Request a Workplace Safety Inspection in London
In London, Ontario, workplace safety inspections and access to employer safety records are enforced provincially under Ontario law. Employees, health and safety representatives, and members of the public can request inspections or report hazards to the provincial Labour Program; municipal staff do not carry out provincial OHSA inspections. This guide explains how to request a provincial workplace inspection, what records you may inspect or request, the enforcement pathway, and practical steps for filing a complaint or appeal in London, Ontario.
Who enforces workplace safety inspections
The principal enforcer for workplace safety inspections and records under provincial law is the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (Labour Program). The controlling statute is the Occupational Health and Safety Act. For the statutory text and general obligations, see the act itself[1]. To request an inspection or report hazards, use the Ministry’s complaint and inspection process[2].
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement for workplace safety and related records is carried out by Ministry inspectors under the Occupational Health and Safety Act and related regulations. The official sources list enforcement powers but do not give a single consolidated table of fines on the main statutory pages; where specific monetary penalties or ticket amounts appear they are in provincial offence schedules or in enforcement guidance. If a page does not list a dollar amount, this guide notes that it is not specified on the cited page and cites the source.
- Monetary fines: not specified on the cited page for general inspection powers; specific fines and Provincial Offences Act schedules are listed elsewhere by regulation or ticketing guidance.[1]
- Escalation: inspectors may issue orders for compliance; continuing offences and repeat contraventions can lead to further orders or prosecution, but dollar ranges for first vs repeat offences are not specified on the cited general act page.[1]
- Non-monetary sanctions: work orders, stop-work or stop-use orders, requirements to correct hazards, and prosecution in court are available enforcement tools under inspectors’ powers.
- Enforcer and how to contact: Ministry of Labour inspectors (Labour Program) enforce the OHSA; to report a hazard or request an inspection use the Ministry’s online or telephone complaint process.[2]
- Appeals/review: orders and certain decisions have appeal routes (e.g., to the Ontario Labour Relations Tribunal or through described statutory review processes); exact time limits for appeals or reviews are not specified on the general act page and must be confirmed on the order or notice received.[1]
- Defences/discretion: inspectors have discretionary powers and some defences or exceptions (for example, reliance on a permit or on approved equipment) may apply depending on regulation or order language; specific statutory defences are situation-specific.
Common violations
- Failure to provide required training or supervision for workers.
- Unsafe machinery, lack of guards or missing maintenance records.
- Incomplete or unavailable workplace safety records or investigation reports when requested by an inspector.
- Failure to comply with a stop-work or remedial order from an inspector.
Applications & Forms
There is no single municipal form to request a provincial workplace inspection in London. Requests and complaints are processed by the Ontario Ministry of Labour; the Ministry provides an online complaint form and telephone reporting options. The statutory act itself does not publish a separate paper form for inspection requests on the same page.[2]
How to prepare for an inspection and records request
Before requesting an inspection, document the hazard, dates/times, affected workers, and any communications with the employer. If you request access to workplace safety records, note the specific records you seek (incident reports, training records, inspection logs). Provide the inspector with copies of any evidence you collected; inspectors have authority to request records directly from the employer.
FAQ
- Who can request a workplace inspection in London?
- Any worker, representative, or member of the public can request a provincial inspection through the Ministry of Labour’s complaint process; employers and supervisors may also request inspections.
- Can I inspect my employer’s safety records directly?
- Inspectors have the authority to order production of records; direct access by workers depends on the record type and privacy rules, and inspectors can advise. If a page does not state a direct right for a worker to take copies, it is not specified on the cited page.[1]
- How long does it take to get an inspection?
- Response times depend on urgency and Ministry resourcing; imminent danger reports receive priority. The Ministry’s complaint page has guidance on how cases are triaged.[2]
How-To
- Collect evidence: note dates, times, photos, witness names, and any written communications from the employer.
- Use the Ministry online complaint form or telephone line to submit the request; include details and specify you are in London, Ontario.
- If the hazard is immediate, call the Ministry phone contact to request urgent inspection.
- Provide inspectors with copies of records or evidence you have; inspectors may require the employer to produce documents.
- If you receive an order you disagree with, follow the appeal instructions on the order and note deadlines for review or tribunal applications.
Key Takeaways
- The Ontario Ministry of Labour enforces workplace inspections and records requests in London, not the City.
- Use the Ministry online complaint form or phone line for urgent hazards.
- Prepare evidence and be specific about the records or reports you want the inspector to review.
Help and Support / Resources
- Ministry of Labour — report a workplace health and safety complaint
- Ontario e-Laws — Occupational Health and Safety Act
- City of London — By-law Enforcement
- City of London — Building permits & inspections