Inspection blitz coming for GTA big box stores with strict COVID-19 restrictions in place
Posted January 14, 2021 11:46 am.
Last Updated January 14, 2021 1:03 pm.
In an effort to protect workers and patrons, and to ensure big-box stores are operating safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ford government says it’s quickly ramping up workplace inspections.
Beginning this Saturday and Sunday, around 50 ministry inspectors, local bylaw, and police officers will be making visits at big-box stores located in Toronto, York, Peel, Durham, and Hamilton to ensure workers and customers are wearing masks, physical distancing, and following health and safety measures.
This comes as Ontarians face a stay-at-home order in effect as of Thursday morning. Select retailers are allowed to operate between 7 a.m. and 8 p.m. for curbside pickup or delivery only.
If you’re caught by one of the inspectors not complying with COVID safety requirements, officers will have the authority to issue a ticket, temporarily close the premise, and break up groups larger than five people.
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“Where we find an employer who has been acting in bad faith, we won’t hesitate to take action by immediately slapping them with a ticket and a fine. There will be real consequences for those who break the rules,” said Labour Minister Monte McNaughton.
The province says this move is part of its “Stay Safe All Day” campaign and will be providing resource materials to employers and workers to promote safe behaviour before, during, and after work.
Ford issued a stark warning to big box stores on Tuesday, saying he has seen the crazy lineups and that officers will “come down hard” on select stores if necessary.
Using data from local public health units, inspectors will focus on workplaces with reported COVID-19 outbreaks, and manufacturing and warehousing sectors, distribution centres, food processing, and publicly accessible workplaces deemed essential, for example, grocery stores.
The ministry says inspectors will also continue to focus on long-term care homes and retirement homes.
Individuals and businesses found not following the rules can be fined $750, $1,000 for preventing others, such as employees or workers, from following the rules, and a max of up to $100,000 for individuals and $10 million for a corporation, or face prosecution or a year in jail.
