Please be advised that offices will be closed from Monday, June 30, 2025, until Tuesday, July 1, 2025, for Canada Day long weekend.
Please be advised that offices will be closed from Monday, June 30, 2025, until Tuesday, July 1, 2025, for Canada Day long weekend.
New requirements regarding jobsite washroom standards are due to come into effect across Ontario on July 1. The amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990 focus on improving hygiene, sanitation and overall working conditions and are being implemented as part of the provincial government’s Bill 190 (Working for Workers Five Act, 2024). Sections of the Act will be amended placing new requirements on constructors and employers to ensure washroom facilities are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Constructors and employers will now also be required to […]
New requirements regarding jobsite washroom standards are due to come into effect across Ontario on July 1.
The amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act, R.S.O. 1990 focus on improving hygiene, sanitation and overall working conditions and are being implemented as part of the provincial government’s Bill 190 (Working for Workers Five Act, 2024).
Sections of the Act will be amended placing new requirements on constructors and employers to ensure washroom facilities are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. Constructors and employers will now also be required to keep and maintain records of cleaning schedules that must be made available to workers. Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development inspectors will conduct regular inspections of facilities, and non-compliance can result in penalties.
Local 793’s Health and Safety department is optimistic constructors and employers will comply with the new requirements but, as the eyes and ears of the Union, members are urged to bring any concerns they may have over jobsite washroom facilities to their business rep or to Director of Health and Safety Brian Alexander.
You have a right to safe and sanitary washrooms while at work.
The amendments coming into force on July 1 are:
Definition
A “washroom facility” will now be defined as a washroom, toilet facility, clean-up facility, urinal, shower or other similar facility, but does not include an eye wash station or emergency shower; (“salle de toilette”). 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 1 (4).
Washroom Facilities
23.1 (1) A constructor shall ensure, on a project, that the washroom facilities, if any, that are provided by the constructor for the use of workers are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 5.
Records
(2) The constructor shall keep, maintain and make available records of the cleaning of washroom facilities as prescribed. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 5.
Regulations
(3) The regulations may modify or supplement this section and may establish new or modified requirements with respect to washroom facilities. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 5.
Washroom facilities
25.3 (1) An employer shall ensure that the washroom facilities, if any, that are provided by the employer for the use of workers are maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.
Same, Exception
(2) For greater certainty, subsection (1) does not apply if the washroom facilities are provided by a constructor on a project and subsection 23.1 (1) applies instead with respect to those facilities. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.
Records
(3) The employer shall keep, maintain and make available records of the cleaning of washroom facilities as prescribed. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.
Regulations
(4) The regulations may modify or supplement this section and may establish new or modified requirements with respect to washroom facilities. 2024, c. 19, Sched. 4, s. 7.
Wow, what an incredible turnout at the Hamilton Golf Tournament! It was fantastic to see everyone having a blast and bonding with their Brothers and Sisters! A special shoutout to Bo Levi Mitchell of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for joining us and generously donating his jersey and four tickets to watch their game against the Montreal Alouettes this Friday. Thank you to our sponsors, attendees, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make this event a smashing success! The proceeds from the Hamilton Golf Tournament will benefit Easter Seals Ontario, The FoodBank […]
Wow, what an incredible turnout at the Hamilton Golf Tournament! It was fantastic to see everyone having a blast and bonding with their Brothers and Sisters! A special shoutout to Bo Levi Mitchell of the Hamilton Tiger-Cats for joining us and generously donating his jersey and four tickets to watch their game against the Montreal Alouettes this Friday.
Thank you to our sponsors, attendees, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make this event a smashing success! The proceeds from the Hamilton Golf Tournament will benefit Easter Seals Ontario, The FoodBank Waterloo, Feed Niagara, and Hamilton Food Share.
Thank you all for your support!
Environment Canada has issued a warning about the first significant heat event of the season, with dangerously hot and humid conditions expected to persist throughout the week. Daytime temperatures in some areas are forecasted to reach between 29 and 33 degrees Celsius, with humidity making it feel closer to 40 degrees. Officials urge everyone to take action to protect themselves and others, as extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. They recommend assessing if you or those around you are at greater risk of heat illness. Construction workers are particularly vulnerable […]
Environment Canada has issued a warning about the first significant heat event of the season, with dangerously hot and humid conditions expected to persist throughout the week.
Daytime temperatures in some areas are forecasted to reach between 29 and 33 degrees Celsius, with humidity making it feel closer to 40 degrees.
Officials urge everyone to take action to protect themselves and others, as extreme heat can affect everyone’s health. They recommend assessing if you or those around you are at greater risk of heat illness.
Construction workers are particularly vulnerable to direct sunlight and humidity exposure. Early warning signs of heat exhaustion include headache, nausea, dizziness, thirst, dark urine, and intense fatigue.
To prevent heat-related illnesses, drink a cup of water every 20 minutes and wear light-colored clothing when working in such conditions.
If you are concerned that employers are not taking appropriate steps to help workers avoid heat stroke and exhaustion, contact your business representative.
For more information on how to prepare for and recognize heat-related symptoms, visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/managing-heat-stress-work
For the latest Heat Warning Alert from Environment Canada, visit https://weather.gc.ca
A group of Local 793’s Irish members took a stroll down memory lane on Friday, June 13, as they took part in a panel discussion on the role of Irish immigrant labour in the building of Ontario after the Second World War. Hosted by St Michael’s College at the University of Toronto as part of the three-day Canadian Association for Irish Studies (CAIS) annual conference, retired members Michael Quinn, Frank Horan and Peter McLaughlin were joined on stage by active member Michael Deasy to talk about their experiences as Irish […]
A group of Local 793’s Irish members took a stroll down memory lane on Friday, June 13, as they took part in a panel discussion on the role of Irish immigrant labour in the building of Ontario after the Second World War.
