Working at heights (WAH) training certificates expire three years from the date of successful completion
of an approved training program.
 
Ontario’s training regulation requires employers ensure workers they employ on construction projects complete standardized WAH training, approved by the government’s Chief Prevention Officer (CPO), before they work at heights and use fall protection equipment and systems. To remain
in compliance, employers must ensure workers complete approved WAH refresher training within three years of their original training and every three years thereafter.

REGISTER TODAY FOR CPO-APPROVED WHSC WAH or WAH REFRESHER TRAINING

Standardized training works…but work remains

Research undertaken by the Institute for Work and Health (IWH) looking at the impact of these mandated training requirements confirms standardized training results in safer work. In fact, 90 per cent of training participants surveyed after two years of the initial training in 2017 believe mandatory training made working
at heights on construction projects safer. And indeed, it has. IWH research found lost time injury claim incident rates from 2017 through 2019 declined by
19 per cent compared to rates in 2012 through 2014 prior to the introduction of standardized training. 

Still, falls from heights, whether from a ladder, a roof, scaffolding or other work surface, remain the leading cause of serious and fatal injuries for workers in the construction sector. In fact, as reported by Ontario’s chief coroner in December 2023, 40 per cent of worker deaths on construction sites over the last five years are the result of falls from heights.

Its clear work remains preparing workers, supervisors and others to better understand and address the many fall hazards on construction sites and be competent
to provide and safely use fall protection equipment and systems. Fully complying with WAH training obligations is a good next step.

WHSC training can help

Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC), Ontario’s only government-designated occupational health and safety (OHS) training centre and among the first providers to gain approval to deliver standardized WAH training, can help now.

Both our initial WAH and WAH refresher training is conducted entirely in-person, and led by highly experienced WHSC-qualified instructors who ensure this life saving learning is achieved. Participants in either program will:  

• explore hazards of WAH, basic OHS rights and duties along with relevant regulations governing fall arrest hazards, fall protection equipment and WAH projects,
• learn about the use, inspection, limitations and storage for travel restraint, fall restricting and fall arrest systems, and
• gain hands-on experience on fall prevention equipment and systems and key components of a fall rescue plan and emergency procedures too.

REGISTER TODAY FOR WAH OR WAH REFRESHER TRAINING AT A LOCATION NEAR YOU

Don’t see a location or training date that works for you? Contact any one of our Training Services Representatives (TSRs) located in communities across Ontario.

Don’t work on a construction project, but work at heights? Although workers in other sectors are not required to complete CPO-approved training, employers are nevertheless required to provide similar instruction to prevent this significant workplace hazard. For instance, a full one third of all worker deaths related to falls from heights happen in industrial regulated workplaces. Be sure and talk to one of our TSRs about your training options in these circumstances too.

Access related resources
Standardized working at heights training improves safety, study
Prioritizing health and safety in construction. WHSC has training for that!
WHSC working at heights resources   
Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training Regulation (O. Reg. 297/13)

WHSC is a leading provider of many other mandatory and essential programs for the construction sector.

Need other essential and legally mandated training such as joint health & safety committee certification, GHS-WHMIS, workplace violence and harassment, and supervisor awareness and competency? Check out our complete in-person and virtual training schedule.

Don't forget Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) is also currently undertaking proactive workplace visits to ensure WHMIS compliance. 

Need more information?
Contact a WHSC training services representative in your area
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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