Workplaces still conducting business due to being considered
"essential" should brace for more scrutiny by the
Ministry of Labour. And on essential construction sites, that
scrutiny can occur any time of the night or day, as working hours
on these sites have been extended to 24 hours per day.
On April 8, 2020, the provincial government announced its
redeployment of 30 employment standards officers ("ESOs")
to "help businesses understand and comply with health and
safety requirements." ESOs usually deal with alleged
contraventions of the Employment Standards Act, 2000 but
will now be enforcing the Occupational Health and Safety
Act.
As a practical matter, this means closer scrutiny of a reduced
number of workplaces overall, so employers should carefully review
their current practices to ensure they are taking all reasonable
steps to protect the health and safety of their workers. Remember
that unhappy workers have a way to express their concern –
the capacity of
