Why construction safety matters: Meet Mark and Eric

Mark and Eric are two employees bringing focus to the importance of safety and respect in construction zones.

Feature story

Construction zones are more than work sites; they are shared spaces where everyone has a role in keeping each other safe.

Mark and Eric are two City employees who embody the values behind the Respect. Patience. Safety for All. campaign. Their focus on safety benefits not only workers, but also residents moving through construction zones.

Mark Hoyles initially planned to be an accountant but decided that working outside and being involved in building things was a better fit. After starting as a labourer with the Water Distribution group 16 years ago, Mark is currently a supervisor with the City’s Infrastructure and Water Services Department. His team provides inspection support on construction projects throughout the city.

These inspections play a vital role for each project, serving as the day-to-day eyes and ears on-site, by working with contractors, other City departments and members of the public. Safety on-site is paramount and Mark’s team takes precautions to ensure safety for residents, commuters and workers alike.

As Mark says, “Construction is a job and it’s a great job. But we all have lives and families to get home to at the end of the day. And making sure everyone gets to do that should be everyone’s first priority.”

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Eric Audette has worked for the City for almost 20 years, plus four years as a summer student. He is a maintenance coordinator in Roads, and his favourite thing about the job is helping to solve problems out in the field, in real time.

To Eric, safety is a core part of the job. He emphasizes the importance of always assessing surroundings, noting that rushing into a task without checking the environment properly can lead to accidents. “From morning briefings to job site inspections, I make sure crews are following proper procedures, using the right PPE and working in a way that minimizes risk,” he says when asked about his work. “I also ensure that any equipment or traffic control set-ups meet current standards."

Mark and Eric’s dedication brings the City’s Respect. Patience. Safety for All. campaign to life every day. Whether it’s carefully positioning signs, guiding pedestrians through busy construction zones or ensuring crews follow the highest safety standards, their work protects everyone who shares the road or sidewalk. In every long day and challenging condition, they remind us that safety isn’t just a rule, it’s a responsibility we all share.

With construction projects continuing across the city this fall, ongoing awareness is essential to help ensure everyone gets home safely at the end of the day.