Are you ready for a Ministry inspection blitz?
The thought of a surprise visit from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) can be stressful or catch people off-guard. But, since the MLITSD and the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) share the common goal of keeping workplaces safe and healthy, a visit from the MLITSD shouldn’t be a source of concern.
One of the ways that the MLITSD helps organizations work toward safety objectives is to perform both scheduled and unscheduled inspections. Each year, the MLITSD schedules compliance initiatives and/or campaigns in specific sectors to achieve two primary goals:
Whether you call them campaigns, initiatives, or simply “blitzes,” knowing what’s coming up is the best way to proactively prepare for an unscheduled inspection. While the focus of campaigns and initiatives is announced ahead of time, no notice is given for surprise inspections. |
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Whether you call them campaigns, initiatives, or simply “blitzes,” knowing what’s coming up is the best way to proactively prepare for an unscheduled inspection
MLITSD Rights Under the Act
As per the Occupational Health and Safety Act (The Act), s.54, any MLITSD Inspector may:
Do you have an Occupational Health and Safety Act? Order one today! |
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Compliance Initiatives: Happening Now
Construction InitiativesFall from heights in a single family residential
Struck-by equipment in specific settings
Join our mailing list to receive email updates. Industrial InitiativesMaterial Handling
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Specialized Professional Services InitiativesPrevention of musculoskeletal disorders
Join our mailing list to receive email updates. Get TrainedNothing will make your workplace more effective and efficient than JHSC training. Having certified members on the JHSC ensures that your organization is compliant and operating properly. MidSouthWest delivers CPO-Approved JHSC Training at a variety of locations across Ontario, as well as through our Distance Learning Plantform.
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Greeting the MLITSD: The Role of the JHSC
When you see an MLITSD Inspector approaching your workplace, welcome them. Get the inspection started on the right foot by being helpful, friendly, and confident that your workplace is compliant with all applicable legislation.
A worker member of the JHSC (preferably certified) is entitled to accompany the inspector throughout the inspection. In addition to the worker member who accompanies the inspector, other employees, managers, or the employer may also actively participate in the inspection by answering questions, sharing knowledge, and producing any documents the inspector requests. Commonly requested documents include:
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Be Prepared!Inspectors may also ask to see demonstrations of work processes or see machinery in action. Be prepared to comply. Learn more about Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Training |
When the MLITDS Leaves
In the event the inspector finds a deficiency and writes an order, the JHSC will be instrumental in advising on a plan to achieve compliance. Then, once compliant, a worker and management member of the JHSC must sign a notice of compliance and send it to the MLITSD within three days. Section 59 of the Act outlines the process.
The JHSC must receive a copy of the MLITSD’s report containing the findings of their inspection regardless of if there were orders. The JHSC should meet to go over the findings and discuss aspects of the inspection that went well and areas of improvement, even if there were no orders.
The JHSC must receive a copy of the MLITSD’s report containing the findings of their inspection regardless of if there were orders. The JHSC should meet to go over the findings and discuss aspects of the inspection that went well and areas of improvement, even if there were no orders.
Trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting
Training is key when it comes to having an effective and efficient JHSC.
MidSouthWest Training and Consulting provides JHSC training in association with Langlois Safety Training and Consulting Services, an approved CPO Provider. You can trust MidSouthWest Training and Consulting to provide you with cost-effective training solutions tailored to meet your organization’s unique health and safety needs. To learn more, contact us online or call 289.309.1143. Visit us 24/7 on the web at midsouthwest.ca. |
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Last updated October 16, 2023