New regulation sets design, maintenance, training and record-keeping rules for all elevating work platforms on Ontario construction projects

Plain-language summary · AI-assisted · not legal advice

Ontario has introduced a standalone regulation governing elevating work platforms (EWPs) — including mobile elevating work platforms (MEWPs), mast climbing work platforms and vehicle-mounted aerial devices — on all construction projects. Every EWP must be engineer-designed and certified to the applicable CSA standard, equipped with guardrails and rated-load signage, and inspected daily before use. Owners must keep permanent maintenance and inspection records dating back to the original purchase date or May 1991, whichever is later, and attach an up-to-date inspection tag near the operator's station. Employers must ensure MEWP operators complete a formal theory-and-practical training program valid for five years, with make-and-model familiarization required when training was not specific to the equipment in use; training records must be kept and provided to workers or inspectors on request. Workers operating other types of EWPs must receive oral and written instruction, including a hands-on demonstration, before first use.

Who this affects: construction project employers · elevating work platform owners · workers who operate MEWPs or other elevating work platforms · MEWP training providers · engineers certifying EWP compliance