PM42940023OCTOBER 2024Insurance: How Climate Change is ImpactingInsurancePremiums P.7Glove Up: Ensuring Hand Safety in the PetroleumContracting Industry P.14++Safeguarding the Petroleum WorkplaceIDENTIFYING AND MANAGING HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS
THE BENEFITS OF UPGRADINGExtended WarrantyBenefit from the extended warranty on most TLS350 connected devices when upgrading to TSL4 andTLS-450PLUS.Expanded CapabilitiesThe TLS4, and TLS-450PLUS is your platform for the future, continually upgrading and adding incremental features and enhancements, and is expandable as your business grows.ConnectivityThe TLS4, and TLS-450PLUS provides a wide range of connectivity options for easily accessing and managing critical data, ensuring you always know what is going on with your fueling assets.Enhanced SecurityGreater connectivity needs greater protection. The TLS4, and the TLS-450PLUS provides the security needed for today’s connected world.ELEVATE YOUR FUELMANAGEMENT SYSTEMVANCOUVER NANAIMO ECKVILLE EDMONTON CALGARY SASKATOON REGINA WINNIPEG778.588.7635 250.753.4188 403.746.3677 780.468.4454 403.735.1103 306.665.0223 306.721.1030 204.632.0043THUNDER BAY CAMBRIDGE WYOMINGMISSISSAUGA MONTREAL MONCTON DARTMOUTH ST.JOHN’S807.285.0392 519.622.7363 519.845.0058 905.670.8863 514.355.2366 506.861.1010 902.468.7342 709.747.0015Toll Free National Directory:1.866.574.5100www.nee.ca Email: info@nee.caUPGRADEUPGRADETLS-350 TLS-450PLUSTLS4THE PLUS VIEW app provides periodic status updates from off-site, and includes:• Station overview for an immediate status check on tankinventory•Reports tab for quick access to Inventory and LastDelivery Reports•Alarms tab for one-touch access to alarm informationWhether you need to remotely access or configure your Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) from a computer, or you want to check fuel inventories, alarms or more from your cell phone or tablet, the connectivity features needed to get the job done come standard, exclusively on the TLS-450PLUS and TLS4 Series ATGs.Finance for as low as3.9%for 60 months*Purchasing Veeder-Root Site Equipment is now easier with the Patriot Capital Bundle Financing ProgramReady to upgrade?Contact us today to get started.Ask us about trade-in credits for upgrading older consoles*On approved credit. Terms and conditions apply.
OCTOBER 2024 • CANADIAN PETROLEUM CONTRACTOR • 3 CPCACPCACPCACPCACPCACPCACPCACONTRACTORCANADIAN PETROLEUMAn official publication of the CPCACONTRACTORCANADIAN PETROLEUMAn official publication of the CPCA 4 A Message from the Board of Directors 5 Association News: News from OPCA, SRPCA and APSSCA 7 Safeguarding the Petroleum Workplace: Identifying and Managing Hazardous Conditions 12 How Climate Change is Impacting Insurance Premiums: A Look at the Rising Costs of Summer Storms 14 POST: Ensuring Hand Safety in the Petroleum Contracting IndustryadvertisersBGIS.......................................................................... 10Canadian Petroleum Contractors Association ... 13, 15Capital Petroleum Service Ltd................................... 9Convenience U CARWACS Show ........................... 11GIR North America ..................................................... 9Industries Desjardins .............................................. 16Leak Technologies Solutions Ltd .............................. 15National Energy Equipment Inc.................................. 2Ontario Petroleum Contractors Association ............. 