San Francisco International Airport (SFO) has launched a major project to modernize the western half of Terminal 3, marking a significant step in enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and services. The $2.6 billion Terminal 3 West Modernization project aims to renovate 650,000 square feet of space while adding 200,000 square feet of new facilities, including expanded security checkpoints, more retail and dining options, and improved passenger amenities.
Render of connector between Terminal 3 F Gates and International Terminal G Gates. Image provided by San Francisco International Airport.
The renovation includes a seismic retrofit to ensure safety during earthquakes and updates to accommodate future passenger growth. San Francisco Mayor London Breed emphasized that the upgrades reflect the city’s commitment to sustainability, innovation, and creating a welcoming experience for visitors and residents alike. The project is expected to bring 500-600 jobs during its peak, with a significant portion of contracts awarded to local businesses.
One of the standout features of this project is the commitment to eco-friendly construction. SFO is aiming for LEED Platinum certification, which means the design incorporates energy-efficient elements such as daylight harvesting, displacement ventilation, photovoltaic cells, and waste heat recovery. In addition, the materials used will be low-carbon, further demonstrating the airport’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.
Render of renovated Terminal 3, anteroom and SFO Museum Gallery. Image provided by San Francisco International Airport.Render of Terminal 3 corridor with SFO Museum Video Art Gallery. Image provided by San Francisco International Airport.
A new six-story building will house airline lounges and operational offices, enhancing the airport’s capacity to serve more travelers. The project will add a Federal Inspection Service (FIS) sterile connector for those arriving internationally to provide direct access to the Customs Hall in the International Terminal. This expansion is slated to open in phases, with the western half expected to debut in fall 2027, followed by additional facilities in early 2028 and 2029.
Passengers will continue to have access to the airport during construction via a temporary walkway that will be operational by the 2024 holiday season, ensuring that the renovations do not disrupt travel. With these updates, SFO aims to raise the bar for airport experiences, offering travelers enhanced convenience, safety, and sustainability.
Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, making up a significant part of what’s known as the ‘fatal four’—falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents. Despite the risks, many of these accidents can be prevented with the right safety measures, such as proper PPE, adequate training, and integrating safety considerations during the design phase.
Quick look
The ‘fatal four’—falls, struck-by incidents, electrocutions, and caught-in/between accidents—are the leading causes of accidental deaths in the construction industry.
The primary reasons for the high number of falls are a lack of focus on safety, improper PPE, incorrect tie-off levels, insufficient task planning, and poor risk management during design.
Companies can take practical steps to reduce fall-related incidents, including better training, proper use of PPE, correct installation of tie-offs, thorough task planning, and integrating safety into the design phase.
Construction’s ‘fatal four’
Falls
The biggest killer in the construction industry, falls make up more than 35% of all deaths, often happening when workers fall from roofs, scaffolding, or ladders. In 2022, 395 out of 1,069 construction deaths in the U.S. were due to falls. These accidents not only cause devastating injuries and loss of life but also lead to huge costs for companies through compensation claims and lost productivity.
Struck-bys
These incidents happen when a worker is hit by an object, equipment, or vehicle. This might involve tools falling from a height, vehicles hitting workers, or machinery accidents. In 2022, these incidents made up 15.4% of construction deaths. The injuries from struck-bys can be severe, such as fractures and concussions, which can delay projects and increase insurance costs for companies.
Electrocution
Electrocution hazards account for about 8.3% of related deaths. This usually happens through contact with overhead power lines [Backlink to powerline safety article], faulty wiring, or improper use of electrical equipment. Electrocution can be deadly, and those who survive often suffer from serious burns or long-term injuries, leading to high medical expenses and long recovery times.
Caught in or between
Workers being crushed, caught, compressed by equipment, or struck in collapsing structures account for about 5.5% of construction fatalities. Such accidents often happen in trench collapses or when workers are caught between heavy machinery and stationary objects, leading to catastrophic injuries or death and causing significant emotional and financial burdens on everyone involved.
Falls account for more than 35% of deaths in construction
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), falls, slips, and trips were the most common fatal accidents in construction, making up nearly 38% of all fatalities in the industry. In 2022 alone, the construction industry saw 395 out of 1,069 fatalities due to falls.
