Ontario inspectors found thousands of violations during a recent construction blitz that targeted fall hazards at construction sites.
In July and August, 2014, Ministry of Labour construction inspectors visited 1,670 construction projects across the province. Some of the sites were visited several times. They issued 6,458 orders for violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Regulations for Construction Projects. This included 584 stop work orders.
“These results indicate fall hazards are still a key concern at construction projects," said George Gritziotis, chief prevention officer. "We are committed to improving the health and safety of Ontario construction workers, but we can’t do it alone. We challenge employers, labour groups and workers to take a shared responsibility for ensuring workplaces are safe and healthy.”
As of Jan. 13 about 95 per cent of the orders were complied with.
The inspectors had visited the construction sites to check whether employers, supervisors and workers were preventing falls by complying with the legislation.
Falls are the number one cause of critical injuries and fatalities of workers at construction sites in Ontario. In 2013, nine workers died and 71 workers received critical injuries as a result of falls at construction projects.
In July and August, 2014, Ministry of Labour construction inspectors visited 1,670 construction projects across the province. Some of the sites were visited several times. They issued 6,458 orders for violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Regulations for Construction Projects. This included 584 stop work orders.
“These results indicate fall hazards are still a key concern at construction projects," said George Gritziotis, chief prevention officer. "We are committed to improving the health and safety of Ontario construction workers, but we can’t do it alone. We challenge employers, labour groups and workers to take a shared responsibility for ensuring workplaces are safe and healthy.”
As of Jan. 13 about 95 per cent of the orders were complied with.
The inspectors had visited the construction sites to check whether employers, supervisors and workers were preventing falls by complying with the legislation.
Falls are the number one cause of critical injuries and fatalities of workers at construction sites in Ontario. In 2013, nine workers died and 71 workers received critical injuries as a result of falls at construction projects.
