The Ontario government will begin targeted inspections of construction sites starting on Friday April 16, 2021 due to the increasing spread of COVID-19. Two Hundred inspectors, supported by provincial offenses officers plan to visit 1,300 construction worksites to enforce safety requirements and identify employers and individuals who are not complying with COVID-19 Health and Safety requirements.

Inspectors will also be visiting 500 workplaces including big box stores, food processors, manufacturers and warehouses in areas identified as hot spots for COVID-19 including Ottawa, Toronto and York Region.

The Ontario government advises that inspectors will be determining whether employers understand the risks associated with COVID-19 including appropriate risk mitigation strategies in the workplace. Inspectors will also be determining whether workers are adhering to safe work habits, complying with physical distancing guidelines during work and breaks, and wearing appropriate PPEs.

Employers should ensure they are in compliance with applicable health and safety rules pertaining to COVID-19 as inspectors have significant powers, including, but not limited to, the power to order the Employer to stop work and to issue fines.

If you have any questions about this news release or would like to know how to ensure you are complying with the COVID-19 safety requirements, please contact a Mathews Dinsdale lawyer, or refer to the Firm’s COVID-19 website resources.