3Advertising Sales and Editorial Ofces: Ensemble IQ, 20 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 1800, Toronto, ON M4R 1K8Telephone: 416.256.9908 Toll-free: 1.877.687.7321Contact: Holly Power 416-910-1085 | hpower@ensembleiq.comPM42940023in this issueTHE BENEFITS OF UPGRADINGExtended WarrantyBenefit from the extended warranty on most TLS350 connected devices when upgrading to TSL4 andTLS-450PLUS.Expanded CapabilitiesThe TLS4, and TLS-450PLUS is your platform for the future, continually upgrading and adding incremental features and enhancements, and is expandable as your business grows.ConnectivityThe TLS4, and TLS-450PLUS provides a wide range of connectivity options for easily accessing and managing critical data, ensuring you always know what is going on with your fueling assets.Enhanced SecurityGreater connectivity needs greater protection. The TLS4, and the TLS-450PLUS provides the security needed for today’s connected world.ELEVATE YOUR FUELMANAGEMENT SYSTEMVANCOUVER NANAIMO ECKVILLE EDMONTON CALGARY SASKATOON REGINA WINNIPEG778.588.7635 250.753.4188 403.746.3677 780.468.4454 403.735.1103 306.665.0223 306.721.1030 204.632.0043THUNDER BAY CAMBRIDGE WYOMINGMISSISSAUGA MONTREAL MONCTON DARTMOUTH ST.JOHN’S807.285.0392 519.622.7363 519.845.0058 905.670.8863 514.355.2366 506.861.1010 902.468.7342 709.747.0015Toll Free National Directory:1.866.574.5100www.nee.ca Email: info@nee.ca UPGRADE UPGRADETLS-350 TLS-450PLUSTLS4THE PLUS VIEW app provides periodic status updates from off-site, and includes:• Station overview for an immediate status check on tank inventory• Reports tab for quick access to Inventory and Last Delivery Reports• Alarms tab for one-touch access to alarm informationWhether you need to remotely access or configure your Automatic Tank Gauge (ATG) from a computer, or you want to check fuel inventories, alarms or more from your cell phone or tablet, the connectivity features needed to get the job done come standard, exclusively on the TLS-450PLUS and TLS4 Series ATGs.Finance for as low as3.9%for 60 months*Purchasing Veeder-Root Site Equipment is now easier with the Patriot Capital Bundle Financing ProgramReady to upgrade?Contact us today to get started.Ask us about trade-in credits for upgrading older consoles*On approved credit. Terms and conditions apply.
4 • CANADIAN PETROLEUM CONTRACTOR • OCTOBER 2024BOARD OF DIRECTORSCPCA MEMBER ASSOCIATIONSAlberta Petroleum StorageSystems Contractors AssociationAssociation des Entrepreneurs Pétroliers du Québec Inc.British Columbia Petroleum Contractors AssociationManitoba Petroleum Contractors AssociationOntario Petroleum Contractors AssociationSaskatchewan Retail PetroleumConstruction AssociationALBERTAMarcus CormierCantest SolutionsTel: 403.912.9129 Ext. 12 mcormier@cantest.net Kim HansenMI PetroTel: 866.563.7868 khansen@mipetro.comMANITOBAChad KenwoodCentury Ptetroleum ConstructionTel: 204.694.2230 centpet@mts.net ONTARIOGord ThompsonComco Canada Inc.Tel: 705.728.0905 gord.thompson@comcocanada.comKen JamiesonKenstruct Ltd.Tel: 855.912.8453 ken@kenstruct.caQUEBECDany PedneaultÉquipements Claude Pedneault Inc.Tel: 418.693.8906 dany.pedneault@epcp.caNicolas TrepanierÉquipement National ÉnergieTel: 438.289.1961 ntrepanier@nee.caSASKATCHEWANArlene WrightCapital Petroleum Services Ltd.Tel: 306.757.3533 arlene_cps@sasktel.net Mike SeibelNational Energy Equipment Inc.Tel: 306.665.0223 mseibel@nee.ca BRITISH COLUMBIAMargo MiddletonMiddleton PetroleumTel: 250.372.7742 midpet@shaw.caCPCA OFFICEMichelle Rae, AdministratorMailing Address: 387 Mapleview Dr. W. Barrie, ON L4N 9G4Toll Free – 1.866.360.6722 Tel: 705.735.9437 Fax: 705.735.9418info@cpcaonline.com Web: www.cpcaonline.comA MESSAGE FROM THE BOARDOFDIRECTORSAfter nearly two decades of dedicated ser-vice, Marcus Cormier, President of BGIS Energy & Facility Solutions, has announced his retirement from the CPCA Board. Mar-cus has represented APSSCA as a Board Director with steadfast commitment, with over ten years of that time as the esteemed CPCA President.Marcus’s leadership has been instru-mental in key advancements for our train-ing program, helping it gain recognition through meetings with regulators, govern-ment bodies, and training partners. His in-fluence has left an indelible mark, elevating both the CPCA’s status and the standard of training across the