The American numbers are alarming. The BLS reports that in 2021, there were 1,102 fatal injuries in the construction sector, with 418 of these being from falls, slips, and trips. Events like the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction are crucial for raising awareness and promoting safety practices to prevent these deaths.
Canada faces similar issues. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety states that falls are one of the leading causes of severe injuries and deaths in construction, particularly from ladders, roofs, and scaffolding.
What’s even more amazing? According to BLS data, fall-related fatalities have been on the rise. From 2018 to 2021, there was a nearly 6% increase in fatal construction falls. Additionally, the Center for Construction Research and Training reports that over 300 fatal and 20,000 nonfatal fall injuries occur each year in the construction industry.
Put simply, there has never been a better time for effective fall prevention strategies and safety protocols.
5 reasons construction falls keep happening
1. Not enough focus on safety
Why it’s happening: A lack of a strong safety culture, insufficient training, and an emphasis on productivity over protection are major reasons that falls continue to occur. Many construction sites focus more on completing tasks quickly rather than safely, which can lead to unsafe practices and shortcuts that put workers at risk. Unfortunately, safety violations are all too common, and many companies fail to comply with even basic safety standards.
What to do about it: To prevent falls, companies need to implement comprehensive training programs that educate workers about the importance of safety and the correct procedures to follow. Establishing a strong work culture where preventing accidents is a top priority is essential. Enforcing strict safeguarding protocols and holding regular meetings or updates can help keep safety at the forefront of everyone’s mind.
2. Improper (or lack of) PPE
Why it’s happening: Falls often happen because workers are not using proper personal protective equipment (PPE) or are using it incorrectly. Sometimes, the right PPE isn’t available, or workers aren’t aware of how important it is.
What to do about it: It is crucial to ensure that all workers have access to the proper PPE and know how to use it correctly. Companies should provide regular training sessions on the correct use of PPE and enforce compliance on job sites with regular checks to ensure all safety gear is in good condition.
3. Tie-offs at the wrong level
Why it’s happening: Incorrect installation of tie-off points or a lack of understanding of proper tie-off procedures can lead to falls. Workers might tie off at the wrong height or use improper anchor points, which can create a falling hazard.
What to do about it: Training workers on proper tie-off techniques and ensuring they understand the importance of tying off at the correct level can help prevent falls. Regular inspections of tie-off points are necessary to ensure they are installed correctly and are safe to use.
4. Insufficient pre-work task planning
Why it’s happening: A lack of detailed planning before starting work can lead to falls. Many hazards can be identified and mitigated during the planning stage, but this step is often overlooked. Poor planning can result in workers being unprepared for the risks they might encounter.
What to do about it: Developing detailed task plans that identify potential fall risks and how to manage them is essential. Involving safety professionals during the planning stages can help identify hazards that might be missed. Conducting pre-work safety briefings can also ensure that all employees are aware of the risks and know how to work safely.
5. Not mitigating risks during design
Why it’s happening: Many fall risks are built into a construction project’s design. Design flaws that increase the likelihood of a fall often occur because worker safety isn’t adequately considered during the design process, leading to inherently dangerous work conditions.
What to do about it: Integrating safety considerations into the design phase can greatly reduce fall risks. Involving safety experts in the design process ensures that potential hazards are identified and mitigated early on. Ultimately, safer design practices create a safer working environment from the start.
The bottom line
Falls remain the leading cause of death in the construction industry. Addressing the root causes of falls can significantly reduce these incidents, and implementing the strategies discussed can go a long way to creating safer work environments.
Prioritizing safety is not just about compliance; it’s about protecting lives. Construction companies have to take proactive steps to ensure that every worker returns home safely at the end of the day.
Maintaining mental health is important in any profession, but it’s especially important for those working in demanding and physically exhausting jobs like construction. Long hours, intense physical labor, and the constant pressure to meet deadlines can take a serious toll on your mind and body. If you constantly feel overwhelmed, experience frequent headaches or migraines, or have difficulty concentrating at work, it might be time to take a mental health day. Recognizing when you need to take a step back and focus on your well-being is key to avoiding burnout and staying productive in the long run.
