Source: Northern Ontario Business
It’s a complaint commonly heard on construction sites and one that has been largely ignored: inadequate or dirty toilet facilities.
On March 15th, Labour Minister Monte McNaughton announced new regulations that, if passed, would involve an overhaul of current guidelines. The new legislation would require improved toilet facilities for construction workers including providing on-site toilets for women. Washrooms would have to be private and completely enclosed, have adequate lighting and hand sanitizer (where running water is not reasonably possible), and at least one toilet has to be designated women-only. The government said it would double the number of toilets on most job sites.
“Access to a washroom is a basic human dignity and something every worker should have the right to,” McNaughton said in a news release. “Careers in construction offer six-figure salaries with pensions and benefits, and it is an injustice that only 10 per cent of them are filled by women. Under the leadership of Premier Ford, our government will continue to stand with these heroes. Everyone has the right to a safe and welcoming workplace.”
McNaughton says he receives complaints on his social media feeds from construction workers about the conditions of on-site washrooms. Many say they would travel off site to use a toilet rather than use the facilities on site.
The proposed legislation also includes access to properly fitting equipment such as uniforms, boots and safety harnesses. This comes as efforts continue to attract more women to the skilled trades.
