The Ministry of Labour is proposing to clarify existing requirements for temporary stairs in the regulation for Construction Projects O.Reg. 213/91.

On residential construction sites, temporary stairs are often put in place to facilitate access and egress to parts of a construction project before permanent stairs can be built. When these stairs are not installed, improperly installed or poorly designed, it can pose a serious hazard.

This proposal would amend current temporary stairs provisions by:

• Clarifying where temporary stairs should start and end (i.e. requiring temporary stairs in underground levels).
• Identifying specific situations where the installation of temporary stairs may not be possible.
• Revising width dimensions to accommodate for movement of large equipment.

For more information please visit the Government of Ontario website:
https://www.ontariocanada.com/registry/view.do?postingId=28866&language=en

The ministry is currently seeking industry feedback on these proposed changes.