Workplace inspectors are now visiting construction sites across the province until March 13, 2020, following four weeks of outreach to educate and assist in safety compliance.

Inspectors will be targeting personal protective equipment, including high visibility clothing, skin protection (like gloves), face shields, eye protection, and hearing protectors. Without this equipment, workers can suffer cuts, punctures, chemical burns, electric shocks, exposure to excessive noise or vibration, and many other harmful risks.

The blitz responds to growing concern among construction workers. According to a recent survey, 25 per cent felt their workplace was not safe during the previous 12 months compared to 19 per cent across all sectors.

“One death on a jobsite is one too many,” Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton said in a press release. “I want everyone in this province to know we’re doing our best to ensure that their loved ones come home safe after a hard day’s work.”

The ministry issued 7,483 orders from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2017 for lack of personal protective equipment on projects. This was the second highest Occupational Health and Safety Act violation in construction workplaces for 2017.

In addition to construction sites, inspectors will also visit roadwork projects.