Did you know a Working At Heights refresher course is required every three years for those who use specified methods of fall protection? Many workers use elevating work platforms on the job site to access project tasks up high, and all workers who use/wear fall protection must receive Working At Heights training from a facility deemed by the Ontario Chief Prevention Officer as an Approved Training Provider. Acute Safety and Safety Services offers an excellent Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development approved working at heights refresher course; if you are due, contact us today.
Working At Heights Refresher Course: All You Need to Know
Who Needs a Working At Heights Refresher Course?
As of April 1, 2015, employers in Ontario must ensure that workers on Construction Projects who may use any of the following fall protection equipment:
- travel restraint systems
- fall restricting systems
- fall arrest systems
- safety nets
- work belts or safety belts
must successfully complete an approved training program, delivered by an approved training provider, before a worker can work at heights. After that, a refresher course is required every three years.
Any person who may be exposed to fall hazards during their work will find this training beneficial. Although the Working At Heights training program is geared toward those working on construction sites, those working in industrial, mining, or healthcare sectors will find the content comprehensive and relevant for their workplaces
You have already taken the initial Working At Heights training course, but have been informed you need a refresher – so what next? Here’s what you need to know.
When to Take a Working At Heights Refresher Course
According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, the initial working at heights training is “valid for three (3) years from the date of successful completion of an approved program. In order to maintain the validity of training, learners must take refresher training within three (3) years of the date of successfully completing a Chief Prevention Officer-approved working at heights program.”
This training will reinforce key learning outcomes for workers and will also keep learners up-to-date on any legislative, regulatory or equipment (technological) changes which may impact working at heights in construction. More on that below.
Remember: Only learners who have previously successfully completed a CPO-approved working at heights training program delivered by a CPO-approved working at heights training provider are eligible to take refresher training.
What You Will Learn
The Working At Heights refresher course is a four-hour session that works through the practical module presented at the initial course. Here’s what to expect, using ACUTE’s course as an example:
Working At Heights (Practical Module)
- Fall prevention/protection system requirements and limitations
- A-B-C component selection, inspection, use
- Harness inspection and fitting exercise & evaluation
- Lanyard inspection exercise and evaluation
- Travel restraint, fall arrest set-up exercise & evaluation
- 100% tie-off exercise and evaluation
- Ladders, scaffolds, and elevating work platforms
- Rescue plan – components and purpose
- Safe work strategies and safe anchor exercise
A written evaluation will take place at the end of the session to ensure understanding and retention.
What to Bring
Again referring to ACUTE’s approved guidelines, here’s what participants in the Working At Heights refresher course will need to bring:
Checklist For Participants
- Government-issued photo identification must be presented.
- Participants must present their Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development Proof of Training card at the start of class.
- Course payment is required prior to the date of training.
- Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the course start time (8:30am). Late participants will not be admitted and payment will be forfeited.
- Please wear comfortable clothing and closed toe footwear. Do not wear open-toed footwear such as sandals or flip-flops.
Be sure to set aside four hours for the course.
Working At Heights Refresher Course: Trust ACUTE to Keep You Safe!
ACUTE is dedicated to workplace safety and understands the importance of course and training provider approval. ACUTE offers many training courses to help workers, employers, and everyone else involved stay safe on the job.
Courses such as Joint Health and Safety Committees, WHMIS 2015 (GHS), and Worker Health & Safety Awareness help workers learn important legislation and health and safety techniques to keep themselves and others safe.
ACUTE is located in Waterloo, Ontario, and services customers from cities such as Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Hamilton, Milton, Kitchener, London, Guelph, and others across Ontario.
