Every year, Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) launches targeted compliance initiatives and inspection campaigns in specific sectors. These campaigns are not only about enforcing laws—they aim to raise awareness, educate workplaces, and ultimately protect workers across the province.

For the 2025–2026 cycle, several important campaigns will run from April 1, 2025, to March 31, 2026, with a clear goal: to uphold and promote worker rights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Employment Standards Act (ESA) while increasing employer accountability.

These annual campaigns are designed to:

• Protect workers’ rights under OHSA and ESA
• Promote employer awareness of health and safety responsibilities
• Proactively raise hazard awareness
• Boost compliance with legislation and safety standards

Focus Areas for 2025–2026

Construction Sector: General Health & Safety

April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Focus: General health and safety awareness on construction sites with an emphasized focus on single-family residential and multi-family residential

Includes:

• Targeted education and outreach
• Proactive inspections at construction sites

This campaign reinforces safety in one of Ontario’s highest-risk sectors, ensuring hazards are identified and mitigated.

Industrial Sector: Material Handling

April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Focus: Safe material handling in warehouses, manufacturing, and distribution.

Includes:

• Industry-specific education and resources
• Inspections focused on lifting, moving, and storing materials safely

Material handling is a leading source of workplace injuries, making this campaign especially relevant for industrial employers.

Both Construction & Industrial Sectors: Chemical Agent Exposures

April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Focus: Worker exposure to chemical agents across construction and industrial workplaces

Includes:

• Training and awareness initiatives
• Focused inspections on control measures, PPE, and air quality monitoring

This campaign highlights the need for robust workplace controls and exposure assessments to reduce long-term health risks.

WHMIS Training: Hazardous Products Regulations Update

April 1, 2025 – March 31, 2026

Focus: Compliance with WHMIS training based on updated federal Hazardous Products Regulations

Includes:

• Updated WHMIS education and compliance guidance
• Inspections focusing on labelling, SDS availability, and worker training

This initiative ensures workplaces are aligned with regulatory changes and that workers understand how to handle hazardous products safely.

What Employers Should Do Now

To prepare for these campaigns, employers should:

• Review and update policies and training related to the campaign themes
• Audit current workplace conditions and procedures
• Engage with sector-specific health and safety associations for resources and support
• Train supervisors and workers on identified focus areas

Final Thoughts

Ontario’s 2025–26 health and safety compliance campaigns reflect a proactive, education-first approach to enforcement. By understanding the goals of each initiative and preparing accordingly, employers can not only stay compliant but also foster safer, healthier workplaces for everyone.

Reminder: Inspections are unannounced — compliance is not a one-time effort but a year-round commitment.

Need help getting your workplace inspection-ready or delivering updated training?

Contact us at BuildSafe – Construction Safety Services Inc. to support your compliance strategy for the 2025–26 campaign cycle.