Construction industry answers call from hospitals to donate in-demand protective gear
By On-Site Staff, with files from The Canadian Press
Health & Safety COVID-19The construction industry is stepping up to donate much-needed protective gear to hospitals as frontline health care staff coast to coast work to detect and treat thousands of cases of COVID-19.
Though hospitals and health departments have generally downplayed concerns of shortages for medical staff, many are accepting donated equipment. In response, contractors are giving away masks and eye protection commonly used on-site.
EllisDon, for instance, said earlier this week it is building an inventory of extra masks to donate.
“Frankly, we will give whatever we possibly can,” spokesman Dustin Luchka told The Canadian Press, noting its mask count is up to about 100 so far.
The Canadian Construction Association (CCA) said March 25 it has put out the call to its provincial and local association partners to encourage member companies to donate protective equipment, if they have not already done so.
“The in-demand equipment includes some that are routinely used in construction, including n95-rated, or higher, masks and eye protection,” the CCA noted.
The national group is encouraging contractors with equipment to spare to get in touch with their local construction association to find out where to donate. It also posted documentation outlining the technical specifications of in-demand ventilators and personal protective equipment.
