Spring is in the air! April showers have come and gone, the flowers are blooming, planting of our vegetable gardens has already begun, the warm weather is upon us. It’s a great time of year.
A great time of year for Ontario Ministry of Labour Workplace Inspection Blitzes and Initiatives!
Workplace Inspection Blitzes and Initiatives Announced for 2017-18
Yes, it is true. The Ministry of Labour has released their schedule for upcoming inspections for employment standards and occupational health and safety.
The Ministry says the do these inspections in specific sectors to “protect workers’ rights and enhance employers’ awareness of their responsibilities.”
Dentists have not been spared – and so we suggest to have all of your “ducks in a row” in case the Ministry knocks on your door, unannounced, and wants to see your compliance with the law (yes, they can do that!).
For occupational health and safety, the Ministry will be looking to raise awareness of hazards and increase compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations
For employment standards in the workplace, the Ministry will inspect minimum wage, hours of work, overtime pay, public holidays, and paid vacation.
Here is the information you should mark down in your calendar and make sure your dental practice has met all employment standards and occupational health and safety standards (the ministry is targeting health care offices and dental clinics!):
April 2017 – March 2018: Noise, WHMIS, ergonomics, outstanding rejected X-ray installation applications
October 2017 to November 2017: Slips, trips and falls
October 2017 – December 2017: Employment standards for the Northern Region (including North Bay, Sudbury, Timmins, Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie)
September 2017 – March 2018: workplace violence, needle safety
DMC offers Employment Standards Act and Occupational Health and Safety Act audits to make sure your practice can pass a ministry inspection easily. Give us a call and let us know if you have any questions.
