Making Construction Sites Safer

 

May 13, 2010 2:20 PM

McGuinty Government Enforcement Blitz Helping Reduce Falls Hazards

Ontario is taking additional action to improve the safety of workers on construction sites by increasing enforcement of regulations and enhancing awareness of safety measures.

The province is implementing new measures to improve safety on construction sites, including:

  • Strong enforcement measures that target repeat offenders and shut down construction projects when workers' lives are in danger.
  • Increased focus on training and worker supervision during inspections.
  • A public campaign with health and safety partners to increase awareness of enforcement and safety in different languages.
  • A toll-free telephone line for workers and the general public to report construction site work practices that appear unsafe.

Ministry of Labour inspectors targeted high-risk companies during a recent three-month enforcement blitz of more than 2,800 construction sites across Ontario. Inspectors found many violations related to missing or inappropriate use of guardrails, scaffolding and fall protection systems.

An expert panel led by Tony Dean will also take these findings into consideration and make recommendations on a number of workplace safety issues, including any possible regulatory changes to Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act.

QUICK FACTS

 
  • The most common violations found in the recent construction site blitz involved guardrails, suspended scaffolds, fall protection systems and worker training.
  • Since 2005 Ontario has doubled the number of full-time occupational health and safety inspectors, bringing the total to 430.
  • Since the launch of the Safe at Work Ontario in 2008, ministry inspectors have conducted over 130,000 proactive field visits, issued more than 200,000 compliance orders and conducted 18 proactive enforcement blitzes.
  • People can call 1-877-202-0008 if they spot what might be an unsafe labour practice in any Ontario workplace.

CONTACTS

  • Matt Blajer
    Communications Branch
    416-326-7405
  • Greg Dennis
    Minister's Office
    416-326-7710



Ministry of Labour
ontario.ca/labour


 

"The results of this extensive blitz are a call to action. We cannot and will not stand by as worker safety is compromised. This is a shared responsibility so I challenge employers, labour groups and workers to make sure that everyone returns home safe and sound after work."

 – Peter Fonseca
Minister of Labour

"It would be a double tragedy if we did not address how we can do things better in the construction industry to prevent falls-related deaths. I strongly support the steps Minister Fonseca has outlined to ensure worksite safety and improve protections for construction workers. It is in the interest of all parties to see that we properly address falls hazards."

 – Ian Cunningham
President, Council of Ontario Construction Associations

"These deaths from falls can be prevented by education, the supply and use of better equipment, proactive supervision, and rigorous enforcement. We cannot rest until construction workers and all workers have the protections and safeguards they deserve."

 – Patrick Dillon
Business Manager, Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario

 
 
 
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