10 signs you might need a mental health day
1. Headaches or migraines
Frequent headaches or migraines can be a sign that you’re under too much pressure. Stress is a common trigger for tension headaches and migraines, and when your mind is constantly racing, your body may respond with physical pain. If you find yourself reaching for painkillers more often than usual, chances are a day or two off work would do you some good.
2. You’re overwhelmed by your normal daily tasks
If tasks that you usually handle with ease start feeling insurmountable, it might be time to step back. When organizing tools, following routine procedures, or managing your daily to-do list becomes stressful and exhausting, your body and mind are likely telling you that you need a break. It’s normal to have off days, but if this feeling persists, it could be a sign that you need to recharge.
3. Digestive issues
Your gut is often referred to as the body’s second brain because it’s closely connected to your mental health. If you’re experiencing frequent stomach aches, nausea, or other digestive issues, it could be a physical manifestation of stress and anxiety. These symptoms are your body’s way of signaling that something is off, and taking a mental health day can help alleviate these discomforts.
4. Irritability
Do you find yourself snapping at coworkers or becoming easily frustrated over minor issues? Irritability is a common sign of mental fatigue, and it can strain your relationships at work and at home. When small annoyances start to feel like major problems, it’s a clear indication that you need to step back.
5. Reduced performance
If you notice a decline in the quality of your work, it’s time to take a mental health day. Making more mistakes than usual, struggling to meet expectations, or simply not caring as much about the outcome of your projects are all signs that you’re mentally drained. In the construction industry, these little mistakes could end up being dangerous or costly. A day off can help you return to work with renewed focus and energy.
6. Difficulty concentrating
When you’re mentally exhausted, concentrating on tasks can feel nearly impossible. You might find yourself losing track of instructions, having trouble staying engaged during meetings, or zoning out while operating machinery. Difficulty concentrating is not only a sign that you need a break but also a potential safety hazard in a construction environment. Taking time off to rest your mind can improve your focus and help you avoid accidents on the job.
7. Poor sleep
Sleep is essential for mental and physical health, but stress can make it difficult to get the rest you need. Believe it or not, sometimes, the more exhausted you are, the harder it is to get a decent sleep. If you’re experiencing trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or not feeling rested after sleep, it’s a sign that your body is struggling to cope with stress. Taking a mental health day allows you to catch up on some much-needed sleep and reset your body’s natural rhythms. And if you’re still struggling to sleep properly, consider sleep supplements.
8. Increased use of unhealthy coping mechanisms
Turning to excessive caffeine, alcohol, or other substances to get through the day is a clear sign that your body and mind are seeking relief from stress. While these coping mechanisms might provide temporary comfort, they can lead to long-term health problems if not addressed. Taking a mental health day allows you to break these habits and find healthier ways to manage stress.
9. Physical exhaustion beyond normal tiredness
Construction work is physically demanding, so it’s normal to feel tired at the end of the day. However, if you’re feeling constantly drained, even after a full night’s sleep, it might be time to take a mental health day. Chronic exhaustion can lead to burnout, which not only affects your work performance but also your overall well-being.
10. Decreased motivation and enthusiasm
Losing interest in work projects you once enjoyed or lacking the drive to start new tasks can be a sign that you’re mentally and emotionally exhausted. When motivation and enthusiasm are low, it’s difficult to stay engaged and productive. Taking a mental health day allows you to step back, reflect, and rediscover your passion for the job.
Benefits of taking a mental health day
Improved productivity
It might seem counterintuitive, but taking time off can actually make you more productive. When you’re well-rested and mentally refreshed, you’re better equipped to tackle tasks efficiently and with greater focus. A mental health day can help you return to work with a clear mind, ready to perform at your best.
Reduced stress and anxiety
One of the most immediate benefits of taking a mental health day is reducing stress and anxiety. By stepping away from work and giving yourself permission to relax, you can lower your cortisol levels and reset your nervous system. This makes you feel better in the moment and helps you manage stress more effectively in the long run.
