When installing new equipment or modifying existing systems, ensuring compliance with Ontario’s safety regulations is essential. Businesses must take proactive steps to assess potential risks and maintain a safe work environment. A Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PHSR) is a key part of industrial safety compliance. This mandatory assessment helps identify hazards and ensures that workplaces meet safety requirements before operations begin. In this blog, we’ll answer common questions, including “When is a PHSR required?”, what benefits this workplace safety review offers, and how the process works. Plus, we’ll explain how A+A Electrical can help–from identifying risks to making the necessary safety upgrades to keep your workplace compliant and secure.
A Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PHSR) is a detailed engineering assessment that ensures machinery, equipment, structures, and processes comply with PHSR Ontario regulations outlined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). The purpose of a PHSR is to identify potential hazards before work begins and confirm that the necessary safety measures are in place. This assessment is especially important for businesses in industrial and commercial settings, where electrical systems, machinery, and workplace modifications can pose serious risks if not properly evaluated. A PHSR helps companies reduce hazards, protect workers, and avoid costly regulatory fines. In Ontario, these electrical safety inspections must be conducted by a professional engineer or other qualified expert with experience in safety compliance.
In Ontario, a Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PHSR) is legally required under specific circumstances, as outlined in PHSR Ontario regulations within Section 7 of the Industrial Establishments Regulation (O. Reg. 851) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Businesses must complete a PHSR when:
Based on the PHSR Ontario regulations, there are also certain high-risk workplace situations that automatically require a PHSR, including:
A Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PHSR) is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a crucial process that protects employees, prevents costly disruptions, and ensures that businesses operate efficiently and safely. In industrial and commercial environments, where electrical systems, machinery, and workplace hazards are ever-present, a proactive approach to safety is essential. Failing to conduct a PHSR can lead to significant consequences, including legal liabilities, financial losses, and serious risks to worker safety.
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), companies are legally required to meet specific safety standards before starting operations, particularly when new equipment is installed or modifications are made. Without a PHSR, businesses run the risk of violating these regulations, which can result in government-imposed stop-work orders, heavy fines, or even legal action. Compliance isn’t just about avoiding penalties–it’s about demonstrating a commitment to workplace safety and ensuring that employees can perform their duties in a secure environment.
Many workplace hazards aren’t immediately visible, especially when dealing with complex electrical systems, automation, or industrial machinery. A PHSR provides a thorough assessment of potential dangers, such as risks of electrical shock, fire hazards, machine entanglements, or exposure to hazardous materials. By identifying these risks before employees interact with new or modified equipment, businesses can implement necessary safety measures, such as improved guarding, enhanced ventilation, or upgraded electrical controls. These proactive electrical safety inspections significantly reduce the likelihood of workplace injuries, ensuring that employees can operate machinery safely without unnecessary risks.
Workplace accidents not only put employees in danger but also have long-term financial and operational consequences for businesses. Injuries often lead to costly downtime, lost productivity, and increased insurance premiums. When an accident occurs, companies may face worker compensation claims, legal disputes, or reputational damage that can affect long-term business growth. A thorough PHSR helps mitigate these risks by addressing hazards before they result in an incident, ultimately saving businesses money in the long run. While some companies may hesitate due to the upfront costs of a PHSR, the investment is minimal compared to the potential financial losses associated with workplace accidents, legal issues, or equipment failures.
Another major benefit of conducting a PHSR is that it ensures operational efficiency. When equipment is not properly assessed before installation, businesses may encounter unforeseen issues that require costly modifications later. Electrical systems, for example, need to be correctly designed and integrated to handle operational loads safely. If safety concerns are only identified after installation, businesses may need to halt production, undergo expensive retrofits, or even replace non-compliant equipment. A PHSR helps prevent these disruptions by ensuring that all electrical and mechanical systems meet required safety standards from the start. This allows companies to operate smoothly without unexpected compliance issues or performance setbacks.
Additionally, businesses that prioritize industrial safety compliance through PHSRs foster a positive workplace culture that benefits both employees and management. When workers know that their employer takes safety seriously, it leads to increased morale, greater job satisfaction, and improved productivity. Employees are more engaged and confident in their work and trust that their safety is a priority. In industries where retaining skilled workers is essential, maintaining high safety standards can also improve employee retention, reducing turnover costs and helping businesses build a strong, experienced workforce. Ultimately, a PHSR is not just about fulfilling a legal requirement–it is a strategic investment in a company’s long-term success. It protects workers, prevents costly disruptions, ensures industrial safety compliance, and helps businesses operate efficiently and responsibly. By partnering with experienced professionals like A+A Electrical, businesses can seamlessly navigate the PHSR process, ensuring that their operations remain both safe and compliant from day one.
At A+A Electrical, we understand the complexities of industrial safety compliance and the importance of thorough PHSRs. Our experienced team provides end-to-end electrical safety inspections, ensuring that your business meets all Ontario regulations before launching operations. Our PHSR Services include:
By partnering with A+A Electrical, businesses gain a trusted safety compliance partner dedicated to keeping workplaces safe, operational, and compliant.
A licensed professional engineer with expertise in industrial safety compliance must perform the PHSR.
The timeline varies based on the size and complexity of the project, but most reviews take 1-4 weeks from initial assessment to final report.
If a workplace does not meet compliance standards, businesses must implement corrective measures before operations can continue. This is where we come in. A+A Electrical can assist in upgrading electrical systems to meet safety requirements.
Not necessarily. If a new system is pre-certified or already meets specific engineering standards, a PHSR may not be required. However, a professional assessment is recommended.
A Pre-Start Health and Safety Review (PHSR) is an essential process for businesses in industrial and commercial sectors. By conducting a thorough workplace safety review of electrical systems and machinery, companies can ensure compliance, protect employees, and prevent costly disruptions. At A+A Electrical, we specialize in industrial and commercial electrical solutions, ensuring your business meets all safety requirements efficiently. Whether you need a new installation assessed or require modifications to existing systems, our expert team is here to help. Contact A+A Electrical today to schedule a safety consultation and ensure your workplace meets Ontario’s PHSR regulations.