The organization has opened full access to courses on such subjects as pandemic planning, mental health and office ergonomics, as well as a free emergency response planning guide.

‘Failure to comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations could result in a stop work order,’ said the ministry.

More than 120,000 workers who completed training between February 28, 2018 and August 31, 2017 will see their certifications extended by a year.

The recommendations include deeming the planning, design, construction and operation of important infrastructure as essential services, and jump-starting infrastructure projects to keep the industry working.

A negative consequence of the Ontario government's introducing emergency measures is that publication of certificates of substantial performance and the corresponding release of holdbacks were effectively frozen in time. This will affect cash flow in construction.