Regulation - LGIC
Proposal to Amend Ontario Regulation 297/13 (Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training)
Regulation Number(s):
O. Reg. 297/13 (Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training)
Instrument Type:
Regulation - LGIC
Bill or Act:
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Summary of Decision:
In Ontario, workers who must use certain fall protection equipment on construction projects are required to complete Working at Heights (WAH) training approved by the Chief Prevention Officer, which must be delivered by approved training providers.
As of January 1, 2021, O. Reg. 297/13 (Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training), made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, will recognize alternate fall protection training in addition to Ontario's Working at Heights training.
As a result of the amendments, successful completion of fall protection training that meets the requirements under the Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Health and Safety Act would be an acceptable alternative to completion of Ontario's approved Working at Heights training. A copy of the proof of successful completion issued by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (which operates as WorkplaceNL) would be accepted as a training record.
There is an existing exemption from Working at Heights training requirements for automobile manufacturers and assemblers that directly employ workers at construction projects located at an automobile manufacturing or assembly plant operated by that employer. As of January 1, 2021, the exemption will be expanded to include a few additional workplaces that are directly owned and operated by an automobile manufacturer or assembler, including where automobile parts are manufactured or warehoused, where automobiles are received, stored and prepared for delivery and where research and development are carried out.
As of January 1, 2021, O. Reg. 297/13 (Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training), made under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, will recognize alternate fall protection training in addition to Ontario's Working at Heights training.
As a result of the amendments, successful completion of fall protection training that meets the requirements under the Newfoundland and Labrador Occupational Health and Safety Act would be an acceptable alternative to completion of Ontario's approved Working at Heights training. A copy of the proof of successful completion issued by the Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Commission (which operates as WorkplaceNL) would be accepted as a training record.
There is an existing exemption from Working at Heights training requirements for automobile manufacturers and assemblers that directly employ workers at construction projects located at an automobile manufacturing or assembly plant operated by that employer. As of January 1, 2021, the exemption will be expanded to include a few additional workplaces that are directly owned and operated by an automobile manufacturer or assembler, including where automobile parts are manufactured or warehoused, where automobiles are received, stored and prepared for delivery and where research and development are carried out.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
It is expected that recognizing fall protection training approved by WorkplaceNL will reduce the costs for construction businesses and individual workers by eliminating duplicative training requirements.
The changes to the current exemption for automotive manufacturers and assemblers is also expected to result in cost savings by eliminating duplicative training and administrative costs.
The changes to the current exemption for automotive manufacturers and assemblers is also expected to result in cost savings by eliminating duplicative training and administrative costs.
Further Information:
O. Reg. 297/13 (Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training)
Occupational Health and Safety Act
O. Reg. 751/20 Amending O. Reg. 297/13
Proposal Number:
20-MLTSD 011
Posting Date:
October 13, 2020
Summary of Proposal:
In Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires workers who must use certain fall protection equipment on construction projects to complete Working at Heights (WAH) training approved by the Chief Prevention Officer. The Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development is proposing to amend O. Reg. 297/13 (Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training) to recognize alternative methods of fall protection training.
First, the proposal would allow for the recognition of Fall Protection training approved by WorkplaceNL as an acceptable alternative to Ontario's training, which would support labour mobility and eliminate duplicative training while maintaining a high level of worker health and safety.
Second, the proposal would expand an existing exemption so that it applies to more workplaces owned and operated by an automobile manufacturer or assembler, thereby eliminating the need for those auto sector companies covered by the current exemption to have two separate training programs for some workers who are directly employed by them.
First, the proposal would allow for the recognition of Fall Protection training approved by WorkplaceNL as an acceptable alternative to Ontario's training, which would support labour mobility and eliminate duplicative training while maintaining a high level of worker health and safety.
Second, the proposal would expand an existing exemption so that it applies to more workplaces owned and operated by an automobile manufacturer or assembler, thereby eliminating the need for those auto sector companies covered by the current exemption to have two separate training programs for some workers who are directly employed by them.
Contact Address:
Working at Heights Alternative Training Recognition Proposal
Health, Safety and Insurance Policy Branch
Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
400 University Avenue, 14th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 1T7
Health, Safety and Insurance Policy Branch
Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
400 University Avenue, 14th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 1T7
Effective Date:
January 1, 2021
Decision:
Approved