January 16, 2013

Ontario Ministry of Labour set to launch safety blitz in workplaces across the province

TORONTO

An Ontario Ministry of Labour (MOL) blitz will focus on slips, trips and fall hazards in construction and industrial workplaces in February and March.

“We’re taking action to prevent injuries and deaths at Ontario workplaces. These blitzes will promote health and safety and raise awareness of the some of the hazards that can lead to tragedy,” said Ontario’s first Chief Prevention Officer George Gritziotis.

The blitz will focus on ladder safety and fall protection hazards across all construction sectors, sub-sectors and trades.

The MOL said this blitz is part of a heightened enforcement campaign. It also announced heightened enforcement campaigns in underground mines and health care workplaces.

During blitzes, inspectors check on condition and maintenance of safety equipment, worker training, the use of safety equipment and other potential health and safety hazards to help prevent workplace injuries.

According to WSIB data presented on the MOL website, there were 22 traumatic fatalities in the construction industry in 2011, down from 24 in 2010. There were 133 traumatic critical injuries in 2011, down from 145 in 2010.

Blitzes are part of Ontario’s enforcement strategy to increase compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.

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DCN NEWS SERVICES

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