Working at Heights

Working at Heights Training

Approximately 1 out of every 6 lost-time workplace injuries in Canada are the result of a fall from heights as per Workplace Safety and Insurance Board statistics. Lost time due to a fall-related injury is particularly an issue for the construction industry, which lost the most time due to falls and 26% of the yearly totals in Ontario. To help prevent future injuries due to falls, Ontario’s Chief Prevention Officer requires all workers in the construction industry who may be exposed to a fall hazard to undergo mandatory Working at Heights training at least once every 3 years.

Our Working at Heights Training Program

Our WAH course is approved by the Chief Prevention Officer and is designed for workers in the construction industry who must complete the required training as outlined in Ontario Regulation 213/91 (Construction Projects). We offer both full and renewal courses and our training consists of a combination of theoretical and practical components. Attendees will be instructed on the concepts and principles needed to safely and legally work at heights in the province of Ontario.

Upon completion of the program, course attendees will have the preparation necessary to accurately identify key on-site fall hazards, what systems are available for fall protection and safety, and will be able to understand the importance of using the highest ranked method of fall protection currently available in Ontario. As part of the course, each student enrolled in the program will receive an educational instruction manual and a proof of completion card upon successful completion of the course.

The course material is energetically delivered by an experienced trainer covering the following topics:

Working at Heights in Ontario safety regulations and provisions
How to recognize, assess and control for fall hazards in the workplace
Physical barriers and warning methods
Common fall hazard control systems and their use
What personal fall protection equipment is currently used in the industry
How to properly equip and wear a full body harness
The required elements for on-site rescue planning
Ladder use and safety principles
The requirements for working on elevated scaffolding
Mobile elevated work platforms and suspended access equipment basic requirements

When is Working at Heights Training Necessary?

Working at heights training from a CPO approved trainer is required for employees that work at heights in Ontario greater than, or equal to 3.0 meters within the construction industry. This training is valid for for 3 years.

Employer Responsibilities

Beyond specifying who needs to be trained and what needs to be included, OHSA also specifies the responsibilities of employers. Generally speaking, employers are required to comply with all applicable regulations specified in the OHSA and take all reasonable steps to reduce hazards within the workplace. As it specifically relates to working at heights, employer’s responsibilities include:

Ensure all workers receive and complete a working at heights training program, taught by an approved instructor, which meets the criteria specified by OHSA’s working at heights training program standards;
Ensure all workers have valid certifications and are not expired;
Ensure workers are retrained in a refresher course every 3 years;
Provide workers with additional oral, written and site-specific training;
Maintain appropriate training records for every worker including their name, the instructor’s name, training date and the name of the training program; and,
Provide their training records to the Ministry of Labour at their request.