888

We were happy to support one of our founding members, Construction Association of Nova Scotia, at their Halloween event on Saturday, October 31! Two of our staff members handed out treats to the kiddos in attendance and our talented balloon artist dazzled with some amazing balloon creations

Ladders need inspection before every single use. Consistent use of a ladder may impact its integrity, therefore, it’s important that you do a mandatory inspection before each use and not just annually. Here are some of the things you should look for when inspecting any ladder before use: - Missing or loose steps/rungs (if you can move them by hand they are loose)... - Cracked, split, worn or broken rails/braces/steps/rungs - Loose nails, screws, bolts or nuts - Damaged or worn non-slip feet - Sharp edges on rails or rungs - Rot, decay or warped rungs on wooden ladders - Corrosion, rust, oxidization and excessive wear (pay attention to the treads) - Missing identification labels - Look for wobble in the ladder For a more detail on how to properly inspect different types of ladders, helpful resources and the legislation surrounding them, please download our CSNS Guide to OHS Legislation (available for both Apple and Android). This app displays Legislation that is searchable, written in plain language and accessible on the go!

We only have a few spaces left in our Traffic Control Person course on October 14 Call (902)-468-6696 or Toll Free at 1-800-971-3888 to reserve your space today!

Have you downloaded our NEW Guide to OHS Legislation App yet? Find OHS Legislation in plain language easily and on the go! Download now on IOS and Android devices! Open app store Search: "CSNS Guide to OHS Legislation" Download app for our Guide to OHS Legislation that is searchable, written in plain language and accessible on the go!

We have a few course offerings in the Sydney area coming up; Traffic Control Person (October 14), Fall Protection (October 20) and Emergency First Aid (October 21) To register, please call (902)468-6696 or toll-free at 1-800-971-3888

It's official! We have decided to extend our summer hours to permanent hours! Our new hours of operation will be Monday to Friday from 8:00am - 4:30pm

Over past couple of months we have adhered to the provincial social distancing regulations, which has significantly decreased the number of vehicles on the road and has also slightly decreased our risk for accidents. However, as the province begins to re-open, an increase in road safety is essential as the number of vehicles on the road increases. Please remember to be aware, cautious and courteous as we all transition back to daily life. The following tips should be applied... when driving: 1. Avoid driving too close to the car in front of you 2. Allow adequate time to arrive at your destination. You never know what you will encounter on your drive. 3. Remember to check blind spots. 4. Remember to use turn signals. 5. Don't ignoring the rules of a four-way stop or roundabout. 6. Avoid making turns into the wrong lane. 7. Remain driving at the speed limit and avoid driving too slow or too fast. 8. Follow merging etiquette - be kind and let someone squeeze in as they’re entering the highway

ALL COURSES CANCELLED TODAY Just a friendly reminder that due to the impending weather conditions, we have decided to cancel all courses today (Wednesday, September 23). We will resume operation of courses once the storm subsides. Please contact our office if you have any questions or would like to inquire about other possible dates for training at (902) 468-6696.

ALL COURSES CANCELLED ON WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23 Due to the impending weather conditions, we have decided to cancel all courses on Wednesday, September 23. We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and will resume operation of courses once the storm subsides. Please contact our office if you have any questions or would like to inquire about other possible dates for training at (902) 468-6696.

Did you know that according to statistics in Canada’s labour force survey, people aged 24 and under comprised approximately 11% if the total construction industry? #constructionsafetyweek #SafeworktipsSeptember #worksafe

Each year approximately 800 youth under the age of 25 are injured and face lost time injuries in the workplace. Make sure you are prepared to enter the workplace with our CELT and WHMIS Training online: https://constructionsafetyns.ca/youth/celt/ #constructionsafetyweek #SafeworktipsSeptember #worksafe

Do you know your rights? In order to ensure you are protecting yourself, it's very important that you remember you have a right to: 1. Right to know 2. Right to refuse unsafe work 3. Right to participate ... #constructionsafetyweek #SafeworktipsSeptember #worksafe

We have two course offerings coming up with limited seats in New Minas; Fall Protection (September 22) and Excavation (September 23)! To secure your seat, please call (902)468-6696 or toll-free at 1-800-971-3888

Just a friendly reminder we are closed on Monday, September 7 to observe Labour Day and will re-open at 8:00 am on Tuesday, September 8. We hope that you had a great and safe last long weekend of the summer!

