Resource Articles

September 2009 Bookmark and Share

Previous MOL Blitzes

Ministry of Labour Inspection Blitz: Hazardous Chemicals

“Hazardous chemicals are a fact of life in many workplaces, but correctly handled, they should not cause harm. We are determined to eliminate all workplace injuries, including injuries and illnesses related to chemical exposure. All workers have a right to come home each day to their families, safe and sound.”

– Peter Fonseca, Minister of Labour

According to the MOL Press Release, MOL inspectors will be conducting an enforcement blitz on industrial and health care workplaces in September with emphasis on swimming pools and spas, dry cleaners, metal fabrication shops and health care facilities. This initiative is part of the province’s “Safe At Work Ontario” strategy and will focus on workplace hazards involving exposure to caustic, noxious or allergenic substances, especially disinfecting chemicals (such as chlorine), dry cleaning solvents, metal-working fluids and detergents.

Inspectors will be checking that workers who may be exposed to hazardous chemicals have received adequate training and that personal protective equipment requirements, proper storage and labelling, spill control plans and other emergency procedures are in place. Inspectors will take action if they find contraventions of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations, including issuing orders and/or laying charges.  View the MOL Chemical Hazards Backgrounder for more information.


How IAPA Can Help

IAPA offers a variety of information, products and services related to the MOL’s current inspection blitz on hazardous chemicals.

Web Resources

Visit our Free Downloads section for a comprehensive selection of forms, publications, tools and other resources including the following:

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Information Services

Contact the IAPA Information Centre for your free information package containing MOL court bulletins, journal articles and other relevant documents.

Subscribe to Accident Prevention eNews for workplace health and safety news, prosecutions, alerts and updates. Recent related articles include:

  • MOL’s 10 most issued orders – August 2009
  • Preparing for the next inspection blitz: what supervisors need to know – July 2009
  • September enforcement blitz: hazardous materials – June 2009

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Training

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Consulting Services

IAPA consultants work together with clients to identify and assess health and safety needs based on the client’s readiness and capacity. They assist with the development of a health and safety program; provide health and safety information and training; and identify and facilitate practical solutions.

Visit our Consulting section or contact an IAPA consultant by calling 1.800.406.IAPA (4272) to discuss how we can meet your needs.

  • hazard assessments, reports and recommendations
  • development and delivery of awareness presentations on specific topics
  • assistance in developing a health and safety program and procedures
  • on-site training including:
    • Chemical Exposure Hazards
    • Chemical Spill Hazards
    • Hazards of Metalworking Fluids

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Products

Inspecting Physical Conditions, Guidelines for Setting Standards
These guidelines for workplace conditions, equipment hazard controls and more are based on current legal requirements and standards set by recognized authorities such as the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) as well as on generally accepted work practices.

WHMIS for Workers
Developed in partnership with Liftow Ltd., this DVD-based, self-study training program is intended for workers who work with or near hazardous materials. It is designed to increase awareness of the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) and how this system provides workers with the information they need to protect their health and safety.

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Partner Sites

Farm Safety Association (FSA) - FSA provides health & safety information, resources and assistance to firms within the agricultural, horticultural and landscaping industries. 

Ontario Service Safety Alliance (OSSA) - OSSA provides health & safety information, resources and assistance to firms within the service sector. 

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