Those working on or with elevators in the territory will be subject to clearer rules after a workplace incident earlier this year saw a worker suffer injuries from a fall.

The Department of Community Services verified Monday that it had issued a policy change as of early last month that laid out more clearly some of the competency requirements for those hired to install or maintain elevators and fixed conveyances.

To determine the acceptable levels of necessary training for those hired, the policy shows that the department’s building safety and standards branch set out criteria to act as a guide in its decisions.

Among those are: the workers provide proof of completion of training as issued by either the International Union of Elevator Constructers (CEIEP) or the National Association of Elevator Contractors (CET).

The contractor can also be licensed or registered as an elevator or lift mechanic in another area within the country where such registration or licences call on its workers to have certification and training in the field.

It continued, clarifying that the work being done should fall within the scope of the person’s certifications or is directly supervised by a certified mechanic or technician.

Other certification and qualification as provided by the contractor or applicant that falls within the scope of the work that is being done should be deemed acceptable by the chief inspector, it adds.

Department spokesperson Breagha Fraser confirmed the change Monday, saying it will ultimately help in providing a safer workplace for those involved.

Elevator safety regulations were referenced in the legislature around late October. The NDP’s Kate White noted a workplace accident earlier this year had resulted in injuries.

She explained that what seems like “vague wording” of the regulation simply requires that contractors be capable of doing the work, but there seems to be little obligation for them to be certified or have specific training.

Community Services Minister John Streicker noted then that some of the rules around elevators were linked to federal regulations.

Then Jeanie Dendys, the minister responsible for the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board, addressed the matter. She confirmed that the Oct. 24 incident in Whitehorse saw a worker suffer injuries in a fall and be transported to the hospital.

That occupational health and safety investigation is ongoing, she added, noting that workplace safety was “absolutely paramount” for the government.

“Every worker in every Yukon workplace has the right to return home each day in full health,” Dendys said.

The board’s officers work to support this by writing orders to enforce compliance, among other things.

White explained that incident highlighted the need to review the rules around elevators, as the “current void” can put workers at risk and there is a need to act urgently to prevent future accidents.

According to the board’s 2017 annual report, that year, it accepted just over 1,000 claims – up from the previous year’s 988.

Most of those claims were for injuries related to contact with objects and equipment (373), bodily reactions and exertion (357) and falls (180).

Meanwhile, the department’s policy change is applicable to the Elevator and Fixed Conveyance Regulations.

Sections seven and eight of that act in particular discuss the qualifications of the personnel. They note that the chief inspector must be satisfied with the applicant’s competence, ability, resources and knowledge.

It continues that the contractor should be capable of, or hire a mechanic or technician who is capable of, installing and maintaining each fixed conveyance.

White said that didn’t go far enough as it failed to make reference to an obligation for the employee to be certified or have specific training, such as other jurisdictions do. That was on Oct. 31, just days before the new policy kicked in on Nov. 5.

The operational policy, Fraser explained Monday, was shared with all affected parties by the chief inspector – who signed off on it, along with the manager of building and safety standards branch.

A board spokesperson confirmed Monday afternoon the investigation into the incident is ongoing, but explained that situations like these are rare.