According to the MOL, inspectors will focus on "hazards involving chemicals used in all workplaces, especially at swimming pools and spas, dry cleaning operations, metal fabrication shops and health care facilities."

Inspectors will check that a Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System is in place as required by Regulation 860 including worker training and chemical labeling. They will also check to ensure personal protective equipment and eye wash stations are available and that spill control plans and emergency procedures are in place and understood by workers.

In Canada, there are more than 23,000 chemicals registered for production and use. Many are used in Ontario workplaces. Many are hazardous to the health of exposed workers. Exposure to some can lead to the development of debilitating, even fatal, diseases.

Conservative estimates point to thousands of Ontarians dying each year from cancer caused by exposure to chemicals at work. Thousands more die from cardiovascular, respiratory and other diseases caused by chemical hazards. Even more will suffer acute and chronic health effects ranging from simple irritation of the skin or eyes to significant chemicals burns and life-altering asthma.

Dave Killham, executive director, Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) hopes this blitz will prompt employers to work with joint health and safety committees or worker reps to develop and implement awareness and prevention strategies. Though he is quick to point out "Employers shouldn't wait for MOL inspectors to visit their workplace or write orders forcing worker training along with exposure prevention actions already required by Ontario health and safety law."

This blitz is the latest in a series under the MOL's Safe at Work Ontario program. Reports from earlier blitzes have seen thousands of Ontario employers charged for failing to comply with fundamental legal responsibilities including the duty to train workers as required by the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS) Regulation (Reg. 860). Numerous orders have also been issued to employers who've failed to establish joint health and safety committees and/or to ensure members are certified.

For our part, the Workers Health & Safety Centre offers WHMIS and Certification training along with a host of other programs to help workplace parties better understand and comply with occupational health and safety law.

Want to know more about the MOL Chemical Hazard Blitz?

Want to read WHSC hazard bulletins related to chemical hazards?

Want to know about WHMIS, Certification training (Part I and II) and other related training offered by the WHSC--call 1-888-869-7950 and ask to speak to a training service representative or call a WHSC near you?