Prevention of job burnout
Burnout is a serious issue in high-pressure jobs like construction. It’s characterized by emotional exhaustion, detachment from work, and a sense of reduced accomplishment. Taking regular mental health days can prevent burnout by allowing you to rest and recharge before you reach the point of complete exhaustion. This proactive approach helps you maintain a healthy work-life balance and keeps you engaged in your job.
Enhanced physical health
Mental and physical health are closely connected. When you reduce stress through mental health days, you also alleviate physical symptoms like headaches, muscle tension, and digestive issues. Over time, this can lead to better overall health, fewer sick days, and a more fulfilling career.
Better workplace relationships
When you’re mentally and emotionally balanced, you’re more likely to have positive interactions with your coworkers. Taking time off to recharge can improve your mood, making you more patient, understanding, and cooperative. This can enhance your work relationships and contribute to a more pleasant and productive work environment.
Tips for making mental health days a regular practice
Acknowledging the challenges of taking time off in the construction industry is important. Tight deadlines, physical demands, and a fast-paced work environment can make it difficult to prioritize mental health. However, incorporating regular mental health days into your routine is essential for long-term success and well-being.
Here’s how you can do that.
Communicate your needs
Open and honest communication with your supervisors is key. Let them know how important mental health days are to your overall performance and well-being. Explain that taking time off when needed can benefit the company by reducing absenteeism, improving productivity, and preventing accidents on the job.
Be flexible
In an industry where taking a full day off isn’t always feasible, consider alternative ways to practice self-care. This could include scheduling more short breaks throughout the day, taking a half-day when possible, or using a long weekend to rest and recharge. Flexibility is key to finding a balance between meeting work demands and taking care of your mental health.
Incorporate self-care practices
In addition to taking mental health days, make self-care a part of your daily routine. This could include simple practices like deep breathing exercises, massage, stretching, or taking a few moments to relax during your breaks. Engaging in activities you enjoy outside of work, such as hobbies or spending time with loved ones, can also help you maintain a healthy work-life balance.
Plan ahead
If you know that a particularly stressful period is coming up, plan your mental health day in advance. Scheduling time off during less busy periods or around project timelines can make it easier to get approval from your supervisors. Planning ahead also allows you to arrange coverage for your responsibilities, ensuring that work continues smoothly in your absence.
Use available resources
Many construction companies offer employee assistance programs (EAPs), counseling services, or wellness initiatives. Take advantage of these resources to support your mental health. Whether you talk to a counselor, attend a stress management workshop, or participate in a wellness program, these resources can provide valuable support and help you stay mentally and physically healthy.
Reach out to a professional when needed
Sometimes, despite your best efforts, stress, anxiety, or depression can persist. If you’re struggling to manage your mental health on your own, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. A mental health professional can provide personalized guidance, support, and strategies to help you navigate your challenges and maintain your well-being.
Whether it’s through therapy, counseling, or medication, reaching out to a professional is a proactive step toward maintaining your mental and physical health in a demanding work environment.
Bottom line
Taking care of your mental health is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. Recognizing the signs that you need a mental health day, understanding the benefits of taking time off, and making mental health a regular practice ensures that you can continue to perform at your best. By prioritizing your well-being, you not only improve your own quality of life but also contribute to a safer, more productive, and more positive work environment for everyone.
In 2016, frustrated by the expense and inefficiency of road repairs, a team of lecturers, inventors, and entrepreneurs from the University of Liverpool’s School of Engineering put their heads together to devise a better solution. The result is Robotiz3d, a company that plans to reinvent road repair with a little help from AI-driven robots.
Solving the pothole problem
Potholes are a nuisance to cyclists and drivers and a maddening recurring expense for many cities. According to Robotiz3d, potholes cost US drivers $26 billion a year, while UK drivers foot the bill for £1.7 billion in yearly pothole-related expenses. These road repairs are not only costly but also time-consuming —the average timeline for a road repair in the UK is a staggering 15 months.
Founded by Liza Layzell, Paolo Paoletti, and Sebastiano Fichera, Robotiz3d was created to address these problems. Using patented research from the University of Liverpool’s Engineering Robotics lab, the team has created autonomous technology capable of detecting, preventing, and repairing cracks and potholes.
