Ontario is making workplaces safer by focusing on hazards involving forklifts and lifting devices.

Ministry of Labour inspectors will visit industrial workplaces during increased enforcement in February 2010. They will ensure lifting equipment is being:

• Inspected and maintained in good condition
• Operated by well trained employees; and
• Used in a safe work environment.

The blitz will be conducted in addition to the ministry's recently announced fall hazards blitz during which inspectors will continue to visit construction sites to check for hazards involving suspended platforms.

The blitzes are being conducted as part of the government's Safe At Work Ontario strategy. Keeping more workers safe means increased productivity for Ontario's economy and less strain on the health care system.