The Christmas Eve collapse of high-rise scaffolding in Toronto that killed four construction workers has prompted the Ontario Ministry of Labour to launch a renewed safety blitz on workplace hazards.
Starting mid-January, inspectors will check for hazards involving suspended platforms at construction sites.
The ministry issued a “hazard alert” Jan. 6 on “fundamental safety procedures” and will be ramping up an enforcement campaign targeting fall hazards in the construction sector.
Ministry inspectors will look for appropriate fall-related equipment and adequate working training.
The McGuinty government is warning that inspectors will have “zero tolerance for non-compliance.”
Labour Ministry Peter Fonseca wants a report back within 90 days to decide what further steps will be taken.
“We want to ensure that Ontarians are safe at their workplace and these actions we're taking serve as a reminder that safety practices must be followed when working above the ground,” said Fonseca in a statement.
The ministry previously performed a falls safety campaign in 2008, visiting 704 construction projects resulting in 336 stop-work orders and 1,455 forthwith orders, the latter meaning compliance must be achieved before the inspector leaves the site.
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