Robotiz3d currently has three distinct road repair solutions: ARRES Eye, ARRES Prevent, and ARRES Ultra (under development).
ARRES Eye
The ARRES Eye can be installed on existing city vehicles like buses and garbage trucks. It is designed to detect, map, and categorize cracks and potholes by scanning lanes one by one with its 3-meter (9.8 feet) field of view.
The Eye catalogs each road defect with detailed information and prioritizes repair work based on size, location, and severity, making workflows a breeze. The device can collect data while traveling up to 60 mph and functions day or night in any weather.
ARRES Prevent
The ARRES Prevent is a battery-operated vehicle the size of a small van. It can be operated with a remote control or in driverless mode and can be run in any weather, day or night.
The Prevent uses the technology of the ARRES Eye to identify cracks in the road and then repairs them, sealing them before they become potholes. This vehicle has completed its first trial out of the lab and is currently undergoing more field testing.
ARRES Ultra
Currently in development, the Ultra goes one step beyond the Prevent and can repair potholes and smaller cracks. Its fully autonomous process includes preparing the site, filling and compacting the defect, and recording repair details. Like the Prevent, the Ultra can be operated remotely or in driverless mode, and though it’s the size of a small truck, it still runs on battery power.
Taking robotic repair for a test drive
In March of this year, the Robotiz3d team took the ARRES Prevent out of the lab and onto the streets of Potter’s Bar, Hertfordshire, to see how the technology would perform in a real-world environment.
The Prevent (which looks a little like a Tesla Cybertruck, with a blunt nose and flat panels arranged in angles along the body) passed its field test with flying colors. It successfully identified and filled cracks in the streets, which will prevent water from seeping in and creating potholes.
A smarter way to manage roads
Robotiz3d’s solutions are packaged as “Robot-as-a-Service” (RssA), meaning that municipalities don’t have to purchase the robotic vehicles upfront. Robotiz3d also takes care of both hardware and software maintenance. This offers an attractive option to the costly and time-consuming road repair systems in most cities.
While field testing is still underway and the ARRES Ultra is still under development, the company is confident that local governments will see the benefits of their AI-driven road repair technology.
Robotiz3d Technical Director Dr. Sebastiano Fichera said, “Current methods to detect and repair of potholes are labour intensive and as such are slow, unsafe, and costly to the economy and environment. The new technology we are developing will make road maintenance tasks faster, cheaper, and cleaner and ultimately make roads safer and more accessible.”
The LEGO Group’s new $1 billion carbon-neutral factory in Chesterfield County, near Richmond, Virginia, is well underway. This facility is the Danish company’s first U.S. manufacturing plant and is set to be one of Virginia’s most significant economic development projects. Gray Inc. and Viriginia-based Hourigan will serve as general contractors for the manufacturing plant project.
The 340-acre site, expected to be completed by 2025, will feature 13 buildings, including production and office spaces and a high-bay warehouse.
The factory is designed with sustainability in mind. It features ground and rooftop solar panels capable of generating 35-40 MW of energy, which is enough to power around 10,000 American homes. This aligns with LEGO’s goal of meeting its annual energy needs through renewable sources and reducing its global carbon emissions by 37% by 2032.
The new factory is expected to create 1,760 jobs over the next decade. Initially, LEGO will hire up to 500 people for a temporary packing facility set to open in the first half of 2024. This project will boost the local economy and reinforce LEGO’s commitment to community engagement. As part of the groundbreaking celebrations, LEGO announced over $1 million in donations to support local children’s programs in the Richmond area.
Preben Elnef reviews the model for the manufacturing campus (made of LEGO® bricks) with the Gray|Hourigan team.Photo courtesy of Lego.
“We are working hard to reduce emissions at the LEGO Group and are really excited about our plans to build this solar plant as we push towards a better world for our children to inherit,” said Carsten Rasmussen, Chief Operations Officer of the LEGO Group. “Our new site will allow us to inspire millions of children across the Americas through play, and we can’t wait to get started.”
LEGO has also involved local children in the project, inviting them to contribute ideas for the site’s landscaping. This initiative aims to make the area welcoming to wildlife and visitors and create a sense of community ownership and involvement.
