As of July 1, 2016, new amendments to the Construction Projects, the Noise, and the Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents Regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act came into force.
“To break the cycle of fatalities in our construction sector, we need higher health and safety standards. Ontario is taking the lead on this by strengthening training requirements for drill rig operators and protecting workers from hazardous substances to improve workplace safety on construction projects.”
— Kevin Flynn, Minister of Labour
“The number of fatalities in our construction industry is still far too high. Workplace health and safety is a shared responsibility. All workplace parties must act in unison to ensure that all workers go home safe and sound at the end of their shift.”
— George Gritziotis, Chief Prevention Officer
These amendments include:
- New operational technical and operational safety requirements for the safe operation of drill rigs;
- Extending noise protection;
- Requiring employers to take appropriate safety measures to ensure construction workers are protected from hazardous substances;
- Provisions relating to exposure to carbon monoxide, and other fumes and gases, released from internal combustion engines;
- Provisions related to the use of portable ladders.