Construction workers might notice some changes when they go to work on Monday, as the provincial government has laid out some updated guidelines to limit the spread of COVID-19 at job sites.
The update issued on Sunday is meant to help employers "better understand their responsibilities" on construction sites.
"The health and safety of construction workers is a top priority for our government. With the COVID-19 situation changing day by day, we are working to ensure that workers have the tools they need to help keep job sites safe," said MPP Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development. "We must do everything possible to fight the spread of this disease."
The updated guidelines follow an initial document issued on March 20 and addresses topics such as:
- Providing better on-site sanitation, with a focus on areas like site trailers, door handles, and hoists - Communicating roles, responsibilities, as well as health and safety policies (for example, posting site sanitization schedules and work schedules) - Enabling greater distances between workers by staggering shifts, restricting site numbers and limiting elevator usage - Protecting public health, by tracking and monitoring workers
Employers are required to take the necessary precautions to keep workers safe. However, if employees do not feel safe under the conditions, they have the "right to refuse unsafe work".
A worker can also file a complaint if health and safety concerns are not being dealt with. Complaints can be filed with the ministry's Health and Safety Contact Centre at 1-877-202-0008.
As stated by the province, employers and constructors who fail to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations could be issued a stop-work order.