country.Throughout his tenure, Marcus has been a unifying force, working tire-lessly to bring contractors together and advance CPCA’s mission. A strong advocate for the CPCA certification program, he promoted its adoption among regulators nationwide. Driven by a vision for a unified training standard, Marcus aimed to simplify the process for workers to transfer their skills across provinces, strengthening the industry and fostering greater mobility within the workforce.The CPCA Board ex-tends its deepest gratitude to Marcus for his invalu-able service, vision, and passion over the years. As he said, “Serving on these Boards and collaborating with such outstanding contractors has been an honor. It’s time to step aside for new leadership, but I remain committed to supporting CPCA and its members”.Thank you, Marcus, for your exceptional leadership and dedication. Your legacy will continue to inspire and guide us forward.Marcus Cormier and Michelle Rae at industry event promoting CPCACPCA President Marcus Cormier addresses OPCA members in 2019Marcus Cormier with Richard Allen of Group Mobile at industry eventMarcus Cormier
OCTOBER 2024 • CANADIAN PETROLEUM CONTRACTOR • 5 NEWS FROM OPCAThe OPCA extends a heartfelt thank you to our members, friends, and all who attended the 11th Annual OPCA Charity Golf Tournament, held on Friday, September 27th, at the Ty-andaga Golf Course in Burlington. Returning to this beautiful course, we were once again graced with perfect weather, setting the stage for a fantastic day of golf that felt more like summer!With over 60 golfers joining us, it was a pleasure to reconnect after the summer break and enjoy a fun-filled day in support of a truly impactful cause—Threads of Life.Threads of Life is a national charity committed to helping Cana-dian families affected by workplace tragedy, life-altering injury, or occupational disease. Through its network of over 1,700 family members, Threads of Life provides hope and healing via one-on-one peer support, connections to community resources, and the opportunity for families to take meaningful action in workplace safety advocacy. A special thank you to Threads of Life speaker Tracey Csordas, who joined us to share her family’s story, remind-ing us of the real lives touched by this vital work.As long-time supporters of Threads of Life, the OPCA is proud to share that, thanks to the generosity of our community, we have now raised over $97,000 for this essential organization. Together, we are fostering safer workplaces and supporting families on their journeys of healing.We would like to extend our gratitude to our generous spon-sors, whose support made this day possible. Your contributions helped create a memorable event and amplify our commitment to safety and support for families across Canada.Thank you again to all who participated, supported, and made the 11th Annual OPCA Charity Golf Tournament a success. We look forward to seeing you next year for another great event in support of Threads of Life!NEWS FROM SRPCARecap of the SRPCA / CPA Golf Tournament at Dakota DunesOn Thursday, June 6, 2024, we had the pleasure of hosting the SRPCA / CPA Golf Tournament at the beautiful Dakota Dunes Golf Course & Casino Resort. With clear skies and a lively crowd, the event brought together great people for a day of fun, golf, and community support—even as we navigated Saskatchewan’s famous 75km winds!The Dakota Dunes venue provided an exceptional backdrop, cre-ating a memorable experience for everyone involved. This year, all proceeds from the tournament’s fundraising efforts will be donated to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital in Saskatoon, supporting the hospital’s invaluable work for families across the region.Congratulations to Our Winning TeamA big congratulations to our first-place team for their outstanding performance:Gord Wedel – PD McLarenLeonard Johnson – Jackfish