A simple, practical look at the documentation updates that took effect on January 1.
Construction sites already manage inspections, permits, safety meetings, and daily reports. As of January 1, 2026, Ontario added a few more items to that list through amendments under the Working for Workers Seven Act. New rules now require documented washroom cleaning, sanitation servicing records, and, on some projects, on-site defibrillators.
In case you’re not an enthusiastic reader of regulatory filings, dense with legalese, here is the part that matters for you:
1. Washroom cleaning records are now required everywhere
Ontario now expects every workplace covered by OHSA to keep a record showing when each washroom was last cleaned. The rule is straightforward: each record must show the date and time of the two most recent cleanings, and workers must be able to view it easily. Some sites will post the record near the washroom. Others may use a digital version that everyone knows how to access.
Inspectors can request this information during a visit, and the expectation is that the record is current.
2. Construction sites have a second requirement related to sanitation facilities Portable toilets and similar facilities need scheduled servicing in addition to routine cleaning. Ontario now requires constructors to maintain a longer record of those service visits. This record must show each time a unit was serviced over the past six months, or for the length of the project if the project is shorter.
These service visits can include pump-outs, deep cleaning, refilling supplies, repairing a unit, or checking that everything functions properly. This record is different from the washroom cleaning log. One speaks to day-to-day cleanliness. The other shows the history and condition of the facility over time.
Both are required, and they serve different purposes during inspections.
3. AEDs are now required on many construction projects Any project expected to run for three months or longer and that has 20 or more workers must now have an AED available on site. There is also an expectation that the AED is checked and maintained, that accessories are present, and that at least one worker on site knows how to use it.
Supervisors should be ready to show when the AED was last inspected and whether it is fully operational. A simple record can prevent delays if an inspector asks for proof.
4. Why these changes matter for compliance
Ontario has introduced a more direct approach to enforcement. Inspectors now have the ability to issue something called an Administrative Monetary Penalty, or AMP. This is essentially a fine that can be issued on the spot when a required record is missing or not up to date.
This change means the small, routine items that are easy to overlook carry more weight. Missing washroom cleaning logs, incomplete sanitation records, or undocumented AED checks can all result in immediate costs instead of lengthy back-and-forth discussions.
For many contractors, the real challenge is not the rule itself. It is making sure the record exists, is current, and is retrievable when needed.
How Corfix helps meet the new requirements
Corfix gives crews and supervisors a reliable way to complete and store these records without adding extra steps to the workday.
- Washroom cleaning forms can be assigned as recurring tasks.
- Sanitation service records can include photos or service slips for easy verification.
- AED inspections can be added to regular safety walkthroughs.
- All records stay organized and can be accessed immediately during an inspection.
- Six-month servicing histories can be generated without searching through paper files or old emails.
These updates raise the standard for basic documentation, but they don’t have to create more work. With the right system, they fold naturally into the daily rhythm of a site.