New crane regulations introduced under OHSA

TORONTO — The Ontario government has announced new regulations governing cranes used at construction sites, which became effective Jan. 1.

Two regulations have been amended under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.

“These amendments are intended to improve regulatory requirements for cranes used at construction sites to ensure the equipment is installed, used, inspected and maintained in a way that better protects site workers and the public,” stated a release.

Amendments include clarifying and adding new design, installation, inspection, maintenance and record-keeping requirements; requiring more comprehensive inspections of tower cranes; and introducing new, and updating existing, references to relevant national standards relating to the design and operation of tower cranes.

The regulations are also intended to address advances in technology, including adding and amending requirements that take into account specific operational needs for self-erecting tower cranes; and clarify requirements for cables, slings and rigging that apply to all cranes and cover hoisting operations by other equipment.