Hosted by St Michael’s College at the University of Toronto as part of the three-day Canadian Association for Irish Studies (CAIS) annual conference, retired members Michael Quinn, Frank Horan and Peter McLaughlin were joined on stage by active member Michael Deasy to talk about their experiences as Irish Operating Engineers from the 1950s to the present day.
Brother Quinn, an Honourary Lifetime Member, was born in London to Irish parents, Brother Horan is from Co. Galway, Brother McLaughlin was born in Co. Donegal and Brother Deasy, the most recent arrival in Canada, hails from Co. Mayo.
Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher introduced the panel and also spoke about his own father’s journey from Ireland’s County Westmeath to Canada in the early 1950s. Gerry Gallagher went on to become a revered Union leader in his own right, and winning key rights for workers and immigrants.
Being an operator is a tough job, but what’s even tougher? Being a dad. Happy Father’s Day to all the hardworking dads who build Ontario by day and raise their families at night.
Being an operator is a tough job, but what’s even tougher? Being a dad. Happy Father’s Day to all the hardworking dads who build Ontario by day and raise their families at night.
The 12th Annual Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament, hosted by IUOE Local 793 at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton, ON, was a success and a step forward in the fight against esophageal cancer. This event was held in honour of Local 793’s late president, Gary O’Neill, an avid golfer whose strength and leadership continue to inspire us. The proceeds from the tournament support the Esophageal Cancer Program at UHN Foundation, led by Dr. Jonathan Yeung and his team. We extend our thanks to all the sponsors, attendees, volunteers, […]
The 12th Annual Gary O’Neill Memorial Golf Tournament, hosted by IUOE Local 793 at Rattlesnake Point Golf Club in Milton, ON, was a success and a step forward in the fight against esophageal cancer.
This event was held in honour of Local 793’s late president, Gary O’Neill, an avid golfer whose strength and leadership continue to inspire us. The proceeds from the tournament support the Esophageal Cancer Program at UHN Foundation, led by Dr. Jonathan Yeung and his team.
We extend our thanks to all the sponsors, attendees, volunteers, and donours who joined us in commemorating the legacy of President Gary O’Neill and helping further cancer research.
Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) President Laura Walton visited with Business Manager Mike Gallagher, President Dave Turple, Toronto Area Supervisor Justin O’Neill and Director of Training and Apprenticeship Jeff Hewitt at head office in Oakville to formally recognize the re-affiliation between the Union and OFL and to begin the first of many conversations. The OFL has grown to represent over one million Ontario workers belonging to more than 1,500 locals from 54 affiliated Unions, making it Canada’s largest labour federation.
Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) President Laura Walton visited with Business Manager Mike Gallagher, President Dave Turple, Toronto Area Supervisor Justin O’Neill and Director of Training and Apprenticeship Jeff Hewitt at head office in Oakville to formally recognize the re-affiliation between the Union and OFL and to begin the first of many conversations. The OFL has grown to represent over one million Ontario workers belonging to more than 1,500 locals from 54 affiliated Unions, making it Canada’s largest labour federation.
Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal. The medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada in 2023 and is awarded to those who have made a profound and lasting contribution to Canada or one of its provinces or territories. Ontario Premier Doug Ford nominated Brother Gallagher for this year’s award in recognition of the Union leader’s “exceptional contributions and dedication to the betterment of our province and country”. Brother Gallagher received his medal from the […]
Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher has been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal.
The medal commemorates the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III as King of Canada in 2023 and is awarded to those who have made a profound and lasting contribution to Canada or one of its provinces or territories.
Ontario Premier Doug Ford nominated Brother Gallagher for this year’s award in recognition of the Union leader’s “exceptional contributions and dedication to the betterment of our province and country”.
Brother Gallagher received his medal from the Premier on behalf of the Governor General of Canada during a ceremony held at Queen’s Park on May 20.
Manufactured by the Canadian Mint and administered by the Chancellery of Honours at Rideau Hall, the 32mm medal is struck in nickel-silver. It features an effigy of King Charles III on one side and triangular shapes arranged in a circle on the reverse that alludes to the country’s 13 provinces and territories and the idea of inclusion for all Canadians.
The Mayor of Oro-Medonte, Randy Greenlaw, said his rural community was thrilled to have been selected to host Local 793’s latest regional office and training centre, currently under construction 13 km northeast of Barrie on Hwy. 11. Local 793 President Dave Turple, OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr, Director of Training and Apprenticeship Jeff Hewitt, and Toronto Area Supervisor Justin O’Neill joined the mayor for a tour of the 20-acre site on Tuesday, May 20. Mayor Greenlaw praised Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher and President Turple for taking a proactive […]
The Mayor of Oro-Medonte, Randy Greenlaw, said his rural community was thrilled to have been selected to host Local 793’s latest regional office and training centre, currently under construction 13 km northeast of Barrie on Hwy. 11.
Local 793 President Dave Turple, OETIO Executive Director Rick Kerr, Director of Training and Apprenticeship Jeff Hewitt, and Toronto Area Supervisor Justin O’Neill joined the mayor for a tour of the 20-acre site on Tuesday, May 20.
Mayor Greenlaw praised Local 793 Business Manager Mike Gallagher and President Turple for taking a proactive approach in their communications with the township, and he now looked forward to the new facility opening its doors late next year.
He said, “We’re very lucky and proud for an organization like Local 793 to come in and have this be their training centre for the northern GTA.
“We not only want this facility to be something we can be proud of, but also something the Operators’ union can be proud of.”
The $25 million training facility is being built by signatory company Bird Construction and will also contain a fully equipped banquet hall and office space for the Union and Operating Engineers Training Institute of Ontario (OETIO) staff.
