Ontario will continue its efforts to reduce workplace injuries by focusing on construction site electrical hazards during an October workplace safety blitz.

Ministry of Labour inspectors will visit construction sites throughout the province looking for electrical hazards that could cause workplace injuries or fatalities.  Inspectors will check that electrical power is disconnected before work begins, that appropriate lockout procedures are being used, and that workers are otherwise protected if power cannot be disconnected.

The blitz is one of many being conducted under the province's proactive Safe At Work Ontario strategy to promote compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.  For each conviction under the act, the court can impose a fine of up to $500,000 against a corporation. Individuals can be fined up to $25,000 or imprisoned up to 12 months, or both.

Keeping workers safe means increased productivity for Ontario's economy and reduced strain on the health care system.