Canada’s residential construction industry is putting safety and health first

OTTAWA, March 26, 2020 – The health and safety of everyone who works in the residential construction industry, their families and loved ones, and the communities they build and renovate, is always a top priority of the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) and its 9,000 member companies across the country.

As Canada navigates the COVID-19 pandemic, CHBA and governments recognize the essential need for residential construction to continue to provide shelter for Canadians and ensure people have access to the professionals they need to keep their homes operating.

Increased health and safety measures, as well as adhering to social/physical distancing guidelines, are necessary for everyone at this time, including those working on residential construction sites. All three levels of CHBA – local, provincial, and national – have been communicating the importance of adhering to guidelines to members, and keeping them informed of recommendations and requirements from their applicable health authorities.

While the association is not a health authority or regulatory body, given the circumstances and with input from industry leaders across the country, CHBA has provided its members with Residential Construction Guidelines for Operating During COVID-19 based on recommendations from Canada’s health agencies. The document outlines how recommendations from health authorities should be put into action in the residential construction industry.

And, as is always the case, all Canadians have the right to refuse unsafe work.

The focus for all Canadians at this time should be staying healthy and safe. Using their best judgement and government directives affirming it is safe to do so, CHBA’s members will continue their important work in providing Canadians with shelter. The Association will continue to circulate the most current health and safety measures to members so that they are well informed on how keep employees, contractors and their customers safe.

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About the Canadian Home Builders’ Association
The Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) is the voice of the residential construction industry in Canada, representing some 9,000 member firms across the country. Our membership spans new home builders, renovators, developers, trade contractors, building material manufacturers and suppliers, lenders, and other professionals in the housing sector.