According to a June 9 news release, the government announced two new projects, one being the Empower Learning initiative — a project that “will provide accessible and cost-effective digital occupational health and safety training to small construction companies” working in the Atlantic province.
The training will help small construction businesses “improve safety compliance” and allow them to qualify for WorkplaceNL’s employer incentive program.
According to an information webpage, the WorkplaceNL incentive program — known as PRIME — gives employers breaks on “assessment” costs if they meet certain practice requirements, and to manage “claim costs” through “early and safe return-to-work programs.”
The digital project, the release states, will offer employers greater flexibility and accessibility in meeting health and safety standards.
“The Newfoundland and Labrador Construction Safety Association will manage the project with the goal of reducing costs and barriers to training for home builders, while enhancing safety practices across the industry,” states the release. “This self-paced and self-directed training will allow companies to offer safety training programs that are otherwise only offered in-person during standard work hours, resulting in cost savings from reduced travel and less downtime.”
The release notes this “would reduce barriers such as geographic location and potential productivity loss if employees are away from a project” and thus unable to complete in-person training.
The government is investing $101,867 in the project.
The government also announced the launch of a labour market strategy for residential builders.
“A labour market strategy will be developed to address human resource challenges in the Newfoundland and Labrador residential construction sector,” states the release. “The Canadian Home Builders Association of Newfoundland and Labrador will conduct research and engage with employers in the construction industry to create a strategy to address issues related to labour supply and demand, training, education, recruitment and retention.”
The strategy supports the government’s “commitment to improving access to safe and affordable housing and housing … by helping employers fill positions” in the name of completing future builds, states the release.
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