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Create a safety manual for Ontario legislation

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Construction Safety and Ontario Regulations ===========================================

Date: 2025-09-22

Duration: \[DURATION] minutes

Presenter: \[PRESENTER NAME]

Location: \[LOCATION]

Objective

To provide an overview of key safety requirements and regulations for construction projects in Ontario, ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its associated regulations.

Introduction

This toolbox talk covers essential aspects of construction safety in Ontario, focusing on legal requirements and best practices to protect workers and prevent incidents. It is based on the O. Reg. 213/91 Construction Projects Regulation.

Key Points

  • Constructor Responsibilities: The constructor is responsible for overall project safety, including registering the project, posting required notices, and establishing emergency procedures. They must also appoint competent supervisors and ensure all workers have access to communication systems for emergencies. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 13 outlines posting requirements. [4]
  • Worker Training and Competency: Workers must be adequately trained and instructed on the equipment they use and the hazards they may face. Training records must be maintained and available for inspection. Competent workers are essential for safe operations, and they must be qualified by knowledge, training, and experience. O. Reg. 213/91 defines a competent worker in S. 1(1\). [3]
  • Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Workers must wear appropriate PPE, including protective headwear and footwear, at all times on a construction project. Employers are responsible for ensuring PPE is suitable, properly fitted, and that workers are trained in its use. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 21(1\) states that A worker shall wear such protective clothing and use such personal protective equipment or devices as are necessary to protect the worker against the hazards to which the worker may be exposed. [5]
  • Fall Protection: Fall protection is critical when working at heights. Guardrail systems, travel restraint systems, fall restricting systems, and fall arrest systems must be used where workers may be exposed to falls of 3 meters or more, or 1\.2 meters or more if the area is used for wheelbarrows or similar equipment. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 26 outlines scenarios where fall protection is needed. [5]
  • Elevating Work Platforms: Workers who operate elevating work platforms must be properly trained. The elevating work platform should be inspected each day before use, in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions by a trained worker. The owner of an elevating work platform shall maintain it such that the safety factors of the original design are maintained. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 147(1\) outlines elevating work platform training. [1]
  • Cranes and Hoisting: Crane operators must be certified or trained, and cranes must be inspected and maintained according to regulations and manufacturer's specifications. Load limits must be strictly adhered to, and safety devices must be in good working order. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 150(1\) outlines requirements for crane operators. [2]
  • Hygiene and Sanitation: Constructors must provide adequate and accessible hygiene facilities for workers, including toilets and washing facilities. These facilities must be maintained in a clean and sanitary condition. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 29 outlines requirements for hygiene facilities.

Hazard Identification

  • Falls from heights: Serious injury or death
  • Struck by falling objects: Head injury, fractures, or death
  • Electrocution: Burns, cardiac arrest, or death
  • Equipment malfunction: Injury due to unexpected movement or collapse
  • Exposure to hazardous substances: Skin irritation, respiratory problems, or long-term health issues

Control Measures

  • Use fall protection equipment: Ensure proper use of harnesses, lanyards, and guardrails when working at heights. Inspect equipment before each use.
  • Wear hard hats and safety footwear: Always wear appropriate head and foot protection to prevent injuries from falling objects or punctures.
  • Lockout/Tagout procedures: Follow proper lockout/tagout procedures before servicing or repairing equipment to prevent accidental start-up.
  • Hazardous substance control: Use proper ventilation, PPE, and handling procedures when working with hazardous substances. Ensure proper storage and disposal.
  • Regular equipment inspections: Conduct routine inspections of all equipment to identify and correct any defects or maintenance needs.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) Requirements

  • Hard Hats: Must be worn at all times on the project to protect against head injuries from falling or flying objects. Ensure the hard hat fits properly and is in good condition.
  • Safety Glasses: Required when there is a risk of eye injury from dust, debris, or chemical splashes. Choose appropriate eye protection based on the specific hazard.
  • Safety Boots: Must be worn at all times to protect feet from punctures, impacts, and crushing injuries. Ensure boots have adequate ankle support and slip-resistant soles.
  • Gloves: Wear appropriate gloves to protect hands from cuts, abrasions, chemical exposure, and extreme temperatures. Select gloves based on the specific task and hazards involved.

Emergency Procedures

  1. In case of injury, immediately administer first aid and seek medical attention if necessary.
  2. In the event of a fire, activate the fire alarm, evacuate the area, and call the fire department.
  3. For spills of hazardous materials, contain the spill, follow the SDS guidelines, and notify the supervisor.

Questions and Answers

Now, let's open the floor for questions and ensure everyone understands these key safety points.

