Improving Safety for Temporary Workers in Ontario’s Logistics and Construction Sectors

Temporary and contract workers remain an essential part of Ontario’s logistics, warehousing, and construction workforce — yet they still face higher risks of workplace injuries compared to permanent staff (Statistics Canada, 2021). In 2024, employers must strengthen safety measures and onboarding practices to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and retain skilled workers.

Site-Specific Safety Training

The OHSA requires employers to ensure that all workers — including temps — are properly informed, trained, and supervised for their tasks (Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, 2023). Employers should deliver detailed site orientations covering equipment, procedures, and emergency measures. Clear, simple communication is especially important for newcomer or multilingual staff.

Fostering a Speak-Up Culture

Recent studies show that workplaces with strong internal communication and active hazard reporting see fewer incidents (Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, 2022). Temporary workers should feel safe to raise concerns about unsafe practices without fear of reprisal. Supervisors play a critical role in encouraging this culture.

Use of Proper PPE and Supervision

Temporary workers often lack familiarity with job sites. Providing appropriate PPE and ensuring supervisors check its correct use is key to reducing preventable injuries. Regular safety refreshers and toolbox talks can reinforce good habits (WSIB Ontario, 2022).

Conclusion

Strengthening onboarding, training, and open safety reporting helps Ontario’s employers meet legal obligations while building trust with temporary staff. This not only protects people but improves retention and reduces costly disruptions in high-demand industries like logistics and construction.

References

Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety. (2022). New workers and young workers. Retrieved from https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/hsprograms/new_worker.html

Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. (2023). Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Retrieved from https://www.ontario.ca/laws/statute/90o01

Statistics Canada. (2021). Workplace injury and illness statistics in Canada. Retrieved from https://www150.statcan.gc.ca

WSIB Ontario. (2022). Health and safety topics. Retrieved from https://www.wsib.ca/en/safety