The Province has announced its latest list of targeted workplace inspection blitzes, over the next year.
Each year, the Ministry of Labour schedules inspection blitzes and initiatives in specific sectors to protect workers’ rights under both the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Employment Standards Act, and enhance employers’ awareness of their responsibilities.
As usual, the focus of their workplace inspection blitzes and initiatives for 2017-18. are announced ahead of time. However, individual workplaces are not identified in advance. The next round of blitzes takes place April 1, 2017 to March 31, 2018 – the fiscal year.
Inspection blitzes are part of the province’s Safe At Work Ontario compliance strategy. They are announced to the sector by the ministry in advance, although individual workplaces are not notified in advance. Results are posted on the ministry’s website.
The blitzes raise awareness of known workplace hazards and promote compliance with the OHSA and its regulations.
Inspectors’ findings may impact the frequency and level of future inspections of individual workplaces. Inspectors may also refer employers to health and safety associations for compliance assistance and training.
Since 2008, Ministry of Labour occupational health and safety inspectors have conducted more than 620,000 field visits and 79 provincial inspection blitzes. Inspectors have issued more than one million compliance orders for safety issues across all sectors in Ontario since June 2008.
– with files from the Ministry of Labour