Geo ThermoDwayne Cooke – Keller EquipmentColin Melrose – KW Petroleum ServiceSpecial thanks to Mike Seibel for coordinating the event and en-suring its success. Your hard work truly made the day exceptional!Thanks to Our SponsorsWe extend our heartfelt gratitude to our generous sponsors for their support in making this event possible. Your contributions are instrumental in allowing us to give back to our community and support causes like the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital.Thank you to everyone who attended, contributed, and helped make the SRPCA / CPA Golf Tournament a fantastic success. We look forward to seeing you all next year for another memorable day on the course!NEWS FROM APSSCAThe APSSCA Annual General Meeting, held on June 5th in Cal-gary, brought together key stakeholders in the petroleum stor-age and safety industry. The meeting included storage tank regulators from the Edmonton Fire Department, Calgary Fire De-partment, and Alberta Safety Codes Authority. These regulators engaged in meaningful information exchanges with petroleum contractors, focusing on subjects of common concern. This col-laborative effort aimed to enhance safety protocols and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.The legal firm Borden Ladner Gervais presented Alberta’s new Prompt Payment Legislation. This legislation imposes strict timelines for owners to pay general contractors and for sub-con-tractors to be paid by the general contractors. The presentation was crucial as it clarified the legal obligations and timelines, en-
6 • CANADIAN PETROLEUM CONTRACTOR • OCTOBER 2024suring that all parties involved in construction and maintenance projects knew their responsibilities and the legal framework governing payments.POST Advisory Chair Michelle Rae and APSSCA Board member Howard Heal provided an update on POST initiatives. They introduced the new Equipment Lifting checklist and the JSA Evaluation Tool, de-signed to improve safety and efficiency in the industry. Michelle also highlighted that Howard Heal received the POST volunteer appreciation award this past March for his dedicated service on the advisory commit-tee. This recognition underscores the im-portance of volunteer contributions to the success of industry initiatives.In addition, Michelle discussed the OP-CA’s B139 Technician Course. This course specifically addresses industry gaps when working on large-scale generator systems. By providing specialized training, the course aims to equip technicians with the neces-sary skills and knowledge to handle complex generator systems safely and effectively.After nearly twenty years of dedicated service, Marcus Cormier, President of BGIS Energy & Facility Solutions, has announced his retirement from the APSSCA Board. Re-flecting on his time with APSSCA, Marcus remarked, “It has been an honor to serve on the Board and work alongside such remarkable contractors. While it’s time to pass the torch, I remain committed to supporting APSSCA and its mem-bers.”Long-standing Director Kim Hansen also announced his re-tirement. The Board extends its heartfelt gratitude to both Marcus and Kim for their invaluable contributions and unwavering commitment over the years. Their leader-ship and dedication have been instrumental in advancing APSSCA’s mission and goals.APSSCA held its golf tournament on June 6, 2024. The beautiful weather and the pictur-esque Sirocco Golf Club in Calgary set the per-fect stage for a fantastic event.Proceeds from the tournament go to the Kids Cancer Care Foundation of Alberta.The turnout was amazing, and we couldn’t have asked for a better day filled with camaraderie and community spirit. From the friendly competition on the greens to the shared laughs and connections, it was a day to remember.A huge thank you to everyone who par-ticipated and supported this cause. Your generosity and enthusiasm made all the difference.
