'EllisDon is embracing technology and is hungry to see all of the advancements in the marketplace,' says HR leader John Martin
John Martin, Senior HSE Director for Eastern Canada at EllisDon, isn’t shy about embracing technology.
But his enthusiasm is also balanced with the need to navigate and implement technology that is well suited for the complexities of the construction industry.
Speaking to HRD, he explains that as projects become more intricate, and with the rapid pace of technological advancements, EllisDon is under pressure to not just keep up, but to lead in the integration of new tools that enhance health, safety, and environmental practices.
“EllisDon is embracing technology and is hungry to see all of the advancements in the marketplace,” says Martin.
And yet, beneath this optimism lies a recognition of the challenges that come with such a transformation. The company’s approach is not just about adoption but about structured integration.
EllisDon’s digital program is well-structured and as an organization, they are continuously searching for ways to uncover leading indicators of risk on their projects. This is a critical step in an industry where the margin for error can be high and lead to significant injuries.
One of the standout technologies EllisDon has integrated is Timescapes, a computer vision system that analyzes and automatically tags photos and videos for key safety elements like PPE detection and no-go zones. EllisDon currently has a strategic partnership with Timescapes, and it is being used on approximately 17 job sites across the country.
While this showcases a cutting-edge approach, the broader context reveals a company grappling with the complexities of ensuring that such technologies are not just implemented but are effective across different sites.
“Our software selection program enables our team to source and request the utilization of platforms to transform the way we run construction projects - whether that be for a single project or across the country.” Martin adds.
One of the most ambitious initiatives Martin discussed was the Construction Technology Accelerator Program (ConTech Accelerator Program), which showcases how EllisDon embraces one of their core values: entrepreneurial enthusiasm. The team works to find the best technology start-ups in the global construction sector who then present to the EllisDon Executive Leadership team in a “Dragons Den” style evaluation.
“The top platforms are then piloted on our construction sites across Canada,” Martin explains, indicating a willingness to experiment and adopt, but again, within a framework that demands rigorous vetting and practical application.
Technological advancements, however, are only part of the story. The construction industry is facing a new set of safety challenges, driven by the increasing complexity of projects. Martin says that mental health is a significant area of concern, noting that as projects become more complex, the stress on workers intensifies.
“We understand how important it is for us to consider the mental health of our employees,” he says, revealing that EllisDon has brought in more mental health resources and support over the last year.
“Along with some of our industry peers, we are a part of two groups that have been instrumental in helping us understand the importance of mental health, namely, the Construction Safety Research Alliance and the Canadian Construction Safety Committee, which has a Mental Health subcommittee” says Martin.
This initiative is not just about ticking a box; it’s a response to the real pressures that workers face on the ground.
Additionally, EllisDon’s response to project complexity goes deeper. With the implementation of The Last Planner System (LPS) it is another tool in EllisDon’s arsenal designed to promote a predictable workflow by identifying potential hurdles before they escalate into bigger issues.
“The LPS sheds light on potential hurdles and helps us address them before they become bigger issues, including potential “Trade Stacking” which can lead to incidents on our projects," Martin adds.
Finally, keeping up with the latest regulations and industry best practices is another area where EllisDon is making concerted efforts. Martin is particularly proud of the company’s active engagement with key industry committees and associations, a strategy designed to ensure that EllisDon remains at the forefront of legislative and technological developments.
“Our senior vice president of health and safety and environment, Steve Chaplin, serves as the chair of the Ontario Prevention Council,” Martin tells HRD. “This council provides critical advisory support to the Ministry of Labour, training and skills development, as well as the Chief Prevention Officer. Being a part of these key industry committees keeps us current on legislative and industry updates as well as gives us an avenue for an industry wide improvement on safety.”
“I can confidently say that our HSE team works closely with regulatory bodies to ensure that our practices are not just compliant but exemplary”.
