File a work notice
Learn about filing a work notice for construction and window cleaning work or a diving operation, and how this helps protect the health and safety of workers.
Types of work notices
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development must be notified before work begins on most construction projects and before certain work involving either trenching, diving, window-cleaning, tunnelling or asbestos-removal (certain asbestos operations also require a work report to be filed). In some cases, a copy of the notice must also be posted at the worksite.
Notice of project
Constructors are required to notify the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development before construction begins on any project meeting any of the requirements listed in section 6 of the Regulation for Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91).
For example, a notice of project is required if the total cost of labour and materials for the project is expected to exceed either:
- $50,000
- in the case of a project that is confined to a factory that manufactures or assembles automobiles, $250,000
For a complete list of conditions that require a notice of project, read section 6 of the Regulation for Construction Projects. (O. Reg. 213/91).
Alternatively, you may order a paper version of this form online from Publications Ontario (catalogue number 027007) and send it to your local occupational health and safety regional office. You can submit a completed form by fax, but the original signed paper form must still be sent to the local office.
A signed copy of the completed form, whether done online or on the paper form, must be posted in a conspicuous place at the project or be available at the project for review by an inspector.
Registration of constructors and employers engaged in construction (Form 1000)
Before beginning work at a project every constructor and employer engaged in construction must complete an approved registration form (Form 1000). This requirement is set out in section 5 of the Regulation for Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91).
This form does not have to be submitted to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, but it must be at the project while the employer is working there.
The form is available in the following formats:
Notice of asbestos-removal work
If you’re an employer or constructor (the person in charge for health and safety on a project), you must notify the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development before starting a Type 3 asbestos removal operation and certain Type 2 asbestos removal operations.
Asbestos work report
If you employ workers in Type 2 or Type 3 asbestos operations, you must complete a report for each worker. This must be done at least once in each 12-month period and immediately on the termination of the worker’s employment.
Submit the reports to the Provincial Physician at the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development.
Give a copy to the worker and keep one for your records.
Notice of trench work
Constructors must notify the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development before beginning work at a construction project if the project includes work on a trench more than 1.2 metres deep into which a worker may enter.
Notice of diving operation
If you employ divers, you must notify the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development 24 hours before the start of the diving operation.
The completed notice must be kept at the dive location for inspection.
Notice of window-cleaning work
Employers, contractors or sub-contractors must notify the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development before starting window cleaning work at a building involving use of a suspended scaffold, boatswain’s chair or similar single-point equipment
Notice for tunnels, shafts, caissons and cofferdams
Employers must notify the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development before starting construction work on a tunnel, shaft, caisson or cofferdam. A copy of the notice must be kept on the worksite for inspection.
Employers may also attach specifications, drawings and details of permanent and temporary ground support to the notice.
Notice of use of a suspended work platform system
If you’re the constructor on a construction project, you must notify the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development at least 48 hours before a suspended work platform system is used for the first time.
A copy of the completed notice must be kept clearly visible at the worksite for inspection.
The paper version of this form (catalogue number 025632) is available from Publications Ontario.
Request for designation of separate projects
A project owner (or the owner’s agent) can apply to the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development to have a single project split into two or more different projects. If approved, each project must be clearly separated by time or location and will have its own constructor who is responsible for onsite workers’ health and safety. The project owner (or the owner’s agent) must make this request.