OCTOBER 2024 • CANADIAN PETROLEUM CONTRACTOR • 7 Hazardous conditions in the workplace can arise from the improper interaction of activities, materials, and the environment. In the petroleum industry, managing these conditions is critical to worker safety and operational continuity. For instance, liquid fuel stored correctly poses minimal risk, but improper handling or storage may lead to re or explosion hazards.A thorough understanding of various hazard types and effective identification techniques allows workers to mitigate risks and maintain a safe working environment. Below, we explore key types of hazards that may be present in the petroleum industry and outline best practices for identifying and managing them.A hazardous condition occurs when ac-tivities, materials, and the environment in-teract incorrectly. For example, liquid fuel, when properly stored, is not hazardous, but when improperly stored or handled, it may create a hazardous condition (e.g., the potential to ignite or explode).Various types of hazardous materials must be identied in theworkplace including:Before beginning any work, you need to be aware of the conditions in your work-place and identify any hazards. This will help you implement practices that allow you to do your work without endangering yourself or others.Sometimes, you may do your work with-out even knowing that hazards are around you. Learning how to identify hazards and what to do about them lets you continue your work without endangering yourself or oth-ers. Let’s review these hazards more closely.PHYSICAL HAZARDSPhysical hazards may be created by a work process, the tools or equipment you use, and your environment. In the petroleum industry, workers need to be especially aware of extreme heat or cold when work-ing outdoors, noise caused by heavy equip-ment and vibration caused by power tools and equipment.Extreme temperatures as prolonged exposure to high heat or cold can cause heat stroke or hypothermia, noise from machinery such as backhoes or power tools can cause hearing damage over time and the vibration from these can result in nerve damage.Your body can only withstand a specific amount, or limit, of these physical agents; beyond these limits, they become hazard-ous. Use the appropriate measuring tools (such as thermometers) to detect and re-cord these hazards.You must also be aware of elements that may pose a potentially hazardous condi-tion. For example, on an excavation site the trench may cave in on the worker inside, so the excavation must be monitored and shored up as necessary. Or, the trench may fill with water. If this occurs, the worker in-side must wear a personal flotation device. There are recorded cases of workers drown-ing in as little as one metre of water!CHEMICAL HAZARDSThe Workplace Hazardous Materials Infor-mation System, or WHMIS, defines chemi-cal hazards. Hazardous chemicals in your workplace must be properly labelled by the manufacturer’s product label. In ad-dition, each chemical must have its own Safety Data Sheet (SDS) available on site.Defined by WHMIS, chemical hazards include substances that can cause fires, ex-plosions, or health risks when mishandled. In petroleum, gasoline, benzene, and other flammable substances are common hazards. A Practical Guide for Workers and Employers to Minimize Risks and Enhance SafetyProvided by the CPCA Training & Certication ProgramIdentifying and Managing Hazardous ConditionsSafeguarding the Petroleum Workplace:The best way to identify hazardous conditions is to learn as much as possible and stay current with workplace changes
8 • CANADIAN PETROLEUM CONTRACTOR • OCTOBER 2024INVISIBLE HAZARDSSome hazards are visible. For example, broken stairs, broken glass on the ground, and hanging electrical wires. Other haz-ards are invisible—for example, gas va-pours, dust, and fumes. These invisible hazards may be chemical, mechanical, electrical, etc.Invisible hazards are especially dan-gerous because they are difficult to iden-tify or detect. You will probably require special tools, meters, or other devices to determine whether an invisible hazard is present in your workplace. This may be in the form of carbon monoxide detectors, gas meters, etc. You may even notice the presence of an invisible hazard through your sense of smell. However, remember that you can-not always rely on your sense of smell to be accurate, nor should you purposely inhale chemicals simply for the purpose of iden-tifying them ... the fumes could be deadly.ELECTRICAL HAZARDSSince the human body cannot withstand significant electrical shocks, workers must develop prop-er procedures when work-ing with electricity and learn to identify potential electrical hazards.Identify all electrical pow-er sources and connected equipment in your work-place. Where applica-ble, pay attention to posted signs (such as High Voltage—Do Not Open While Power Is On). Be aware of potential electrical hazards in your workplace, such as improperly stored liquid fuel that may ignite with electrical sparks originat-ing from frayed wires.MECHANICAL HAZARDSMechanical hazards are those associated with mechanical equipment and tools. Be aware of the mechanical devices and equipment in your workplace. