A Landscape Alberta Nursery Trades Association member publication
September/October 2017 Vol. 5, No. 5
The 2017 GISC is only a couple months away Battening Down
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CALENDAR Advancing the professional landscape industry. MANAGING EDITOR | Joel Beatson PRODUCTION & EDITING | Kyla Hardon ADVERTISING | Erynn Watson
Landscape Alberta Green for Life is a professional publication for the landscape trade in Alberta.
Editorial and Advertising Landscape Alberta 18051 107 Avenue NW Edmonton, AB T5S 1K3 P: 780-489-1991 F: 780-444-2152 admin@landscape-alberta.com
Landscape Alberta does not assume responsibility for and does not endorse the contents of any advertisements herein. All representations or warranties made are those of the advertiser and not the publication. Views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of Landscape Alberta or its members.
Material may not be reprinted from this magazine without the consent of Landscape Alberta.
ISSN No: 1929-7114 (print) ISSN N0: 1929-7122 (online)
September 17 – 22, 2017 IGCA Congress 2017 Niagara Falls, ON www.igcacanada2017.ca September 27, 2017 National Tree Day www.treecanada.ca
September 27 – 28, Canwest Hort Show Tradex, Abbotsford, BC www.canwesthortshow.com
November 15, 2017 Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Auction Sheraton Eau Claire, Calgary, AB www.greenindustryshow.com November 15 – 16, 2017 Green Industry Show & Conference BMO Centre, Calgary, AB www.greenindustryshow.com
For a full list of industry events, visit: www.landscape-alberta.com/?page_id=404
Landscape Alberta Board of Directors Brian Gibson, Green Drop Lawns Ltd., Chair
Ken Ruddock, ULS Maintenance & Landscaping Inc. Cody Brown, Tree to Tree Nurseries Ltd.
Jeff Oudyk, CSLA, AALA, JLG, Land Tec Landscape Contractors Ltd. John van Roessel, CLM, CLT, JVR Landscape (2006) Inc., Treasurer
Keith Plowman, K Plowman Contracting Ltd.
Laura Watson, Finning Canada
Adam Jansen, The Jansen Group
Landscape Alberta Staff Joel Beatson, CAE, CLM, Executive Director joel.beatson@landscape-alberta.com Marnie Main, Member Services Director member.services@landscape-alberta.com Erynn Watson, Events Coordinator erynn.watson@landscape-alberta.com
Valerie Stobbe, Trade Show Coordinator valerie.stobbe@landscape-alberta.com
Kyla Hardon, Communications Coordinator kyla.hardon@landscape-alberta.com
Cheryl Teo, Bookkeeper accounting@landscape-alberta.com
On the Cover Canada 150 Garden at the Alberta Legislature The 2017 GISC is only a couple months away, page 10 Battening Down, page 7
Follow us on Twitter @landscapeab Like us on Facebook @landscapealberta Follow us on @landscapealberta
Green for Life September/October 2017 I 3
Industry and Association News...
Thank you to our donors and volunteers! On July 7 and 8, 2017, Landscape Alberta and a group of local landscape companies worked to build a new park in Chestermere, AB, converting the skateboard park into a premiere park for the community to enjoy. The vision was to develop a park which would foster community engagement and be a landscaping showcase for the City.
The idea coincided with the establishment of the Reidbuilt Center for Community Leadership, which is intended to support local non-profit organizations. Recently Chestermere City Council and staff have agreed to support this project and re-allocated funding for much-needed irrigation and a more robust landscaping plan was developed. The park contains 81 trees, 415 potted plants, 354 cu yds of mulch and 40,000 sq ft of sod. Thank you to the following companies for their generous in-kind contribution of time, talent and resources.
4 I Green for Life September/October 2017
Alpha Better Landscaping Inc. Foothills Nurseries Ltd. ULS Maintenance & Landscaping Inc. Alta West Tree Movers Brazel Construction Ltd Burnco Landscape Centres Ltd. Eagle Lake Nurseries Ltd. Eagle Lake Professional Landscape Supply Foothills Landscaping (2000) Ltd. Genuine Earthworks Heatherglen Golf Course Homescapes Complete Landscape Construction Kiwi Irrigation Ltd. Manderley Turf Products Inc. Pollyco Group Saunders Construction Ltd The Grounds Guys The Professional Gardener Co. Ltd. Top Spray Wheatland Trees Ltd. Wilco Contractors SW
Canada 150 Garden Opens Just in time for Canada Day, Landscape Alberta was on site on June 29th to officially open the Canada 150 Rose Garden at the Alberta Legislature. The garden features 150 of the new Canadian Shield Rose, with 13 of those (one for each province and territory) being featured in a central, maple leaf shaped natural stone raised planter. Premier Notley, Minister Mason, and David Shepherd MLA were all on hand to thank the member of Landscape Alberta for the amazing gift to the people of Alberta. Thank you to all of the volunteers and donors that made this legacy garden possible.
For more information please contact Cheryl Gall at the CNLA.