We have two course offerings in the Amherst area; Fall Protection (September 15) and Excavation (September 16)! To register, please call (902)468-6696 or toll-free at 1-800-971-3888

Did you know that most construction companies in Nova Scotia are automatically members of Construction Safety Nova Scotia? We have three different levels of membership to meet your needs: 1. Member A company whose SIC codes are 4011 4499 and 3551 and has a current account with WCB. If you are a construction company under any of the above SIC codes, this qualifies your company to receive automatic Member status with CSNS. 2. Associate Member Plus This membership pays an ...annual fee (based on company size please see application form) and are able to benefit from discounted training rates. If you are interested in applying for our Associate Membership Plus form please follow this link: https://constructionsafetyns.ca//DRAFT-FM-3.07B-Associate- 3. Associate Member - Any company whose WCB SIC code does not fall within 4011 4499 or 3551 as well as companies not currently receiving WCB coverage. This is because we provide services to a broad range of industries outside of construction including; manufacturing, cleaning, and janitorial services, forestry, farming and trucking/hauling. Being a member of Construction Safety Nova Scotia has some significant benefits! We offer our members the following: - Eligibility for WCB rebate - Discounted pricing on training courses - Access to safety resources and materials - Discounted pricing for the Certificate of Recognition (COR) program - Access to our CSNS Newsletter and invitation to exclusive CSNS events - FREE management training as well as support from highly skilled & trained advisors For more information or to upgrade your membership please contact us (902) 468-6696 or Toll Free (within Nova Scotia): 1-800-971-3888

If you are in the Port Hawkesbury area and looking for Fall Protection certification we have a course on September 9! For more information or to register please call (902) 468- 6696 or Toll Free (within Nova Scotia): 1-800-971-3888!

It's very important to have conversations with your staff about the proper ppe on job sites - especially when it comes to mask requirements! The CDC has recently released new guidance on respirators and masks. Respirators and masks that have a one-way exhalation valve are not effective in preventing particle generation at the source (the wearer). The valve allows particles to be exhaled and escape through the valve. Studies have also shown that neck gaiters are actually wors...e than wearing no mask at all! Please note that use of these masks are not acceptable on a COR Evaluation. For more information please visit these websites: https://www.cdc.gov//preven/cloth-face-cover-guidance.html https://www.infectioncontroltoday.com//neck-gaiters-for-co

SEATS AVAILABLE We still have seats available in our Rigging Awareness course on August 28! This course is designed to provide an overview for employees and supervisors who need base knowledge of rigging equipment, configurations, inspections and regulations. Participants will be instructed on different types of wires and ropes, types of rigging components, hoisting devices, and hand signals for safe rigging work. This course is for awareness only. Participants who comp...lete this course can work under the supervision of a competent and certified rigger. To register please contact our office at (902) 468-6696 or toll free at 1-800-971-3888

Need to re-certify your Emergency First Aid certificate? We have spaces available in our August 27 class! For more information please visit our website: https://constructionsafetyns.ca//clas/emergency-first-aid/

We still have seats available in our Accident Incident Investigation Course on August 26! This course is designed for individuals conducting accident and incident investigations in the workplace. Supervisors, managers, foremen, employees, Joint Occupational Health & Safety Committee members, safety representatives, and safety practitioners would benefit from this course. The course provides participants with the knowledge and skills to conduct a thorough investigation a...nd post investigation follow-up, including identification of root and underlying causes. Instruction also covers the development and implementation of corrective measures. Participants develop practical experience by reviewing and conducting accident investigations on case studies. For more information please visit our website: https://constructionsafetyns.ca//accident-incident-invest/

We have seats available in our Temporary Workplace Signer course on August 25 & 26! The course provides a detailed understanding of the principles and fundamentals of the Nova Scotia Temporary Workplace Traffic Control Manual. Participants will learn how to select appropriate set-ups and procedures for temporary workplaces on highways and streets. Participants of this course will have the knowledge and skill to ensure the safety of Temporary Workplace personnel.... Please note: Participants must be at least 16 years old at the time of registration and possess strong literacy skills and successfully completed the Traffic Control Person course within the last three years. To register please contact our office at (902) 468-6696 or toll free at 1-800-971-3888

Did you know we have a Practical Loss Control Leadership Home-Study Program? This course is Self-Directed and recommended for participants wishing to expand their safety knowledge and become certified through Det Norske Veritas’ Practical Loss Control Leadership. The Program consists of a Textbook and 20-chapter exercises. Participants progress through the Practical Loss Control Leadership course at their own pace. The course focuses on the prevention and control of occupatio...nal injury and illness, property damage, security breaches, pollution, and product liability, covering common aspects of a safety program. When completed, participants are required to submit their completed 20 exercises to CSNS for evaluation and certification. For more information please visit our website: https://constructionsafetyns.ca//practical-loss-control-l/

PLEASE NOTE LMS system will be undergoing an update on August 12, 2020. Users may experience minimal disruption between 2:30pm - 5:30pm. We apologize in advance for any inconvenience this may cause.