Ontario’s WSIB chair will not seek new term • High-risk construction trades target of month-long Ontario safety inspection blitz • N.B. unveils new tactic to enforce speed limits for commercial vehicles • WCB Manitoba named one of Canada’s best diversity employers • WorkSafeBC encourages safe driving at work with new website • United Steelworkers call on Ontario to consider criminal charges against Vale • Report from B.C. offers best practices to reduce injuries for ultrasound technologists • Nominations open for N.L. 2012 health and safety educator award • Absenteeism in U.S. reaches 10-year low: Survey
Ontario’s WSIB chair will not seek new term
TORONTO — Steve Mahoney, chair of Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), won’t be seeking another term. Minister of Labour Linda Jeffrey said Mahoney has provided steady direction at the helm of the WSIB through a period of significant transition at the agency. Mahoney said he was very proud of the board’s accomplishments over the past six years. Mahoney will continue to serve as chair until the end of his term in May 2012. A public posting for a new chair will be issued shortly, according to Jeffrey.
High-risk construction trades target of month-long Ontario safety inspection blitz
TORONTO — Inspectors in Ontario will be focusing on safety at high-risk construction workplaces during a province-wide enforcement blitz throughout March. Inspectors from the Ministry of Labour will visit construction projects employing workers in high-rise formwork, low-rise formwork and masonry, siding and built-up roofing work. During the blitz inspectors will check that: work areas are safe from hazards that cause slips, trips or falls and workers are using fall protection systems and equipment properly — such as ladders, platforms and scaffolds. In 2010, six workers died and 159 workers were seriously injured in the five targeted trades as a result of falls. Of those injured, nearly one-half were young workers, according to the Ministry. The blitz will be in addition to regular inspections already undertaken by the Ministry of Labour.
