Ontario Ministry of Labour introduces Suspended Access Equipment (SAE) Initiative
Time Frame: July 2 to September 27, 2019
During a province-wide initiative, the MOL will be conducting focused inspections on SAE equipment.
In January 2017, the province underwent stricter regulatory changes with regard to equipment and training requirements. Now, the MOL wants to determine if these changes are occurring.
The Construction Regulations (O. Reg 213) sections 136.01 to 142.06 were added covering mandatory training requirements for workers who use and inspect SAE as well as enhanced design, operational, technical and engineering requirements for the equipment. In addition, the legislation strengthened inspection, testing and maintenance requirements and added roof plan and site-specific work plans.
During proactive inspections, inspectors will enforce the OHSA based on the facts at the time of the inspection. The inspector may conduct an administrative review and a physical inspection of the workplace. In the event of an immediate threat to worker health and safety a stop work order may be issued.
Inspectors will be looking for Notice of SWPS clearly visible at the worksite. Some of the other items that will be investigated include:
Protection, ie. screen, netting from falling objects from the platform
Written work plan
Fencing for the protection of the public
Written proof of SWPS training for every worker valid within 3 years
Written proof of Working at Heights (WAH) training for every worker valid within 3 years
WAH training will have been provided from a CPO-approved training provider
Selecting, inspecting, donning and using PPE such as harnesses
P.Eng stamped and sealed report confirming the structural integrity of the work platform
Installer inspection report in compliance with the drawings
Records/logs of all inspections, tests, repairs, modifications and maintenance of SWPS
The objective is to ensure employers and contractors maintain compliance with the updated legislation from 2017 to keep workers safe on worksites using SWPS.