The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) conducts regular inspection blitzes across industries to ensure compliance with Ontario’s occupational health and safety regulations. These surprise inspections target key safety concerns within industries such as construction, mining, healthcare, and professional services.
For facility, property, and health and safety managers, preparation is essential to ensure both compliance and the safety of all personnel. In this guide, we’ll explore practical steps to help your workplace prepare for an MLITSD inspection so you can respond confidently if an inspector arrives.
1. Review the Latest MLITSD Blitz Schedule
Each year, MLITSD releases an updated blitz schedule outlining key areas of focus for inspections. Familiarizing yourself with the latest schedule is a crucial first step in ensuring compliance.
Tip: Visit the official MLITSD website to download the latest blitz schedule, or check our MLITSD Blitz Schedule page for an industry-specific breakdown. Keeping this information handy will help you identify which compliance areas are most relevant to your facility.
2. Conduct an Internal Health and Safety Audit
Conducting a thorough internal audit of your health and safety practices is essential to identify and address any compliance gaps. This proactive approach can help you align with the MLITSD’s inspection criteria and provide a safer environment for employees.
Tip: Create an audit checklist based on the specific focus areas of your industry’s blitz. For example, construction audits might focus on fall protection and equipment safety, while healthcare facilities might prioritize infection control and chemical handling.
3. Ensure Documentation is Complete and Accessible
MLITSD inspectors will expect to see accurate, up-to-date documentation of your health and safety programs, including training records, incident reports, and safety protocols. Ensuring all documents are organized and accessible is key to a smooth inspection.
Tip: Conduct a document audit to verify that records are up-to-date. Organize critical documents, such as training logs, equipment maintenance records, and safety protocols, in an easily accessible location to avoid delays during inspections.
3. Verify that Employees are Trained and Informed
Inspectors may ask employees about their knowledge of health and safety practices, so it’s crucial that all staff are informed and trained in compliance with MLITSD standards. This includes understanding emergency procedures, equipment usage, and reporting protocols.
Tip: Conduct refresher training sessions ahead of the blitz period, focusing on areas highlighted in the blitz schedule. Regular toolbox talks and safety meetings are also effective ways to reinforce key safety practices.
5. Prioritize Compliance in High-Risk Areas
Identify any high-risk areas within your facility or worksite based on past incidents or areas highlighted in the MLITSD blitz schedule. Ensuring compliance in these areas can help reduce the risk of violations.
Tip: Conduct focused inspections in high-risk zones, such as machine areas in manufacturing, patient rooms in healthcare, or construction scaffolding. If possible, implement additional protective measures or safety protocols to mitigate risks.