Are You Ready for MLITSD Blitzes? Here's What to Do.

Heather Lyle
Sep 3
2 min read

Workplaces across Ontario—and beyond—have been gearing up for a fresh round of Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) health and safety blitzes. These proactive inspections are designed to reduce workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities, especially in high-risk sectors like construction, manufacturing, health care, and education.

But don’t panic. A blitz is an opportunity, not just a test. Here’s how to prepare and make the most of the process:

What Are MLITSD Blitzes?

MLITSD blitzes are targeted inspection campaigns focusing on specific hazards, sectors, or workplace trends. Inspectors may arrive without warning, looking for compliance with Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requirements and sector-specific standards.

Each year, the ministry publishes a schedule highlighting focus areas such as:

Fall hazards
Machine guarding
Workplace violence
Respiratory protection
Ergonomics and MSDs (musculoskeletal disorders)
Heat stress or cold exposure
Infection prevention (especially in health and community care)

What You Should Do Right Now

Review the Blitz Schedule
Check MLITSD’s website or subscribe to updates to see what inspections are planned for your industry. Knowing when and what to expect is half the battle.
Conduct an Internal Audit
Walk through your workplace with fresh eyes. Use the same lens an inspector would:
Are hazards controlled?
Are training records up to date?
Are workers aware of emergency procedures?
Train and Talk to Your Team
Hold a safety meeting to go over expectations, refresh key procedures, and empower workers to speak up about unsafe conditions. A well-informed team is your first line of defense.
Check Documentation
Ensure everything is in order:
Joint Health & Safety Committee (JHSC) minutes
Safety data sheets
Equipment maintenance logs
Training certifications
Address Repeat Offenders

If past blitzes or inspections flagged issues, now’s the time to fix them—permanently. Recurring hazards are a red flag to inspectors.

Bonus Tip: Build a Safety Culture, Not Just a Checklist. Blitzes are important, but they’re just one part of a bigger picture. Focusing on consistent safety practices, worker engagement, and mental wellness pays off all year—whether or not an inspector knocks on your door.

Final Word

Workplace health and safety isn’t about passing inspections—it’s about protecting people. MLITSD blitzes remind us of our shared responsibility to keep each other safe, especially in high-risk environments.