From April 2025 through March 2026, Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) is conducting a targeted compliance blitz focused on material handling safety in the industrial sector. This initiative includes unannounced on-site inspections, education, and outreach—especially in high-risk environments like warehouses, manufacturing plants, and distribution centers.
What Are Inspectors Looking For?
The blitz addresses frequent and serious hazards related to material handling. These include:
- Manual lifting and overexertion
- Often leading to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which account for 40% of lost-time injuries in Ontario’s industrial sector.
- Unsafe use of equipment
- Including forklifts, cranes, hoists, pallet jacks, and lifting devices without proper guarding, training, or inspection.
- Poor ergonomics and awkward postures
- Such as twisting, bending, or repetitive motion during packing, lifting, or moving materials.
- Cluttered or unsafe work areas
- Housekeeping failures (e.g., blocked exits, unstable loads, debris in walkways) are a frequent source of trips, slips, and falls.
- Improper storage and blocking
- Alerts have been issued for steel coil and material storage practices where unsecured materials could fall or shift unexpectedly.
Your Legal Duties: What the Law Says
Employers must comply with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Ontario Regulation 851 – Industrial Establishments, particularly:
- Section 25(2)(h), OHSA – Employers must take “every precaution reasonable in the circumstances” to protect workers.
- Section 11 – Workplaces must be kept clean and orderly.
- Sections 45–47 – Address manual material handling, mechanical lifting devices, and safe movement of materials.
Failing to comply with these sections can result in orders, fines, or prosecution, especially during an active enforcement campaign.
THEM’s Services: Supporting Safer Workplaces
T. Harris Environmental Management Inc. provides services that support your health and safety obligations while helping you build a more sustainable and injury-resistant workplace.
1. Ergonomic Assessments
Our team performs detailed evaluations of:
- High-risk manual tasks (e.g., lifting, stacking, packing)
- Posture-related strain in standing or seated work
- Repetitive motion processes common in manufacturing and logistics
We provide:
- Practical recommendations for mechanical aids, workstation layout, and workflow improvements
- Job demands analyses to identify MSD risks
- Support for Early Symptom Reporting and continuous improvement programs
2. Awareness-Level Training
Customized awareness training can help workers and supervisors:
- Recognize musculoskeletal disorder risks
- Apply safe lifting and handling techniques
- Use PPE effectively
- Set up ergonomic workstations properly
Training supports both day-to-day safety and long-term injury prevention.
Who Should Take Note?
- Warehousing and logistics facilities
- Manufacturers in automotive, food processing, plastics, and metalworking
- Industrial operations with frequent or manual material handling tasks
Need Support or Have Questions?
If you’re looking to better understand the MLITSD blitz or improve your approach to ergonomic safety, we’re here to help.
Reach out to us by:
- Filling out the contact form on our website
- Sending us an email at info@tharris.ca
- Giving us a call at +1(888)275-8436
Our team is available to discuss your needs, share resources, or help you plan your next steps toward a safer workplace.