Minister's Statement on Workplace Fatalities

Ontario’s Minister of Labour Kevin Flynn released the following statement today:

“I am deeply saddened by the recent spike in workplace fatalities in Ontario, and my heart goes out to the families, friends and co-workers.

Workplace health and safety must be everyone’s top priority. One death is one too many. One injury is one too many.

All employers and workers need to remember their rights and responsibilities and exercise caution, be vigilant and take care of each other in the workplace.

In particular, employers must be mindful of the safety of their workers and ensure they have workplaces free of hazards.

Only when every employer and every worker takes real responsibility for workplace safety in Ontario can we ensure our loved ones will return home safe and sound.”

All workers should be aware of the right they have to refuse work they believe is unsafe, without fear of reprisal.

We need to work together to put an end to workplace fatalities.

The families of these workers have been needlessly devastated by the loss of their loved ones.

Losses that should not have happened.

Ontario is one of the safest places in the world to work. This is something we should be proud of, but we should never be satisfied.