Another tragic death as government continues to delay regulations, MPP Fife

WATERLOO — With her community shaken by the news of another young man falling to his death while working at a Kitchener-Waterloo construction site, MPP Catherine Fife called on the Liberal government to finally enact long-delayed regulations to protect workers. 

“First, I wish to express my condolences to this young man’s family,” said Fife. 'No one should ever be concerned that their son will go to work and not come home.'

Word of the death comes almost one year after 23-year-old Nick Lalonde was killed in a falling accident on a construction site in the riding.

Fife said that the tragic death of another young worker while the government continues to delay the implementation of fall prevention safety standards is both appalling and shameful.

“In December 2010, the Liberal government embraced a Health and Safety Expert Advisory Panel’s recommendation that a heights training regulation be in force by December 2011. Now, four years, and too many deaths later, this Liberal government continues to ignore changes that would save lives,” said Fife.

Last October, after the death of Lalonde, the Minister of Labour claimed introduction of these regulations was imminent. 

“How many more workers will have to die before this government finally enacts working-at-heights regulations?” asked Fife.  

Last year, sixteen workers fell to their death in Ontario.