Ontario is continuing its efforts to reduce workplace injuries by focusing on hazards in vehicle body repair facilities in York, Durham and Peel Regions, Dufferin and Simcoe Counties, and Toronto.

For six months, beginning in September, Ministry of Labour inspectors will visit about 800 vehicle body repair workplaces to check for hazards involving:

• the use and maintenance of hoists, jacks and other lifting equipment
• paints and materials containing hazardous substances such as isocyanates, and
• materials handling, storage and ventilation.

Inspectors will also check workers' certification and training, assess the effectiveness of health and safety procedures, and document infractions of environmental protection regulations.

The inspection initiative complements the province's Safe At Work Ontario blitz strategy which began in June 2008.  Keeping workers safe means increased productivity for Ontario's economy and less strain on the province's health care system.