As of April 1, 2017, Ontario employers are legally required to ensure workers who use fall protection systems on construction projects, have taken a new Ministry of Labour-approved Working at Heights (WAH) safety training course. The legislation came about following a tragic Christmas Eve workplace incident in Toronto in 2009, that occurred when a suspended scaffold collapsed and four workers lost their lives and another was seriously injured.
As a courtesy to all construction site employers, Tickner & Associates is reminding employers that, if your workers face fall hazards on construction projects, you are legally required to provide fall protection training that has been approved by the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) and delivered by a CPO approved training provider before they can work at heights.
The training requirement is for workers on construction projects who use any of the following methods of fall protection: travel restraint systems, fall restricting systems, fall arrest systems, safety nets and work belts or safety belts.
Employers need to provide workers with training for working at heights that meets or exceeds the MOL standard.
Tickner & Associates provide a one-day course that gives a complete overview of legislated requirements, hazards, and hazard controls related to working at heights. Working at Heights safety training from Tickner & Associates helps ensure you’re in compliance with legislation and the MOL Working at Heights Program Standard.
Workers attending our unique training program receive the most up-to-date information with hands-on instruction from our WAH safety experts. This training requirement is in the Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training Regulation, and is in addition to training requirements under the Construction Regulation.
Please ensure that your workers are fully trained and carry their proof of training cards from the Ministry of Labour with them at all times. For further information, or any training inquiries, please feel free to reach us at 416.891.7120, at tickner@safetyway.com or visit our blog: blog.safetyway.com