As a Global News investigation shines a spotlight on construction safety in Nova Scotia, workers say fear is a factor in their silence on hazards that sometimes put their lives at risk.

Proposed legislation would allow developers of large construction projects of $2 billion or more in Nova Scotia to enter into specific agreements that would ensure there are no labour work stoppages or lockouts.

Halifax is seeing a significant increase of major construction projects, but it hasn't been easy for tradespeople in rural communities, particularly due to the struggling economies in Western Canada.