Strengthening the legislative framework for construction workers
Ontario took historic steps in 2024 to strengthen worker protection measures and address their specific needs on construction sites. This new legislation, the fifth edition of the Working for Workers Act, has just received Royal Assent. Labor Minister David Piccini stressed the importance of involving more women in the skilled trades to remedy the labor shortage, asserting that “An economy that doesn't work for women doesn't work at all”.
Among other things, this law aims to improve working conditions for women, and adds virtual harassment to the existing definitions of harassment in the workplace. It also requires clean and hygienic washrooms and the provision of menstrual products on construction sites, a sector traditionally dominated by men. This measure, hailed by numerous workers' associations, is a unique initiative at provincial level in Canada, marking a turning point in the way women's specific needs are taken into account on construction sites. The amendments added to the Occupational Health and Safety Act will apply to sites employing 20 or more workers and with projects lasting more than three months. This move is part of an overall effort to attract more women into the construction trades, by removing barriers related to sanitary conditions.
Why is this legislation important?
Despite an increase in recent years, women's participation in the construction trades remains low (only 4% of jobs in the sector's skilled trades were held by women in 2023). One of the major obstacles is limited access to adequate sanitary facilities, an often overlooked but crucial factor in ensuring women's well-being on construction sites. According to a survey conducted in 2022 by Ontario Building and Construction Tradeswomen, almost half of the women questioned cited improved sanitary facilities as a priority for making these jobs more attractive. Until now, many construction workers were obliged to bring their own menstrual products and were confronted with unsanitary and ill-equipped toilets. These conditions create an uncomfortable, even humiliating working environment. So, by making the provision of menstrual products and clean toilets compulsory, Ontario is seeking to reduce inequalities and ensure that women can work in dignified conditions on construction sites.
A step towards inclusiveness in a rapidly changing sector
In addition to meeting women's health needs, this reform aims to promote diversity and inclusiveness in a sector that is short of skilled labor. The Minister of Labour stressed that improving working conditions is essential to attracting more women into the construction trades and reducing the shortage of skilled workers in the province. Major construction companies, such as the Ontario General Contractors Association, have applauded these reforms, recognizing that they will help make worksites safer and more inclusive for all workers. These measures are designed not only to meet the needs of women, but also to make the skilled trades more accessible, thereby supporting their presence in the workforce.
Implementation Scheduled for 2025
These new regulations will come into force from January 2025. By then, companies will need to be prepared to supply menstrual products and improve the cleanliness of sanitary facilities on their sites. Regulatory changes will be proposed to ensure that washrooms remain clean and to keep records of cleaning. This initiative promises to transform the dynamic on Ontario's construction sites, making the sector more welcoming to women and paving the way for a more diverse workforce.
A Move Towards Equality on Construction Sites
Thus, this legislative change in Ontario marks a major step forward for gender equality in the construction sector. By addressing the specific needs of women, these reforms make the sector more attractive and celebrate diversity.
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Sources :
- “ Working For Workers Five Act, 2024”
- Global News Global News
- Ontario Construction Report
- Peninsula
- Ontario Building & Construction Tradeswomen