The Chesterfield factory will expand LEGO Group’s global manufacturing network, allowing the company to respond quickly to market demands and reduce its supply chain’s environmental impact. This facility is part of LEGO’s broader strategy, including new sites in Vietnam and expansions in Mexico, Hungary, and China. For more information, visit Meadowville.
In a groundbreaking development, Benninghoven, a part of the Wirtgen Group, has unveiled the world’s first 100% green hydrogen burner system explicitly designed for asphalt production. This revolutionary system significantly reduces emissions and sets a new standard for sustainability in the industry. Unlike traditional asphalt production, Benninghoven’s innovation utilizes green hydrogen—a zero-emission fuel—offering a cleaner and more sustainable alternative.
How the green hydrogen burner system works
The core of this technology is a highly efficient control system that integrates the burner, fuel feed, and pressure regulation. The state-of-the-art burner can utilize up to four different fuel types, including green hydrogen. This flexibility allows plant operators to choose the most cost-effective and environmentally friendly fuel available at any given time.
This setup ensures optimal combustion and heat transfer, minimizing energy loss and enhancing overall efficiency. This prevents production downtime and stabilizes the temperature, ensuring consistent quality in asphalt production. The emissions, mainly nitrogen oxides, are kept remarkably low when hydrogen is used, making the process environmentally friendly.
Innovative features
One of the standout aspects of Benninghoven’s system is its reduced electrical power consumption—up to 20% less than traditional methods. Additionally, the system achieves a 5-decibel reduction in noise emissions, making it particularly advantageous for urban settings where noise pollution is a concern.
The compact design also enhances the system’s flexibility and usability, allowing it to be installed in both new and existing plants. Retrofit options are available, enabling older facilities to upgrade to this cutting-edge technology without a complete overhaul.
A step towards sustainable road construction
Images courtesy of Benninghoven
Benninghoven’s innovation is not just a technical achievement—it’s a major step towards sustainable infrastructure development. By making it feasible to use green hydrogen in a critical industrial process like asphalt production, the company is helping to reduce the carbon footprint of road construction—a sector traditionally dominated by high energy consumption and emissions.
As the world moves towards more sustainable practices, innovations like the green hydrogen burner system offer a glimpse into a future where industrial processes can be both efficient and environmentally friendly.
There are several perks if you’re considering a career in the skilled trades. Good salaries, apprenticeship opportunities where you can earn while you learn, and high job satisfaction and security are a few reasons to consider entering the skilled trades industry.
Why choose a career in the trades?
The skilled trades are some of the most in-demand careers and offer high-paying, fulfilling, and hands-on work experience. Here are a few reasons to consider a career in the skilled trades.
1. Skilled trades are in huge demand
With infrastructure expanding, the demand for skilled trade workers continues to grow. Choosing a job in the trades means having a stable career with plenty of options for growth and work location.
According to WorkBC, the Labour Market Outlook predicts thousands of openings in the trades from 2022 to 2032. Here’s a look at what you might expect:
Automotive service technicians: 6,670 jobs
Contractors and supervisors for heavy equipment operators: 2,970 jobs
Contractors and supervisors for mechanic trades: 1,220 jobs
Electricians (except industrial and power system): 2,770 jobs
Heavy equipment operators (except crane): 1,980
Carpenters: 4,270 jobs
Plumbers: 1,520 jobs
2. You’ll earn a good dollar
How much you earn as a skilled trades worker depends on your trade, education or training, and how long you’ve been in the field—but most offer good pay and excellent benefits.
A December 2018 Statistics Canada report found that skilled tradespeople had a median income of $52,030 after certification. But some trades, such as heavy-duty equipment technicians and industrial millwrights, can earn higher wages, reaching the high $60,000s in Ontario.
After four years of certification, income will increase significantly. The median income for industrial millwrights was $99,000, while heavy-duty equipment technicians earned a median income of $107,220.
In the U.S., a May 2019 report by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics found that the median annual wage for construction and extraction workers was $52,580, and the top 75% of skilled laborer jobs paid $63,940 yearly.
