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Friday, May 22, 2015
Ministry of Labour
Ontario Creates Construction Health and Safety Advisory Group

Ontario has established an advisory group to assist the government in the development and implementation of a Construction Health and Safety Action Plan.

As set out in the Ministry of Labour 2014-15 mandate letter, the Action Plan will strengthen workplace injury and illness prevention for construction workers across the province.

The members of the advisory group - which include an equal number of labour and employer representatives -- will work with Parliamentary Assistant Mike Colle and the province's Chief Prevention Officer on finding best ways to:

Increase the commitment to health and safety in construction workplaces
Enhance training for workers in the construction sector
Work with other enforcement authorities and municipalities to improve safety
Build an awareness about construction health and safety among young people
Encourage effective supervision of construction workers
Ensure legislation and regulations are better understood by the construction sector
Ensure effective consumer outreach strategies

The work of the advisory group will build on actions that the government is already taking to improve safety for construction workers including new mandatory Working at Heights Training Standard.

Improving health and safety in the construction sector is part of the government's economic plan for Ontario. The four-part plan is building Ontario up by making the largest investment in public infrastructure in the province's history, investing in people's talents and skills, creating a dynamic, supportive environment where business thrives, and building a secure retirement savings plan.

Quick Facts:

Since 2003, workplace injuries in Ontario have decreased by 40 per cent.
Ontario’s construction industry has traditionally experienced higher rates of workplace injuries and fatalities compared to other workplace sectors.
In 2013, the construction sector represented 7 per cent of employment in Ontario but 26 per cent of fatalities.

Background Information:

Increasing Safety In Ontario's Construction Sector

Additional Resources:

Quotes:

"While we have made great strides in reducing workplace injuries, the number of fatalities in our construction sector is still far too high. This advisory group will provide important advice on the occupational health and safety needs of the construction sector and will help us create safer workplaces."

— Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour

"We have to break the cycle of fatalities in our construction sector. To be successful, we need to take strong measures — this action plan will require government, labour, workers, owners, supervisors and consumers all work together. We all have a role and responsibility in preventing workplace injuries and fatalities."

— Mike Colle, Parliamentary Assistant to Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour

"We continue to see preventable tragedies in the construction sector. The work of the advisory group will build on the stakeholder engagement we have conducted to date. I am confident that together, we can enhance safety in the sector and ensure every construction worker goes home safe at the end of their shift."

— George Gritziotis, Chief Prevention Officer

Media Contact:

William Lin
Communications Branch
416-326-7405

James Carleton
Minister’s Office
416-326-7710