The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has once again put construction site safety in the spotlight, launching a province-wide inspection blitz. For the next two months, inspectors will be visiting construction projects to focus on preventing falls from heights and ensuring the proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
For Ontario construction business owners and HR managers, this isn’t just another announcement—it’s a clear signal to ensure your health and safety program is not only compliant but actively protecting your team. Proactive safety measures are always more effective and less costly than reacting to an inspector’s visit or, worse, a preventable workplace accident. This construction site safety blitz is a critical reminder of your duties under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
Why This Blitz Matters for Your Business
Inspection blitzes are a core part of the Ministry’s “Safe At Work Ontario” strategy. They target high-risk sectors and focus on specific hazards that are leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. The focus for this blitz—falls and PPE—is no coincidence. Falls are a leading cause of critical injuries and death in the construction sector. In 2022 alone, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) reported over 10,000 lost-time injury claims due to falls across all sectors.
During this construction site safety blitz, inspectors will have broad powers. They can enter any worksite without notice, examine documents, interview workers, and issue on-the-spot orders, including costly stop-work orders. A history of non-compliance can lead to significant fines; a recent penalty against a Toronto-area company for a workplace fatality exceeded $375,000, demonstrating the severe financial and human cost of safety lapses.
“Investing in a robust safety culture isn’t just about compliance; it’s about sending every worker home safely at the end of the day. This blitz is your opportunity to ensure your procedures are truly effective.”
Key Areas Ministry Inspectors Will Scrutinize
This two-month initiative will zero in on two of the most critical areas of construction safety. Understanding these priorities is the first step toward preparing your sites. For a comprehensive look at your obligations, our article on Preventing Workplace Safety Violations in Ontario provides a foundational framework.
1. Fall Prevention Systems
Inspectors will be rigorously checking that appropriate fall protection systems are in place and used correctly. This includes:
- Guardrails: Are they installed securely and at the correct height on all open-sided floors, platforms, and scaffoldings?
- Travel Restraint and Fall Arrest Systems: Are workers using harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines that are in good condition, properly fitted, and securely anchored?
- Worker Training: Can your workers demonstrate they are trained and competent in using the fall protection equipment provided?
2. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
The second focus of the construction site safety blitz is ensuring PPE is not only provided but also used correctly. Inspectors will look for:
- Head, Foot, and Eye Protection: Are all workers on-site wearing CSA-approved hard hats, safety boots, and appropriate eye protection?
- High-Visibility Clothing: Is it being worn where required, especially around moving vehicles and equipment?
- Specialized PPE: Are workers using the right gloves, respiratory protection, or hearing protection for the specific task at hand?
Beyond physical safety, it’s also crucial to foster an environment where employees feel safe to speak up about hazards. Learn more in our guide to Psychological Safety and Health in the Workplace.
What Ontario Employers Should Do Next
Don’t wait for an inspector’s vehicle to pull up to your site. Use this blitz as a catalyst to strengthen your safety program and demonstrate due diligence.
- Conduct an Immediate Site Audit: Walk every one of your construction sites with your supervisors. Review fall protection systems, check PPE for wear and tear, and ensure all equipment is up to standard. Document your findings and any corrective actions taken.
- Hold a Refresher Safety Talk: Gather your crews for a toolbox talk focused specifically on fall prevention and the correct use of PPE. Reinforce your company’s commitment to safety and remind workers of their right and responsibility to report hazards.
- Verify All Training and Certification Records: Ensure that your documentation for Working at Heights training and other equipment-specific certifications is current for every worker. If there are gaps, arrange for immediate retraining.
Proactive compliance with the construction site safety blitz guidelines is the best way to protect your workers, your reputation, and your bottom line.
Need help navigating HR changes? Book your free HR audit today or speak with our team about how Divino can support your business.
