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Employer Inspection Duties

Related: Inspections: 5 Tips for More Effective Inspections

KNOW THE LAWS OF YOUR PROVINCE
Employers’ duties as to general safety inspections under the OHS laws

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LAW
FED Employers must ensure that the JHSC or the health and safety representative inspects each month all or part of the workplace, so that every part of the workplace is inspected at least once each year [Sec. 125(1)(z.12)]. Canada Labour Code
AB A Director may, by written order:

a) require a prime contractor, contractor or employer involved in work at a work site to regularly inspect the worksite for occupational hazards; and

b) prescribe the manner, methods and procedures to be used for carrying out those inspections [Sec. 25].

 OHS Act
BC 1) If a workplace requires an OHS program, that program must provide for the regular inspection of premises, equipment, work methods and work practices, at appropriate intervals, to ensure that prompt action is undertaken to correct any hazardous conditions found [Sec. 3.3(b)].

2) Employers must ensure that regular inspections are made of all workplaces, including buildings, structures, grounds, excavations, tools, equipment, machinery and work methods and practices, at intervals that will prevent the development of unsafe working conditions [Sec. 3.5].

 OHS Reg.
MB 1) If a workplace requires a written workplace safety and health program, that program must include a schedule for the regular inspection of the workplace and of work processes and procedures at the workplace [Act, Sec. 7.4(5)(e)].

2) Employers must ensure that regular inspections of the workplace and of work processes and procedures at the workplace are conducted to identify any risk to the safety or health of any person at the workplace [Reg., Sec. 2.4(1)(a)].

 Workplace Safety and Health Act; Workplace Safety and Health Reg.
NB 1) Employers must ensure that the place of employment is inspected at least once a month to identify any risks to the health and safety of employees [Sec. 9(2)(a.1)].

2) Employers must develop a program for the above inspections with the JHSC, if any, or the health and safety representative, if any, and shall share the results of each inspection with the JHSC or the representative [Sec. 9(3)].

 OHS Act
NL 1) Employers must consult with the JHSC, health and safety representative or workplace health and safety designate about the scheduling of workplace inspections that are required by the regulations and ensure that the JHSC, representative or designate participates in the inspection [Act, Sec. 5(f.3)].

2) If a workplace requires an OHS program, that program must include a system for the recognition, evaluation and control of hazards that includes procedures and schedules for regular inspections by management and JHSC members [Regs., Sec. 12(1)(g)(ii)].3) Employers or their representatives must conduct regular inspections of all buildings, excavations, structures, machinery, equipment, work practices and places of employment at intervals to ensure that safe working conditions are maintained and unsafe conditions found as a result of the inspection are remedied without delay [Regs., Sec. 18(1)].

 OHS Act; OHS Regs. 2012
NT/NU Employers must conduct regular inspections of structures and places of employment and review work practices at intervals that will ensure that safe working conditions are maintained [Sec. 3(e)]. General Safety Regulations
NS If a workplace requires an OHS program, that program must include a hazard identification system that includes procedures and schedules for regular inspections [Sec. 28(2)(e)(ii)]. OHS Act
ON Constructors, employers and workers must provide the health and safety representative or JHSC member with any information and assistance he may require for the purpose of carrying out a workplace inspection [Secs. 8(9) & 9(29)]. OHS Act
PE If a workplace requires an OHS program, that program must include a hazard identification system that includes procedures and schedules for regular inspections [Sec. 23(3)(e)(ii)]. OHS Act
QC OHS laws don’t specifically impose general safety inspection requirements on employers.
SK 1) If a workplace requires an OHS program, that program must include a schedule for the regular inspection of the place of employment and of work processes and procedures [Sec. 22(1)(e)].

2) Employers, contractors and owners must enable JHSC members or a health and safety representative to inspect a place of employment at reasonable intervals determined by the committee or the representative and employer [Sec. 28(1)].

 OHS Regs.
YT Employers and workers must provide to the health and safety representative any information and assistance needed for the purpose of carrying out a workplace inspection [Sec. 13(6)]. OHS Act