Ministry of Labour Sector Plans

As part of Safe at Work Ontario, the Ministry of Labour (MOL) develops annual sector-specific enforcement plans that focus on hazards specific to workplaces in different sectors of the
economy. The plans outline what inspectors will be looking for in each sector during an inspection.

The plans were released on June 30th and are available on the MOL website. Here is a snapshot of what’s inside:

Healthcare Sector Plan

The MOL will be looking broadly at all potential hazards including musculoskeletal disorders which remain the source of half the lost time injuries in the sector, as well as at transportation which presents the highest risk of fatality in this sector. These are some of the areas that the plan is focused on:

• Strengthening the internal responsibility system (IRS) as it relates to competent supervision, responsibilities of directors and officers of corporations, and the effectiveness of the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC)/Health and Safety Representative (HSR)

• Occupational injury and illness reporting and subsequent follow-up with the JHSC/HSR

• Ensuring compliance with the recent amendments to the Act involving workplace violence and harassment, including assessing the risk of workplace violence, developing workplace violence and harassment policies and programs, and taking every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers from domestic violence entering the workplace

• Where the Health Care and Residential Facilities Regulation (HCRFR) applies, written measures and
procedures should be in place for all major hazards and key issues. These should be based on a risk
assessment, developed in consultation with the JHSC/HSR, reviewed and revised (where necessary) at least
annually, and included in worker training.

Industrial Sector Plan

The Industrial Sector Plan is arranged by sub-sectors, including education, fire, government and police, as well as transportation, construction premises and industrial services.

For education employers, there is a focus on key hazards in the workplace, including violence, MSDs, exposures and falls prevention. Specific areas of focus include:

• Workplace violence and harassment policy, program instruction and information

• MSD policies and procedures to address hazards associated with handling of special needs students,
housekeeping activities and other maintenance activities

• Safe ladder use and prevention of same-level falls
• Worker information, instruction and supervision related to the handling, use and storage of hazardous chemicals related to housekeeping and maintenance activities
• Infection prevention and control related to seasonal infections or outbreaks and mandatory reporting of occupational illnesses

For provincial and municipal government, there is a focus on the IRS and ensuring JHSC/HRS requirements are met. Other areas of focus include:

• Ladder use and prevention of same-level falls
• MSD policies and procedures in place to reduce MSDs
• Control of chemical hazards including the presence of eyewash fountains where required, ensuring personal protective equipment (PPE) is available
• WHMIS training, instruction and supervision and the availability of supplier Materials Safety Data Sheets (MSDS)

For fire services, there is a focus on the IRS and ensuring JHSC/HRS requirements are met. Other areas of focus include:

• Proper use and maintenance of PPE
• Prevention of falls from heights and same-level
• MSD policies and procedures in place to reduce MSDs

For police services, there is a focus on the IRS as well as reporting of critical injuries. Other areas of focus include:

• Workplace violence and harassment policy, program instruction and information
• Ladder use and prevention of same-level falls
• MSD policies and procedures in place to reduce MSDs
• Training information and supervision related to the control of exposures of police personnel to chemical, biological or physical hazards, including infection prevention and control.