🕒 Updated November 2, 2025
When the Ministry of Labour (MOL) conducts a workplace inspection, one of the first areas they focus on is personal protective equipment (PPE). It’s often the easiest and quickest way for inspectors to gauge whether a company is taking worker safety seriously.
Failing to meet PPE standards can result in fines, downtime, or even stop-work orders. But beyond compliance, PPE is about protecting your team from preventable injuries and keeping your operations running smoothly.
At Premier Lift Equipment, we’ve seen first-hand how simple PPE lapses can cause major setbacks. Here’s what MOL inspectors pay closest attention to — and how your business can stay ahead.
1. High-Visibility Apparel
Inspectors often scan the floor for CSA-approved high-visibility vests, jackets, or coveralls. Operators and pedestrians must be easy to spot in busy, high-traffic areas.
🔍 Quick Check: Retire faded, torn, or dirty gear — inspectors see that as non-compliant.
2. Safety Footwear
Steel-toed or composite boots are a must in any material handling environment. MOL inspectors typically check for CSA-approved footwear to prevent crush injuries.
🔍 Quick Check: Keep a couple of spare pairs on-site for temps, contractors, or visitors.
3. Head Protection
Where overhead hazards exist, hard hats are essential. Inspectors may check condition, expiry, and whether employees are actually wearing them in designated areas.
🔍 Quick Check: Replace helmets every 5 years (or sooner if damaged).
4. Hearing and Eye Protection
Loud environments and dust-heavy zones are another focus. MOL wants to see ear protection and safety glasses available — and being used.
🔍 Quick Check: Clear signage in high-risk zones helps reinforce compliance.
5. Operator-Specific PPE
Forklift operators should always wear seatbelts — something inspectors are quick to spot. Depending on your workplace, gloves, respirators, or fall protection may also be required.
🔍 Quick Check: Add PPE checks to your daily forklift inspection routine.
Why This Matters
For MOL, PPE compliance is about accountability. For your business, it’s about protecting your people, avoiding costly disruptions, and demonstrating a culture of safety.
The good news? Most PPE violations are simple fixes — as long as you know what inspectors look for.
How Premier Lift Equipment Helps
While you focus on running your operation, we help ensure your fleet and your team are inspection-ready. From safety certifications to compliance resources, our goal is to keep you one step ahead of MOL.
👉 View our forklift safety accessories to prep your team before the next inspection.
👉 Book a Safety Certification today and keep your forklifts CSA-compliant.
👉 Talk to our team for guidance on building a cost-effective compliance plan.
At Premier Lift Equipment, we don’t just sell forklifts — we help businesses protect their people and stay compliant with confidence.