construction sign

Construction trades helpers and labourers had the 3rd highest injury claims with the Saskatchewan Workers' Compensation Board last year.

Only 52 percent of workplaces were using fall protection as required by guidelines and only 60 percent of the sites wore protective headgear.

"Typically some the most significant areas are use of protective equipment, fall arrest equipment and things like openings in floors that are common risks, and they are things that can be mitigated by proper equipment and proper practices." explained President of the Saskatchewan Construction Safety Association Collin Pullar about the safety issues that can occur.

A company that pays attention to safety is one that cares about its staff members.

"When they have a worker that is a highly skilled worker they want to be able protect that asset and keep them working as long as possible. When they're laid up in a hospital they can't produce anymore. So, the ones that look at employees as a that kind of a valued asset to their company will tend to look at ways to that they can protect those particular assets." said Pullar.

Things that need to be looked at are if a site is wearing and providing protective equipment, using fall arrest and guarding their scaffolds and openings.

"It really boils down to the quality of builder they're selecting. Companies that do take the time and consideration for employees and look for issues about safety and take care of them are very much like the companies that measure twice and cut once. They're very methodical. That's important for a consumer when they're making a major purchase." Pullar said, "They want to make sure that product is of quality and that people are taking their time and not cutting corners."

The construction sector inspection blitz is being done to make sure that our province's companies are practicing proper safety and enforcement.