How to Prepare for an MOL Inspection

Being prepared for an inspection puts your mind at ease.
1.    Review Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA) sections & regulations that apply to your type of business. Being knowledgeable is your Due Diligence defence.
2.    Determine whether you are currently meeting or exceeding minimum legal requirements.
3.    Consult with a Health & Safety Resource Partner, e.g. Workplace Safety Group, for specific information & services to ensure you are prepared for that unannounced visit.
4.    Discuss compliance strategies with your Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) or Health & Safety Representative (HSR).

During the visit
1.    Ensure all required documentation is available to the MOL inspector.
2.    Ensure supervisor and worker health & safety representative are available.
3.    Ensure workplace parties co-operate with the MOL inspector.Remember, inspections are meant to prevent worker injury and death. Fines, such as those cited below, can easily put a company out of business.

The inspector will focus on:
·       Compliance with the OHSA and its regulations
·       Health & safety programs and policies related to the blitz focus, if applicable
·       Internal responsibility system (IRS) training requirements and any deficiencies
·       Record of injuries, including blitz/initiative related issues/hazards
·       Workplace specific hazards related to the blitz/initiative.

Note: Inspectors can legally enter a project or workplace at any time without warrant or prior notice(OHSA section 54(1)(a)). An inspector will identify himself/herself by means of MOL identification. No person shall hinder, obstruct, molest or interfere with or attempt to hinder, obstruct, molest or interfere with an inspector in the exercise of a power or the performance of a duty under this act or the regulations or in the execution of a warrant issued under this act or the Provincial Offences Act with respect to a matter under this act or the regulations.

Remember, inspections are meant to prevent worker injury and death. Fines, such as those cited below, can easily put a company out of business.

Injury on Cutting Machine Results in $60,000 in Fines for Scarborough Noodle Company
March 16, 2018

Worker Fatality in Brampton, Company Fined $175,000
March 8, 2018

Brampton Roofing Manufacturer Fined $65,000 After Worker InjuryJanuary 9, 2018