Don't get fooled by the Ministry of Labour Inspection Blitz's. Because they have certain industries and certain target areas, does not mean you are relieved of an inspector entering your workplace for a surprise visit.

Currently this month - PPE - personal protective equipment is on their list of blitz targets in both industrial and health care sectors. Make sure you are well informed. The Ministry of Labour has a list of responsibilities on their website that you must be aware of and follow:

These General Responsibilities are:
• The employer shall ensure that PPE is used where appropriate.
• The employer shall provide information, instruction and supervision to workers on the proper use and maintenance of PPE. Instruction should include, but not be limited to:
• how to properly fit and wear PPE;
• when PPE should be worn;
• how to care for PPE and identify when it requires repair, cleaning or disposal;
• how PPE provides protection and the consequences of not wearing it.
• The employer should assess each work process and job task on the farm and determine where PPE may be needed to protect workers. PPE should be used as a last resort if the hazard cannot be controlled by other means such as engineering controls, (for example, ventilation), redesign of work processes, or using less toxic substances.
• The worker shall use PPE provided by, and as required by, the employer.
• Where a chemical or other hazardous product endangers the health or safety of a worker, PPE should be worn according to the product manufacturer's instructions on either a warning label or MSDS.
• The employer should monitor the use of PPE to ensure that it provides adequate protection for the worker and does not cause undue discomfort or create new hazards while being used.
• The worker shall inform the employer of any defects in the PPE, which the worker is aware of and which could endanger the worker.

(taken from the MoL website) http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/sawo/blitzes/

Alberta's current focus is a Jobsite inspections focus on residential construction.
http://employment.alberta.ca/SFW/53.html

For more information on your provincial inspection blitz's - visit your provincial ministry's website.