On March 15, 2023, the Ontario Minister of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development announced a proposal to make various amendments to regulations applicable to the construction industry.

The proposed regulatory amendments would ensure that female construction workers have access to at least one women’s-only washroom on every jobsite.  The amendments would also introduce several requirements related to portable washrooms.  They would have to be private and completely enclosed, and have adequate lighting and hand sanitizer (where running water is not reasonably possible).  Additionally, the government is doubling the mandatory number of toilets on most jobsites.

The amendments would also require construction employers to provide properly fitting personal protective equipment, such as uniforms, boots, and safety harnesses, to women and workers with diverse body types.

The government hopes that these changes will help increase women’s participation in the skilled trades, as only 10 per cent of careers in construction are currently filled by women.

The proposed regulatory amendments, if approved, would come into force on July 1, 2023.

If you have any questions about this topic or any other questions relating to workplace law, please do not hesitate to contact a Mathews Dinsdale lawyer.

The Firm gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Selina Habib, an Articling Student in the firm’s Toronto office.