A health and safety seminar held recently in North Bay opened with this statement, “Let’s have a moment of silence because today someone will die while working on the job.” 

A grim but unfortunately accurate description of a workplace reality. 

The IHSA (Infrastructure Health and Safety Association) put on a Health and Safety event where they discussed various aspects of health and safety for construction companies. It focused on those working at heights, handling equipment checks, hazard assessment, rescue planning, injury management, and mental health issues brought on by this type of work.

Don Toshack is a local health and safety officer and, by trade, a commercial roofer for almost 30 years.
Toshack believes holding an event like this remains important because he says lack of adherence to safety protocols is on the rise.
“Things have gotten a little complacent,” says Toshack.

“People are forgetting about (safety), and the number of accidents is starting to creep up. We have a lot of new workers, new people coming to this country who are bringing their old ways,” says Toshack. 

 The need for events that offer training and guidance to workers is increasing, adds the employee of Designed Roofing. Today’s workers need a wide variety of support says Toshack.

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