The report also found the average for other trades:
Electrician: $60,370
Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters: $59,800
Carpenter: $52,820
3. You can get paid to learn
Most trades offer apprenticeship programs where students can earn as they learn. Education happens over several years, where apprentices get on-the-job experience for 75% to 85% of that time and spend the remainder receiving in-class education.
Training periods vary by trade and location, but most apprenticeships take two to five years to complete. The big benefit of an apprenticeship is that apprentices are paid for their work—they earn a percentage of a journeyperson’s salary, depending on their level of training.
Although there are some upfront costs for apprenticeship programs, you can find grants, loans, and deductions through your local or federal government to help offset the costs.
4. Red Seal Certification allows you to work anywhere
Certification under the Red Seal Interprovincial Standards Program ensures that apprentices have received provincial qualifications as a journeyperson—and employers know they’ve received training to the same standard regardless of where they’re from. If you’ve completed Red Seal training, you’re not constrained to working in a specific region or country.
The skilled trades operate without borders, meaning there’s a fair bit of portability if you’re in the industry. If you’re trained in Ontario and complete your Red Seal Certification, you can easily move out East or West—or to an entirely new country.
5. There’s plenty of opportunity for advancement
For anyone looking to climb the career ladder, the skilled trades offer an almost unmatched opportunity. Many companies actively promote upward mobility when recruiting candidates. This gives workers an opportunity to learn new skills, move up in the company, and increase their salary.
6. Job satisfaction and job security are high
Even during economic downturns, such as COVID-19, the trade industry is a relatively resilient career option. Although new construction jobs might be put on hold, many skilled trades, such as plumbers and electricians, may find more stable work during a recession or pandemic. Plus, demand for skilled trade workers is outpacing supply and experience in the industry is a precious asset.
Though slightly dated, a 2019 report commissioned by The Residential Construction Council of Ontario found that 65% of trades in the Greater Toronto Area rated their job satisfaction between 8 and 10 on a scale of 1 to 10, which may be partly due to greater job security.
JCB Construction Canada, a prominent figure in the Canadian construction sector, has introduced an employee share ownership program designed to engage and reward its top-performing staff. This initiative highlights the company’s ongoing commitment to fostering a culture of collaboration and shared success.
The program initially includes six key employees, each selected for their exceptional contributions and leadership within the company. The participants include:
Tommy Brochu, P.Eng., Project Director
Jean-Christophe Caron, Estimation Director
Christine Hébert, Project Director
Alejandro Oruña, P.Eng., Project Director
Soroosh Sharifpoor, Project Director
David Widmer, P.Eng., Project Manager
These individuals were chosen based on rigorous and objective criteria, ensuring that those who have significantly impacted JCB’s growth are directly involved in its continued success.
Bottom, left to right: Denis Massey, Vice President, Finance; Alexandre S. Boucher, P. Eng., President-General manager; Pascal Fortin, Vice-President, Field Operations. Top, left to right: David Widmer, P.Eng. Project Manager; Jean-Christophe Caron, Director of Estimation; Soroosh Sharifpoor, Project Director; Christine Hébert, Project Director; Alejandro Oruña, P.Eng., Project Director, Tommy Brochu, P.Eng., Project Director. Photo courtesy of JCB Construction Canada.
President and General Manager Alexandre-Stéphane Boucher expressed his pride in launching this program, which has been in development for several years. “We are immensely proud to have the opportunity to implement this program,” said Boucher. “We are even prouder of this group of talented individuals who will now be able to actively participate in the growth and performance of our company.”
Vice-President of Field Operations Pascal Fortin, highlighted the program’s alignment with JCB’s values, stating, “Through the implementation of this initiative, we want to reaffirm the importance we place on the values of merit, collaboration, and pride in a job well done.”
As JCB Construction continues to expand its influence in the construction sector, the share ownership program is set to grow and may include other key figures in the company.
The Ontario-based Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) recently increased its mental health coverage in 2023 from $3,000 to $5,000 while expanding its practitioners to include psychologists, marriage and family therapists, and psychoanalysts. In January, mental health coverage became unlimited for its employees and their dependents.
WSIB also recently increased mental health coverage in its organization by making it unlimited for its employees and their dependents.
