This is an archive of news stories and research from the National Union of Public and General Employees. Please see our new site - https://nupge.ca - for the most current information. 


Ontario Ministry of Labour targets construction trades

Ontario claims inspectors will be taking a "zero-tolerance" approach to any breach of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

Toronto (07 March 2012) - Starting March 1, 2012 the Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) has targeted construction sites to ensure workers' health and safety in high risk construction trades. 

Inspectors will carry out a month long inspection blitz and make sure that equipment is in good working order and practices are up to standards. Specifically targeted will be projects that include high-rise formwork, low-rise formwork and masonary, siding and built-up roofing.

Ontario claims inspectors will be taking a "zero-tolerance" approach to any breach of Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

Trade unions have been instrumental in promoting workplace health and safety and have played key roles in generating the political will to enforce standards and pass legislation that protects all workers.

This year marks the 20th Anniversary of the Westray coal mining disaster. The disaster led to the Westray Bill C-45 which allows for criminal liability of employers/organizations who fail to follow the relevant Occupational Health and Safety Acts and protect their workers.

It is hoped that the MOL's safety blitz will help create a culture of "safety first" with employers.

More information:

OHS article: High-rise construction trades targeted in MOL blitz

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE