Enforcement of Health and Safety Regulations in Ontario

The Ministry of Labor in Ontario is responsible for ensuring that all the workplaces in the province

operate and function in compliance with the health and safety regulations stipulated in The Occupational Health and Safety Act or OHSA.

However, in the event of non-compliance, the Ministry exercises its authority in enforcing the regulations by first issuing orders and progressively going ahead with the prosecution.

For the purpose of ensuring that all workplaces are functioning in compliance with the OHSA, the ministry appoints Inspectors who are associated with the enforcement of the law. The role of a typical Inspector includes: 

• Inspection of the workplace
• Issuing orders in the event of a breach of the OHSA regulations
• Investigation of any workplace incidents that involve an accident or a refusal of work by an employee
• Ensuring a resolution of workplace disputes
• Recommendation of a prosecution 

The penalties levied as a result of prosecution for the violation of the regulations laid down by the OHSA are: 

• A maximum fine of $25,000 and/or a year in prison for an individual
• A maximum fine of $500,000 for a company or corporation 

SafetyON Environmental Inc. 

Health and Safety Consulting

(647) 317-0840 

Sources:

https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/faqs/ohsa.php

https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/laws/regulations.php