Ontario College of Trades Ramps Up Compliance and Enforcement Efforts

OCOT

 

Apr 30, 2018

The Ontario College of Trades is enhancing its efforts to protect the public and its members through strategic compliance and enforcement inspections in the construction sector, coinciding with increased building and renovation activity during the spring and summer months. Inspections will focus on high-risk workplaces and work activity in the underground economy, as well as the protection of vulnerable workers.

These targeted inspections will be supported by information exchanges with other regulators to assist in the identification of potential higher-risk workplaces and sites.

“Ontarians should feel confident that when someone is hired to work on their home or public spaces that the work is being done by qualified and certified skilled trades professionals,” says George Gritziotis, the college’s CEO and Registrar. “As the provincial regulator of skilled trades, we are working to ensure that compulsory trade work in high risk of harm activities are performed by qualified individuals.”

As part of the implementation of the new compliance and enforcement policy, the college has equipped its officers with enhanced training, tools and support to ensure they are able to deliver more targeted, consistent and transparent inspections to bring employers and workers into compliance. This targeted, risk-based approach will include select officers dedicated to the construction sector.

Related Articles


Latest Articles

  • Lever Connectors and Twist-Ons: How to Decide Which is Right for the Job

    Lever Connectors and Twist-Ons: How to Decide Which is Right for the Job

    There are many different types of wire connectors, and sometimes it can be hard for electricians to determine which one is best to use. Read More…

  • Winnipeg Information Bulletin: Low-Risk Voice, Data, Video & Security System Installations

    Winnipeg Information Bulletin: Low-Risk Voice, Data, Video & Security System Installations

    September 17, 2026 Certain types of installations may qualify for a low-risk voice, data, video (VDV) and security system electrical permit. For information related to regular VDV/security system installations, see winnipeg.ca/vdvsystems. Applications must be submitted through Permits Online. Electrical permits and inspections are needed for certain installations of security and similar alarm systems. This makes… Read More…

  • What Type of Outdoor Light Do I Need for My Application?

    What Type of Outdoor Light Do I Need for My Application?

    September 17, 2026 By Stanpro The right outdoor light starts with the space you need to illuminate and how that space is used. For commercial projects, parking lots and large exterior areas point toward area lights; entrances and building perimeters toward wall-mounted or security lighting; signs, facades and targeted areas toward flood lights; pathways toward… Read More…

  • Alberta Employers and Tradespeople Share their Perspectives

    Alberta Employers and Tradespeople Share their Perspectives

    September 16, 2026 In Alberta’s skilled trades labour market employers and tradespeople are facing growing pressure from tariffs, rising costs, hiring challenges and labour mobility barriers. CAF-FCA’s new report, Hiring, Mobility and Needed Supports: Alberta Employers and Tradespeople Share Their Perspectives, takes a closer look at what’s happening on the ground. Based on surveys of… Read More…


Changing Scene

  • Government of Canada Introduces Legislation to Transform how Canada Builds

    Government of Canada Introduces Legislation to Transform how Canada Builds

    October 2, 2026 The world is changing rapidly. In response, Canada is focused on what we can control: building a stronger, more independent, and more sustainable economy. We are leveraging our strengths and moving with speed to open new markets, strengthen supply chains, accelerate projects, and unlock our natural resources. As we build, we are… Read More…

  • Ontario Awards Construction Contract for New Little Current Swing Bridge

    Ontario Awards Construction Contract for New Little Current Swing Bridge

    October 2, 2026 The Ontario government has named a construction manager for the Little Current Swing Bridge replacement project. The new bridge will replace the existing bridge on Highway 6 connecting Manitoulin Island to the mainland, providing reliable, year-round access to the provincial highway network and making it easier for workers and families to connect… Read More…

  • Construction Starting on new Pitt Meadows Secondary School in BC

    Construction Starting on new Pitt Meadows Secondary School in BC

    October 2, 2026 Construction is beginning on the new Pitt Meadows Secondary school, which will provide students with a safer and more modern environment to learn. “Pitt Meadows is a vibrant community with a bright future and I’m proud that the local high school will soon better reflect the community it serves,” said Lisa Beare,… Read More…

  • Major Construction Underway at Woodbine GO Station

    Major Construction Underway at Woodbine GO Station

    October 2, 2026 Major construction is underway at Woodbine GO Station, marking another significant milestone in the Ontario government’s plan to provide two-way, all-day service across core segments of the GO Transit network. Crews are now building station platforms that will connect thousands of daily riders to the Kitchener GO Line, Union-Pearson (UP) Express and… Read More…