October 22, 2016
MOL targets Repeat Offenders and Chemical handling
Officers and inspectors are conducting safety blitzes focused on repeat violators and chemical handling, through Oct. 31, 2016.
Repeat violations are one indicator of intentional or willful non-compliance. Focusing on repeat violators provides the ministry with an opportunity to reinforce employer obligations under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) in workplaces by placing an emphasis on employers who have a history of non-compliance with the ESA.
During the repeat offenders blitz, employment standards officers will focus primarily on sectors where there is a high rate of precarious employment and repeat violators. The officers will check that employers are complying with core standards of the ESA, such as: record-keeping, hours of work, vacation with pay and unauthorized deductions to name a few.
During the same period, Ministry of Labour inspectors will fan out across the province, visiting workplaces to check records, observe, and ask questions about company chemical handling
practices.
WSPS occupational hygienist Ilma Bhunnoo offers 12 sample questions that can help you assess the comprehensiveness of your chemical handling program. Ask yourself these questions with the spirit of the blitz in mind: “It’s about prevention, not just compliance,” says Bhunnoo.
“Everyone in Ontario’s prevention system wants people to go home healthy and safe at the end of the day, just as you do. This means knowing what’s on site, knowing the risks, and ensuring you have proper controls in place to protect your people and your property.”
To view the 12 sample questions, visit gfl.me/h2YT.
Repeat violations are one indicator of intentional or willful non-compliance. Focusing on repeat violators provides the ministry with an opportunity to reinforce employer obligations under the Employment Standards Act, 2000 (ESA) in workplaces by placing an emphasis on employers who have a history of non-compliance with the ESA.
During the repeat offenders blitz, employment standards officers will focus primarily on sectors where there is a high rate of precarious employment and repeat violators. The officers will check that employers are complying with core standards of the ESA, such as: record-keeping, hours of work, vacation with pay and unauthorized deductions to name a few.
During the same period, Ministry of Labour inspectors will fan out across the province, visiting workplaces to check records, observe, and ask questions about company chemical handling
practices.
WSPS occupational hygienist Ilma Bhunnoo offers 12 sample questions that can help you assess the comprehensiveness of your chemical handling program. Ask yourself these questions with the spirit of the blitz in mind: “It’s about prevention, not just compliance,” says Bhunnoo.
“Everyone in Ontario’s prevention system wants people to go home healthy and safe at the end of the day, just as you do. This means knowing what’s on site, knowing the risks, and ensuring you have proper controls in place to protect your people and your property.”
To view the 12 sample questions, visit gfl.me/h2YT.