Canadian Agricultural Partnership announced The new Canadian Agricultural Partnership (replacement for Growing Forward) was recently announced. The five-year, $3 billion investment comes in to effect April 1, 2018. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership will focus on six key areas. 1) Science, Research and Innovation, 2) Markets and Trade, 3) Environmental Sustainability and Climate Change, 4) Value-added Agriculture and Agri-Food Processing, 5 Public Trust, and 6) Risk Management. More information will be shared when the application process is available for Alberta.
Expocrete, an Oldcastle Company JVR Landscape (2006) Inc. Burnco Landscape Centres Seven M Construction Ltd. Finning (Canada) APS Landscaping Inc. Terra Landscaping Ltd. The CAT Rental Store The Jansen Group Ltd. Fantascapes Landscaping Heritage Nurseries Ltd. Manderely Turf Products Land Tec Landscape Contractors Classic Landscape Centre Green Drop Lawns Park Landscaping The Cedar Shop TNT Contracting Ltd. Nilex Inc
City of Calgary – Elm Species Change Coming The City of Calgary Urban Forestry department has asked Landscape Alberta to advise members of the policy change to begin phasing out the Brandon Elm from approved City plantings. Weak branch attachment, along with the species being very susceptible to European Elm Scale are the two major reasons. They have requested American Elm as a replacement, preferably from a seed stock source. There is recognition that this may take 3-5 years to fully implement.
Agri-Marketing Dollars Available Attending or Exhibiting at a US or Foreign Trade Show? For the 2017-2018 Government fiscal year (April 1 - March 31), there is 50% cost sharing funding available for Landscape Alberta growers (in fact, all growers across Canada) to travel to or exhibit at trade shows outside of Canada, to promote their products or to bring products or technology to Canada.
Apply ahead of time to ensure your submission is approved; provide a plan and budget for travel and provide a report on results. The paperwork is not onerous. Late submissions “after the fact” are paid based on what is left over after the preapproved submissions are paid out. For program details and application form, visit: http://bit.ly/2uu5mr.j
New Plant and Animal Health Strategy Released The federal and provincial ministers of agriculture have endorsed the now released Plant and Animal Health Strategy for Canada. This collaborative path helps safeguard plant and animal resources. Increased protection from introduced pest and diseases helps safeguard the horticulture industry across Canada. Read more here. http://www.inspection.gc.ca/CanPAH Peter Isaacson, CNLA’s IPM and Minor Use Coordinator has provided the following summary of PMRA’s re-examination of glyphosate, based on information provided by the Agency via a recent stakeholder conference call. A summary document is also available for download from the PMRA website: http://bit.ly/2fsDEJ0. City of Edmonton Landscaping Inspection Manual The City of Edmonton has released their first Landscaping Inspection Manual. The document is intended as a set of guidelines for city inspectors. Landscape Alberta looks forward to working with the City on future editions. Find the document here: http://bit.ly/2vjDqsV.
Landscape Company Accreditation now Available The Canadian Nursery Landscape Association (CNLA) and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP) have recently launched the Landscape Company Accreditation program. This program helps to recognize lawn and landscape companies for their commitment to excellence.
Accredited companies: focus on certification as a cornerstone of their business practices, conduct their business affairs responsibly, value community and customer relations, and maintain high standards of workmanship and environmental stewardship in residential and commercial settings.
In recognition of their commitment to excellence through certification, the Landscape Industry Accredited Company “Seal of Approval” is awarded to successful applicants who: meet the criteria, agree to the Pledge of Excellence, and submit to a Customer Reference Verification. Maintenance of the Seal requires reaccreditation every three years to retain the accredited company status. For more information visit Green for Life September/October 2017 I 5
https://cnla.ca/training/landscape-industry-accreditation or contact Jason Young at jason@cnla-acpp.ca.
PMRA Releases Glyphosate Re-evaluation Decision Glyphosate is not genotoxic and is unlikely to pose a human cancer risk. Dietary (food and drinking water) exposure associated with the use of glyphosate is not expected to pose a risk of concern to human health. Occupational and residential risks associated with the use of glyphosate are not of concern, provided that updated label instructions are followed.
The environmental assessment concluded that spray buffer zones are necessary to mitigate potential risks to non-target species (for example, vegetation near treated areas, aquatic invertebrates and fish) from spray drift. When used according to revised label directions, glyphosate products are not expected to pose risks of concern to the environment. All registered glyphosate uses
Growers of Quality Nursery Stock:
Specimen Caliper Trees Pot-in-Pot Trees Specimen Evergreens Container Evergreens Container Shrubs Perennials
403 - 934 - 3670 1 - 866 - 805 - 5007 sales@eaglelakenurseries.com eaglelakenurseries.com Located 5 kms east of Strathmore, AB on Range Road 245 6 I Green for Life September/October 2017
have value for weed control in agriculture and non- agricultural land management.
PMRA is granting continued registration of products containing glyphosate with requirements of additional label updates to further protect human health and the environment. To comply with this decision, the required label changes must be implemented on all product labels sold by registrants no later than 24 months after the publication date of this document. Changes to the Canada-Alberta Job Grant – More Incentives to Train Employees There are now more ways for Alberta businesses and workers to benefit from the Canada-Alberta Job Grant (CAJG) training subsidy.
