Construction Safety Under Scrutiny

The 1998 construction season will be the safest one yet, if the Department of Labour has anything to do with it. They do -- and they're following through.

Last week, the department carried out a "construction blitz" on contractors building in the Halifax area. Such a blitz is essentially a series of unannounced inspections concentrated in a specific industrial sector and often in a specific geographical area.

"We are definitely taking a proactive approach to construction safety," said Labour Minster Russell MacKinnon. "All contractors must comply fully with our Occupational Health and Safety legislation. And we intend to use promotion, education and enforcement to make sure that they do."

Occupational health and safety officers from throughout the central region converged in Clayton Park and other areas of residential construction in the Halifax area.

During the inspections, the officers checked specifically for personal protective equipment and fall protection. They also made sure that equipment had proper guards in place. Electrical safety, first-aid preparations and handling of hazardous materials were also targeted. In addition, for larger firms, officers check for an Occupational Health and Safety policy. Organizations with more than 20 employees must have an OHS program.

Twenty-three general inspections plus three re-inspections were conducted during the blitz. In total, 46 compliance orders and eight stop-work orders were issued. Files are currently being reviewed to determine if stronger enforcement measures are required in any of these cases.

"Construction safety is paramount year-round," said Mr. MacKinnon. "The start of a busy residential building season is definitely an appropriate time to reinforce the message. We will step in if responsibilities are not being carried out."

The Occupational Health and Safety Division will carry out similar blitzes throughout the year to raise awareness as well as levels of compliance.