Two retail safety inspections on now: How to prepare your workplace

June 10, 2026

Jessica Bowes

Retail worker stocking shelves

If an inspector walked into your retail establishment and asked a worker to explain how they stay safe from common hazards like slips and trips or falling objects, or how they prevent strains and sprains, could the worker give a clear and accurate answer?

Two safety inspection campaigns are already underway to determine the effectiveness of safety training and hazard control in retail workplaces from April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027:

Health and Safety Compliance Campaign. Inspectors from the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) will verify compliance with employer and supervisor requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and regulations, with a specific focus on fall protection, machine guarding, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE).
MSD Prevention Campaign. MLITSD ergonomists will inspect workplaces for hazards that can result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which are injuries to soft tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. These injuries are often related to manual material handling tasks that involve repetitive movement or require workers to twist and turn, lift heavy objects, assume awkward postures, and overreach. Ladder safety, especially when handling items, is an area of particular concern. Learn more about this campaign in this article.

“With two inspection campaigns in the retail sector this year, it’s more likely a retail workplace will have a visit from an inspector,” says Laura Veldhuyzen, WSPS Specialized Consultant (Ergonomics). The purpose of the inspections is to prevent injuries among workers, particularly new, young and temporary agency workers, who are the most vulnerable.

According to the MLITSD, in 2024, the retail sector continues to rank second in critical injuries. Between 2020 and mid-2024, retail workplaces also had the second highest injury count for lost time ladder-related injuries, including strains, sprains and falls.

What to expect during an inspection

Both inspection campaigns follow a standard process: a documentation review and a workplace walkthrough to observe conditions and practices and to speak with workers and supervisors. MLITSD Inspectors and ergonomists have the power to issue orders for corrective action, and/or require the employer to obtain expert assessments.

Retail Health and Safety Compliance Inspections

Documentation. “The inspector will examine key records to verify compliance with the OHSA and applicable regulations,” says Beth Harrington, WSPS Senior Health & Safety Account Manager. “These include the workplace health and safety policy, training records (worker awareness training, violence and harassment, WHMIS, etc.), incident and injury reports, joint health and safety committee (JHSC) or health and safety rep (HSR) records (meeting minutes, monthly inspections), and safe work procedures.”
Walkthrough. “Inspectors will tour the workplace to look at conditions, controls, and practices,” says Beth, especially those related to the following hazards:
- slip, trip and falls
- lifting devices
- machine guarding
- eye wash facilities
- electrical hazards
- WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System)
- material handling (mechanical and manual)

Retail MSD Prevention Inspections

Documentation. The inspector will want to see evidence that your workplace is taking action to prevent MSDs, says Laura Veldhuyzen. This includes: written procedures for safe material handling, training records related to manual material handling, repetitive tasks, awkward postures, workplace-specific hazards, and ladder safety. “The inspector will also look at JHSC reports that identify and address MSD hazards.”
Walkthrough. MLITSD ergonomists will focus on how materials are handled and moved throughout everyday retail activities, such as receiving, stocking, customer service and carry-outs. During the walkthrough, the ergonomist may:
- observe tasks as they are performed, such as lifting, moving, placing and retrieving materials
- take measurements to determine MSD risk
- observe work areas and tasks
- examine equipment used for transporting, moving and accessing loads.

How to prepare for the inspections

To prepare for both the compliance and MSD prevention inspection campaigns, workplaces can take these steps:

Ensure that key health and safety documents are posted in a location (physical or electronic) that’s accessible to all workers. Documents include: the OHSA, your health and safety policy, workplace violence and harassment policy, JHSC names and work locations, and required posters (see section 25 of the OHSA).
Carry out hazard assessments ahead of time. Inspectors look for immediate physical risks like slippery surfaces, improperly stored materials, or damaged ladders, while ergonomists assess whether the physical layout causes unsafe body mechanics. “Review your material handling activities, risks, and controls to ensure you have covered everything,” suggests Laura. “If you spot red flags, take action right away.”
Compile documents for review. Include JHSC minutes and monthly inspection reports, which help verify that your workplace’s Internal Responsibility System (IRS) is working well. Under the IRS, everyone in the workplace shares responsibility for health and safety, with the employer having the greatest duty to ensure a safe workplace.
Ensure that a worker member of the JHSC or Health and Safety Representative is available. Inspectors may ask to have a worker member of the JHSC or the health and safety representative accompany them during their inspection. Make sure these workers understand their role as it relates to interacting and accompanying the MLITSD inspector.