  • Q: What should I do if I see a potential hazard on the job site?

A: Report it immediately to your supervisor or the health and safety representative.

  • Q: Where can I find the SDS for a chemical I'm using?

A: The SDS should be readily available on site, often in a designated location or through a digital database. Ask your supervisor if you are unsure.

Summary

Recap of main points:

  • Always prioritize safety and follow established procedures.
  • Use the correct PPE for the task at hand and ensure it is in good condition.
  • Report any hazards or unsafe conditions immediately.
  • Participate actively in safety training and toolbox talks.

Report all hazards, near-misses, and incidents to your supervisor immediately.

Safety powered by SALUS

5 source record(s)

Sources used for this answer

[1] Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91)

Page 53

Open source document

Source excerpt

# ONTARIO REGULATION 213/91 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (cont.) ## CRANES, HOISTING AND RIGGING (cont.) "CSA Standard Z150.3-17" means CSA Standard Z150.3-17, Safety Code on Articulating Boom Cranes. ("norme CSA Z150.3-17") O. Reg. 241/23, S. 5. 150. (1) Subject to subsection (2), no worker shall operate a crane or similar hoisting device unless the worker holds a certificate of qualification or a provisional certificate of qualification issued under the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021, that is not suspended, or the worker is an apprentice and is working pursuant to a training agreement registered under that Act, that is not suspended, in the trade of, (a) hoisting engineer - mobile crane operator 1, if the worker is operating a mobile crane or similar hoisting device capable of raising, lowering or moving any material that weighs more than 30,000 pounds; (b) hoisting engineer - mobile crane operator 1 or hoisting engineer - mobile crane operator 2, if the worker is operating a mobile crane or similar hoisting device capable of raising, lowering or moving only material that weighs more than 16,000 pounds but no more than 30,000 pounds; or (c) hoisting engineer - tower crane operator, if the worker is operating a tower crane. O. Reg. 88/13, S. 1; O. Reg. 885/21, S. 1; O. Reg. 241/23, S. 6 (1). (1.1) REVOKED: O. Reg. 241/23, S. 6 (2). (2) No worker shall operate a crane or other hoisting device, other than one described in subsection (1), unless, (a) the worker is trained in the safe operation of the crane or other hoisting device; or (b) the worker is being instructed in the operation of the crane or other hoisting device and is accompanied by a person who meets the requirements of clause (a). O. Reg. 241/23, S. 6 (3). (3) A worker shall carry the worker's written proof of training while operating a crane or other hoisting device. O. Reg. 241/23, S. 6 (3). 151. (1) No crane or similar hoisting device shall be subjected to a load greate…

[2] Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91)

Page 3

Open source document

Source excerpt

# ONTARIO REGULATION 213/91 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (cont.) ## INTERPRETATION AND APPLICATION (cont.) "cofferdam" means a structure constructed entirely or partially below water level or below the level of the groundwater table and intended to provide a work place that is free of water; ("batardeau") "competent worker", in relation to specific work, means a worker who, (a) is qualified because of knowledge, training and experience to perform the work, (b) is familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and with the provisions of the regulations that apply to the work, and (c) has knowledge of all potential or actual danger to health or safety in the work; ("travailleur compétent") "conduit" means a sewer, a water main, a duct or cable for a telegraphic, telephonic, television or electrical service, a pipe or duct for the transportation of any solid, liquid or gas or any combination of these items and includes a service connection made or intended to be made thereto; ("canalisation") "crash truck" means a blocker truck that is equipped with a crash-attenuating device; ("camion d'intervention") "critical weld" means, in relation to a suspended work platform, a weld the failure of which could result in the complete or partial collapse of the suspended work platform; ("soudure essentielle") "excavation" means the hole that is left in the ground, as a result of removing material; ("excavation") "excavation depth" means the vertical dimension from the highest point of the excavation wall to a point level with the lowest point of the excavation; ("profondeur d'excavation") "excavation width" means the least horizontal dimension between the two opposite walls of the excavation; ("largeur d'excavation") "fall arrest system" means an assembly of components joined together SO that when the assembly is connected to a fixed support, it is capable of arresting a worker's fall; ("dispositif antichute") "fall restricting system" means a type of fall arrest s…

[3] Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91)

