Ontario workplace inspectors are launching a safety blitz focusing on construction sites.

The ‘blitz’ was announced by Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development for the province, on Feb. 3.

“We’re doing this to save lives,” McNaughton said in a government release. “One death on a jobsite is one too many. 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.”

Inspectors will focus on personal protective equipment, including high visibility clothing, skin protection, face shields, eye protection and hearing protectors.

The blitz, which runs until March 13, 2020, follows four weeks of outreach to the construction sector to educate and assist in safety compliance. In addition to construction sites, Ministry inspectors will also visit roadwork projects.

“Everyone has a role here,” said Minister McNaughton. “Employers have to provide equipment to their workers and workers have to wear it properly.”

The blitz is part of the government’s Safe At Work Ontario strategy. The goal is to improve worker health and safety by helping employers comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations.

This news brief was originally published on On-Site Magazine.