Two retail safety inspections are currently underway: Is your workplace prepared?

If an inspector walked into your store, would your workers be ready to explain how they avoid everyday hazards like slipping, falling objects, or strains? In the coming months, they just might need to.

Two Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) safety inspection campaigns are underway to determine the effectiveness of safety training and hazard control in retail workplaces:

• Health and Safety Compliance Campaign. MLITSD inspectors 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 ergonomics will check workplaces for hazards that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)—injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, and nerves–often stemming from repetitive movements, twisting, heavy lifting, awkward postures, overreaching, and unsafe ladder use.

Inspections run now until March 31, 2027. Their purpose is to prevent injuries among workers, particularly new, young and temporary agency workers, who are most vulnerable. 

The need is clear. MLITSD data shows retail workers are at risk, ranking second for critical injuries in 2024 and for ladder-related lost-time injuries from 2020 to mid-2024.

“With two inspection campaigns in the retail sector this year, it’s more likely your store will get a visit from an inspector,” says Laura Veldhuyzen, WSPS specialized consultant (ergonomics).

What to expect during an inspection

Both inspection campaigns follow a standard process: Reviewing documentation and conducting workplace walkthroughs to observe conditions, practices and engage with workers and supervisors. MLITSD inspectors and ergonomists may issue corrective orders or require employers to obtain expert assessments.

Retail health and safety compliance inspections

“The inspector will examine key records to verify compliance with the OHSA and applicable regulations,” says Beth Harrington, WSPS senior health and 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 like meeting minutes, monthly inspections and safe work procedures.”

Prepare for a walkthrough inspection. “Inspectors will tour the workplace to look at conditions, controls, and practices,” says Harrington, 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)
• Manual/mechanical material handling 

Retail MSD-prevention inspections

The process includes a documentation inspection. Inspectors look for evidence your workplace is preventing MSDs, including written procedures for safe material handling, training records on related hazards (e.g. repetitive tasks, awkward postures, ladder safety). The inspector will also look at JHSC reports that identify and address MSD hazards.

Expect a walkthrough inspection. 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 inspections

To prepare for both campaigns, workplaces should take these steps:

1. Ensure key health and safety documents are posted in a location–physical or electronic–accessible to all workers (see section 25 of the OHSA).
2. Carry out hazard assessments in advance. 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 Veldhuyzen. “If you spot red flags, take action right away.”
3. Compile documents for review. Ensure JHSC minutes and monthly inspection reports – which help verify that your workplace’s Internal Responsibility System (IRS)–are working well. 
4. Ensure a worker member of the JHSC or Health and Safety Representative is available. Inspectors may request they accompany them during their inspection. These workers must understand their role as it relates to interacting and accompanying the MLITSD inspector.