1. As always, get up to two-thirds of the cost of training covered for eligible current employees, up to $10,000 per trainee. 2. Up to 100% of training costs reimbursed when hiring and training eligible unemployed Albertans, up to $15,000 per trainee. 3. Sole proprietors can now apply to CAJG to train their employees. 4. Travel assistance will allow more businesses outside Edmonton and Calgary, to train their employees.
The Canada-Alberta Job Grant can help provide your workers with the training they need to support and advance your business, whether they are new to the job or moving up in the organization. Check the applicant guidelines for eligibility criteria and apply for CAJG funding today - http://bit.ly/2uGxJSk.
Enter the 2017 Landscape Awards Showcase your expertise and creativity… the early bird deadline for this year’s Landscape Awards is October 20, 2017. Start taking your pictures today! Download the awards entry package at www.landscape-alberta.com or email Kyla at kyla@landscape-alberta.com for a copy.
Battening Down
One way to deal with the unpredictable costs of winter weather
By Shane Belvin
Believe it or not, snow and ice are right around the corner. The volatility of the past several winters, from mild temperatures to record snowfall, has complicated the already difficult task of budgeting during the winter months. This can directly affect the bottom line of both leased and owned parking facilities by keeping lots empty and increasing snow removal costs. For managed properties, it can stress margins and damage client relationships.
The uncertainty of weather ensures that the only thing definite about snow-related costs is that they will be unpredictable. You can analyze forecasts (what does El Niño mean?), read the Farmers Almanac, use last year’s expenditures as a placeholder, or just throw a dart at a board. A fixed, seasonal rate may help, but you still have risk in both high and low snow years. During seasons with below-average snowfall, you are paying for a service that isn’t being provided. In high-snow seasons, some vendors might skimp on service to manage their own margins. These costs are independent of the weather’s effect on customer behavior, which negatively affects revenue.
Tools exist that can mitigate this seasonal risk. Coupled with using vendor management and RFP best practices, these financial instruments can effectively cap a variable expense. This allows both tenants and parking service providers to better manage their costs, revenue and capital structure. These financial tools utilize weather options or derivatives. Hedging your snow removal costs will allow you to cap your snow removal expenses without sacrificing service.
How It Works Weather options act in a similar way to insurance but differ in two key aspects: • Unlike the long process of collecting on an insurance claim, you will receive payment 30 days from the end of the winter season. • The payout is not determined by the costs you incur at your specific location. Instead, you are paid based on the amount of snow at an agreed-upon location. This eliminates the need for a long claims process and minimizes the administrative burden.
These products have been around for decades and have been widely adopted by the energy and agriculture sectors. Oil and gas companies can protect themselves against the negative effects of a warm winter, and utilities can save themselves from a decrease in electricity usage in cool summers. Agriculture can protect itself from instances of extreme temperature or precipitation.
Following is an overview of the weather derivatives market, a basic explanation of the product’s mechanics, and some ways it may benefit the parking industry.
History of Weather Derivatives The weather market is rooted in the energy industry and began around the same time as deregulation in the U.S. Energy providers always knew that variability in the weather was probably the largest factor affecting energy consumption. However, these companies were able to absorb the ups and downs of the market because they were operating as monopolies. This provided great financial stability for the energy companies with minimal financial risk. At the time of deregulation, the various entities in the process of producing, marketing, and delivering energy to U.S. households and businesses were forced to confront weather as a significant risk to their bottom line.
The first participants in the market—energy traders such as Koch Industries and Aquila—created and executed the first weather derivative transactions in 1997. The first deals were all structured as protection against warmer- or cooler-thanaverage weather in specific regions for the winter or summer seasons. The early market participants saw weather derivatives as an opportunity to hedge inherent weather exposure in their core assets and a new risk management product to offer to regional utilities.
The weather derivatives market has since expanded to the agriculture market and beyond. Bill Windle, managing director of Munich Re and long-time participant in the weather options market, has experienced this growth firsthand. He observes, “The weather derivatives industry has grown considerably in recent years. When I first started, we spent most of our time and effort helping those in the energy and agriculture industries mitigate the impact that weather had on their businesses. In recent years, we’ve helped everyone from real estate to municipalities manage their weather risk. I like to think that we are helping people take some of the worry out of their budgets.”
Anatomy of a Weather Derivative Weather derivatives exist primarily in the private or over-thecounter market. This just means the trades are not conducted on exchanges such as the New York Stock Exchange or the Chicago Mercantile Exchange. While the transactions are not completed on exchanges, they are still regulated by the National Futures Association and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority. The transactions are executed with oneGreen for Life September/October 2017 I 7
Reference Weather Station
All contracts are settled based on a measurement of weather at a particular weather station. These stations are operated and monitored by the NOAA, a thrid-party government entity.
Index (Weather Statistic)
This is the measure of the weather that will define the payout of the weather derivative contract. The statistic most applicable to snow removal is inches of snow at the closest weather station.
