MCAT Pipeline. Fall 2007
(click here for full magazine in Adobe pdf format)
ON THE COVER: MCAT Annual Meeting - A Successful Event!
The 44th Annual General Meeting was a great success with 204 contractors and associate members attending. The weather was spectacular at the Blue Mountain Resort in Collingwood as the attendees could enjoy the village during their free time. The weather was cool but dry for the MCA Toronto AGM Golf Day with 54 golfers taking to the links for one more round as the season comes to a close.  Read more...

Mechanical Service Contractors of Canada
The Mechanical Service Contractors of Canada (MSCC) is an exciting and diverse new organization dedicated to companies from across Canada that specializes in the mechanical service and repair industry. As a unique division of the Mechanical Contractors Association of Canada, MSCC delivers a significant array of programs and services specifically designed to enhance the corporate management and profitability of our distinct segment of the marketplace. Read more...

New MSD Guidelines. How do they affect MCAT Members?
By ERIN CARTER, President, Barantas Inc.
Ergonomics may seem like the new buzz word in the injury prevention realm for employers. Whether you like it or not this is founded on real statistics. Based on current WSIB statistics 42 per cent of lost time injuries, 42 per cent of all lost time injury claim costs and 50 per cent of lost time days are related to Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs). MSDs are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. They may be caused or aggravated by various hazards or risk factors in the workplace (for example, repetitive movements such as crimpling would  fit this category). They do not include specific traumatic events such as slips and falls. Read more...

Predicting Lienability: The Court of Appeal Decision in Kennedy Electric
It is safe to say that the mechanical and electrical trade association have been waiting with bated breath for the Court of Appeal decision in Kennedy Electric Ltd v. Dana Canada Corporation, hoping for a restatement of the legal principles that determine whether their work constitutes a “supply of services to an improvement” under the Construction Lien Act. The decision was released on Sep. 27, 2007 and, while it contained some analysis of the principles (perhaps in obiter), the decision stressed more the factual basis of the exercise. Therefore, the decision may have disappointed some. Read more...

Calendar for 2008

Mesothelioma Research Program Update 2007
Over the past year, the University Health Network/The Princess Margaret Hospital Foundation have made progress in its Mesothelioma Research Program. Following are a number of distinct, but inter-related projects encompassed within the program. Progress in each of these areas will be summarized individually. Read more...

U.S. Economic Downturn: Ontario’s Building Burden
Major financial institutions have downgraded their Ontario GDP growth forecasts for the third straight quarter. The average 2007 GDP growth forecast for Ontario has fallen to 1.8 per cent, the lowest of all the provinces in Canada. Slowing U.S. demand, intensification of foreign competition and a strong Canadian dollar continue to be the main factors contributing to a seemingly incessant descent in recent forecasts. Read more...

ICI Permits Reach New Heights
ICI building permits started 2007 with one of the single biggest first quarters on record, topping $2.5 billion, up 52 per cent over Q1 2006. The gains were maintained through the second quarter of 2007 resulting in a 33 per cent increase over the first six months of the year. All three sectors registered increases however, the industrial sector, in which building intentions increased 70 per cent over the same period in 2006, recorded the most striking gain. Institutional and commercial permits were also up significantly recording gains of 31 per cent and 20 per cent respectively. Read more...

Mandatory Asbestos Certification
By DRU SAHAI, Occupational Hygienist, CSAO
Who must be certified?
As of Nov. 1, 2007, all workers and supervisors who perform Type 3 asbestos work must be certified to do their work. Read more...

Trade Safety Advisory Manual Motor Controllers for HVAC/R UNITS
Workers can be exposed to electric shock from manual motor controllers installed as disconnect switches on rooftop-type air-conditioning units and other applications, even when the controllers are marked “Suitable for Motor Disconnect.” These non knife-type switches have been found installed backwards, causing the power to be ON when the switch enclosure indicates OFF. If dirt and moisture accumulates on the arc shield, tracking might occur across the phases, causing a hazardous condition. In addition, some controllers may be susceptible to having a contact weld closed, leaving a live phase when turned off. Therefore, please ensure proper lockout procedures are used prior to servicing.  Read more...

MCAT 2007/2008 - Standard Practice Committee

MCAT 2007/2008 Toronto Trade Association Standard Practice Committee