Request Employer Safety Inspection Records - Burlington

Labor and Employment Ontario 4 Minutes Read · published May 24, 2026 Flag of Ontario · By Daniel Roy

In Burlington, Ontario, workers and members of the public may seek copies of employer workplace safety inspection records to understand hazards, corrective actions and enforcement history. These records are often held by the employer; however, provincial inspectors and orders under the Occupational Health and Safety Act may also create official records. This guide explains where to request records, when to escalate to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development, and how Burlington municipal offices can help when a public-safety bylaw issue overlaps with workplace hazards.

Penalties & Enforcement

Workplace health and safety in Burlington is primarily governed by the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and enforced by ministry inspectors. The OHSA gives inspectors powers to issue orders and supports prosecution for offences; specific monetary fines and penalties are set out in the statute and related enforcement guidance.[1]

  • Fines and monetary penalties: not specified on the cited page; see the OHSA for statutory penalty provisions and current amounts.[1]
  • Escalation: inspectors may issue orders for compliance; continuing offences and repeat contraventions may lead to further orders or prosecution (details not specified on the cited page).[1]
  • Non-monetary sanctions: compliance orders, work stoppages, seizure of unsafe equipment, and prosecution through provincial courts are enforcement tools under OHSA.[1]
  • Enforcer and complaint pathway: contact the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development to report unsafe workplaces or to request inspector follow-up.[2]
  • Municipal role: Burlington By-law Enforcement may address public-safety bylaws and related complaints where municipal regulations overlap with a workplace issue; for provincial workplace hazards, the ministry is the primary enforcer.[3]
If an employer refuses to share inspection records, you can file a complaint with the provincial ministry.

Applications & Forms

There is no single municipal form to demand an employer's internal inspection log; workplace inspection records are typically produced by the employer or by provincial inspectors when inspections occur. To request ministry intervention or an inspector review, use the Ministry of Labour complaint/report page or phone lines listed on the ministry site.[2]

How to request inspection records

  • Ask the employer in writing for the inspection report or log, specifying dates, location and the records you want.
  • Keep a dated copy of your request and any employer response as evidence.
  • If the employer does not provide records or you suspect imminent danger, contact the Ontario Ministry of Labour to report the concern and request an inspection.[2]
  • If the issue also breaches a Burlington municipal bylaw (for example, unsafe public access, noise or public hazard), report to Burlington By-law Enforcement for local follow-up.[3]
Always document dates and the names of people you contact when requesting records.

Common violations and typical outcomes

  • Poor hazard identification during inspections — may lead to orders to correct practices or re-inspection by ministry inspectors.[1]
  • Failure to maintain safety equipment — can result in stop-work orders or compliance orders from inspectors.[1]
  • Non-compliance with orders — may lead to prosecution or monetary penalties under OHSA (see statute for amounts).[1]

FAQ

Who holds workplace inspection records?
Inspection records are usually created and held by the employer; inspector reports and orders are held by the Ontario Ministry of Labour when an official inspection occurs.[1]
Can I force an employer to provide their inspection records?
You should request records in writing; if refused or if there is an imminent hazard, report the situation to the Ontario Ministry of Labour to request an inspection.[2]
When should I contact Burlington By-law Enforcement?
Contact Burlington By-law Enforcement when a workplace issue creates or involves a municipal public-safety or bylaw concern—for pure workplace hazards, the ministry is the primary authority.[3]

How-To

  1. Write a clear, dated request to the employer specifying the inspection records or reports you want and the relevant dates.
  2. Keep copies of all communications and confirm receipt by email or registered mail if necessary.
  3. If the employer does not respond or if there is a hazard, file a complaint with the Ontario Ministry of Labour using their online complaint/report tools.[2]
  4. If the issue affects the public or breaches a municipal bylaw, also report to Burlington By-law Enforcement for local action.[3]
  5. If you receive an order and disagree, follow the appeal or review process noted on the order or contact the issuing inspector for directions (time limits for appeals are specified on orders or in the OHSA).[1]

Key Takeaways

  • Ask the employer first and keep written records of your request.
  • Use the Ontario Ministry of Labour complaint process if records are withheld or if there's an imminent danger.
  • Burlington By-law Enforcement handles municipal bylaw issues that overlap with public-safety concerns.

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] Ontario e-Laws - Occupational Health and Safety Act
  2. [2] Ontario Ministry of Labour - Report workplace safety concerns
  3. [3] City of Burlington - Report a concern (By-law Enforcement)

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Daniel Roy

Daniel Roy

Municipal Bylaw Analyst

Daniel analyses municipal bylaws across Canadian provinces and territories. He checks every guide against official municipal and provincial sources.