By James Tubb [1]
BELLEVILLE – Hastings Prince Edward Public Health [2] and Ontario Ministry of Labour [3] inspectors carried out an inspection blitz of 198 local workplaces from January 20 to 22 and found only 46% of businesses were in compliance with COVID-19 requirements.
Enforcement officials issued 12 tickets and six occupational health and safety orders. The most common infractions included not having a safety plan and exceeding capacity limits.
In a release on Monday, public health said the campaign was put in place to inspect local businesses, as public health continues building on its efforts to protect workers and customers at essential businesses by ensuring they are in compliance with COVID-19 requirements.
“While many businesses in the region are taking the necessary steps to protect their staff and customers, several must make adjustments to align with current guidelines,” said Dr. Piotr Oglaza, in the release. Dr. Oglaza is the Medical Officer of Health and CEO for HPEPH.
Two HPEPH inspectors and 18 ministry inspectors were involved in the blitz and they visited a variety of businesses allowed to remain open during the provincial shutdown, including:
- gas stations
- corner convenience stores
- grocery stores
- discount and big box stores
- warehousing and manufacturing facilities
- food establishments providing takeout
“We are continuing to provide information and support to local workplaces to help them operate as safely as possible. The only way to reduce the spread of COVID is for everyone – business owners, workers and customers – to follow the current public health guidelines,” said Dr. Oglaza.
(1/2) – Media Release: Almost 200 businesses visited during inspection blitz
HPEPH and @ONTatwork [4] inspectors carried out an inspection blitz of local workplaces from January 20 to 22, with an aim to keep local workers and customers safe. pic.twitter.com/njLoPzTvY3 [5]
— HPE Public Health (@HPEPublicHealth) February 1, 2021 [6]