Term (Timeframe)
Contracts have a defined start and end date that define the period that the weather statistic is calculated. The most common term for winter season contracts is Nov. 1 through March 31.
Strike (Trigger)
A specific amount of snowfall is identified that determines the point that you would like the option to begin paying. Businesses will define this measurement based on risk appetite and strategy.
Payout
The contract will have a defined payment that mirrors the expenses that your locations endure as a result of snowfall. The payout will occur as a function of snowfall above or below the defined trigger.
Premium
The buyer of a weather option pays a premium to the seller that is typically 10 to 20 percent of the overall value of the contract. This may vary substantially depending on risk profile.
Example Contract Structure
An example of a trade to mitigate snow removal costs in Baltimore, Md., would be: payout of $10,000 per inch of snow at BWI Airport for every inch above 20'' between Nov. 1 and March 31.
to-one agreements with the underwriter, or person taking the opposite position on the trade.
In the weather derivatives market, these underwriters are large, highly regulated, international insurance and reinsurance companies, such as Munich Re, Swiss Re, and Nephila Capital.
There are two primary references that need to be identified before using a weather option to manage your snow removal costs: quantifying the impact of an inch of snow for your location and identifying when you want the option to start paying you. Once that has been completed, determining the other components of the transaction (weather station, index, term, strike, payout, and premium) is relatively straightforward. Table 1 defines the factors required to enter a hedging agreement.
After the agreement is entered, the premium is paid to the underwriter. At the end of the agreed-upon term (in this example: March 31), if the snowfall for the identified weather station is above the strike amount, the option is considered “in the money.” This means that you will receive the payout that corresponds to the incremental amount identified in your contract. Using the sample contract from Table 1, the payout would be $200,000 in the event that it snowed 40 inches at Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport. (40 inches-20 inches = 20 inches; 20 inches x $10,000 = $200,000). Mechanics We will now walk through a step-by-step graphical illustration of the effect hedging against snowfall can have on your budget. For simplicity, we will address snow removal costs only, not lost revenue.
Snow removal expenses increase with snowfall and are highly variable on a year-to-year basis. The red line in Figure 1 represents the increase in snow removal costs as the seasonal snowfall rises. These expenses are usually recognized at the property level and can severely damage annual budgets.
8 I Green for Life September/October 2017
To offset snow removal expenses in years with high snowfall, a call option is purchased. The blue line in Figure 2 represents the payout of the option as the snowfall total for the season increases. In this example, the option has a strike at the average snow amount and pays a pre-determined and increasing amount for every inch over that strike. In Figure 3 the hedge payout and the increasing expenses arelayered together. You can see that the cost of the hedge, or premium, creates a slight increase in expenses in low snow years. However, the payout offsets the above-average expenses when the option is in the money.
Figure 4 illustrates the resulting budget predictability as a result of the hedge. Expenses are capped at a predictable value that is slightly above the historical annual average. This cap still allows for positive budget variances in low-snow years, allowing you to come in under budget while de-risking your parking portfolio.
Case Study Now that we have gone through the anatomy of a weather hedge, let’s look at an actual example of weather options being used to manage snow removal expenses. This location is a class A office building located in Elgin, Ill. The average seasonal snowfall for the location is 40 inches, with an average snow removal expense of roughly $80,000. The property manager, with the help of an adviser, chose a hedge that paid out $2,500 per inch for every inch above 40 inches. The premium for this transaction was roughly $18,000.
As you can see in Figure 5, the snow removal expenses in the average year are increased by the amount of the option premium. It is also worth noting that the net expense (the costs of snowplowing, plus the cost of the hedge, minus the option payout) ended up actually being less in the historically high, 80-inch, snow season.
Possible Effects Outside of budget certainty and cost savings, there are a num-
I
Table 1
Expenses
Figure 1
Snow Removal Expenses
Expenses in Avg Snow Year
ber of additional benefits that can come from removing the volatility of weather. Many parking service providers choose to pass winter maintenance costs directly through to their clients. As clients continue to look toward bundled services, synthetically fixing snow removal costs may allow managers to add services to their scope of work without risking margins.
Additionally, any opportunity to help clients (owners, municipalities, investors) save money might lead to longer contract terms and stickier relationships. It can also allow vendors to remain profitable and provide quality service rather than losing money in high-snow years. Average Annual Snowfall
Inches of Snow for a Season
Lastly, we must think about how weather affects revenue, not just expenses. The examples used here have been largely applicable to parking lots. However, numerous locations have had their revenue affected by the rough winter of 2014-15 or the East Coast blizzard of 2016. Even if you are operating garage locations, you were likely affected if you operate around a leisure or tourist location.
