Provincial inspectors will be visiting essential businesses around Durham Region this weekend, as a major health and safety blitz continues.
More than 300 provincial offences officers, local health inspectors and municipal bylaw officers will be joining the inspectors in four regions– Niagara, Ottawa, Windsor and Durham.
They’ll be stopping in at workplaces and businesses that have been allowed to stay open during the shutdown, like restaurants offering take-out or delivery, gas stations and retail stores.
“Our government is confident that the majority of workplaces in Ottawa, Windsor, Niagara and Durham are taking the necessary steps to protect their patrons and staff, while helping to reduce the spread of the pandemic,” said Labour Minister Monte McNaughton. “However, if we find that businesses are putting the safety of workers and customers at risk, our government will not hesitate to take immediate action.”
The inspectors and officers will be checking places of high transmission, including break rooms. They’ll also make sure employers are promoting safe behaviour before, during and after work.
Individuals and businesses caught breaking the rules can be fined up to $750. Anyone who prevents others, including employees, from following rules could face up to $100,000 in fines.
