2017-2018 Ontario Workplace Blitz Schedule

Ontario released its workplace inspection blitz schedule, which goes from April 1, 2017, to March 31, 2018. Workplaces will not receive any heads up beyond the outline listed in the document. The focus is on industries with a history of increased risks, including construction, logistics, mining, among others. To comply, companies must adhere to the Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) and the Employment Standards Act (ESA).

While a visit from a Ministry of Labour inspector can happen at random, all businesses should ensure that they are properly prepared. They can do this by reviewing the blitz schedule (included in attached PDF below) and by keeping in mind the following tips:

1. Review specific provisions of the OHSA and the ESA that may apply to the blitz’s area of focus. Businesses need to meet the minimum legal requirements under these regulations to pass an inspection.
2. Review the Ministry of Labour’s material on inspection blitzes.
3. Discuss compliance strategies with joint health and safety committee representatives.
4. Make any required documentation available to the inspector. In the event of an inspection, supervisors, managers, and health and safety representatives should be available if the inspector has any questions.

Read the entire Compliance Bulletin here:

Compliance-Bulletin-Ontario-Announces-2017-18-Workplace-Inspection-Blitz-Schedule