Hard hats must meet side-impact standards and section 22 rules tightened; several elevating work platform sections to be revoked

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

Two sets of future changes have been added to Ontario's construction regulation. First, hard-hat requirements are being upgraded: workers who may be exposed to side-impact hazards will need headwear that meets the Type 2 (CSA Z94.1) or Type II (ANSI Z89.1) standard; all other workers will still need headwear meeting those same standards (but without the side-impact-specific Type 2 requirement). A new rule also requires a chin strap or other retention system whenever site conditions could cause a hard hat to dislodge. Second, the current rules for elevating work platforms covering design, maintenance records, inspection tags, operator training, operating limits, and operator manuals (sections 143–149) are all being revoked, which likely signals replacement by a different regulatory framework. Construction employers and safety officers should assess their current hard hat inventory against the upcoming Type 2/Type II requirements and monitor for any replacement rules on elevating work platforms.

Who this affects: construction employers and site supervisors · workers required to wear hard hats on construction projects · owners and operators of elevating work platforms · construction safety officers and compliance managers