In Ontario’s industrial establishments, workplace compliance must align with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Ontario Regulation 851. When the Ministry of Labour (MOL) conducts surprise inspections, deficiencies in engineering controls or documentation can quickly lead to work orders and costly downtime. Regular plant safety audits help identify gaps long before an inspector arrives, protecting both employees and operations.
SAFE Engineering Inc. works with manufacturers to perform detailed health & safety audits of older and modified equipment, ensuring compliance with OHSA standards and engineering best practices.
The Problem: MOL Inspections Are Never Announced
MOL inspections are typically unannounced. Inspectors visit facilities to verify compliance with Ontario’s industrial safety requirements, including guarding, electrical systems, and ventilation. Any observed non-compliance results in immediate corrective orders or, in severe cases, stop-work directives.
Facilities that delay or overlook health & safety audit processes risk being unprepared for such visits. Without documented evidence of engineering reviews and maintenance records, proving compliance becomes difficult and can lead to production interruptions.
Common Engineering Gaps Found During Audits
A professional industrial safety audit often uncovers deficiencies that aren’t always visible to operators or supervisors. Common engineering gaps include:
- Missing or inadequate machine guarding
- Outdated electrical schematics or missing ESA documentation
- Faulty emergency stop systems or untested interlocks
- Dust collection or flammable liquid systems without engineered controls
- Incomplete records of inspections or risk assessments
Identifying these issues early prevents enforcement action and ensures that all modifications comply with OHSA and relevant standards.
How a Plant Safety Audit Helps Prevent MOL Orders
Plant safety audits are designed to mirror the inspection process used by the MOL but go deeper by including technical and engineering evaluations. These audits evaluate whether existing systems align with their intended design and applicable standards, and regulatory requirements
A thorough audit includes:
- Equipment inspections to verify compliance with machine guarding and control standards
- Review of PSHSR documentation for modified or new machinery
- Examination of electrical installations for ESA compliance
- Evaluation of maintenance records and safety documentation
The results provide a clear roadmap for corrective actions, allowing facilities to fix problems before they attract regulatory scrutiny.
Benefits of a Proactive Audit Approach
Taking a proactive approach to health & safety audit planning offers measurable benefits:
- Reduces the likelihood of MOL orders and fines
- Ensures safer working conditions and operational continuity
- Supports insurance and liability documentation requirements
- Improves confidence during inspections or audits by other agencies
- Enhances overall safety culture across the facility
Audits conducted annually, or after significant equipment changes, keep safety systems aligned with evolving standards and technology.
How SAFE Engineering Inc. Supports Audit Preparation
SAFE Engineering Inc. is a trusted safety audit company serving Ontario’s industrial sector. The firm’s engineers evaluate machinery, documentation, and plant layouts to verify compliance with OHSA and O.Reg 851.
Their services include:
- Full industrial safety audit and compliance verification
- Review of PSHSR requirements for new or modified equipment
- Technical documentation of findings and recommendations
- Follow-up engineering support to close identified gaps
By partnering with a qualified engineering team, organizations can strengthen compliance, minimize risk, and maintain year-round audit readiness.
Conclusion
MOL inspections may be unpredictable, but non-compliance doesn’t have to be. Regular plant safety audits identify gaps, correct deficiencies, and ensure that engineering controls meet Ontario’s safety standards.
With detailed evaluations and actionable reporting, SAFE Engineering Inc. helps facilities stay compliant throughout every phase of operation, so when inspectors arrive, there are no surprises – only confidence. Contact us today!