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using equipment. When operating large machin-ery, be aware of the location of the people around you. Also ensure that you take the appropriate training and certification.BIOLOGICAL HAZARDSBiological hazards, commonly referred to as biohazards, are biological substances that pose a threat to the health of living or-ganisms. These substances can take differ-ent forms and have the potential to harm humans, animals, or the environment.Biohazards may originate from vari-ous sources, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, prions, biological toxins, and other pathogenic microorganisms. De-pending on the type and level of exposure, they can lead to infectious diseases, aller-gic reactions, or other health issues.ERGONOMIC HAZARDSErgonomic hazards are workplace condi-tions that pose risks to the physical well-being of employees. These hazards arise from activities that require repetitive mo-tion, awkward postures, excessive force, or prolonged periods of sitting or standing. Common examples include lifting heavy objects, working with poorly designed tools, or maintaining uncomfortable posi-tions for extended periods.One of the primary concerns with ergo-nomic hazards is the strain they place on muscles, tendons, and joints, potentially resulting in injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, or chronic back pain. These conditions not only cause dis-comfort and pain for the affected workers but also lead to decreased productivity, increased absenteeism, and higher health-care costs for employers.To mitigate ergonomic hazards, it’s es-sential to use tools and perform tasks that align with the natural movements and ca-pabilities of the human body. This might involve using knee pads or rotating tasks to avoid repetitive strain.Employers should also provide train-ing to help employees recognize and avoid ergonomic risks. This will promote a safer and more comfortable work environment that reduces the likelihood of injury and enhances overall productivity.Other types of hazards and effectsWhen considering workplace safety, it’s crucial to recognize that hazards come in many forms, not all of which are imme-diately obvious. Beyond the more readily identifiable dangers, several other types of hazards require careful attention. These include both visible and invisible hazards. While some risks, such as ma-chinery or exposed wires, can be seen and avoided, others, like harmful gases or radiation, may be undetectable without specialized equipment.Another critical factor is understand-ing how hazards can enter your body. This could be through inhalation, skin contact, ingestion, or even injection. For instance, chemicals in the air can be inhaled, while others may seep through the skin. Knowing how hazards can affect you is vital to ensur-ing proper safety measures are in place.Moreover, it’s essential to differentiate between hazards that have immediate ef-fects—like burns or cuts—and those that may affect you over time. Chronic exposure to certain chemicals, for example, might not show immediate symptoms but can lead to serious health issues down the line.When identifying a hazard, always consider the following:• general precautions and prevention• the use of Personal Protective Equip-ment (PPE)• the necessity for proper training• WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Mate-rials Information System) knowledgeIdentify hazardous conditionsThe best way to identify hazardous condi-tions is to learn as much as possible and stay current with workplace changes.Consider the following in your workplace:• Obtain WHMIS training specific to thepetroleum industry.• Make sure that required signs and post-ers, such as “No Smoking,” are properly displayed.•Perform your daily start-of-day inspec-tions (such as visual inspections, gasreadings, checklists, etc.) using the ap-propriate measuring tools (ohmmeter,carbon monoxide detector, etc.).Noise from machinery or power tools can cause hearing damage over time and the vibration from these can result in nerve damage.
OCTOBER 2024 • CANADIAN PETROLEUM CONTRACTOR • 9 • Petroleum Construction & Maintenance• Fuel, Tanks, Pumps & Equipment• Carwash Maintenance• Aviation Fueling Facilities• DecommissioningProudly Serving Our Clients For Over 40 Years!Head Ofce:500 - 4th Avenue EastRegina, SK S4N 4Z5Phone: 306-757-3533Branch Ofces:Saskatoon, SKPrince Albert, SKToll Free: 800-757-1982• Be aware of changes in your workplace.• Keep up-to-date records and logs (e.g., equipment main-tenance).• Assess your workplace using your industry or workplacestandards.• Have your workplace inspected regularly by your healthand safety representatives.• Stay up to date with current legislation and proposed legis-lation. Pay attention to related reports in your daily news.• Whenever a hazardous condition is identified, report it andtake the appropriate action.• Record and follow up with any accidents or incidents.• Have regular communications or meetings with employ-ees regarding hazardous conditions.• Establish first aid and emergency plans.• Maintain a small library, including the OccupationalHealth and Safety Act and Fire Codes and have them read-ily accessible for staff.• Conduct regular emergency drills specific to petroleum-related hazards, such as fire and chemical spills.
