Respectful and Inclusive Worksites: Resources for General Contractors
The OGCA has been actively working to end racism in ICI construction and break down barriers facing underrepresented communities in the construction industry. Our goal as an industry association is to discuss issues facing the industry and work together to combat discrimination. Like all other aspects of health and safety, the OGCA aims to share best practices on the issue, focusing on initiatives and policy that works.
To better serve our members, the OGCA is happy to provide the following resources:
Webinars:
Addressing Racism in Construction: A Conversation with Ellisdon (December 9th, 2020)
Giovanni Cautillo, President of the OGCA, hosted a webinar about recent racist events and longstanding issues facing the construction sector with Geoff Smith, President and CEO of EllisDon; Jennifer Khan, Head of Inclusive Diversity at EllisDon, and Samuel Ajobo, Chair of Alliance for the Black Employee Experience and Leadership (ABEEL). Learn more about how Ellisdon has been addressing Racist Incidents and What We Are Doing About It.
Giovanni Cautillo, President of the OGCA, and Michael Sherrard, Samia Hussein and Patrick Ganley of Sherrard Kuzz LLP, discuss when an employer must conduct a harassment investigation, what is (and is not) harassment and practical tips to structure and conduct an investigation interview.
Workplace Harassment Resources (Sherrard-Kuzz LLP):
Conducting an appropriate harassment investigation is a critical component of maintaining a respectful and inclusive workplace. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, an employer is required by law to conduct an investigation in response to an allegation of workplace harassment. Association Partner Sherrard-Kuzz LLP has provided the following resources to help general contractors perform effective harassment investigations:
- Workplace Investigations – An Overview of the Process
- Harassment Investigation Checklist
- Template Harassment Investigation Report
- Essential Elements of a Workplace Violence and Harassment Policy
For specific questions regarding workplace harassment investigations and best practices, please contact the OGCA staff at erich@ogca.ca.
Workplace Diversity Policies (Buildforce Canada):
The Respectful and Inclusive Workplace Toolkit was developed by Buildforce Canada with input from the industry and offered the support needed to assist the construction and maintenance industry in creating a respectful and welcoming workplace for everyone. The Toolkit includes three tools:
- Respectful Workplace Online Self-Assessment Tool for management to evaluate existing corporate policies and procedures and highlight any gaps.
- Template Respectful Workplace Policy Framework
- Working in a Respectful and Inclusive Workplace designed for workers and supervisors.
Building Diversity Awards (Toronto Community Benefits Network):
The Building Diversity Awards will recognize contractors and unions associated with major infrastructure and urban development projects that are taking extraordinary steps to increase the participation of Black, Indigenous and racialized workers, including youth, women and newcomers within their organizations.
Apply now!