147 Hamilton businesses found breaking COVID rules

More than one-quarter of Hamilton businesses visited during a provincial COVID-19 enforcement blitz were accused of breaking the rules.

Contraventions were found at 147 of the 544 businesses visited from Dec. 2 to Dec. 5.

My message has been crystal clear: All businesses have to step up," Minister of Labour, Training and Skills Development Monte McNaughton said in an interview with The Spectator on Tuesday. They have to be more vigilant today than ever to prevent COVID-19 from entering the workplace."

In the end, just seven tickets were issued to five businesses charged under the Reopening Ontario Act. In addition, 14 orders were issued under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and formal warnings were given to 25 businesses.

The most common areas of noncompliance were related to pre-screening requirements, improper use of masks and cleaning disinfecting practices," said McNaughton.

The ministry would not name the businesses or the charges like the City of Hamilton does on its enforcement website.

There's a number of businesses that are under investigation right now," said McNaughton. But we're certainly looking to be more transparent and ensure people know those businesses that are stepping up and taking extra precautions to keep their customers and workers safe."

The team that came to Hamilton was made up of 38 provincial offences officers and the blitz was part of an Ontario-wide education-focused COVID-19 workplace safety campaign.

On the advice of local public health, the officers focused primarily on retail stores.

McNaughton said the blitz is important at this point in the pandemic because unfortunately we're seeing record numbers almost on a daily basis and it's imperative that all of us work together."

However, he did acknowledge that the rules have been changing rapidly for businesses. Sports facilities alone have had four different interpretations of the maximum capacity of 10 allowed since Hamilton entered the red zone Nov. 16.

I'm the first to admit this is a very very challenging time for businesses," said McNaughton. There's certainly fatigue that has set in with some people in the province. That's why we began this multi-ministry inspection team."

Joanna Frketich is a Hamilton-based reporter covering health for The Spectator. Reach her via email: jfrketich@thespec.com