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Construction program
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, “construction” includes erection, alteration, repair, dismantling, demolition, structural maintenance, painting, land clearing, earth moving, grading, excavating, trenching, digging, boring, drilling, blasting or concreting, the installation of any machinery or plant and any work or undertaking in connection with a project (excluding any work or undertaking underground in a mine).
Under the Act, a construction “project” includes the construction of a building, bridge, structure, industrial establishment, mining plant, shaft, tunnel, caisson, trench, excavation, highway, railway, street, runway, parking lot, cofferdam, conduit, sewer, water main, service connection, telegraph, telephone or electrical cable, pipe line, duct or well, or any combination of the above. The term also refers to any work, undertaking, lands, equipment or materials used in connection with construction. The moving of a building or structure is also a project.
Construction inspectors enforce overall compliance with the legislation at construction projects across the province. As part of the Safe At Work Ontario strategy, they focus specifically on construction sectors with high injury rates, a history of non-compliance and known workplace hazards.
Construction blitzes
In 2016-17, the Construction Program conducted three blitzes aimed at: reducing fall hazards and electrical hazards, and improving safe operation of mobile cranes and material hoisting.
Fall hazards
From May 16 to July 15, 2016, Ministry of Labour inspectors visited construction projects across Ontario where workers could be at risk of falls. They targeted workplaces where: there was a high frequency of injuries due to falls; complaints have been received and/or previous incidents have occurred; and there was a history of non-compliance.
Special attention was paid to:
- low-rise construction and renovation
- high-rise construction and renovation
- high-rise “forming” (structures into which concrete is poured)
- re-roofing activities at existing homes
| Program activities | Number |
|---|---|
| Field visits | 2,316 |
| Workplaces visited | 1,994 |
| Orders and requirements issued | 5,542 |
| Stop work orders | 465 |
| Orders and requirements per field visit | 2.39 |
| Orders and requirements per workplace visited | 2.78 |
Resources
- Fall Hazards in Construction and Inspectors’ Enforcement Tools (video)
- Prevent Slips, Trips and Falls in all Workplaces
- Prevent Falls on Construction Projects
- Working at Heights Training Program Standard
Mobile cranes and material hoisting
Between August 1 and September 30, 2016, ministry inspectors conducted an enforcement blitz at construction sites across Ontario that focused on hazards involving mobile cranes and related material hoisting. Inspectors checked that employers were taking appropriate action to assess and address these hazards and protect workers’ safety.
Special attention was paid to:
- the suitability of ground conditions and set up of the crane
- proximity to overhead energized power lines
- mobile crane maintenance and other records
- operator training and qualifications
- hoisting practices
| Program activities | Number |
|---|---|
| Field visits | 741 |
| Workplaces visited | 686 |
| Orders and requirements | 1,656 |
| Stop work orders | 118 |
| Orders and requirements per field visit | 2.23 |
| Orders and requirements per workplace visited | 2.41 |
Resources
- Operating Construction Equipment in Reverse
- De-rating of Mobile Cranes
- Mobile Cranes and Material Hoisting
- Safety of Tower Cranes in Construction
- Telescopic Handlers
Electrical hazards
Between November 1 and December 31, 2016, ministry inspectors conducted an enforcement blitz at construction sites across Ontario. They focused on electrical hazards as well as ergonomics-related hazards which could lead to musculoskeletal injuries.
Special attention was paid to:
- the training and qualifications of workers
- procedures in place to de-energize electrical systems at the source
- the use of lockout procedures
- visible signage
- procedures that workers followed when working on or near electrical equipment
- installations and distribution systems
- the safe use of ladders
| Program activities | Number |
|---|---|
| Field visits | 1,108 |
| Workplaces visited | 998 |
| Orders and requirements issued | 2,825 |
| Stop work orders | 2,801 |
| Orders and requirements per field visit | 2.55 |
| Orders and requirements per workplace visited | 2.83 |
Resources
- Electrical Hazards
- Photovoltaic Systems
- IHSA Electrical Construction and Maintenance Workers’ Safety Manual
Provincial construction enforcement initiatives
During 2016-17, provincial compliance and enforcement initiatives in the construction sector focused on raising awareness about the fall protection provisions in the regulation for construction projects and promoting the Internal Responsibility System.
Fall protection
From April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017, the fall protection initiative focused on:
- awareness of the Working at Heights training requirements
- site-specific fall protection training requirements in the regulations for construction projects
- fall protection pre-planning
- the condition, maintenance and inspection of fall protection equipment and devices
- use of prevention cautionary principles
- the availability of project emergency response and rescue plans
Worker safety on sloped roofs initiative (underground economy/roofing)
Workers employed in the roofing industry, particularly those who work in the underground economy, often do not have the training or protection to reduce their risk. In 2016-17, the ministry continued its roofing sector initiative that began in 2015-16. The focus was on new sloped roof and re-roofing activities and included after-hours inspections of roofing projects.
Inspectors checked that:
- adequate fall protection systems were in place and workers were properly trained in the safe use of fall protection components and equipment
- workers were adequately trained in the use and maintenance of equipment such as ladders, scaffolds and work platforms
Resources
- Working at Heights Regulatory Requirements
- Working at Heights Training
- Working at Heights Training Program Standard
Internal Responsibility System
The Internal Responsibility System initiative, which ran from April 1, 2016, to March 31, 2017, focused on:
- the role and responsibilities of senior management, directors and owners of construction firms
- the appointment of competent supervisors
- the role of joint health and safety committees, worker health and safety representatives and worker trades committees
- worker rights and responsibilities
The purpose of the initiative was to raise awareness about the importance of the Internal Responsibility System within the construction sector.
