Unlike WAH training, companies cannot be MLITSD certified specifically for elevating work platform training. Still, there are many specific requirements outlined by the MLITSD and OHSA to ensure workers are properly trained.

Specific Training Requirements For Elevated Work Platforms

There are different training requirements outlined by the MLITSD depending on the nature of the work. There are specific rules and regulations for those working in industrial establishments, as well as specific rules and regulations for those working on construction projects.

General Training Requirements

• Those operating EWPs must be provided with the appropriate information and instruction regarding how to safely operate the specific class of EWP they will be using in the workplace. Training should also include the manufacturer’s instructions.
• In order to ensure competence and safe work practices, periodic refresher training is highly recommended.
• When a worker completes training, they will receive proof of training. Workers should keep a copy of this proof of training on their person or at an accessible location in the workplace.
• Employers should also keep a record of operator and employee training in the workplace.

Source – Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development

Elevated Work Platform Training – Why Hands-On Is Better

Hands-on training provides real-life practice and workplace simulation that online training cannot. Working with real EWPs in a safe environment with highly experienced professional trainers is the best way to prepare workers for real-world situations.

Proper, hands-on training is essential when learning how to protect yourself from and prevent potential risks and hazards. Online training cannot adequately help workers learn how to avoid and respond to potential hazards when on the job. EWPs qualify as heavy machinery and can be potentially deadly when misused. Some hazards include:

• Being struck by moving equipment
• Getting crushed between equipment or other objects
• Exposure to electrical contact while operating a vehicle or equipment
• Being struck by an inadequately secured load while being lifted or moved
• Being struck or crushed by equipment tipping over
• Source – Ontario construction sector plan 2017-2018

Interacting with experienced trainers, working with equipment, and learning how to react if a dangerous situation arises, are features available only from hands-on training. Sitting at home in front of a computer reading words on a screen can only prepare you for so much. Here are some more reasons why hands-on training is the best choice for EWP training.

• Collaboration – When you choose classroom training over online training, you get to work with others in a collaborative environment. When students are given opportunities to interact, they often come out with a more well-rounded and deeper appreciation of the knowledge being transmitted.
• Audience Engagement – If something goes wrong online, like poor sound quality or an improperly explained concept, there is not much the participant can do about it. With hands-on training, professional trainers have the ability to manage audience engagement. Hands-on training allows instructors to slow down and explain or speed up as necessary.
• Interactive Sessions – Interactive question & answer opportunities can help round out an employee’s learning experience and clarify any misunderstandings. Listening to other participants’ questions may even help answer a question you didn’t know you had!
• Practice & Simulation – As mentioned above, practice and simulation can go a long way! A reflexive mechanism is reinforced when intellectual and applied learning inform one another. This helps to ensure that the learned content is not only cognitively stored but actively used! It even becomes part of an employee’s instinctive behaviour.

Elevated Work Platform Training – Training With ACUTE

ACUTE offers multiple hands-on Elevating Work Platform training courses to suit your workplace’s specific needs. For example, some upcoming EWP courses include scissor & boom training or scissor lift only training. We also understand the convenience that online training offers. At ACUTE, we aim to accommodate all of our clients. That’s why you can choose to complete EWP training at your own facility! If you have a large group of workers who require EWP training or have specific scheduling/location needs, training at your own facility could be the right choice for you. Contact ACUTE today to find out more!

ACUTE’s Elevating Work Platform training has been constructed to prepare operators for the safe use of EWPs. The theory module covers all classes of EWPs, while the practical module covers only the type of EWP used in the participant’s workplace.

The course is one day long (8 hours) and will include:

• Training on hazards & safe work practices
• Training on legislation & standards
• Training on platform stability
• Training on class-specific skill testing
• Training on safe operating procedures
• Demonstration and hands-on training on relevant class of EWP
• Practical skills testing evaluation
• Classroom interaction with experienced instructors
• And More!

Ready To Get Hands-On EWP Training?

Help Create A Safer Workplace – Trust ACUTE!

Though online training may at first seem like a good choice, working with a qualified and experienced training company is the best way to ensure you and your workers stay safe in the workplace.

ACUTE helps organizations understand their training challenges while also providing unparalleled tailoring and customer service. Here are just a few things you can expect when training with ACUTE:

• Open Door Instructor-Student Partnership – ACUTE’s training services emphasize client participation. Staff want to build relationships with clients and serve as a touchstone for advice anytime moving forward.
• Serving Your Team and Industry – With a vast array of clients in manufacturing, construction, health, academic, and government agencies, ACUTE brings the best safety practices from across the spectrum to your workplace.
• 100 Years Combined Experience – ACUTE provides comprehensive health and safety training, on-site safety services, and consulting services. With over 100 years of combined experience, our staff offer more than theoretical or abstract ideas. ACUTE offers solutions.
• Track Record of Success – ACUTE is rated 4.9/5 stars on Google reviews, demonstrating a commitment to our clients, quality, and passion for training.

ACUTE is located in Waterloo, Ontario and services customers from the cities such as Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Milton, Kitchener, London, Guelph, and other cities from across Ontario.

“We have used Acute Environmental & Safety Services Inc. for many years and our personnel always come back well trained, energized and bringing lots of ideas. They are provided with substantial and in-depth knowledge together with challenging opportunities to put into practice what they have learned into our field operations.”

– Dante, Environmental Service Company – Read More Testimonials Here!