This page on the different levels of Working at Heights training has been prepared as a resource summary and central location for related information to help workplace parties and employers understand some of their obligations under the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). It is not legal advice. If you have questions regarding Working at Heights courses or training, feel free to contact us now and we would be happy to help!
Different Levels of Working at Heights Training
When searching for a Working at Heights training provider, you will notice that most trainers have much in common. Did you know Working at Heights training is required by law? Therefore, many approved providers will offer the following types of courses:
Working at Heights Training Course (Required by The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development)
Employers are required by the MLITSD to provide their workers with this working at heights training course. This is the first step to working at heights training. These working at heights courses typically cover fall hazards and prevention, the inspection and use of safety equipment and harnesses, and legislation information. This course usually ends with a written test.
Working at Heights Refresher Course
Workers are required to complete a Working at Heights refresher training course every three years. This course is only for those who have already completed the Working at Heights training and have industry experience.
These courses are typically shorter in duration and usually review most of what was learned during the Working at Heights course – including legislation, fall protection, equipment inspection, and more.
Fall Protection Training Course
Please note: Fall Protection training is not an alternative to the MLITSD required Working at Heights Course.
Fall protection training can be additional training for any employees who are working at heights. These courses often focus on how to prevent dangerous falls when using equipment and working from heights, outline common hazards associated with working at heights and how to prevent them, and how to inspect safety equipment such as harnesses.
Working at Heights Certification
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development requires that employers provide employees working at heights on Construction Projects with certified Working at Heights training. ACUTE’s Working at Heights training program has been approved by the Chief Prevention Officer under the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Working at Heights Training Program Standard and the Working at Heights Training Provider Standard.
ACUTE’s Working at Heights Courses
The following list outlines the Working at Heights and WAH-related courses we offer at ACUTE.
Working at Heights (CPO approved)
Cost: $225.00 – Sign up Now!
Course Length: 1 day (8 hours)
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ACUTE’s Working at Heights course combines both theory and hands-on, practical training for an optimal learning experience.
This program aims to strengthen workplace safety culture, provide knowledge on how to prevent accidents, provide information about proper use of safety equipment, and overall reduce the number of workplace falls and incidents. Some components included in this training course are:
- Legislation information
- Ladder safety
- Hazard identification
- Harness inspection
- Rescue plans
- Written evaluation
Fall Protection
Course Length: Half day (4 hours)
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Our Fall Protection course is geared towards Industrial Establishments, Mining Operations, Health Care and Residential Facilities, or workplaces other than Construction Projects. Remember, this course is not a replacement for the required Working at Heights course, and is shorter in duration. Some components included in this training course are:
- Explaining when MLITSD Working at Height training is required
- Ladder safety
- How to employ fall prevention strategies and systems
- Learning about rescue plans
- Written evaluation
Scaffolding and Ladder
Course Length: 2 hours
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Our Scaffolding and Ladder course specializes and focuses on the dangers of working at heights from a scaffold or ladder, and how to prevent accidents and incidents. This course teaches participants how to work safely from ladders and scaffolding, including how to properly dismantle them after use. Some components included in this training course are:
- Learning to identify scaffolding and ladder hazards
- How to recognize safe scaffold setups
- How to recognize safe ladder setups
- Learning about legislative requirements
Working at Heights Training Ontario – Approval Requirements
The MLITSD outlines steps to getting approval for Working at Heights courses in the Training Provider Requirements. To read about all requirements in detail, click here. The following is a summary of MLITSD requirements for WAH course provider approval. It is not legal advice.
- Legislative and Insurance Requirements: Training providers must comply with relevant workplace legislation, and have all commercial liability or errors and omissions insurance.
- Advance Course Materials: Training providers must include course material outlined by the MLITSD in the Training Provider Requirements.
- Learning Needs: Training providers must ensure that the learning experience of participants meets the requirements set out by the MLITSD.
- Alternative Delivery Modes: Training providers must meet the Working at Heights Training Program Standard for alternative training modes, such as e-learning.
- Program Materials: Training providers must ensure program materials meet MLITSD requirements, for example, that materials are free of bias, materials are legible and of good quality, materials are appropriate for the targeted learners, and more.
- Personal Protective Equipment and Other Equipment: Training providers must ensure all equipment used in training meets safety standards set out by the MLITSD, including equipment brought in by participants.
- Learning Environment: Training providers must ensure learning environment is safe, healthy, and accessible, regardless of location.
- Proof of Training Completion: Training providers must provide successful participants and their employers with documentation (complete with all required information outlined by the MLITSD) showing successful completion of the course.
- Proof of Training Completion to CPO: Training providers must provide the CPO with proof of completion for all successful learners.
- Support Transfer of Learning: Training providers must evaluate the learners’ successful achievement of learning outcomes in the approved program.
Source: https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pubs/wah_prov/prov_require.php
Working at Heights Training Ontario – Employer Responsibilities
It is the employer’s responsibility to ensure workers receive CPO-approved Working at Heights training. Employers must ensure that workers are provided with adequate supervision and instruction on their construction projects.
The Working at Heights course is a qualification in addition to the required WAH training set out by the Construction Projects Regulation (O. Reg. 213/91).
Employers must also sure that:
- WAH training is completed by April 1, 2017, under new standards
- WAH training is completed before workers begin working at heights on construction sites
- WAH refresher training is completed three years after first WAH training course
The Training Difference With ACUTE
With over 100 years of combined industry experience, you can trust that the training you receive from ACUTE will be up to date, professional, and comprehensive. Many training programs provide one option, while many of ACUTE’s training courses can be conducted either at your facility or ours. We strive to accommodate you!
If you chose to complete your training at our facility, we offer a world-class health and safety training center for all of our clients. All of our training programs emphasize client participation. We strive to build relationships with our clients and serve as a touchstone for advice anytime moving forward.
“Acute Environmental Safety is a premier Ontario-based company that we use for its professionalism, reliability, and flexibility. We know we can count on Acute to deliver the most up to date regulatory information to help us manage our business in the field.”
– Todd, Environmental Clean Up Company – Read more testimonials here!
