b'MINISTRY ALERTONTARIO MINISTRY OF LABOUR, IMMIGRATION, TRAINING AND SKILLS DEVELOPMENT ALERT:Elevating work platform crushing hazardHAZARD SUMMARY All workplace parties are to assess risks of trapping and crushing Recent incidents investigated by the Ontario Ministry of Labour,hazards regarding elevating work platforms at their workplace Training and Skills Development involved workers on an elevatingprior to operating the equipment. The key to preventing trapping work platform being trapped or crushed between the workor crushing accidents must be task, equipment and site-specific platform or basket and an obstruction like the ceiling or a beam.riskassessment.Some incidents occurred as a result of workers not being awareRisk assessment should include factors such as travelling to and of their proximity to these hazards or control functions beingfrom the work area, accessing the work, lighting conditions and inadvertently actuated by the workers body while near the hazard. working at heights.This resource does not replace the Occupational Health and SafetyElevating work platforms shall be maintained to ensure that the Act (OHSA) and its regulations and should not be used as orsafety factors of the original design are functional, including all considered legal advice. Health and safety inspectors apply the lawcontrols and safety decals.based on the facts in the workplace.Elevating work platform operators are to be trained and LOCATION AND SECTORS familiar with specific equipment and follow the manufacturers Workers accessing heights using an elevating work platform atoperatinginstructions.workplaces throughout Ontario.REQUIRED ACTIONREGULATORY REQUIREMENTAll workplace parties are to assess risks of trapping orSections 17, 93 and 143-148 of the Regulation forcrushinghazards.Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91). Employers and supervisors must take the lead in identifying Section 51 of the Regulation for Industrial Establishmentstrapping or crushing risks in the work activities they control. (Regulation 851). Where trapping or crushing risks are present, extra care is needed, and all involved must understand what action is Sections 44 and 94 of the Health Care and Residentialrequired to avoid or reduce the risks involved.Facilities (O. Reg. 67/93). Emergency controls must be located and tested. IDENTIFIED HAZARD Ensure that effective rescue procedures have been establishedWorkers are at risk of being trapped or crushed when operatingshould a worker become trapped or crushed.elevating work platforms. These incidents have involved the Ensure equipment is maintained as per the operator or other worker being trapped or crushed against fixtures or other obstacles while accessing their work area, or whilemanufacturersinstructions.working at heights. Workers have been injured or killed afterEnsure controls and safety devices are operating properly and being trapped or crushed between the railings or control box and obstructions. The incidents could have been prevented by correctcontrol decals are legible.planning, preparation and selection of appropriate machinery andParticular attention should be given to lighting levelsproper use. additional task lighting or personal lighting may benecessary.10THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE SCAFFOLD INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION OF CANADA'