Quebec reopens all construction sites and manufacturing companies
by CM Staff
Construction and manufacturing companies across Québec can resume operations, provided that no more than 50 workers are present
TROIS-RIVIÈRES, QUE. – On May 11, the Government of Quebec highlighted the complete reopening of all construction sites and manufacturing companies in Québec.
All construction sites are returning to activity, including residential, institutional, commercial, industrial along with civil engineering, public transit and roads and highways.
“Today, we are allowing the opening of all construction sites and all manufacturing companies, an important step in the reopening of our economy,” said Pierre Fitzgibbon, minister of economy and innovation, in a prepared statement. “Joining the opening of retail stores outside of Greater Montréal, this restart is essential to ensure that Québec returns to prosperity.”
Manufacturing companies across Québec can also resume operations, provided that no more than 50 workers are present, plus half of the remainder per shift. Such companies will be authorized to resume operations without restriction starting May 25.
“In every workplace the watchword will be: keep on protecting ourselves and each other,” said Jean Boulet, minister of labour, employment and social solidarity. “I expect the return to work to take place in an orderly manner and with strict respect for the health measures prescribed by public health authorities.”
Boulet and Fitzgibbon stressed the importance of respecting the health measures put in place to allow construction sites and manufacturing companies to resume activities in complete safety.
To protect workers, the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) has prepared a kit to help employers and workers prevent the spread COVID-19. The kit is available on the website of the CNESST.
“We are convinced that this relaunch will be carried out with respect for the physical distancing guidelines issued by public health and CNESST protocols,” said Fitzgibbon.
The 300 inspectors of the CNESST will be present on worksites to ensure that people are following health guidelines. They can intervene if there is a complaint, right of refusal or serious workplace accident, and can demand the correction of dangerous situations, enforce compliance, and close a site where the rules are not respected.
