Written by: Alex Brett, B.Sc., CRSP, Team Leader/GTA Practice Leader, Hazardous Materials, Pinchin Ltd.
Pinchin is pleased to provide updates on ongoing and upcoming Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) workplace compliance initiatives that may affect your business operations related to asbestos management and respiratory protection.
MLITSD workplace initiatives are posted and available for review on the Ontario.ca website with quick reference to the workplace compliance initiatives available here.
The compliance initiatives are completed to protect workers’ rights under both the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the Employment Standards Act, raise awareness of hazards, increase compliance, and enhance employers’ awareness of their responsibilities.
Below is a summary of information provided on the Ontario.ca website and additional information provided by the MLITSD as part of a Health & Safety Conference held in October 2022.
Workplace Initiative #1 – Asbestos in Building Structures
- Phase 1: Compliance Assistance ongoing (April 1, 2022 to March 31, 2023)
- Phase 2: Inspection Blitz upcoming (January 4, 2023 to March 31, 2023)
- Highlighted focuses
- Compliance with all applicable sections of Ontario Regulation 278/05 Designated Substances – Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations, and as specifically noted, an inspection of the following:
- Asbestos Management Plan (developed, as applicable including locations of Asbestos-Containing Materials (ACM) present in the building).
- The asbestos record has been updated within the last 12 months.
- Removal or repair of ACM in poor condition.
- Notification of occupants, contractors, workers of the presence of ACM.
- Training of workers on the hazards of asbestos and safety measures to protect against exposure.
- Compliance with all applicable sections of Ontario Regulation 278/05 Designated Substances – Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations, and as specifically noted, an inspection of the following:
Workplace Initiative #2 – Respiratory Protection
- Phase 1: Compliance Assistance ongoing (April 1, 2022 to March 21, 2023)
- Phase 2: Inspection Blitz upcoming (January 4, 2023 to March 21, 2023)
- Highlighted focuses
- Compliance with all applicable sections of Ontario Regulation 490/09 Designated Substances and Ontario Regulation 833 – Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents, and as specifically noted, an inspection of the following:
- Written respiratory protection program.
- Selection of a NIOSH-approved or equivalent respirator suitable for the hazard.
- Training on the care, use and limitations of respirators.
- Compliance with all applicable sections of Ontario Regulation 490/09 Designated Substances and Ontario Regulation 833 – Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents, and as specifically noted, an inspection of the following:
Additional Resources
- Ontario Regulation 278/05 Designated Substances – Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/050278
- Ontario Regulation 490/09 Designated Substances: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/090490
- A guide to the Regulation respecting Asbestos on Construction Projects and in Buildings and Repair Operations: https://www.ontario.ca/document/guide-regulation-respecting-asbestos-construction-projects-and-buildings-and-repair
- A guide to designated substances in the workplace: https://www.ontario.ca/document/guide-designated-substances-workplace
- Ontario Regulation 833 – Control of Exposure to Biological or Chemical Agents: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/900833
Contact Pinchin
If you require any additional information or services in advance of the “blitz” or as part of an MLITSD inspection please feel free to contact your local Pinchin office.
