ROUGHLY
31,000 tests — that's the number
of rapid antigen testing carried
out by EllisDon in the first few weeks of 2021.
The construction firm is fully embracing
the screening method, which has been "really
successful" in the early identification of
presumptive positives that are then confirmed
through a polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
test, says Steve Chaplin, vice president of health,
safety and environment at EllisDon.
"We thought we'd have a lot of pushback
[from workers], there's always a few, but really
it was adopted quite well. And now we've moved
to a spot where in the GTA [Greater Toronto
Area] we've got about 16 sites where we're
doing the testing. And we've just completed, as
of today, over 31,000 rapid test screens… And
we're doing 8,000 tests a week."
EllisDon acted early to boost safety efforts both
on worksites and at offices by introducing phys-
ical distancing, reduced capacities, staggered
start times, hand sanitizer and health screening
questionnaires. More recently, the company was
an early adopter of thermal imaging temperature
scans, and it is now fully embracing rapid antigen
testing to limit further spread of the virus.
WWW.HRREPORTER.COM ISSUE 34.04.2021
THE NATIONAL JOURNAL OF HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT
Never say never
A recent appeal court decision in
Ontario involved a worker who waited
two years to sue for constructive
dismissal
/8
ALSO IN THIS ISSUE…
CYBERVETTING CHALLENGES
Is checking out the social media profiles
of potential job candidates more about
moral evaluations than proper skills
assessment? /7
BOOSTING FINANCIAL WELLNESS
With people struggling more than ever,
there are several ways — and reasons why
— employers can step up to help /28
RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
The B.C. Human Rights Tribunal awards
more than $960,000 in damages to a
former corrections officer /33
> pg. 2
EllisDon, Nutrien, Rogers — a growing number of
employers are rolling out rapid antigen testing to boost
COVID-related safety. And while there are challenges,
along with legal considerations, it's proving a worthwhile
endeavour, writes Sarah Dobson
Rating DEI initiatives
Employers take note: Glassdoor is now
including demographic ratings for race,
ethnicity and gender identity
/10
Rapid testing takes off
in fight against COVID
BENEFITS GUIDE 2021
We hear from several providers to get
their take on the latest developments in
employee benefits and what employers
need to know moving forward
/16
