IBEW electricians support Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation
Providing electrical services in a medical setting can be complex and demanding at the best of times. For IBEW electricians that challenge was intensified as they worked under extraordinary circumstances to help meet Joseph Brant Hospital’s (JBH’s) urgent need for expansion due to the pandemic.
Incorporating new health and safety guidelines and working 24-7, electricians were able to complete their work safely and effectively. Erected on the JBH Burlington site, the temporary pandemic response unit was needed to expand the hospital’s bed capacity in preparation for an anticipated surge of COVID-19.
But for IBEW Local 105, where the electricians are members, the job didn’t finish there. With a history of giving back to the community, the Local decided it was important to step up their efforts.
“We are very proud to donate $15,000 to help the Joseph Brant Hospital Foundation deal with emerging needs created by Covid-19 as well as support staff working at the hospital,” said Lorne Newick, Business Manager of Local 105.
Newick noted that the JBH Foundation and the IBEW are long-time community partners.
The bulk of the funds will be used to help the hospital meet additional medical equipment and supply needs created by the pandemic. IBEW’s donation will also include a small portion to treat JBH staff to refreshment and snacks through one of the vendors in the hospital.
Now completed, the project was a reminder of all the behind the scenes workers and companies who are helping to save lives.
PLAN Group was a key player in the JBH build, utilizing IBEW workers, managing tight deadlines and overseeing the challenges of working in an environment that called for heightened safety measures.
Despite the restrictive work environment due to social distancing, the electricians successfully provided power and generator back-up power, lighting and data communications cabling for the 93-bed temporary structure within a two-week window.
PLAN is a member of the Electrical Contractors Association of Ontario (ECAO), which represents more than 550 contractors. Members of ECAO work with the IBEW CCO (of which Local 105 is a member) to ensure safe and reliable electrical services, building the bulk of key infrastructure in Ontario.
The ECAO and IBEW CCO have been active in promoting safe work sites during the pandemic and to ensuring essential services are able to be maintained through reliable power. They have also been active in giving back to their communities.
“It has been great to see so many people and companies across Ontario step up to help out. When you work and live in a community it’s essential that we all are there to give back when needed,” said Newick.
