Ontario Workplace Safety Regulations and Guidelines

Ontario's workplace safety regulations and guidelines are established to protect the health and safety of workers across various industries. These regulations are primarily governed by the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its associated regulations, which set out the duties and responsibilities of employers, constructors, supervisors, and workers. These standards aim to create a safe working environment, prevent workplace injuries and illnesses, and ensure compliance with legal requirements.

Key Regulatory Requirements

Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) is the cornerstone of workplace safety in Ontario. It establishes the legal framework for occupational health and safety and outlines the rights and responsibilities of all workplace parties.

Key aspects of the OHSA include:

• Duties of Employers: Employers must take every precaution reasonable to protect workers, maintain a safe workplace, provide adequate training and supervision, and ensure compliance with the Act and its regulations.
• Rights of Workers: Workers have the right to know about workplace hazards, the right to participate in health and safety activities, and the right to refuse unsafe work.
• Internal Responsibility System (IRS): The IRS emphasizes that everyone in the workplace has a role to play in health and safety. It promotes cooperation and communication between employers, supervisors, and workers to identify and control hazards.
• Enforcement: The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) enforces the OHSA through inspections, orders, and prosecutions.

Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91)

Ontario Regulation 213/91, also known as the Construction Projects Regulation, specifically addresses the unique hazards and safety requirements of construction projects. This regulation supplements the OHSA and provides detailed rules for various aspects of construction safety.

Key provisions of the Construction Projects Regulation include:

• Registration and Notices: Constructors and employers must complete an approved registration form before beginning work at a project. In certain cases, constructors must also file a notification form with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) before starting a project, especially if the project exceeds certain cost thresholds or involves specific types of work (e.g., work in compressed air, tunnels, or trenches).
• General Requirements: Constructors are required to post notices with their name, address, phone number, and the address and phone number of the nearest MLITSD office at the project site. They must also appoint a supervisor for every project with five or more workers and establish written emergency procedures.
• Protective Clothing, Equipment, and Devices: Workers must wear appropriate protective clothing and use personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against hazards. This includes protective headwear and footwear at all times on a project. Specific requirements are outlined for fall protection, including guardrail systems, travel restraint systems, fall restricting systems, and fall arrest systems, depending on the potential fall distance and work conditions.
• Excavations: The regulation includes detailed requirements for excavation safety, including the classification of soil types, the use of support systems, and precautions concerning underground services. These provisions aim to prevent cave-ins and protect workers entering trenches or excavations.
• Traffic Control: If workers may be endangered by vehicular traffic, the regulation mandates the use of barriers, barricades, delineators, and other traffic control devices. A written traffic protection plan must be developed and implemented, specifying hazards and protective measures.
• Access and Egress: Safe access to and egress from work areas located above or below ground level must be provided using stairs, runways, ramps, or ladders. Adequate means of evacuation must be available in case of an emergency, and work areas must be maintained in a condition that does not endanger workers.
• Fire Safety: Fire safety measures include the provision of fire extinguishers, restrictions on smoking and open flames, and the installation of temporary standpipes in buildings under construction. Flammable liquids must be handled and stored safely.
• Electrical Hazards: The regulation addresses electrical safety, including requirements for grounding, lockout/tagout procedures, and minimum approach distances from overhead power lines. Only qualified persons are permitted to work on electrical equipment.

General Safety Requirements

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Workers must use appropriate protective clothing and personal protective equipment (PPE) to protect against hazards. This includes protective headwear and footwear at all times on a project. Specific requirements are outlined for fall protection, including guardrail systems, travel restraint systems, fall restricting systems, and fall arrest systems, depending on the potential fall distance and work conditions. [2]

Fall Protection

Fall protection is a critical aspect of construction safety. Sections 26.1 to 26.9 of the Construction Projects Regulation outline specific requirements for fall protection systems and equipment. These regulations apply where a worker may be exposed to hazards such as falling more than 3 meters, falling into operating machinery, or falling through an opening on a work surface.

Hierarchy of Fall Protection Methods:

1. Guardrail system
2. Travel restraint system
3. Fall restricting system
4. Fall arrest system
5. Safety net

Traffic Control and Public Safety

If workers may be endangered by vehicular traffic, the regulation mandates the use of barriers, barricades, delineators, and other traffic control devices. A written traffic protection plan must be developed and implemented, specifying hazards and protective measures. [4]

Emergency Preparedness

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. 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. The constructor shall ensure that the emergency procedures are posted in a conspicuous place at the project. [2] [2] [2]

Regular Inspections

A supervisor or a competent person appointed by the supervisor shall inspect all machinery and equipment, including fire extinguishing equipment, magazines, electrical installations, communication systems, sanitation and medical facilities, buildings and other structures, temporary supports and means of access and egress at the project to ensure that they do not endanger any worker. An inspection shall be made at least once a week or more frequently as the supervisor determines is necessary in order to ensure that the machinery and equipment referred to in subsection (3) do not endanger any worker. [3] [3]

Importance of Competent Workers

A 'competent worker' is defined as someone who is qualified due to knowledge, training, and experience to perform the work, is familiar with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations, and has knowledge of potential dangers to health or safety in the work. Ensuring that workers are competent is a fundamental requirement for maintaining a safe workplace. [1]

Staying Updated

It is critical for employers and workers to stay informed about the most current regulations, guidelines, and best practices. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) provides resources, training programs, and updates to help workplaces comply with safety standards. Regular reviews of safety policies and procedures, along with ongoing training, are essential for maintaining a safe and healthy work environment.

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