Ontario Government Employment Law Enforcement Blitzes

Did you know that the Ontario government targets certain industries and types of employment for enforcement blitzes?

Occupational Health & Safety Blitz

For example, in July and August, 2015, Ministry of Labour inspectors visited various construction projects where trenches are being excavated across Ontario. Inspectors checked for hazards that could result in worker injuries or death. This included checking that employers are taking appropriate action to assess and address these hazards and are complying with Ontario’s occupational health and safety laws.

In addition, from October to November 2015, the Ministry of Labour is undertaking an enforcement blitz in connection with Heavy Equipment Operation in the construction industry.

AODA Blitz

On October 5, 2015 the Ontario government announced that for the balance of 2015 it will be targeting retailers with more than 500 employees to ensure that these employers are complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).

Employment Standards Act Blitz

On October 14, 2015 the Ministry of Labour announced that employment standards officers will be visiting select workplaces especially in the GTA that are believed to have internship programs. These inspectors are checking for contraventions of the Employment Standards Act (ESA) involving interns and whether those individuals are employees under the ESA and, therefore, entitled to be paid. Did you know that interns should be paid at least the minimum wage unless certain conditions are met? For more information on interns, click here.

AODA Compliance

As far as AODA enforcement is concerned, inspectors will be checking to see whether the employer has complied with various obligations such as:

• Creating and making public a multi-year accessibility plan that outlines the steps put in place to remove and prevent barriers for employees and customers.
• Developing customized emergency plans for employees with disabilities.

AODA is perhaps the least understood law for Ontario employers. For more information on AODA, click here.

For information on our AODA compliance program, click here.

For the past 25 years, Doug MacLeod of the MacLeod Law Firm has advised employers on Ontario’s employment laws. If you have any questions, you can contact him directly at 416 317-9894 or at [email protected]