These efforts highlight a growing need among Canada’s population of about 39 million for more healthcare for mental well-being. WSIB seems to be leading the way in this regard, at least in Canada, by offering such coverage to roughly one-eighth of the nation’s citizens who have coverage with the group.
WSIB provides wage-loss benefits, medical coverage, and support to workers injured on the job. It also provides no-fault collective liability insurance and health and safety information access. WSIB serves over five million workers in more than 300,000 workplaces in Ontario.
Its leaders say that employee well-being is crucial at WSIB.
“When we look at the claims we’re dealing with every day in Ontario, mental-health-related claims are growing faster than any other type of claim,” said Anna Filice, WSIB chief people officer. “The effects tend to linger and the costs to employees’ lives once they enter into the [health-care] system are great.”
Filice said the expanded coverage in WSIB reflects its vision.
“Our employer value proposition is based around taking care of the whole person. The decision to make mental health coverage unlimited aligns with our shared values and our broader wellness strategy. We thought this was a meaningful way to demonstrate our commitment to our employees,” Filice said. “We didn’t want to put a ceiling on these types of benefits because we didn’t want anyone running into barriers accessing services they need for their recovery.”
According to a 2023 survey by TELUS Health, 32% of Canadian employees say cost is the biggest obstacle in getting mental health support.
The TELUS Mental Health Index recently (October 2023) stated that workers who have work conflicts lose an average of 55 work days annually. TELUS found that among Canadian workers, 26% say better support by their employer for their well-being is more important than a pay raise.
“The negative impacts of stress… have a ripple effect throughout an organization, impacting every level,” said Juggy Sihota, Chief Growth Officer for TELUS Health. “The well-being of workers and the success of the business are inherently connected. By prioritizing investments in tools, processes and comprehensive benefits plans that foster a psychologically safe and supportive work environment, employers can cultivate a highly engaged and productive workforce that drives business outcomes.”
Many traditional benefits plans only cover psychology or social work and reimburse as little as $300 to $500 in such expenses annually.
According to Mercer Canada’s 2022 People Risk Survey, a third of disability claims under Canadian employer-sponsored benefits plans in 2022 were due to mental health reasons. About 55% of employers expect health and safety risks to impact their businesses in the next three years. Workforce exhaustion exacerbates mental health issues among workers.
According to Lodging Econometrics, in Q2 2024, total hotel pipeline growth reached 9%, with upper midscale leading some segments and the extended stay category remaining strong. As of the end of the quarter, there were 713,151 rooms and 6,095 projects in the pipeline.
Increases by the numbers
When we look at the under-construction numbers, there’s a 10% increase in projects and a 4% increase in rooms YOY. Projects scheduled to start construction in the next year total 2,350 projects with 268,378 rooms, bringing the numbers up to a 5% increase in projects and a 3% increase in rooms YOY.
Projects and room counts in the early planning stages increased by 13% and 15%, respectively. Lodging Econometrics expects construction to begin rather quickly as interest rates start to decline.
Segments on top
Accounting for 2,262 projects and 219,547 rooms, the upper midscale chain scale has the most significant project count of all segments in the Q2 pipeline.
Trailing behind in second place is the upscale chain scale with 1,417 projects and 175,343 rooms. Combined, they comprise 60% of total pipeline projects. In terms of category, brands in extended stay hold strong with developers, making up 36% of all under-construction projects.
For the remainder of 2024, Lodging Econometrics forecasts another 400 projects, bringing the yearly total to 650 new hotels and 74,228 rooms. The 2024 year-end forecast brings a 35% increase in hotels opened from 2023. And the increases show no signs of slowing. Growth is expected to increase by 1.8%, with 2025 forecasted for 779 hotel openings and 2026 with 928.
Location location location
New York City, with 23 openings, claims the top spot for the most hotels opened by year-end. Dallas follows behind with 16, Atlanta with 15, Inland Empire with 14, and Orlando with 13.
Many common lower-scale hotel brands are expanding into upscale and extended stay categories. Hyatt has launched Hyatt Studios, its first venture into the upper midscale extended stay category, and Marriott has broken ground on the first development under their new StudioRes brand. As the U.S. hotel pipeline continues to grow, consumers can expect brand additions and expansions to grow in tandem.
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