Resources
- Guide to the Internal Responsibility System
- Guide for Health and Safety Committees and Representatives
- Health and Safety Awareness Training for Workers and Supervisors
- Supervisor Awareness and Accountability
- Constructor Guideline: Health and Safety
Regional construction enforcement initiatives
Central East Region
Toilet and wash-up facilities
Construction workers are often at risk from exposure to infectious diseases in their workplaces due to poor sanitary conditions of toilets and wash-up facilities.
In 2016-17, the Central East Region targeted construction projects and workplaces to ensure compliance with requirements and promote hygiene, health and safety.
Inspectors made proactive and reactive visits to a variety of construction projects, paying special attention to the types of toilet and wash-up facilities provided or arranged for workers before work starts at a project as well as access to them. Regional inspectors raised the level of awareness in every workplace they visited.
During this initiative, the most frequently issued orders were to meet requirements related to:
- providing toilets and wash-up facilities
- workers wearing protective headwear at all times when on a project
- workers being adequately protected by a guardrail system
| Program activities | Number |
|---|---|
| Field visits | 524 |
| Workplaces visited | 412 |
| Orders and requirements issued | 1,994 |
| Stop work orders | 197 |
| Orders and requirements per field visit | 3.81 |
| Orders and requirements per workplace visited | 4.84 |
Central West Region
Finishing trades
In Central West Region, to prevent injuries from falls in the finishing trades, inspectors visited construction projects where drywall was being installed to look at the safe use of stilts, ladders and work platforms.
Before the launch of this initiative, Central West inspectors attended an information session and toured the training facility of the Interior Systems Contractors Association of Ontario in Woodbridge.
| Program activities | Number |
|---|---|
| Field visits | 60 |
| Workplaces visited | 57 |
| Orders and requirements issued | 120 |
| Stop work orders | 9 |
| Orders and requirements per field visit | 2.0 |
| Orders and requirements per workplace visited | 2.1 |
Eastern Region
Inspection of wood frame structures
During the 2016 construction peak season of April to September, the Eastern Region Construction Program targeted wood-framed construction projects, including both traditional low-rise residential construction and a growing number of mid-rise wood-framed construction projects. This initiative focused on hazards relating to falls, fire protection and access and egress. The most common orders issued were related to:
- fall protection
- failing to file notice of project
- fire protection
- ladders and ladder use
| Program activities | Number |
|---|---|
| Field visits | 527 |
| Workplaces visited | 434 |
| Orders and requirements issued | 1358 |
| Stop work orders | 98 |
| Orders and requirements per field visit | 2.58 |
| Orders and requirements per workplace visited | 3.13 |
Northern Region
Vehicles, machines, tools, and equipment
Inspectors in the Northern Region identified the need for enforcement related to the use of vehicles, machines, tools and equipment in the construction sector. This initiative aimed to enhance worker safety, promote safer workplace practices and raise awareness of the importance of using equipment according to operating manuals.
Inspectors educated clients about the importance of:
- training/instructing workers on the use of vehicles, machines, tools and equipment
- ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- enhancing the Internal Responsibility System
| Program activities | Number |
|---|---|
| Field visits | 221 |
| Workplaces visited | 194 |
| Orders and requirements issued | 293 |
| Stop work orders | 44 |
| Orders and requirements per field visit | 1.32 |
| Orders and requirements per workplace visited | 1.51 |
Western Region
Electrical awareness campaign (year 2)
In 2016-2017, the Western Region electrical awareness initiative focused on all hazards associated with the dangers of working around or with electrical installations and conductors at construction projects. The main hazard to workers occurs when they have direct contact with electrical equipment or are in high-hazard areas, such as working with electrical installations, conductors and distributions systems.
Over the course of this initiative, inspectors performed inspections with utility companies to ensure policies and procedures were implemented, training had been provided and construction companies were complying with the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Inspectors reviewed project set up, with a particular focus on the following requirements:
- notice of project (if required)
- on-site registration of constructors and employers engaged in construction (form 1000s)
- site-specific emergency procedures
- posting of signs to warn workers of hazards on the project
- guardrails or other safety measures to protect workers against falls or from entering high hazard areas
- limits of approach for tools and equipment that may conduct electricity
- proper worker techniques when inspecting distribution systems
- proper traffic protection plans
- the availability of a worker health and safety representative when the work force consists of five or more workers
- workers trained on tools and equipment they may be using or have to use
- information, instruction and supervision for workers on the task they need to do, including safety talks or tailboard talks
- implementation/availability of procedures required to be in place
To date, inspectors have conducted 25 field visits at 23 workplaces and issued a total of 52 requirements and orders.
This initiative, developed in partnership with the Electrical Safety Association and the Ministry of Labour, includes ongoing stakeholder education and outreach through spring start-up meetings and presentations.
| Program activities | Number |
|---|---|
| Field visits | 25 |
| Workplaces visited | 23 |
| Orders and requirements issued | 52 |
| Stop work orders | 4 |
| Orders and requirements per field visit | 2.08 |
| Orders and requirements per workplace visited | 2.26 |