Disclaimer: This resource has been prepared to help the workplace parties understand some of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and regulations. It is not legal advice. It is not intended to replace the OHSA or the regulations. For further information please see full disclaimer.
Workers are at risk of injuries, or even death, if hazards exist when operating, maintaining, or working around heavy equipment at construction projects.
Incidents can be prevented by ensuring heavy equipment is:
Employers are responsible for protecting workers from hazards involving operation of vehicles and mobile construction equipment at construction projects.
Hazards include workers being:
Between January 1 and August 31, 2015, nine workers were killed in incidents at construction sites. Seven of those fatalities involved heavy equipment.
In two cases a mast climber collapsed. In another two cases, tip overs occurred – one involving a crane and the other a power-elevated work platform. Another fatality occurred during installation of heavy machinery. In yet another fatality, a dump truck lost control. In August, a worker was crushed between the guardrails of the power elevated work platform he was using and structural steel.
In 2014, six workers were killed by moving vehicles or equipment, two of whom were signalmen who were killed in separate incidents by vehicles they were directing.
Constructors, employers, supervisors and workers have a number of duties and responsibilities under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and Regulations for Construction Projects.
Constructors’ duties and responsibilities include:
Employers’ duties and responsibilities include:
Supervisors’ duties and responsibilities include:
Workers’ duties include:
Employers, supervisors and trainers should encourage workers to communicate any questions or concerns they may have about equipment hazards. Supervisors or others involved in training workers should be familiar with any health and safety concerns affecting the workers.
Call 1-877-202-0008 any time to report critical injuries, fatalities or work refusals. Call 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday for general questions about workplace health and safety. Always call 911 in an emergency.
Disclaimer: This web resource has been prepared to assist the workplace parties in understanding some of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the regulations. It is not intended to replace the OHSA or the regulations and reference should always be made to the official version of the legislation.
It is the responsibility of the workplace parties to ensure compliance with the legislation. This web resource does not constitute legal advice. If you require assistance with respect to the interpretation of the legislation and its potential application in specific circumstances, please contact your legal counsel.
While this web resource will also be available to Ministry of Labour inspectors, they will apply and enforce the OHSA and its regulations based on the facts as they may find them in the workplace. This web resource does not affect their enforcement discretion in any way.
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