What Vehicle Body Repair Shops Need to Know

• Issued: November 2009
• Revised: May 2011
• Content last reviewed: May 2011
• PDF Version [ 109 Kb / 2 pages | Download Adobe Reader ]

This Fact Sheet has been prepared to assist workplace parties in understanding their obligations under the OHSA and the regulations. Reference should always be made to the official version of the legislation. For complete information, please refer to the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

The Ministry of Labour’s proactive inspections for sector-specific hazards are designed to raise awareness and increase compliance with health and safety legislation and reduce workplace injuries and disease. Workplaces that operate as vehicle body repair facilities expose workers to potentially serious physical hazards and occupational illness.

For six months, beginning in September, Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Inspectors will visit about 500 vehicle body repair workplaces where orders under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) were issued during the first phase of this initiative (September – March 2010). These sites are in York, Durham and Peel Regions, Dufferin and Simcoe Counties and Toronto.

Compliance: priority areas

Inspectors will take enforcement action as appropriate for any contraventions found under the OHSA and its regulations, but will pay particular attention to the following priority areas when inspecting these premises:

• Designated substances: Shops using products containing isocyanates in the paint-mixing process will be inspected for compliance with the assessment and control program requirements of the Designated Substances Regulation.
• Hazardous chemicals: Controlled products such as solvents, thinners, flammable liquids, and paints are used and stored in these work locations. Information and instruction for workers in the Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System as well as training in the proper use and storage of personal protective equipment will be reviewed by the inspector.
• Flammable liquid storage: The quantity and type of flammable liquids will be reviewed to determine whether storage and dispensing meet the requirements under the Regulation for Industrial Establishments.
• Lifting devices: Fixed and portable lifting devices may be present and used by workers to hoist vehicles. Inspectors will check to ensure that this equipment is used properly, maintained and inspected.
• Worker training: Employers must provide workers with information, instruction and supervision to ensure their health and safety is protected.
• Apprenticeship: Inspectors will check workers’ apprenticeship certification.

Ministry of Labour Health and Safety Inspectors across the province will be looking for the same hazards in the course of their regular inspection activity.

More information

• Apprenticeship Services
• Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
• Collision Industry Information Assistance
  Toll free: 1-866-309-4272
• Ontario Ministry of Labour
  • Safe At Work Ontario
  • A Guide to the Occupational Health and Safety Act
  • Employment Standards
  • A health and safety inspector from the Ontario Ministry of Labour visits an auto body shop and explains how workers can stay safe. View the video
• Ontario Ministry of the Environment
• Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council
  Toll free: 1-800-943-6002
• Workplace Safety Prevention Services

Contact the Ministry of Labour in Central Region:
Central Region includes York, Durham and Peel Regions, Dufferin and Simcoe Counties and the City of Toronto.

Toronto West and Toronto North
5001 Yonge Street, Suite 1600
North York, ON M7A 0A3

Mississauga and York West
1290 Central Parkway West, Suite 400
Mississauga, ON L5C 4R3

York Central
6711 Mississauga Road, Suite 700
Scarborough, ON L5N 2W3

Toronto East and Durham
2275 Midland Avenue, Unit #1
Scarborough, ON M1P 3E7

York East
1110 Stellar Drive, Unit # 102
Mississauga, ON L3Y 7B7

Call Centre - 1-877-202-0008