Page 18 - Nov-Dec 2019 - Reporter

and hot tub installers have in common!"

Standard – SPS 2, as approved by CLSAB.
approved by CLSAB. Two common marks
OTHER COMMON GRADE MARKS "You tell us what meat cutters, welders, horse groomers
MEL (Machine Evaluated Lumber): are CERT FGR JNT – SPS 1 (structural finger
Machine Graded Lumber Defined in a slightly different way, MEL joint) and CERT FGR JNT – SPS 3 (vertical
Traditionally, lumber has been graded grades are identified as M-10 to M-26. stud use only).
visually. However, machines developed Requirements are included in NLGA SPS 2, Not only do those in the yard need to be
over the past 30 years can quickly test as approved by CLSAB. aware of the grading processes of lumber
lumber for strength and stiffness. Their but counter staff, estimators and designers
levels of predictability are important for Glued Products need a solid understanding of how lumber is
roof and floor truss systems and laminated The availability of reliable gluing graded and why. Customers today are much
components. technology has resulted in a number of savvier when it comes to what they are
MSR (Machine Stress Rated or Machine new products which take advantage of purchasing; and we in the building supply
Rated): Typical MSR grades give values combining smaller pieces of wood to sector must meet their expectations on our
for bending strength (Fb) and modulus of produce engineered lumber as strong knowledge of the products we sell.
elasticity (E), ranging from 1200Fb-1.2E as solid sawn lumber. Requirements for Lumber is a major category in most of
to 3000Fb-2.4E. Facility qualifications finger joints, edge-glued, face-glued and our businesses, so it is of critical importance
and daily quality control must meet the finger joined flange stock are covered by that YOU KNOW YOUR LUMBER!
requirements of NLGA Special Product NLGA SPSs or similar product standards, as

...Insurance Update continued from page 8

significant issue in the October 2019 employee experience. The cost increases employee wellbeing to meet the needs
federal election. associated with private prescription of the growing younger and diverse
drug plans have been outpacing salary workforce. While some private plans
Insurance companies restrict access to increases for years and some employers have modernized and leveraged their
opioids are struggling to maintain plans with prescription drug coverage to meet these
For reasons unrelated to cost control, comprehensive coverage while also goals, many other plans still include
many insurance companies have been investing in employee health and outdated provisions that represent
proactively implementing new controls to productivity. Plans that have been more lost opportunities. A Morneau Shepell
manage the supply of opioids to private proactive in managing costs generally consultant can assist organizations in
drug plan members. Many companies find themselves better able to withstand optimizing the value of their drug plan
have implemented harm-reduction change and invest in employee health and overall programs for employees.
programs that only reimburse short- and productivity. However, the 2019
acting opioids and dispense a reduced Sanofi Canada health-care survey found
supply, minimizing misuse of leftover that only 26% of plan sponsors regularly
drugs. receive reports to help understand their
drug plan and where dollars are being
Comment spent.
Drug plans are a key component of Progressive organizations are
employee benefits packages and are increasingly focusing on prevention
typically a highly valued part of the of health problems and overall
18 LBMAO Reporter - November-December 2019 www.lbmao.on.ca