10 • CANADIAN PETROLEUM CONTRACTOR • OCTOBER 2024Understanding Workplace Atmosphere andItsImpacton SafetyThe workplace atmosphere plays a crucial role in the safety and efficiency of workers. A positive environment promotes alert-ness and reduces the risk of accidents, while a negative or poorly managed atmo-sphere can lead to serious safety concerns.Monotony and Alertness:Jobs that are excessively boring or mo-notonous can lead to a decrease in worker attentiveness. This lack of engagement often results in workers becoming less careful, which can increase the likelihood of accidents.Explore how a lack of mental stimula-tion can cause workers to lose focus, mak-ing them more prone to errors that could compromise safety.Hydration and Worker Well-Being:Workers must have access to drinking flu-ids to prevent dehydration. Dehydration can cause fatigue, dizziness, and reduced con-centration, all of which are safety hazards.Discuss the necessity of ensuring that water or other hydrating fluids are read-ily available in the workplace to maintain workers’ physical and mental performance.Administrative Controls for Safety:Explain the role of health and safety com-mittees in promoting a safe work environ-ment through regular reviews and the implementation of safety protocols.Safety Training:Emphasize the importance of ongoing safety training to ensure that workers are aware of the risks and know how to handle them effectively.Work Schedules and Breaks:Analyze how overly demanding work schedules can lead to the neglect of safe practices, as workers may skip breaks or work extended hours without rest.Highlight the critical need for regular breaks and proper rest periods to maintain safety and productivity. Ensure that the work schedule allows for these necessary pauses.A well-managed workplace atmosphere is essential for workers’ safety and well-being. By addressing issues such as boredom, hy-dration, administrative controls, and work schedules, employers can create an environ-ment that promotes productivity and safe-guards against accidents and health risks.Workplace safety requires continuous learning and vigilance. Stay informed on industry trends and updates to safety regu-lations. Regular reviews of procedures and training help ensure a proactive approach to safety.Visit CPCAonline.com for more information on training and certication available.
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12 • CANADIAN PETROLEUM CONTRACTOR • OCTOBER 2024As an insurance industry professional, I’ve witnessed rsthand how climate change is reshaping our landscape—and our industry. Extreme weather events, including severe storms, hail, and ooding, are occurring with increased frequency and intensity, driving up insurance claims and resulting in billions of dollars in nancial losses. This summer alone, we’ve seen signifi-cant storm activity that has had a pro-found impact on our industry. Here’s a closer look at some of the costliest weather events of the season and what they mean for consumers.1. Calgary Hailstorm:This massive storm struck Calgary, leaving a costly trail of damages. With claims pri-marily focused on auto insurance, the total cost soared to an astonishing $2.8 billion. 2. Montreal’s August Storm: Montreal was hit by a powerful summer storm in August, leading to claims total-ing over $2.5 billion. The damage spanned numerous properties, adding further pres-sure on insurers.3. Toronto Flooding: Heavy rainfall led to severe flooding along the Don Valley Parkway (DVP) in Toronto, resulting in approximately $940 million in insurance claims. Among the most flood-prone cities in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), Ajax, Mississauga, and Toronto top the list, leaving insurers particularly wary of future storm seasons.4. Jasper Fire: The recent wildfire in Jasper, Alberta, has inflicted substantial costs on the insur-ance industry, with insured losses esti-mated at over $880 million, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. This di-saster, which damaged or destroyed about one-third of Jasper’s structures, ranks as Alberta’s second most expensive wildfire event after the 2016 Fort McMurray fire, which caused $4.4 billion in losses when adjusted for inflation.The fire not only impacted residential properties but also resulted in numer-ous commercial and business interrup-tion claims, as well as damages related to smoke, additional living expenses, and evacuation costs. These extensive losses have highlighted the rising financial risks posed by climate-driven disasters in Cana-da, putting pressure on insurers to adapt their practices to accommodate these se-vere and increasingly