As with all financial instruments, you must always ensure that you understand all the risks and benefits related to weather options. This overview hopes to provide those Figure 3 the hedge payout and the increasing exin the parking sector with information that may be useful in analyzing their weatherpenses are layered together. You can see that the cost of related financial risks and understand that there are products out there designed to the hedge, or premium, creates a slight increase in exmitigate those risks. penses in low snow years. However, the payout offsets the above-average expenses when the option is in the money. Figure 4 illustratesAnnual the resulting budget predictability as a result of theAverage hedge. Expenses are capped at a predictable value that is slightly above the historical annual average. This cap still allows for positive budget
Inches of Snow for a Season
Expenses
Figure 3
Figure 3
Layering the Hedge Into Budget Expenses w/o Hedge Hedge Premium
Figure 5
$160,000
Snow Removal Expenses
Option Payout
Figure 2
Option Payout w/ Avg Strike
$140,000
Net Expense
$120,000 $100,000 $80,000 $60,000 $40,000 $20,000
Budgeted Expenses w/ Hedge
$0 '20
Figure 5
Inches of Snow for a Season
Figure Figure 44 Variable Expenses are Capped in Budget
'40
'80
Seasonal Snowfall (in)
The information herein should not be construed or interpreted as recommending variances in low-snow years, allowing you to come in Additionally, any opportunity to help clients (owners, any in any particular or security andmight should not underinvestment budget while de-risking your parking product, portfolio. instrument, municipalities, investors) save money lead to lon-be ger contract and stickier relationships. It can also relied on as the sole source of information uponterms which to base an investment Case Study allow remain profitable provide quality decision. We recommend that you always dovendors your to homework to and understand the Now that we have gone through the anatomy of a weather service rather than losing money in high-snow years. needs and health of your business before deciding what financial programs are best hedge, let’s look at an actual example of weather options Lastly, we must think about how weather affects for you. being used to manage snow removal expenses. This revenue, not just expenses. The examples used here Ill. we The look average seasonalthe snowfall for thewinter, location is numerous havetools had their revenue affected As toward 2017-18 there mightlocations be a few out there that by can 40 inches, with an average snow removal expense of the rough winter of 2014-15 or the East Coast blizzard help make the process a little less uncertain and a lot more bearable. roughly $80,000. The property manager, with the help of 2016. Even if you are operating garage locations, you location is a class A office building located in Elgin,
Expenses
Figure 4
Unhedged Expense
Average Annual Snowfall
Inches of Snow for a Season
have been largely applicable to parking lots. However,
inchShane for everyBelvin inch above inches. TheIndustry premium for tourist location. See at 40 the Green Show & Conference, November 16 & 17, 2017 at this transaction was roughly $18,000. As with all financial instruments, alwaysat the BMO Centre at Stampede Park in Calgary. More information andyou tomust register As you can see in Figure 5, the snow removal ensure that you understand all the risks and benefits www.greenindustryshow.com. expenses in the average year are increased by the related to weather options. This overview hopes to of an adviser, chose a hedge that paid out $2,500 per
were likely affected if you operate around a leisure or
amount of the option premium. It is also worth noting that the net expense (the costs of snowplowing, plus the cost of the hedge, minus the option payout) ended up actually being less in the historically high, 80-inch, snow season.
provide those in the parking sector with information that may be useful in analyzing their weather-related financial risks and understand that there are products out there designed to mitigate those risks. The information herein should not be construed or interpreted as recommending any investment in any Greenproduct, for Lifeinstrument, September/October 2017 I9 particular or security and should not be relied on as the sole source of information upon which to base an investment decision. We recommend
Possible Effects Outside of budget certainty and cost savings, there are 35 a number of additional benefits that can come from re-
SEPTEMBER 2016 | INTERNATIONAL PARKING INSTITUTE
The 2017 GISC is only a couple months away…
The Green Industry Show and Conference (GISC) is back in Calgary for 2017! Our amazing team have put together a conference programme aimed to inform and inspire everyone from designers to arborists, owners to students, growers to contractors. Our conference sessions are timely and responsive to industry issue - with a format that focuses on variety and 32 one-hour sessions over the two days.
Conference Highlights This year we have three full-day pre-show workshops designed to fill the need of more in-depth technical level professional development: one for greenhouse growers, one for landscape designers and one for those interested in winter container design.
Conference session highlights include landscape pest show and tell sessions with Dr. Ken Fry and landscape design sessions with Joe Salemi. Bob Reeves is speaking on the power of soil, Barbara Crowhurst has two sessions for garden centre professionals which include driving traffic to stores and increasing retail sales, as well as many more informative and engaging sessions on growing your business, managing work-life balance, improving performance and the latest and greatest in horticultural and business technologies. Everyone will find something
to stoke their fire and those looking for continuing education credits will also find sessions to fulfill those needs.
Register before October 26 and save on your conference registration fees. Visit www.greenindustryshow.com to register!
Tradeshow Schedule Landscape Alberta, AGGA, AALA, ISA and ARPA members who pre-register, receive free admission into the tradeshow (onsite tradeshow registration for everyone is $20.00) and preferred pricing on conference registration. In addition to the educational opportunities, all conference attendees have access to the Green Industry Show. With over 240 booths, it is the largest green industry show in Western Canada and is an annual must-see event.
Thursday, November 16 – The trade show doors open at 10:30 am and close at 4:30 pm. Join us in the lobby outside of trade show hall C from 4:30 – 5:30 pm for the Eagle Lake Landscape Supply Happy Hour – snacks and a cash bar. Food, drinks and great company!
