In an ongoing effort to promote the importance of health and safety in the construction sector, IBEW CCO Executive Secretary Treasurer, James Barry, joined Monte McNaughton, Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development on a tour Wednesday of a worksite in downtown Toronto.
Other industry representatives who participated in the tour included Pat Dillon, Business Manager and Secretary Treasurer of Provincial Building and Construction Trades Council of Ontario, Joe Mancinelli, International Vice President of LiUNA and Geoff Smith, President and CEO of Ellis Don. They toured the Toronto courthouse construction site where several trades including IBEW electricians are currently working.
“The health and safety of our workers must always be a priority and the pandemic has highlighted the need for extra vigilance,” said Barry.
He commended Minister McNaughton for the recent initiatives his government has introduced including new health guidelines and increased job site inspections. “When you have men and women doing complex and potentially dangerous work while dealing with the added risks created by the pandemic, we can’t be complacent,” said Barry.
He said he is proud of the professionalism of his members, who have helped ensure the delivery of essential services despite the added challenges.