In Ontario’s industrial sector, safety compliance isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s an operational necessity. Delays in meeting codes from the Electrical Safety Authority (ESA) or failing to complete a proper Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PHSR) can stall production schedules, increase liability, and raise project costs. That’s why many industrial operators rely on owner’s engineer services to coordinate and manage compliance throughout a project’s lifecycle.
These professionals offer a multidisciplinary lens, overseeing electrical, mechanical, and process systems to meet safety codes while maintaining project momentum. When engaged early, the owner’s engineers can dramatically reduce the risk of non-compliance.
What Is the Role of an Owner’s Engineer in an Industrial Project?
An owner’s engineer acts as a representative of the facility or business owner throughout the design, installation, and commissioning phases of an industrial project. Unlike contractors, who execute work, or inspectors, who review outcomes, the owner’s engineer ensures that every step of the project aligns with the required standards.
Responsibilities typically include:
- Reviewing contractor submittals
- Verifying safety-related design intent
- Coordinating with engineering consultants
- Documenting code compliance from concept to completion
This oversight ensures that both internal teams and external vendors adhere to Ontario’s technical and regulatory expectations.
Ensuring ESA Compliance Through Engineering Oversight
The Electrical Safety Authority governs the safe installation and maintenance of electrical systems across Ontario. For industrial projects, the owner’s engineers play a critical role in ensuring that all electrical work complies with ESA standards.
Their tasks may include:
- Reviewing contractor electrical drawings
- Verifying certification of electrical panels and components
- Ensuring inspection requests align with project timelines
- Coordinating electrical safety authority inspection readiness
Missed inspections or installation errors often lead to project delays. An owner’s engineer mitigates that risk by planning and documenting all steps required for a successful ESA inspection.
Supporting PHSR Requirements and Safety Reviews
Under Ontario Regulation 851, a PHSR is required when new or modified equipment is introduced into a facility. This review must be performed by a licensed professional engineer and submitted before the equipment is placed into service.
The owner’s engineer:
- Identifies equipment that triggers PHSR requirements
- Works with safety engineering consultants to prepare documentation
- Ensures machine guarding, control systems, and layouts align with OSHA standards
- Tracks closeout actions to completion
This process reduces liability while ensuring that health and safety expectations are met before production begins.
Bridging the Gap Between Contractors, Inspectors, and Facility Teams
In large industrial projects, multiple parties are involved—vendors, contractors, inspectors, and internal stakeholders. The owner’s engineer serves as a centralized resource to align all parties with compliance goals.
They provide:
- Communication between trades and safety personnel
- Technical clarification during the electrical safety authority inspection
- Documentation support during design changes
- Guidance on corrective actions
This ensures continuity across phases and helps avoid last-minute issues during handover or commissioning.
Key Deliverables Provided by Owner’s Engineers
Owner’s engineers produce several essential compliance-related documents, including:
- Safety compliance checklists
- ESA inspection preparation packages
- PHSR trigger assessments and coordination reports
- Project risk assessments
- Final engineering sign-offs
These deliverables are critical for both documentation and long-term recordkeeping.
SAFE Engineering Inc. offers dedicated owner’s engineer services for industrial operations in Ontario. These services combine technical oversight with regulatory expertise to ensure ESA and PHSR compliance at every phase of the project.
