The industrial, commercial, institutional and residential construction sectors are allowed to keep working past April 1. But a pair of trade organizations say the province hasn’t given clear instructions for trades to do their job safely while dealing with COVID-19.

On Tuesday, the Manitoba Building Trades and the Construction Labour Relations Association of Manitoba released their own safety measures to protect workers and contractors while on the job, citing a need for clarity and guidance.

Together, the two organizations represent more than10,000 skilled trades and construction workers in the province.

“We have been hearing non-stop from our members and business partners regarding the lack of clear safety protocols as a result of COVID-19,” Manitoba Building Trades CEO Sudhir Sandhu said in a release.

“We want to protect our members and the industry from avoidable interruptions; that’s why we took the lead on drafting these measures.”

The measures include comprehensive instructions on sanitation, safe tool use, communication strategies and equipment requirements, including wearing N95 or other suitable protective masks while working in close proximity. The organizations say the measures should be posted at all job sites, and are effective indefinitely.

Worksites that don’t provide amenities outlined and don’t follow applicable protocols are deemed unsafe, and workers can refuse work as guaranteed by the Workplace Safety and Health Act.

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