Ontario Makes Thoughtful Changes To Occupational Health and Safety Act With Focus on Worker’s Well-being

What Does The Bill Mean?

The Ontario government introduced a bill recently announcing that construction sites with over 20 workers and where the work is expected to last over three months will be required to provide menstrual products. Last March, a bill mandated women-only bathrooms on all construction sites, and now the latest bill seeks to improve the lives of workers working at construction sites with all-round rules that keep into consideration the safety and hygiene needs. 

Other Provinces Might Follow

The Ontario construction industry has undergone a big transformation with a number of improvements announced with workers’ well-being in mind. The bill especially places focus on women workers. 

This is the first time a Canadian province has introduced such a bill. However, given the thoughtfulness of the legislation, a domino effect is expected to take place and several other states might also introduce similar laws soon. 

What Do Lawmakers Have to Say?

Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, David Piccini stated in a press release, “Under Premier Ford, our government is tackling the generational labour shortage previous governments left in their wake… That means we need all hands on deck – but when women represent only one in ten workers in the skilled trades, we have one hand tied behind our back. That’s why our government is introducing first-in-Canada changes to encourage women to start a career in the skilled trades and reach their full potential. Because an economy that doesn’t work for women doesn’t work at all.”

Speaking about the bill, Charmaine Williams, Associate Minister of Women’s Social and Economic Opportunity said, “Today’s announcement is another example of action our government is taking to make careers in construction and the skilled trades more inclusive and welcoming for women… By further protecting their health and safety at work, the Working for Workers bill will increase women’s access to rewarding careers that both pay well and help create the stronger, more diverse workforce we need to build a better Ontario.”

Hygiene & Safety of Workers

The new law, part of the recently introduced Working for Workers Five Act, comes as an improvement to the Occupational Health and Safety Act of Ontario. Working for Workers Five Act extends the four Working for Workers acts already in place with a focus on the hygiene and safety of workers. Given the law is implemented properly, it’s going to be a milestone moment for the industry.