Job Site Safety in the Spotlight
If you’re a builder in Ontario right now, you’re operating in a riskier landscape than usual — and not just because of the work itself. The ongoing WSIB strike has changed the game for how job site safety is managed, inspected, and enforced.
For general contractors, developers, and siding installers alike, this isn’t the time to cut corners or rely on business-as-usual routines. Without the usual checks and balances from WSIB, it’s up to builders to ensure that every trade, every crew, and every site is operating as safely and responsibly as possible.
What’s Going On With WSIB?
Since early June 2025, WSIB staff across Ontario — including claims adjudicators, safety consultants, and administrative personnel — have been on strike. While some essential services remain operational, the disruption has had clear ripple effects on the construction industry:
Delays in claims processing for injured workers
Limited safety audits and consultations
Slower support for employer inquiries and compliance guidance
General uncertainty around timelines, appeals, and reviews
This isn’t about the politics of the strike — it’s about the practical fallout.
For builders managing active sites, this means less external oversight and more internal accountability.
Why the WSIB Strike Increases Liability for Builders
Builders already carry the responsibility of maintaining a safe work environment under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). But with WSIB’s services reduced, your exposure grows:
1. Delayed Claims = Worker Vulnerability
If a worker gets hurt and can’t access timely WSIB support, you may find yourself managing the fallout directly. That includes helping workers navigate delays in benefits, medical attention, or return-to-work plans — which can also affect crew morale and productivity.
2. Inspections Are Slower or Nonexistent
While the Ministry of Labour may still perform some safety inspections, WSIB’s proactive consultations, training support, and spot checks are on hold. That means problems that would have been flagged early might go unnoticed — until they cause a real incident.
3. Documentation Is Everything Now
Without WSIB staff reviewing cases in real time, the quality of your internal records will determine how defensible your site practices are. If something goes wrong and there’s no paper trail, your business could be at risk — financially and legally.
A Wake-Up Call for Builders: It’s Time to Re-Own Safety Culture
The WSIB strike has made one thing very clear: Safety culture starts and ends on the site itself. Builders who invest in tight protocols, strong leadership, and trade accountability will come through this period stronger and more resilient.
Here’s what that looks like in practice.
6 Proactive Safety Strategies Builders Should Be Using Now
1. Run Daily Toolbox Talks
Make toolbox talks non-negotiable. Keep them short, focused, and relevant to the tasks ahead. Topics should rotate weekly — ladder safety, fall protection, lifting procedures, electrical hazards — but always tie back to current work being done.
2. Track and Document Everything
Use a digital or physical log to track:
Attendance at safety meetings
Hazard assessments
Equipment inspections
PPE checks
Near-miss incidents
This isn’t red tape — it’s your best protection if an incident occurs during the WSIB gap.
3. Designate a Site Safety Coordinator
If you haven’t already, assign someone on every site to lead safety. Ideally, this should be someone with proper health & safety training (e.g. Joint Health and Safety Committee certified or equivalent).
Give them the authority to stop work when unsafe conditions are observed.
4. Audit Your Sites Weekly
Don’t wait for an inspector. Use a weekly checklist to evaluate:
Cleanliness and debris removal
Scaffold and ladder setup
Guardrails and fall arrest systems
First aid kit contents
Fire extinguisher access
Make safety walkthroughs routine and visible.
5. Ensure Subtrades Follow Your Lead
Subcontractor crews must follow the same safety protocols as your own team. Make this a condition in all work orders. Conduct joint safety meetings when multiple trades are present on site.
Your liability doesn’t end with your payroll — it extends to everyone working under your banner.
6. Update Emergency Response Plans
If a serious incident occurs during the strike, ensure your crew knows:
Who to call
Where the nearest hospital is
Who is responsible for filing reports
How to contact WSIB under current strike protocols
Speed matters when emergencies happen — and confusion is the enemy of safety.
How Siding Crews Are Adapting to Protect Builders
At Oakhart, we know that we’re not just subcontractors — we’re partners in site safety. During this period of reduced oversight, we’ve taken the following steps to support the builders we work with:
Mandatory safety checklists at the start and end of each day
On-site leads with WHMIS and fall protection training
Documentation of all PPE use and site-specific hazard briefings
Proactive communication with builders when conditions are unsafe
We work efficiently — but never at the expense of crew safety or your liability.
The Bottom Line: Builders Can’t Wait for Oversight
Until WSIB resumes full operations, every builder, developer, and project manager must assume full responsibility for safety — not just in theory, but in action.
✅ Reinforce protocols
✅ Recommit to documentation
✅ Rebuild site culture around accountability
Because at the end of the day, a safe site protects your workers, your project timelines, your reputation, and your bottom line.
Partner With a Safety-Focused Siding Team
Oakhart brings more than materials and manpower to your job site — we bring a commitment to safety that protects your business. If you’re looking for a siding crew that takes ownership, communicates clearly, and operates with professionalism on every job, we’re ready to work.
Contact us today to discuss your upcoming builds — and let’s build something safer, together.