Overview: Building Safety into Every Project
Construction sites are dynamic, high-risk environments where multiple trades, tools, and timelines intersect. To ensure worker protection and consistent safety practices across the province, Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) includes specific requirements for construction through Ontario Regulation 213/91 – Construction Projects.
This regulation establishes specific legal requirements governing health and safety practices on construction projects in Ontario, from small renovations to major infrastructure builds.
Whether you are a contractor, employer, supervisor, project manager, or subcontractor, understanding the essentials of this regulation is key to maintaining compliance, preventing injuries, and keeping projects on schedule.
Safety begins with understanding the rules.
Have questions about how this regulation applies to your project? Contact T. Harris Environmental Management Inc. →
What Ontario Regulation 213/91 Covers
Ontario Regulation 213/91 applies to construction projects in under the OHSA, including building, altering, repairing, maintaining, or demolishing structures.
The regulation details how employers, constructors, and workers must manage a wide range of on-site safety concerns.
Key Areas of Focus
- Roles and Responsibilities
- Defines the duties of the constructor, employer, supervisor, and worker.
- The constructor typically has overall control of the project and primary responsibility for coordinating health and safety on the project, while each employer remains responsible for protecting their workers.
- Employers must ensure their workers are properly trained and supervised.
- Notice of Project (NOP)
- Certain projects require a Notice of Project to be filed with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) before work begins.
- The NOP must be filed with the Ministry before construction begins on certain projects, including projects where labour and material costs exceed approximately $50,000 or where specific high-hazard activities occur.
- Protective Measures and Equipment
- Employers must provide and maintain appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as hard hats, eye protection, and safety footwear.
- Fall protection systems (such as guardrails, travel restraints, or fall-arrest systems) are required where a worker may be exposed to a fall or where a fall could occur into operating machinery, water or another liquid, hazardous substances, or through an opening in a work surface.
- Construction sites that may involve asbestos, lead, or other hazardous materials must comply with additional regulations (e.g., O.Reg. 278/05 for Asbestos, O.Reg. 490/09 for Designated Substances).
- Appropriate assessment and control measures must be implemented before renovation or demolition work proceeds.
- Equipment and Site Conditions
- Machinery, vehicles, and lifting devices must be operated only by competent workers who have appropriate training and supervision.
- Excavations, scaffolds, and formwork must be constructed and maintained safely.
- Adequate lighting, access routes, and housekeeping are required to maintain safe working conditions.
- Emergency Preparedness
- Employers must develop and communicate emergency procedures and ensure that first aid facilities and trained personnel are available on site.
Why This Regulation Matters
Ontario Regulation 213/91 is designed to prevent serious injuries and fatalities that can occur during construction activities. Compliance also helps companies avoid costly delays, project shutdowns, and liability issues.
Understanding the regulation enables constructors and employers to:
- Meet legal obligations under the OHSA.
- Maintain strong health and safety cultures.
- Build client confidence through demonstrable compliance.
- Reduce the likelihood of Ministry orders, enforcement actions, or project stoppages.
When every trade and contractor understands their responsibilities, the entire job site becomes safer and more efficient.
Simplified Compliance Checklist
|
Area |
Compliance Focus |
Status |
|
Roles & Responsibilities |
Constructor, employer, and worker duties are clearly assigned |
☐ |
|
Notice of Project |
Filed with MLITSD when required |
☐ |
|
Training & Competency |
Workers who may use fall protection systems must complete approved Working at Heights training and receive instruction on the proper use of fall protection equipment.
|
☐ |
|
Fall Protection |
Systems installed wherever risk exceeds 3 m |
☐ |
|
PPE & Site Controls |
PPE provided, inspected, and used correctly |
☐ |
|
Equipment & Machinery |
Regularly maintained and operated by qualified workers |
☐ |
|
Hazardous Materials |
Designated substances identified and managed safely |
☐ |
|
Emergency Planning |
Procedures, first aid, and communication plans in place |
☐ |
Regularly reviewing these areas can help constructors and employers stay ahead of potential safety gaps and maintain full compliance throughout the project lifecycle.
Next Steps for Construction Employers and Site Leaders
Construction regulations can seem complex, but compliance starts with awareness and consistent application. Every employer and constructor should:
- Review the requirements of Ontario Regulation 213/91 relevant to their scope of work.
- Conduct internal safety audits or site inspections to identify areas for improvement.
- Ensure workers and supervisors are trained and understand their responsibilities.
- Address hazards proactively through engineering controls, safe work practices, and supervision.
- Document and communicate safety programs clearly across all trades on site.
By embedding these practices into everyday site operations, construction teams not only meet legal requirements but also create safer, more efficient projects for everyone involved.
For questions or guidance on how this regulation applies to your project:
Contact T. Harris Environmental Management Inc. →