Ontario safety blitz targets construction sites

Construction sites across Ontario are the target of the Ontario Ministry of Labour's safety inspection blitz this summer, the ministry announced.

This August, the safety blitz will focus on hazards involving access equipment such as ladders, work platforms or other elevating devices.
According to a Ministry of Labour statement, the blitz will help keep construction sites safe by checking on practices related to access equipment, including:
    •    Worker training
    •    Safe use, inspection and testing
    •    Maintenance records and other documentation; and
    •    Rescue and emergency procedures.

Protecting construction workers is part of the government's continued commitment to prevent workplace injuries through its Safe at Work Ontario strategy, the statement said.

“Hazards involving improper use of access equipment put workers at needless risk. The McGuinty government is committed to eliminating workplace injuries. Workers have a right to return home each day, safe and sound," said Charles Sousa, Minister of Labour

Since 2008, Ontario safety inspectors have made more than 266,000 field visits and conducted 33 inspection blitzes. Inspectors have issued more than 425,000 compliance orders since 2008.

Learn about the ministry’s Construction Sector Plan 2011-2012.