When working at heights, elevating work platforms can be a safer alternative than working from a ladder or scaffolding, if the equipment is used properly.

Because of their ready availability through rental or lease arrangements, elevating work platforms have become more accessible and widely used. Workers must receive training on how to use this equipment properly and safely as improper operation of this equipment can result in serious injury or death.

Hazards associated with using elevating work platforms can be avoided when the equipment is: Used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions; used within design specifications and maximum rated capacity; regularly inspected and tested; and, properly maintained and stored.

Before operating the equipment, proper work planning should be carried out to identify potential safety risks, such as manholes or utility covers, uneven or unstable ground, overhead obstructions and electrical conductors.  The operator must also be aware of persons below or in the immediate vicinity of the equipment when operating it.

All workplace parties, e.g., employers, supervisors and workers, share responsibility for ensuring compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and its regulations.

Obligations under the OHSA and Construction Projects Regulation related to elevating work platforms include, but are not limited to, the following:

    – The elevating work platform  must be designed, manufactured and tested in accordance with the applicable standard of the National Standards of Canada prescribed in section 144,
    – The elevating work platform:

 

•         must not be loaded in excess of its rated working load
•         must be used on a firm and level surface
•         must be operated only in accordance with the written instructions of the manufacturer
•         must not be loaded and used in such a manner as to affect its stability or endanger a worker
•         cannot be moved unless all workers on it are protected against falling by a safety belt attached to the platform; and
•         must be equipped with guardrails.

    – A worker who operates an elevating work platform must be given oral and written instruction on the operation and be trained to operate the class of equipment before using it for the first time.
    – The equipment must be maintained in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations.

For more information on obligations under the OHSA and the Construction Projects Regulation, health and safety considerations and best practices for working with elevating work platforms, please visit the Ministry of Labour webpage.

Additional information is also available from Infrastructure Health & Safety Association.

To report unsafe work practices, please contact the Ministry of Labour Health & Safety Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-202-0008.