Failing to comply with fall protection obligations, including standardized working at heights training, is a decision that continues to have serious, even grave consequences. 

On October 11, 2023, a worker was assisting a supervisor, who was also the employer, with a home renovation project. The worker was climbing a ladder from a veranda roof to the main roof of the home when they fell to the ground, suffering fatal injuries.
 
According to the October 28, 2025, press release issued by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), Toronto-based KAS Aluminum & Copper Ltd., the employer, plead guilty to failing to ensure the worker was using fall protection when exposed to the hazard of falling more than three metres. In doing so, the employer contravened section 26.1(2) of Ontario Regulation 213/91 as required by section 25(1)(c) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act. They were fined $100,000.  

Equally alarming, the MLITSD noted fall protection equipment was available on site and the worker had not completed mandatory working at heights (WAH) training.

Ministry enforcement campaign underway

Have you completed WAH training? Is your WAH training expired? You might want to confirm as the MLITSD is in the midst of a compliance campaign focused on single and multi-family residential construction, including residential re-roofing. Among other safety issues, MLITSD inspectors are targeting working at heights, use of ladders, and the adequacy of information, instruction and supervision.
 
In addition to this targeted campaign, MLITSD inspectors continue to undertake regular work site visits looking to ensure fall protection obligations are met including WAH training requirements. 

GAIN OR RENEW COMPLIANCE NOW by registering for WAH Training at a location near you

Who needs working at heights training?

Ontario employers must comply with a range of fall protection obligations and ensure workers who may use fall protection equipment and work on construction projects complete a WAH training program. The training program and provider must be approved by the MLITSD’s Chief Prevention Officer (CPO). Further, it must be completed prior to working at heights and using a fall restricting system, fall arrest system, safety net, work belt or safety belt. For continued compliance, employers must also ensure workers they employ complete an approved WAH refresher program every three years.

Workers in other sectors require similar training. For instance, the Industrial Establishments regulation requires employers to ensure workers who must wear or use a fall arrest system, or any other protective clothing, equipment or device be trained in its use and care before use (s. 79 and 85, O. Reg. 851). There are similar requirements for employers in the mining and health care sectors.

Working at heights training is also important for supervisors who must meet competency requirements as part of their legal obligation to protect workers.
This training will also benefit joint health and safety committee members, health and safety representatives, and trades committee members in fulfilling their role to support the Internal Responsibility System and help employers pursue safer, healthier work.  

Why train with WHSC?

Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) is Ontario’s only government-designated health and safety training centre. We are a leading provider of CPO-approved WAH training and WAH refresher training, delivered by experienced instructors who ensure critical learning is achieved, including:

• the hazards of WAH, legal rights and duties of all workplace parties, along with relevant regulations governing fall hazards and fall protection equipment,
• the safe use, inspection, limitations and storage for travel restraint, fall restricting, fall arrest systems, and ladders,
• the key components of a fall rescue plan and emergency procedures, and
• hands-on experience on fall prevention equipment and systems.

Working At Heights training and WAH Refresher training is scheduled over the coming weeks and months at our regional training facilities in Hamilton, London, Markham, Sudbury, and Ottawa and other communities such as St. Catharines, Owen Sound, Thunder Bay, and Toronto.

REGISTER NOW for life-saving and mandatory WORKING AT HEIGHTS TRAINING at a location near you

WHSC also offers a wide range First Aid training courses. To help workplaces meet requirements for this life-saving training, scheduled and in-house First Aid training is available at a 30 per cent discount when booked before December 19.

Need other essential and legally mandated training such as joint health & safety committee Certification, construction sector training programs, equipment operator training, and supervisor awareness/competency? WHSC can help with these health and safety training requirements too.

Access related resources
Toronto contractor convicted after worker death in fall from height
Ontario’s Chief Coroner leads call for expanded working at heights training
WHSC working at heights resources
MLITSD 2025/26 compliance campaigns
Construction Regulation (O. Reg. 213)
Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training Regulation (O. Reg. 297/13)

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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