Inspectors from the Ministry of Labour (MOL) are conducting a month-long blitz of construction sites in March.

They’re targeting construction projects employing workers in high-rise formwork, low-rise formwork and masonry, siding and built-up roofing work.

The blitz began March 1. It is aimed at protecting workers from preventable workplace injuries.

The MOL says the inspections will help ensure that:

  • Work areas are safe from hazards that cause dangerous slips, trips or falls;
  • Workers are using fall protection systems properly and equipment such as ladders, platforms and scaffolds.

The blitz is in addition to regular inspections already being undertaken by the MOL.

Labour Minister Linda Jeffrey said the blitz is part of the government’s Safe at Work Ontario strategy.

“The safety and well-being of all Ontario workers is a priority of our government,” she said. “It’s especially important to make sure we’re protecting workers in high-risk trades from slips or falls that would be disastrous for them and their families.”

George Gritziotis, Ontario’s chief prevention officer, said construction workers lose more time at work due to injuries than those in many other sectors.

“Most of the incidents involve young workers. Our goal is to improve worker health and safety and prevent injuries and deaths at Ontario’s construction sites.”

In 2011, 22 people were killed in construction site accidents and the year before 25 died.

Since 2008, MOL inspectors have conducted more than 266,000 field visits, 36 inspection blitzes and issued more than 426,000 compliance orders.