Inspectors from the Ministry of Labour are looking for fall hazards on construction sites as part of a safety blitz.
The inspections are part of the provincial government’s Safe at Work Ontario strategy.
The blitz will continue through October.
Specifically, inspectors are checking to ensure that workers and other workplace parties are not exposed to potential hazards associated with:
- Lack of guardrails
- Inadequate or improper use of fall protection
- Inadequate fall protection training
- Unsafe access to and egress from work platforms
- Improper work platforms
- Improper construction and use of scaffolds
- Improper setup and use of suspended access equipment
- Improper use of ladders
A number of safety blitzes are scheduled to take place in the coming months.
In November and December, industrial sites will be in the crosshairs.
In January 2014, inspectors will be looking for infractions on construction projects being done in active workplaces.
In February and March 2014, inspectors will focus on warehousing in the industrial sector.
The Ministry says the blitzes are designed to raise public awareness and increase compliance with health and safety legislation.
The Safe at Work strategy places greater focus on companies that have higher injury rates, or that have a higher risk of incidents due to their industry, size of business, or other factors.