Issue

This project will identify workplace policies and practices associated with lower rates of work-related injury and disease among construction workers in Ontario. At the moment there is no research in the area of occupational health and safety workplace policies and practices in construction and the role of unions in Ontario or Canada and there is only a weak and conflicting body of evidence in the US. This research is needed because of the high rates of injury, death, and disability that are sustained by construction workers in Ontario.

Objectives

• To understand the union and employer drivers of injuries and illnesses.
• To describe how union organizations and union certified firms contribute to lower lost time injuries and illnesses, and critical injures and musculoskeletal injuries.

Anticipated Results

The results of this research project will be relevant to the construction sector, unions, the MOL, the WSIB, policymakers, and other prevention partners. This project is in collaboration with the OCS, and other partners include the WSIB, the construction sector, various union organizations, and policy-makers.