Each year, the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) conducts focused inspection blitzes across Ontario. These initiatives are intended to address recurring workplace health and safety issues and improve compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
For the 2026–2027 inspection cycle, the Ministry has identified priority sectors and hazard areas that inspectors will be concentrating on. Employers who understand where these inspections are directed can take steps early to reduce risk, address gaps, and avoid last-minute preparation.
This article summarizes the 2026–2027 MLITSD blitz priorities and outlines how organizations can prepare in advance.
What the MLITSD Blitz Program Focuses On
MLITSD blitzes are planned enforcement initiatives. Inspectors assess not only physical conditions in the workplace, but also the effectiveness of health and safety programs, training records, written procedures, and hazard assessments.
During an inspection, inspectors may:
- Review documentation and training records
- Observe work practices
- Interview workers and supervisors
- Assess how hazards are identified and controlled
The Ministry publishes its inspection schedule publicly so employers can understand which sectors are being targeted and when.
Official MLITSD Blitz Schedule
Sectors Targeted During the 2026–2027 Cycle
Construction
Construction inspections will continue to focus on high-risk activities such as working at heights, scaffold safety, trenching and excavation, traffic control, and general site housekeeping. Inspectors will also review training records and proof of worker competency.
Industrial
In industrial settings, inspectors typically look closely at machine guarding, lockout procedures, material handling practices, chemical safety, noise exposure assessment and control, and preventive maintenance programs. In environments with elevated temperatures or outdoor work, inspectors may also review heat stress prevention measures and worker awareness. Documentation and WHMIS compliance are common areas of review.
Healthcare
Healthcare inspections often address ergonomic risks, patient handling practices, workplace violence and harassment programs, chemical exposure controls, and staff training records.
Retail and Warehousing
Retail and warehousing workplaces are commonly assessed for slip, trip, and fall hazards, storage and racking safety, manual material handling and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks, falls from ladders related to storage and retrieval, struck-by hazards, WHMIS compliance, and emergency preparedness.
Mining and Specialized Services
Mining and specialized service inspections may include reviews of equipment safety, exposure monitoring, hazard assessments, and training related to high-risk tasks.
Farming and Agriculture
Farming and agricultural inspections will focus on equipment safety, including tractors and forklifts, machine guarding, falls from heights, electrical hazards and lockout/tagout practices, high-risk activities such as tree removal, heat stress prevention, and worker training and awareness.
Supporting Inspection Readiness
Preparation for an MLITSD inspection is most effective when it is proactive rather than reactive. Reviewing hazards, documentation, and training before an inspection begins allows organizations to correct issues in a controlled way.
THEM supports organizations across Ontario with inspection readiness activities such as:
- Hazard identification and risk assessments
- Ergonomic evaluations, including MSD risk assessments
- WHMIS program reviews and training
- Noise exposure assessments and control program development
- Internal audits and compliance reviews
- Policy and documentation gap analysis
Preparing Early Makes a Difference
Employers are encouraged to review the 2026–2027 blitz schedule, consider how it applies to their operations, and begin preparation well in advance of inspection activity.
For organizations that want additional support, THEM can assist with identifying gaps and prioritizing corrective actions before inspections occur.