Cleaner Washrooms on Construction Sites

The Ontario government is proposing changes to the Working for Workers Acts, 2021 and 2022.  The changes will require women’s-only washrooms on construction sites and make the skilled trades more accessible for everyone.

The women’s-only washrooms aims to promote a more private, clean and safe environment on construction sites. The implementation of this policy would require construction sites to have at least one women’s only washroom. When this rule is applied, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development will also amend the Construction Projects Regulation to ensure that women obtain properly fitted equipment such as uniforms, boots and safety harnesses.

 

The goal of the legislative changes to the Act is to remove workplace barriers and promote equality in underrepresented sectors. The Ministry of Labour’s research shows that only 1 in 10 women work in the skilled trades.

 

Women’s-only washrooms will be required to be private. The washrooms are required to be completely enclosed, have adequate lighting and have hand sanitizer available if running water is not reasonably possible. The number of toilets will also be expected to double on more job sites. If approved, the proposed regulatory amendments would come into force on July 1, 2023