Company & Worker Feedback

On November 10, 2009, the research team held a focus group with plumbers from the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (UA).

The purpose of the focus group was to allow experienced pipe trade workers to discuss their work methods, and communicate the pros and cons of different crimping tools. The major findings from the focus group highlighted the following issues:

• The physical hardship of the crimping action on the plastic piping;
• The wish for an alternative plastic piping system, but acknowledgment of the financial barriers ;
• An environmental concern with using plastic piping; but acknowledgment that the cost of copper piping is now very steep;
• The reluctance of the group to report concerns to upper management;
• That manufacturers should be responding to the concerns of the workers who are using their products;
• The WSIB should get involved in the issue since it is causing physical hardship

 

Focus group attendees from the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry (UA)