common events.What This Means for InsurancePremiumsGiven these extensive claims, the insur-ance industry faces a challenging road ahead. In fact, it is noted that current in-surance premiums scarcely cover the ris-ing cost of these claims. This pressure on insurers makes reductions in auto and home insurance rates unlikely in the fore-seeable future. As climate change drives up the frequency and severity of storms, insurers must adjust premiums to keep pace with potential risks and ensure they can continue to cover future claims.Preparing for the FutureFor consumers, understanding these shifts in the insurance landscape is essential. While the prospect of increased premi-ums can be daunting, it’s a reality that re-flects the broader environmental changes taking place globally. Taking preventive steps—such as securing property, ensur-ing proper drainage, and considering flood insurance for high-risk areas—can help individuals mitigate the impact of severe weather on their homes and vehicles.By Dave Mason, BrokerlinkHow Climate Change is Impacting Insurance Premiums:A Look at the Rising Costs of Summer StormsFires and oods: Disasters across Canada led to record number of insurance claims in 2024
14 • CANADIAN PETROLEUM CONTRACTOR • OCTOBER 2024In the petroleum contracting industry, protecting workers’ hands is essential due to the frequent exposure to varied hazards. With approximately 30% of work-related injuries affecting ngers, hands, and arms, adopting effective hand protection practices is crucial to worker safety. This guide will explore common hand injuries, types of protective gloves, and best practices for hand protection in petroleum contracting.COMMON HAND AND ARM INJURIESPetroleum industry workers often encounter:Fire and Extreme Temperatures: Expo-sure to intense heat or cold can cause se-vere burns and frostbite.Electrical and Chemical Risks: Contact with electricity or hazardous chemicals can lead to chemical burns and electrical shocks.Cuts and Abrasions: Sharp tools, heavy machinery, and rough materials increase the likelihood of lacerations and abrasions.TYPES OF HAND PROTECTIONSelecting the correct hand protection is essential to reduce the risk of injury. Here’s an overview of common glove types suitable for specific tasks in petro-leum contracting:COTTON AND DISPOSABLE GLOVES: • Cotton gloves offer minimal protection, typically used for light tasks. Dispos-able nitrile gloves are suitable for pre-venting skin exposure to hydrocarbons and liquids.• Nitrile-Dipped Gloves: These gloves pro-vide excellent protection when handling oils, lubricants, and petroleum products. Some varieties include a cut-resistant ra-ting, making them versatile for handling greasy, sharp objects.• Leather Gloves: Leather gloves pro-tect hands from weather elements and scrapes. They are ideal for handling ma-terials like wood or bricks but provide li-mited cut resistance.• Cut-Resistant Dexterity Gloves: These gloves should be worn when working with tools or materials that pose a cutting risk, such as ductwork, saws, or glass. For maximum protection, it’s recommended to use cut-resistant gloves whenever pos-sible to prevent hand injuries.GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR HAND PROTECTIONFollowing these guidelines can help en-sure that hand protection is effective:• Use Personal Hand Protectors: Ensure they are your own, fit well and provide adequate coverage.• Follow Manufacturer Instructions: Always adhere to the manufacturer’s guidelines for wearing and using protec-tive equipment.• Check Safety Data Sheets (SDS): When handling chemicals, refer to the SDS to determine the correct hand pro-tection needed.• Maintain and Replace Hand Protec-tion: Regularly clean and inspect protec-tive equipment, replacing it immediately if worn or damaged.• Match Protection to the Task: Different jobs have unique hazards, so select hand protection that’s tailored to the task.UTILIZING THE POST GLOVE REFERENCE CHARTThe POST Glove Reference Chart serves as a comprehensive tool for selecting the right gloves. It provides a quick reference for matching gloves to specific tasks and potential hazards, ensuring workers can easily find appropriate protection.Hand protection is vital in the petroleum contracting industry. By understanding common injuries, choosing the right glo-ves, and following recommended guide-lines, companies can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hand inju-ries. Prioritizing hand safety leads to a safer, more efficient work environment.Glove Up: Ensuring Hand Safety in the Petroleum Contracting IndustryPOST
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