April 12, 2016 – The Ontario government says it will help protect workers on the job by launching more than 20 targeted blitzes at workplaces across the province over the next year.

From May 2, 2016 to March 31, 2017, Ministry of Labour employment standards officers will visit workplaces such as construction sites and mines to investigate potential violations of Ontario’s employment standards and occupational health and safety laws. Sectors with vulnerable workers and a history of violations will be targeted in particular, the province said. Violations could include falls hazards, electrical hazards, and chemical handling.

Employment standards officers says they will be especially checking for violations that could affect the pay, overtime and work hours of temporary foreign workers, young workers and employees of repeat violators.

“Targeted blitz programs like these increase awareness, compliance and overall safety among workers and employers throughout the province,” said Kevin Flynn, Ontario’s minister of labour.

Since 2005, the ministry says more than $144 million in wages and other money owed to employees has been recovered through inspections, claims and collections. Additionally, since 2008, the Ministry of Labour says its occupational health and safety inspectors have conducted more than 620,000 field visits, and 79 provincial inspection blitzes. Inspectors have issued more than 1 million compliance orders for safety issues across all sectors in Ontario since June 2008.

For a schedule of the blitzes, click HERE.