The latest construction sector compliance blitz by Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) is underway, with a focus on excavation cave-in prevention, precautions concerning underground services and safe limits of approach to energized overhead electrical conductors.
The compliance assistance phase of the blitz has been running since September 5, with unannounced workplace inspections due to take place from October 3 to November 4.
The aim of the ministry’s education and enforcement initiative is to protect workers’ rights under both the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Employment Standards Act, as well as to enhance employers’ awareness of their responsibilities.
Inspectors are not limited to inspecting only the areas covered in this blitz; they can apply the OHSA and its regulations to the situation they find at each workplace they visit.