10 I Green for Life September/October 2017
Friday, November 17 – The trade show doors open at 10:30 am and close at 3:30 pm
Other Events The Landscape Alberta Nursery Producers Annual Live & Silent Auction will take place Wednesday, November 15 at the Sheraton Suites Eau Claire (255 Barclay Parade SW, Calgary). Join in the fun at this year’s auction – hot hors d’ouevres and cash bar. Proceeds go toward horticultural research programs and services. Thank you to our refreshment sponsor, Nektar. Doors open at 6:00 pm.
On November 16, members and friends of the AGGA are invited to the AGGA Garden Party. Catch up with colleagues at this relaxed social event and celebrate the recipients of their annual industry awards. Doors open at 5:30 pm. The cost is $15.00 per person. Register at www.greenindustryshow.com. Enter to Win a Dashcam with the Trade Show Passport Pick up a trade show passport, visit all participating exhibitors and enter the draw. Passports are available at the trade show registration desk or at Landscape Alberta booth 100.
Let’s Be Social Do you Tweet, Facebook or Instagram? Use the hashtag #2017gisc when sharing your pictures and social media updates. Follow @landscapeab on Twitter and @landscapealberta on Facebook and Instagram to stay in the know about what is happening at the Green Industry Show and Conference.
Contact If you have any questions about the 2017 GISC, please contact the Landscape Alberta office at 1-800-378-3198, then press ‘0’. All event information is also available at www.greenindustryshow.com.
Green for Life September/October 2017 I 11
Equipment Theft The Ontario Provincial Police have estimated that $15 - $20 million in heavy construction equipment is stolen every year in Ontario. Landscaping companies rely heavily on their heavy equipment and the risk of theft has always been a real concern — particularly for businesses that sometimes leave their property unattended. No one can guarantee that equipment thefts will not happen, but there are strategies that can help mitigate the risk of theft.
Tips for Helping Prevent Equipment Theft • Ensure unauthorized individuals do not enter your site – Visitors entering the site should be logged in and out. Consider keeping list of people authorized to use specific equipment and create and maintain a list of people who are permitted to enter the site.
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• 12 I Green for Life September/October 2017
Site Lighting – The site should be kept well-lit at all times and, if possible, install motion-activated lighting. Video cameras – Installing surveillance equipment is a prudent measure to help discourage theft. Do not store machines at job sites and properties that are unfenced – Do not leave machines unattended or unsecured if you can avoid it. Storing your machines at secure locations near the job site (such as car dealerships) is always recommended if your site is not fenced. Key control – When not in use, ensure all equipment keys are stored in a secure central location. Institute a sign-in/sign-out protocol. Do not leave working machines onsite – By disabling your machines onsite, they become less appealing targets for thieves. Typical ways to temporarily disable worksite machines includes disconnecting batteries, pulling ignition circuits, relays, or fuses, or removing tires. To go even further, you may want to investigate panel locks and engine immobilizers. Do not leave trailers with equipment on them onsite – This makes the equipment much easier to steal. Arrange for spot Inspections of the job site – Visiting the site off hours helps to ensure thefts do not occur. Remember to bring a site inventory list of equipment to check against. Remove small tools or equipment from the site – Smaller tools are
• •
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easier to steal. If small tools are left onsite, remember to secure them. Properly advise any onsite security of contact procedures – Security should be able to contact someone immediately to report suspicious activity. Check all potential employees – Background and reference checks should be conducted on all employees prior to hire. Management should advise the employees that the job site will be monitored – This has proven to be a good deterrent to theft. Permanently mark tools/equipment if possible – Tools identified as the property of others is harder to resell. Global Positioning System (GPS) Device – If your equipment has substantial value, it may be worthwhile to investigate purchasing a GPS tracking device for it.
New Members Welcome to our
APX Landscaping & Nurseries Ltd. Binay Prakash 235160 84 Street SE Rockyview County, AB T1X 0K1 (403) 270-1252 Fax: (403) 276-3772 apx@telus.net Renaud Audet Housebuilder Inc. Renaud Audet 335 Banister Drive Okotoks, AB T1S 1Y1 (403) 371-3787 claude.renaud@telus.net
If your equipment is stolen, having accurate records regarding this equipment can certainly help in identification and recovery, or the timely processing of insurance claims. Please remember to keep a log of all relevant data including year of manufacture, manufacturer name, model numbers, serial or vehicle identification numbers (VINs), photographs, and lists of key holders. Remember to register your equipment. This helps to establish proof of ownership and provide a partial inventory should theft occur.
For more information on the commercial insurance program for members of the CNLA, please call your Marsh Canada Limited licensed insurance broker at 1 888 949 4360 or email cnla.hortprotect@marsh.com.
Marsh, a global leader in insurance broking and risk management, works with its clients to define, design, and deliver innovative industry-specific solutions that help them protect their future and thrive. Marsh Canada Limited has 1,000 employees and offices in 13 cities across Canada.
