On July 14, 2021, the Ministry of Labor, Education and Skills Development (“MLTSD”) launched a public consultation. The aim of the consultation process is to update and clarify existing legal requirements for the operation of tower cranes in the state.
The advice focuses on the requirements for tower cranes according to the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The ordinances examined include in particular the building project ordinance, O. Reg. 213/91 and O. Reg.-Nr. 420/21: Notices and reports under sections 51 to 53.1 of the Act – deaths, serious injuries, occupational diseases and other incidents.
The regulation proposal contains a consultation paper published by the MLTSD, which outlines 20 recommendations with six target areas, in particular:
- Introduction of new reporting requirements with regard to the use of tower cranes;
- Clarification of design, installation, maintenance and inspection requirements;
- Reference to the Professional Engineers of Ontario standard of practice for reviewing tower cranes and clarifying the roles and responsibilities of professional engineers in the design, assembly and inspection phases;
- Reference to national and international design and operating standards;
- Update and introduction of new training requirements for tower crane operators; and
- Introduction of new requirements for self-erecting tower cranes.
The proposed regulatory changes would apply to all construction projects to which the Construction Project Ordinance, O. Reg. 213/91 applies and where tower cranes may be used.
The MLTSD is asking for 60 days for feedback on this regulatory proposal. The deadline for submitting feedback is September 13, 2021. For more information on submitting feedback, click here.
