A construction company that was using a smartphone app to track workers information is being ordered to quit using it, out of concerns for safety.

The Local 183 Labourers Union of North America took BOT Construction Group to arbitration over the use of an app called Econz, which was being used to collect employees’ hours of work, vehicles and equipment used, as well as tasks over the day.

In July 2019, employees working on the interchange construction project at the 401 highway and Courtney Park Drive in Brampton were provided with phones that were enabled to use the Econz app only.  They didn’t have phone numbers and could not text or surf the web. The company also has a site in Oakville using the app.

The workers were asked to clock in each morning on the app, which prompted them to take a photo of themselves at the site, identify what site they’re working at, choose a vehicle they will be using, and what task they will perform.

If the employees were directed to change tasks in the day, or go to a different site, they were asked to note this on the app.

At the end of the day workers were asked to again take a photo of themselves when clocking out, make any notes to the employer and file any expenses.

The union said this program directly contravened articles in the Toronto Road Builders’ Association and the Heavy Construction Association agreements around the use of cell phones, smartphones and other hand-held devices on construction sites.

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