Green for Life September/October 2017 I 13
2018 Catalogue COMING SOON
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Fatigue in the Workplace
Fatigue is a state of being tired. It can be caused by long hours of work, long hours of physical or mental activity, inadequate rest, excessive stress, and combinations of these factors. Although signs of fatigue vary from worker to worker, typical physical signs and symptoms include: • Tiredness • Sleepiness, including falling asleep against the individual’s will (micro sleeps) • Irritability • Depression • Giddiness • Loss of appetite • Digestive problems • An increased susceptibility to illness
In addition to physical signs and symptoms, fatigued workers may have their ability to perform mental and physical tasks impaired. These impairments can take many forms and are listed below: • Slowed reactions – physical reaction speed and speed of thought • Failure to respond to stimuli, changes in the surroundings, information provided • Incorrect actions either physical or mental • Flawed logic and judgment and an inability to concentrate • Increases in memory errors, including forgetfulness • Decrease in vigilance • Reduced motivation • Increased tendency for risk-taking
our ability to function. The degree and type of effects vary from person to person. Although there is considerable variation among individuals, research indicates that on average, workers require 7.5 to 8.5 hours of sleep per day. Workers obtaining less than their required amount of sleep develop a sleep debt that is cumulative. It is not possible to store sleep.
A single night’s shortened sleep period may not have a negative or noticeable effect upon performance the next day. This single night’s lost sleep is quite easy to make up during the next sleep period. However, cutting sleep periods short for an extended period of time such as weeks or months leads to a condition of chronic sleep deprivation and its resulting performance effects. Studies of partial sleep deprivation show that workers can tolerate a certain degree of sleep loss without having their performance levels affected significantly. Even under such conditions however there is a limit. It appears that a minimum of 4 to 5 hours of “core” sleep are required daily, permitting day time tiredness to be maintained at or near normal levels. Even modest amounts of daily sleep loss - of as little as 1 hour per night - increase a worker’s tendency to fall asleep. Most workers can resist this tendency under normal circumstances. However, when physical activity is minimal and the body’s circadian rhythm is at its lowest point of alertness, the likelihood of an attention lapse, a micro sleep, or complete sleep is much more likely. Heavy meals, warm rooms, and long periods of driving reveal the presence of sleepiness (but do not cause it). In contrast, the behaviours associated with sleepiness - yawning, eye rubbing, and head nodding -
Incidents or injuries are the result of a number of factors acting in combination, fatigue being just one of them. Because fatigue cannot be measured, it is difficult to isolate the effect of extended work hours or lack of sleep on any changes in incident and injury rates. Although difficult to measure, fatigue has been identified as having played a significant role in a number of recent transportation and power utility disasters. Sleep Loss and Sleep Disturbance Most of us have personal experience with some degree of sleep loss and its effects on
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can be reduced under conditions of high motivation, excitement, and exercise.
Under conditions of severe sleep deprivation, workers lapse into micro sleeps. These very short periods of sleep are not as refreshing as regular sleep. The sleep-deprived worker continues to feel sleepy and performance continues to deteriorate even though a large number of micro sleeps may be taken. In cases of extended hours of work without sleep, poor performance has been noted within two broad groups of tasks: (1) tasks 30 minutes or more in length involving little novelty, interest, or incentive i.e. not particularly mentally challenging, and (2) tasks of high complexity i.e. requiring a higher degree of mental function.
Studies have shown that extensive sleep loss can be overcome if short-duration tasks are performed e.g. tasks usually less than 2 minutes in length and no more than 5 minutes in length. Workers are able to “hype” themselves up and perform the task. The ability to sustain such performance decreases significantly however as the physical or mental demands of the task increase.
In both Europe and the U.S., surveys have shown that night workers get about 5 to 7 hours less sleep per week than do their day-working counterparts. This sleep is sometimes regained on days off but does represent a chronic state of partial sleep deprivation that affects the worker’s mood and ability to perform their work. Workers unable to maintain sleep regularity will also become sleep deprived because of changing, non-regular sleep periods.
Quality of sleep is as important as quantity. Sleep may be disrupted by the use of prescription drugs, stimulants such as caffeine, and sleep-related illnesses such as sleep apnea. Alcohol may help a person fall asleep quickly but sleep will be light and disturbed, not deep and steady. Sleep can also be disrupted by conditions such as noise, light, temperature, or uncomfortable sleep surfaces. Research further shows that individuals tend to sleep poorly in surroundings that differ from their normal place of rest.
Extended Hours of Work Typical hours of work and the number of overtime hours have increased in many industries to match the demands of increased production or fluctuations in product or service demand. The result has been workers working more hours per day and fewer days per week, squeezing the traditional 36 to 44 hour work week into three or four days. This approach does offer some advantages over traditional work schedules. These advantages include more time for family and other activities, fewer consecutive night shifts, longer blocks of time off, and workers commute to and from work less often.
