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Focus on Health and Safety

Worker safety has always been a focus item at Jay Carter Roofing. Now, a program developed by the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (formerly the Worker’s Compensation Board) has added a new twist.

The new WSIB initiative groups companies to encourage a more comprehensive rollout of its Health and Safety Policy. Under the auspices of the Barrie Construction Association, Jay Carter Roofing is working with 13 other companies to share education and rollout techniques. One or two employees from each company is given training with the understanding they will then become trainers within their individual organizations.

The WSIB monitors the progress each company is making in getting education to its employees. And, in a unique twist, the group is only as good as its weakest member. The incentive for getting the entire group up to speed? Lower WSIB premiums!

Crew leader Mike Briggs has been selected as trainer for Jay Carter Roofing.

“It’s a great opportunity,” says Mike.  “Networking and sharing ideas with the other companies ensures you’re not alone.  I’m convinced we’ll all succeed together.”

When injuries or illness occur, many companies leave workers to fend for themselves. But Jay Carter Roofing protects its workers though a program developed by the Canadian Standards Association and tailored to meet the needs of the Carter team.

The CSA is a not-for-profit membership-based association serving business, industry, government and consumers in Canada and the global marketplace.

The program, dubbed ‘Return to Work’ focuses on getting team members back to safe and productive work as soon as medically possible, stressing complete cooperation between employee and employer.

Most injured workers can return to some type of work even while they are still recovering. Returning to daily work and life activities can actually help in the recovery process. In fact, research shows that the longer a worker is off work due to injury or illness, the less likelihood there is of that person returning to work.

Communication is important for a successful return to work. Workers benefit most when they know the company is interested in their well being.

At Jay Carter Roofing, a returning worker is given modified duties and is paid accordingly. A package, prepared for the worker, includes a letter to the employee detailing modified duties available, letters to the attending physicians describing the severity of the injury as well as a week-by-week modified duties schedule.

“When you care about your people,” says President Jay Carter, “this is just one more way to show it.”

Re-Roofing at The Keg

A major construction management company, located in the GTA, needed a top-notch roofing company to help them with a significant challenge. Three locations of The Keg Restaurants – Oshawa, Scarborough and Etobicoke – required re-roofing, and fast. The buildings were clad in cedar shake that was rapidly deteriorating and the job had to be done without disrupting restaurant business.

Gaydon Contractors wasted no time getting in touch with Jay Carter Roofing.

Jay Carter crews moved quickly to strip the existing roofing and install a new line of Owens Corning Oakridge Premium shingles – but not without a few surprises. Two of the buildings had asbestos under the roof deck and this had to be removed before re-roofing could proceed.

Carter crews removed the cedar shake, the existing roof deck and the asbestos. With that work completed, they re-sheathed the entire roof deck with half inch plywood, applied synthetic felt underlayment, ice and water shield, all flashing, and finally, the Owens Corning shingles.

The safety of restaurant patrons was a major concern and restricted normal roofing removal procedures while poor weather during the projects hindered production.

But Gaydon management couldn’t have been happier. In a letter to the company, Gaydon praised Jay Carter Roofing for “successfully completing the three challenging projects according to budget and timing with exceptional levels of safety and management”.

Fall Protection – a Roofer’s best friend

A roofing company’s major asset comes in the form of a skilled installer. Keeping installers safe is not just essential, it’s the law. A key part of the Jay Carter Roofing uniform is a heavy-duty safety harness. Special gear on the harness allows the installer to clip onto thick lines that have been secured to the roof at its highest point. These lines, suitable for mountain climbing, allow the installer to move quickly and safely over the roof, no matter how steep the pitch. “There’s no such thing as being too safe,” says Jay Carter crew chief, Doug Wood. “Everyone on a crew, whether they’re on the roof or on the ground, watches for things that could compromise safety. And when they see something, they fix it.”

Snow, Wind and Ice

Yes, it’s that time again. No need to break out the winter jackets just yet, but it is time to start getting prepared. Winter is on its way. While it can be one of the most beautiful times of the year, it doesn’t come without challenges. And, if your roof isn’t in tip-top shape, snow, ice and high winds can turn winter into a nightmare.

It’s difficult to get a good look at your roof from the ground and doing your own inspection is a dangerous undertaking – especially on a steep slope. Even new roofs are not always a guarantee against winter’s ravages.

Broken or missing shingles and deteriorating flashings are just a few of the problems you might not be able to see. Inadequate insulation can also lead to a host of problems, including ice buildup at the eaves during periods of rapid freeze and thaw. When signs of a leak do occur, the damage is often extensive.

Why not put your mind at ease. Call us for a free, no obligation inspection of your roof and insulation. If your roof is in good shape, we’ll tell you. But if we see problems, we’ll photograph and document the problems and provide you with a detailed estimate for all necessary repairs. You can reach us by phone – 1.877.490.3400 – or through the ‘Request a Quote’ form on our website.

What’s on Facebook?

If you haven’t seen it, Jay Carter Roofing has a facebook page. Why? Because it’s another way for us to communicate with you. And it gives you the opportunity to communicate with us, openly and honestly.

As a fan, you can post comments about jobs we’ve done, ask questions or simply browse for the latest company news. Why not have a look. We think you’ll be pleasantly surprised.

Guelph’s Civic Museum Restored

A historic museum in the City of Guelph, Ontario is getting a complete makeover – and one of the key contractors is Jay Carter Roofing.

This magnificent structure is being enlarged and fully restored thanks to contributions from the City of Guelph, the Government of Ontario and the Government of Canada.

“It’s a beautiful building,” says Jay Carter, “built before Confederation, and we’re pleased and proud to be part of the restoration of this important heritage site.”

The Carter Roofing team is well past the half-way point on their part of the project. As many as four layers of old shingles and a large section of the roof deck had to be removed. Hazardous asbestos also had to be removed before the re-roofing could begin. The team replaced all sloped and flat sections of roof as well as ornamental fencing and frames on roof-level windows and doors.

Jay Carter worked with the city and convinced them to go with a ‘green’ roofing product from CertainTeed, called Solaris – so named for its reflective qualities, reflecting, rather than absorbing sunlight. Recycled materials and a 50-year warranty are key selling points with Solaris.

Working on sloped roofs, some five storeys off ground level, the crew is constantly thinking safety.

“When this project is done,” says Crew Chief Mike Briggs, “it’ll be great to say we had a hand in it.”