STILTS ARE NOW ALLOWED IN CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS
Ontario is improving efficiency and competitiveness in the construction industry by allowing the limited use of stilts while ensuring that workers are protected from injury.
The province is amending the Construction Regulation under the
Occupational Health and Safety Act to allow stilts to be used in residential construction beginning January 1, 2010. Stilts will be permitted for use by workers installing insulation and vapour barriers and finishing drywall. Workers may use stilts only after they have completed special training and only with specific safety measures in place.
Other amendments to the Construction Regulation under the Occupational Health and Safety Act provide stakeholders with more flexibility regarding wooden guardrail systems while maintaining fall protection for workers.
Stilts are now permitted:
- only in residential construction and only for drywall finishing, and insulation and vapour barrier installation
- up to a maximum stilts height of 76 cm (about 30 inches)
- on level and rigid work surfaces where all openings and open sides are adequately covered or guarded, and debris and/or obstructions have been removed, guarded, placed or secured so they do not pose tripping/slipping hazards to stilts users
- in areas where guardrails are extended to accommodate the height of the stilts being used to provide adequate fall protection to stilts users
- provided that workers have completed an approved training program and carry documentation of this, and
- provided that the stilts are in good condition and inspected each day before use