There is little agreement however as to what is meant by extended hours of work. For some industries it refers to 12-hour working days while other industries consider it as work periods exceeding 12 hours, with periods of up to16 hours being the
16 I Green for Life September/October 2017
norm in some sectors. According to Alberta’s Employment Standards Code, the workday is limited to 12 consecutive working hours in any one work day unless (1) an accident occurs, urgent work is necessary to a plant or machinery, or other unforeseeable or unpreventable circumstances arise or, (2) special permission is granted to extend the hours of work.
Of the studies examining extended 12 hour work shifts, none have conclusively shown that such extended work hours compromise safety from the point of view of increased incident rates, reductions in job performance, or increases in error rates. These results have several possible explanations. First, fatigue research is very complex and not yet fully understood. Second, workers are in favour of their extended work hours and may make efforts to accommodate them. And finally, employers and workers are so concerned over a possible deterioration in safety that there is an increased emphasis on preventive safety measures. If true, sustaining this increased emphasis becomes extremely important to maintaining a safe workplace. Providing that adequate measures are taken, it seems that 12 hour work periods do not automatically create an unsafe workplace. No studies examining the safety effects of 16-hour workdays have been published.
One criticism of extended work hours is that they can interfere with a worker’s family and social needs. Very often there is little time for activities beyond eating, working, and sleeping. And in some cases, eating and sleeping habits suffer because of pressures and commitments outside of work, including time required for travel and family responsibilities. Employers and workers need to be aware of how extended work hours can affect a worker’s health, safety, and family and social life. Time of Day and Incidents In those workplaces where sustained attention is necessary for safety, research has shown that the probability of an incident occurring rises and falls with the tendency to fall asleep (see “Circadian Rhythms”). The poorest job performance consistently occurs on the night shift and the highest rate of industrial incidents is usually found among shift workers. Catastrophic incidents do not happen at random throughout the day - they are more likely at times when workers are most prone to sleep, between midnight and 6 a.m. and between 1 and 3 p.m.
Incident rates among long-haul truckers for example, have been found to peak during the early morning hours. An analysis of incidents involving commercial trucks found that drivers in fatigue-related incidents had slept an average of 5.5 hours during their last sleep period, as compared with 8.0 hours of sleep for drivers in non-fatigue-related accidents. The highest rate of automobile accidents occurs in the early morning hours, a time at which the fewest number of automobiles are on the road but when most people experience the greatest degree of sleepiness. Health and Safety Issues Employers must recognize that work outside of the “normal”
workday and extended hours of work can lead to fatigue. It is a problem which cannot be dismissed on the basis that it is a “personal problem” - one that the worker will simply learn to deal with. A worker completing a 16-hour work shift may have only 4 to 5 hours for sleep once travel, eating, and social time is taken into account before they return to the work site. Employers must be aware of the factors influencing worker performance, work site productivity, and methods of preventing or reducing the likelihood of problems. These methods may include work site accommodation to eliminate travel time, prepared meals to eliminate meal preparation time, and quiet accommodation.
When considering extended work hours, worker exposure to chemical and physical hazards must be minimized. Exposure to hazards such as noise, vibration, chemicals, and extreme temperatures must be taken into consideration when extending hours of work. Various models and approaches for adjusting occupational exposure limits (OELs) for conditions of extended work hour exposure are available. Determining these safe exposure levels may require consultation with occupational hygiene specialists.
Personal protective equipment (PPE) such as respirators or specialized heavy or bulky clothing may test the limits of endurance of some workers. The criteria used in selecting PPE must take into account the equipment’s extended hours of use and the effects on workers wearing such equipment.
In some industries and workplaces, peer pressure or workplace culture can contribute to a situation in which great value is placed on work endurance i.e. an employee gains standing among his or her peers by being willing to work very long hours regardless of fatigue. While a strong work ethic should be highly valued, the consequences of working through extreme fatigue and a workplace culture which supports such behaviour should be carefully examined. And although imposing mandatory off-duty hours does not guarantee that a worker will rest or sleep during that period of time, it does increase its likelihood.
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Coping at Work Workers experiencing fatigue over extended periods of time tend to develop and adopt coping strategies in an attempt to minimize the effects of fatigue on their performance. Employers should expect to see some of the following workplace habits: • working more slowly • checking work more thoroughly • using more memory cues or reminders • relying on fellow workers • choosing to carry out less critical tasks
In effect, workers slow down the pace of their activities and decision-making to accommodate their reduced level of function. This avoids making errors that may carry the risk of physical injury to themselves and their co-workers. It is also done to avoid costly errors affecting an industrial process or interfering with production. The effectiveness of these strategies can, however, be compromised by factors such as time pressures and having to work alone. Source: Work Safe Alberta
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1974 Green Survival Conference
1997 Arbor Day L-R: Vern Spangenberg and Gerard Fournier
1984 Arbor Day at the Legislature Grounds L-R: George Monson, Sandra Lastiwka and L Messurier.
Southern Chapter BBQ at Greenview Nurseries
A look back at our association
1975 Northern Chapter Landscape Awards
Beautification Awards at the 1983 LANTA Convention
2006 Landscape Alberta Growers Auction
2013 Landscape Awards 18 I Green for Life September/October 2017
L-R: Mike Haberl Sr and Kevin Danyluk
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