Apply to Be an Occupational Health and Safety Inspector – Ontario.ca

By GovPrepare News Desk – December 2, 2025

Standfirst: The Ontario government is inviting qualified professionals to apply for roles as Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) inspectors. The move aims to strengthen workplace safety enforcement across the province and enhance compliance with provincial regulations.

Key Highlights

• Ontario is recruiting Occupational Health and Safety inspectors across multiple regions.
• The initiative is part of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s ongoing enforcement strategy.
• Successful applicants will conduct workplace inspections to ensure compliance with safety laws.
• Applicants require relevant education and experience in occupational health, safety, or enforcement.
• Posting includes full-time, permanent positions with competitive salaries and benefits.
• Applications must be submitted online through the Ontario Public Service Careers portal.

Background and Context

Occupational health and safety inspectors play a crucial role in preventing workplace injuries and ensuring employers follow laws under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Enacted in 1979, the OHSA provides the legal framework that governs workplace health and safety in Ontario.

According to Statistics Canada, there were over 240,000 accepted lost-time claims related to workplace injuries in Canada in 2022, with Ontario accounting for approximately 25% of incidents. The government invests continually in enforcement and educational outreach to reduce these figures.

Recent developments, including increased workplace complexity and evolving hazards in sectors like construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, have prompted the Ontario government to expand its inspection capacity. The hiring initiative aligns with the province’s 2023-2025 strategic workforce plan, focusing on reinforcing front-line services.

The New Development

On November 30, 2025, the Government of Ontario, through its Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, officially opened applications for the position of Occupational Health and Safety Inspector. This recruitment effort supports the province’s proactive approach to worker safety and regulatory compliance.

Positions are available across diverse districts including Toronto, Ottawa, Hamilton-Niagara, Sudbury, Thunder Bay, and London. The inspectors will be part of regional enforcement teams tasked with identifying, investigating, and rectifying workplace hazards through proactive and reactive inspections.

Each inspector will be responsible for ensuring compliance with the OHSA and its regulations, issuing orders or fines where violations are found, and educating businesses on best practices. Annual salaries range from $70,000 to $90,000 CAD, based on experience, with opportunities for progression into supervisory or specialized roles.

Applicants must hold a postsecondary degree or diploma in a relevant field such as occupational health and safety, environmental science, industrial hygiene, or engineering. In addition, demonstrated experience in investigations, auditing, regulatory enforcement, or safety program implementation is required.

Expert and Industry Reaction

Workplace safety experts have welcomed the announcement. Dr. Melissa Chan, a professor of occupational health at the University of Toronto, noted, “The recruitment of more inspectors enables Ontario to conduct regular and more thorough workplace monitoring, which ultimately leads to better prevention.”

The Ontario Federation of Labour (OFL) also endorsed the initiative. “With the growing number of workplace incidents, especially in high-risk sectors, this hiring drive is a necessary step,” said OFL spokesperson Carla Mendes. “We encourage the government to ensure equitable distribution of inspectors across rural and urban regions.”

Many small and medium enterprises (SMEs) also view increased inspections as a positive reinforcement of workplace standards. However, some have called for additional educational support to navigate the complex regulatory environment effectively.

Alignment with Global or National Standards

This recruitment initiative aligns with both national and international occupational health and safety benchmarks. The International Labour Organization (ILO)’s Convention No. 081 emphasizes the importance of labour inspection systems that provide “uniform and effective enforcement of legal provisions.”

Nationally, this program complements the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) frameworks, which aim to harmonize safety practices across provinces and ensure standard enforcement levels. Ontario’s move to expand its inspectorate demonstrates its alignment with these frameworks and contributes to Canada’s obligations under the ISO 45001 occupational health and safety management systems standard.

Canada’s provincial-federal approach to OHS enforcement gives provinces like Ontario significant autonomy. This initiative is a leading example of proactive compliance mechanisms supported by strong public sector investment in enforcement manpower.

Impact on Stakeholders

For Employers: Increased inspections may result in more frequent interactions with government inspectors. This provides both a compliance checkpoint and an educational opportunity. Businesses will need to ensure that their health and safety programs meet legal expectations.

For Workers: Expanding the inspectorate enhances on-the-ground protection for employees, especially those in sectors like construction, food services, or long-term care. Employees can expect more responsive oversight and timely intervention on safety concerns.

For Government Agencies: The Ministry benefits from reaffirming its commitment to the province’s Prevention Works strategy and long-term goals of reducing injuries and fatalities in workplaces. This measure provides enforcement tools to meet legislative and public safety benchmarks.

For New Professionals: The available positions open up promising career pathways for qualified candidates interested in public service, health and safety, and regulatory compliance. New inspectors will undergo formal training and gain experience in diverse workplace environments.

Official Guidance

• Ontario Public Service Careers – Job Postings
• Ontario Ministry of Labour – Health and Safety
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
• Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)
• Apply Online – OPS Careers Portal

Conclusion

Ontario’s decision to recruit new Occupational Health and Safety inspectors underscores the province’s sustained commitment to safer workplaces. The initiative addresses the realities of modern work environments and reflects best practices in enforcement readiness, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance.

Prospective applicants are encouraged to review the full job listings and submit applications as soon as possible. For businesses and workers, this development is a reminder of the ongoing evolution of workplace safety expectations. Monitoring follow-up announcements from the Ontario Ministry of Labour is recommended as more roles and support programs may be introduced in 2026.

Excerpt (Meta Description): Ontario is hiring new Occupational Health and Safety inspectors to strengthen workplace safety enforcement across the province. Apply online via Ontario.ca.

Tags: Ontario jobs, occupational safety, health and safety inspector, Government of Ontario, OPS careers, workplace safety, labor enforcement, OHSA, workplace inspections, public sector jobs, safety compliance, employment Ontario