Page 7

Open source document

Source excerpt

# ONTARIO REGULATION 213/91 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (cont.) ## REGISTRATION AND NOTICES (cont.) "automobile" includes a van or truck with a gross vehicle weight rating of 14,000 pounds (6,350 kilograms) or less. O. Reg. 190/19, S. 1 (2). a 7. If section 6 does not apply to a project but the project includes work on a trench more than 1.2 metres deep into which worker may enter, the constructor shall, before any work at the project is begun, give notice in person, by telephone or by fax to the Ministry office located nearest to the project. O. Reg. 145/00, S. 5. - 7.1 (1) This section applies with respect to a project at which a suspended work platform system is to be used. O. Reg. 242/16, S. 4. (2) At least 48 hours before a suspended work platform system is used for the first time at a project, the constructor shall complete an approved notification form and provide it to the Ministry by faxing it or delivering it in person to the Ministry office located nearest to the project or submitting it electronically on a website of the government of Ontario. O. Reg. 242/16, S. 4. (3) Despite subsection (2), the constructor may put a suspended work platform system into use before providing the approved notification form if the following conditions are met: 1. It is necessary to use the suspended work platform system immediately to prevent injury to people or damage to property. 2. Before using the suspended work platform system, the constructor gives an inspector at the Ministry office located nearest to the project oral notice, by telephone or in person, that the system will be used. O. Reg. 242/16, S. 4. (4) If a constructor uses a suspended work platform system under subsection (3), the constructor shall, within 24 hours of beginning to use the suspended work platform system, provide a completed approved notification form to the Ministry in a manner described in subsection (2). O. Reg. 242/16, S. 4. (5) The constructor shall keep a copy of the completed notif…

[4] Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91)

Page 8

Open source document

Source excerpt

# ONTARIO REGULATION 213/91 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (cont.) ## GENERAL REQUIREMENTS (cont.) 17. (1) A constructor shall establish for a project written procedures to be followed in the event of an emergency and shall ensure that the procedures are followed at the project. O. Reg. 145/00, S. 11. (2) The constructor shall review the emergency procedures with the joint health and safety committee or the health and safety representative for the project, if any. O. Reg. 145/00, S. 11. (3) The constructor shall ensure that the emergency procedures are posted in a conspicuous place at the project. O. Reg. 145/00, S. 11. 18. The constructor shall ensure that every worker at the project has ready access to a telephone, two-way radio or other system of two-way communication in the event of an emergency. O. Reg. 145/00, S. 11. 19. If, under this Regulation, a record is required to be kept available for inspection at a project, the constructor or employer, as the case may be, shall keep the record for at least one year after the project is finished. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 19. ## PART II GENERAL CONSTRUCTION ## APPLICATION 20. This Part applies with respect to all projects. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 20. ## PROTECTIVE CLOTHING, EQUIPMENT AND DEVICES 21. (1) A worker shall wear such protective clothing and use such personal protective equipment or devices as are necessary to protect the worker against the hazards to which the worker may be exposed. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 21 (1). (2) A worker's employer shall require the worker to comply with subsection (1). O. Reg. 213/91, S. 21 (2). (3) A worker required to wear protective clothing or use personal protective equipment or devices shall be adequately instructed and trained in the care and use of the clothing, equipment or device before wearing or using it. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 21 (3). (4) Personal protective clothing and equipment that is provided, worn or used shall be a proper fit, having regard to all relevant factors including bod…

[5] Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91)

Page 52

Open source document

Source excerpt

# ONTARIO REGULATION 213/91 CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS (cont.) ## ELEVATING WORK PLATFORMS (cont.) 145. (1) The owner of an elevating work platform shall maintain it such that the safety factors of the original design are maintained. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 145 (1). (2) The owner of an elevating work platform shall keep a permanent record of all inspections, tests, repairs, modifications and maintenance performed on it. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 145 (2). (3) The permanent record required by subsection (2), (a) shall be kept up-to-date; (b) shall include complete records from the more recent of, (i) the date of purchase, or (ii) May 10, 1991; and (c) shall include the signature and name of the person who performed the inspection, test, repair, modification or maintenance. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 145 (3); O. Reg. 142/17, S. 20. 146. A maintenance and inspection record tag, (a) shall be provided and attached to the elevating work platform near the operator's station; and (b) shall include, (i) the date of the last maintenance and inspection, (ii) the signature and name of the person who performed the maintenance and inspection, and (iii) an indication that the maintenance has been carried out in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations O. Reg. 213/91, S. 146. 147. (1) A worker who operates an elevating work platform shall, before using it for the first time, be given oral and written instruction on the operation and be trained to operate that class of elevating work platform. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 147 (1). (2) The instruction and training required by subsection (1) shall include, (a) the manufacturer's instruction; (b) instruction in the load limitations; (c) instruction in and a hands-on demonstration of the proper use of all controls; and (d) instruction in the limitations on the kinds of surfaces on which it is designed to be used. O. Reg. 213/91, S. 147 (2). 148. (1) An elevating work platform, (a) shall not be loaded in excess of…

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