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Preparing for a Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Inspection

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Practical steps and trusted support for Ontario workplaces

Confidence Comes from Understanding the Inspection Process

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) inspections are a regular part of operating a workplace in Ontario and play an important role in keeping people safe at work. During an inspection, an inspector may review documentation, observe work activities, and speak with workplace parties to confirm that requirements under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) are being met.

Because inspections are often unannounced, being prepared ahead of time can make a big difference. When information is easy to find and everyone understands their role, inspections tend to be more straightforward and far less stressful.

This page helps Ontario employers and supervisors understand what to expect during an MLITSD inspection and outlines practical steps you can take to stay prepared and confident.

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Practical steps to prepare your workplace

Being inspection‑ready doesn’t require last‑minute scrambling. A few consistent, everyday practices can support day‑to‑day health and safety and make inspections easier to manage when they happen.

These steps are based on what inspectors commonly review during a visit:

Understand what inspectors may look for +

Inspectors may ask to see required health and safety documentation, such as policies, postings, and training records. They may also ask questions to confirm roles, responsibilities, and awareness of health and safety procedures in your workplace.

Keep documents current and easy to access +

Keeping documents up to date and easy to locate—whether stored electronically or on paper—helps inspections move more efficiently and can reduce follow‑up questions or requests.

Review everyday work practices +

Inspectors may observe work being performed and ask questions about routine tasks. Regularly reviewing how work is done helps ensure safe practices are understood and followed.

Make sure roles and responsibilities are clear +

Supervisors, health and safety representatives, and Joint Health and Safety Committee members may be asked questions during an inspection. Clear roles and responsibilities help ensure consistent and confident responses.

Address issues as they arise +

Identifying and correcting hazards or gaps early demonstrates due diligence and shows an ongoing commitment to health and safety in your workplace.

Inspection Focus Areas for 2026/2027

Each year, the MLITSD identifies specific hazards, topics, and sectors to focus on during proactive inspections across Ontario. These focus areas are shared in advance so workplaces know where inspectors may place added attention during a visit, while still reviewing overall compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).

What this means for you: If your workplace operates in one of these sectors, inspectors may spend more time looking at certain hazards. That said, all workplaces are expected to meet general OHSA requirements, regardless of sector.

Farming & Agriculture Campaign +

Between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, inspectors will conduct focused visits to farming and agricultural workplaces. This campaign is intended to raise awareness of high‑risk activities and support safer work practices in a sector where serious injuries continue to occur.

During inspections, inspectors may pay closer attention to:

Safe use and maintenance of farming equipment, including tractors and forklifts
Machine guarding
Falls from heights, including falls from equipment and structures
Electrical hazards and lock‑out/tag‑out practices
High‑risk activities, such as tree removal and logging on farms
Heat stress prevention
Worker training and awareness

MSD Prevention in the Retail Sector Campaign +

From April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, MLITSD ergonomists will focus on reducing musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks in retail workplaces. This campaign looks at how materials are handled and moved throughout everyday retail activities, such as receiving, stocking, customer assistance, and delivery.

Inspectors may focus on:

MSD prevention
Stuck‑by hazards
Falls from ladders related to manual storage and retrieval

Noise Campaign +

Between April 1, 2026, and March 31, 2027, inspectors will focus on noise‑related hazards in workplaces where exposure may be a concern. The goal is to help prevent noise‑induced hearing loss and ensure appropriate controls are in place.

Inspectors may look at how workplaces identify, assess, and manage noise hazards.

Retail Campaign +

From April 1, 2026, to March 31, 2027, focused inspections will take place in retail workplaces to raise awareness of common health and safety hazards and promote safe work practices.

This campaign aims to:

Improve understanding of OHSA requirements
Help prevent injuries and illnesses related to everyday work activities
Raise awareness of common retail hazards
Support workplace parties in meeting their health and safety responsibilities
Connect employers with health and safety partners for additional support

Get Support to Help Your Workplace Prepare

You don’t have to figure this out on your own. WSPS offers free, one‑on‑one support to help you understand inspection requirements and feel more prepared before an inspection happens. You can also request a free assessment to help identify gaps, clarify priorities, and focus your efforts where they’ll have the most impact.

Free support can help you:

Understand what inspectors may ask for
Spot gaps early, before they become issues
Decide what to focus on based on your workplace risks

As inspection priorities change throughout the year, we’ll continue to share practical resources, tools, and guidance to help you stay informed and ready.

Need help getting ready for an inspection? We’re here to support you

Prepare with Confidence

Free expert guidance to help you understand requirements and feel ready.