2013 Highlights

OPCA celebrating seven years with Carwacs at Annual Conference

MEHG
The Ontario Petroleum Contractors Association held their 19th Annual Conference March 4-6 in conjunction for the seventh year in row with the Convenience U Carwacs Show in Toronto. Events were held at the Four Points Sheraton and International Centre.

The OPCA launched the conference by hosting manufacturer training on March 4. Contractors require re-certification every year for a variety of petroleum equipment. With manufacturers providing this training at the OPCA conference, it enables members and their employees to obtain their certification in one day. This service is provided to OPCA members and their employees at no cost. A number of TSSA inspectors also attend these sessions at the invitation of OPCA. The OPCA gratefully acknowledges the following companies for providing the training for OPCA members: Containment Solutions, Pipe Specialties, Franklin Fueling, OPW and Gilbarco.

POST SAFETY FORUM
Day two of the conference began with a POST safety forum lead by Rob Rivers of Claybar Contracting, Scott Eadie of SAS Petroleum Technologies and Russ Porter of National Energy Equipment who all spoke passionately about the importance of safety in the workplace. Each touched on a different aspect of safety specific to the POST program and the industry. Rob Rivers discussed the perceptions and behaviours associated with risk tolerance and how using the tools through the POST program can increase risk awareness. Scott Eadie provided examples of how improving work area barrier visibility can increase worker safety. Russ Porter discussed the importance of planned job observations as well as reviewing the applicable POST checklist with the group.

POST Forum

We were also fortunate to have Sam Spano of NA Paving speak about the POST program and how it has enhanced safety within his company. As well, Craig Mills of Suncor Energy Products also spoke commending contractors for embracing the POST program and attributing the program to a heightened awareness of safety.

With the many choices now available for hand protection, we invited Scott Frail from Ansell Gloves to provide an overview of the gloves available through their company that provide many levels of protection showing there are endless options for finding the right hand protection for any task including tasks where dexterity is important.

The forum concluded with special guest speaker Dr. Mike Mandel, an expert in the art and science of influential communication. Dr. Mike gave a fascinating presentation on increasing intelligence, reducing stress and communicating persuasively.

The forum was well attended by over 120 contractors.

Day two also saw the opening of the Convenience U/Carwacs Show at the International Centre. The largest trade show of its kind in Canada showcased the latest and greatest in petroleum equipment and technology. And as always, OPCA’s partnership with Carwacs is a “win win” situation as members can enjoy the benefits of attending the conference and trade show in one event.

Matt Discero
That evening OPCA hosted a dinner ending with a performance by comedian Matt Discero blending his talent for both comedy and magic into an entertaining and interactive show. A special thanks to the audience members who bravely “volunteered” in the show!

Also a special thanks to Hi-Sharp, KMD, National Energy Equipment and Waleco for providing the sponsor hospitality following the dinner.

 

 

GTDM

The morning of day three opened with the OPCA annual general meeting at the International Centre. In addition to providing the year in review to members, Mike Goldberg of the Technical Standards and Safety Authority gave a presentation on upcoming regulatory changes and a list of the most common issues and code violations their inspectors see in the field at fuel facilities.

Following his presentation, Dave Mason of Canada Brokerlink was presented a special award from the OPCA for his long time service to the association and its members.

The OPCA also held roundtable discussions with members on a variety of topics. As input and feedback from members is important to the OPCA, this is a great way to get members involved as many of their suggestions and ideas spur new OPCA initiatives.

There were many great prizes provided by our sponsors; congratulations to all of our winners! Every member in attendance also went home with giveaways including safety gloves and golf shirts from the OPCA, jackets from Steelcraft and travel mugs from Tanktek. The meeting concluded and members enjoyed lunch before heading to the Carwacs trade show for its final day.

A special thank you to our sponsors:

Sponsors2013