June 20, 2012

Ontario critical injuries spike in May, report

TORONTO

Though there is a modest improvement year over year in construction fatalities, a spike in critical injuries in May highlights the ongoing need for diligence for occupational health and safety, says preliminary data from Ontario’s Ministry of Labour (MOL).

There was also one fatality in May when a worker succumbed to injuries due to internal crushing and asphyxiation.

A MOL investigation is ongoing, according to the June newsletter from the Council of Ontario Construction Associations.

There were 17 critical injuries in May, compared with seven during the same period in 2011.

Eleven were fall-related; two involved workers struck by falling objects; two workers were struck by equipment; one was burned from material handling; and one burn by chemical exposure.

These critical injuries took place across in the : commercial building construction (five), institutional building (one), industrial building (three), road construction (one) and residential (seven) sectors.

From Jan. 1 through May 31, 2012 the construction industry had seven fatalities and 50 critical injuries versus nine fatalities and 49 critical injuries during the same period in 2011.

Ontario’s labour ministry blitzes for 2012 include new and young workers, from May to August; hazards associated with traffic control during roadwork, in June; hoisting hazards, from July to August; and supervisory engagement in construction, from September to October.

DCN NEWS SERVICES

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