NAWIC Jersey’s Post

A decision that was recently released by the Ontario Superior Court of Justice provides some useful guidance to the construction industry on what it means for construction project owners to act with due diligence in the role of “employer” on a construction project under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act. In this new article, Partner Jeff Scorgie and Associate Fabiola Bassong provide an overview of the case in question and outline key takeaways from the decision. Follow the link to read more: https://bit.ly/3XE8RKN #ConstructionLaw #OHSA #OntarioLaw

Every year, workers in Ontario are injured or killed as a result of traffic-related incidents while performing work in and around public roadways. While the Regulations for Construction Projects under the Occupational Health and Safety Act require employers to have a traffic protection plan in place to ensure that workers are protected, safe driving in work zones is a shared responsibility. Drivers must do their part by adhering to speed limits, staying alert, and following the guidance of work zone signs. Together, we can ensure the safety of workers and drivers alike. Everyone deserves to get home safe. IUOE Local 793 stands as a dedicated advocate for the protection of all workers involved in building and maintaining Ontario. The importance of this mission cannot be overstated, emphasizing that safety is not a matter of chance – it’s a deliberate choice that each person must make.

In June 2022 the International Labour Organization took a historic step when it added a safe and healthy working environment to its Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work. Occupational safety and health can now no longer be viewed as an optional extra. All of ILO’s 186 member states are now obligated to respect, promote and achieve a safe and healthy working environment as a fundamental principle and right at work, irrespective of whether they have ratified either of the ILO’s conventions relating to occupational safety and health. The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 of the UK states that It shall be the duty of every employer to ensure, so far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all his employees. Section 6 (1) of the Occupational Safety and Health Act of Kenya mandates every occupier to ensure the safety, health and welfare at work of all persons working in his workplace. #workplacesafety #ilo #hse #decentwork #safetyalways

The construction landscape in Australia is evolving rapidly, and at the forefront of this transformation is the Construction Logistics and Community Safety – Australia (CLOCS-A) Accreditation. Setting the bar for excellence in construction logistics and community welfare, this accreditation embodies a steadfast commitment to safety, sustainability, and responsible construction practices. CLOCS-A is a comprehensive standard designed for regulators, developers, principal contractors and transport operators to efficiently manage construction sites while prioritising the safety of vulnerable road users. With CLOCS-A Accreditation, organisations signal their unwavering dedication to fostering a culture of safety and community awareness. This not only demonstrates leadership within the construction sector but also plays a pivotal role in shaping industry standards for years to come. Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/gfMBDGyF #clocsaaccreditation #roadsafety #constructionlogistics #vulnerableroadusers

Ontario increasing fines for health and safety violations. Companies that violate Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) now face fines of up to $2 million, following the provincial government’s passing of the Working for Workers Act, 2023. https://loom.ly/sjs3O3k #provincialgovernment #ontario #ohsa #healthandsafety #occupationalhealth #safetyviolations #safety #increasing #fines

Did you know WorkSafe Victoria has a a free workplace safety consultation service, delivered by independent occupational health and #safety experts? Small to medium sized businesses (up to 60 employees) and sole traders may be eligible. Click the link below to learn more. #construction #mining #engineering #manufacturing #agriculture #farming #occupationalhealthandsafety #workhealthandsafety #occupationalhygiene #occupationalhealthandsafety #industrialhygiene

Chamber Strategy Document Presentation Industry Stakeholders- Denise Xuereb (Director of Construction and Development AX) Meeting with ‘’old’’ supporters of our chamber is always a pleasure. Ms Xuereb and her company have supported our chamber from its inception. She encouraged her managerial staff to join us and contribute through their knowledge and experience. The presentation of the Strategy Document was another confirmation of the good relationship that exists with one of the main contractors and industry stakeholders on the island. In common we have an interest in protecting the health and safety of the workers, and their continuous development and in tandem with this, making sure that the quality of work and product on offer is of the highest level. We both recognise that we have duties and obligations towards all those that eventually will avail and make use of the structures built by contractors. It is important that standards remain at the highest level all the time and throughout the project's whole life cycle. Clients and users of all buildings deserve quality and high standards. #maltachamberofconstructionmanagement #ciob #quality #standards #ethics #healthandsafety #welfare #education #diversity

New Gov vows to legislate on OSH related laws within 3 months The new Labour administration has reiterated its plans to legislate on a broad range of employment laws that have implications for OSH in its first 100 days in power, after winning a landslide victory in the UK's General Election. Ian Manners, Partner at Ashfords LLP, has identified Building Safety assurance as one of the items that maybe effected. Labour state they will take ‘decisive action’ to improve building safety, including through regulation, to ensure we never again see a repeat of the Grenfell fire. It remains to be seen whether this will take the form of further fire safety and building safety regulation, or just seeks to legislate to determine liability for building safety standards/improvements, in order to protect leaseholders. The HSE is the building safety regulator and it will be during the next government that we will see that regulator’s role in action. The ongoing Grenfell Inquiry is set to publish its final report in the first months of the new government and we will also see whether criminal enforcement action will follow on after the work of the Inquiry has concluded. Source – iosh magazine #healthandsafety #assurance #buildingsafety

Here is a great article on what really needs to happen in the construction industry (much more than just clean up criminality and corruption in the CFMEU) from someone who has done the hard yards working in the industry and then as a researcher and she is spot on. https://lnkd.in/g863W2Fm

Employment Laws within the Construction Industry in Ontario, Canada Currently, I’m a student at St. Clair College in the program “Construction Project Management”. I am taking the course “Construction Law and Ethics” by Professor Russell Laird, who has given us great understanding of Ontario’s employment laws. Primarily, these laws help to maintain a fair, safe and inclusive working environment in the construction industry. Probably the most applicable legislation is the Occupational Health and Safety Act, which is for an employer to keep the work environment safe and free from any hazard for the workers. That way making sure workers can refuse unsafe work. Also, proper safety precautions, using proper equipment training should be given to workers to avoid injury or harm to them. Moreover, another main legal provision is the Ontario Human Rights Code, which offers protection against any discrimination in hiring by employers on various factors such as age, sex, race and disability. The law supports the basic principles of inclusivity and equality since all workers are given equal treatment and opportunity at a construction site. Furthermore ,the Employment Standard Act, specifies other key factors like minimum wages, overtime, and maximum hours of work. This would guarantee that employees get properly compensated for the work they have done and that the employment standards are maintained in the most desirable manner. The Ontario Labour Relations Act further benefits the workers by safeguarding their rights to unionise and collectively bargain for better wages and working conditions. These laws provide a good framework that supports fairness, safety, and equality within the construction industry. It is very amazing how this course “Construction Law and Ethics” has taught me so much more about how the legal protections act as a safety net to make construction practices safe and ethical. Following are the two valuable resources: 1. Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development https://lnkd.in/ghy7_HjK 2. Employment Standards Act https://lnkd.in/gtG9qZUb #ConstructionLaw #Ontario #WorkplaceSafety #HumanRights #StClairCollege #FairWages #ConstructionManagement  #EmploymentLaw #HealthandSafety