Information
Working at Heights Training Standards Five-Year Review
Regulation Number(s):
O. Reg. 297/13
Instrument Type:
Information
Bill or Act:
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Summary of Decision:
The review has formally concluded and a number of enhancements to the standards will keep them modern and effective. The standards will now require:
• an enhanced ladder section
• increased participant awareness of the hazards associated with skylights
• more participant engagement and interactive learning
• demonstration and use of more types of personal protective equipment and damaged equipment
• accommodation of different body types
• inclusion of anti-racist practices in the learning environment
These enhancements will help keep Ontario workers safe when they work at heights on construction projects.
The updates are informed by consultation with ministry stakeholders, health and safety data, ministry experience, best practices, coroner's inquest recommendations and administrative experiences.
To avoid disruptions to the working at heights training system, approved training providers have until April 1, 2024, to update their training programs and prepare their instructors to meet the revised standards. The ministry will begin accepting updated training programs for approval on August 1, 2023.
If you have any questions, please contact WAH.Inquiryline@Ontario.ca.
• an enhanced ladder section
• increased participant awareness of the hazards associated with skylights
• more participant engagement and interactive learning
• demonstration and use of more types of personal protective equipment and damaged equipment
• accommodation of different body types
• inclusion of anti-racist practices in the learning environment
These enhancements will help keep Ontario workers safe when they work at heights on construction projects.
The updates are informed by consultation with ministry stakeholders, health and safety data, ministry experience, best practices, coroner's inquest recommendations and administrative experiences.
To avoid disruptions to the working at heights training system, approved training providers have until April 1, 2024, to update their training programs and prepare their instructors to meet the revised standards. The ministry will begin accepting updated training programs for approval on August 1, 2023.
If you have any questions, please contact WAH.Inquiryline@Ontario.ca.
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
N/A
Further Information:
Occupational Health and Safety Act
O. Reg. 297/13
Working at Heights Training Standards Review Consultation Paper
(Download Adobe Reader)
Working at Heights Change Document
(Download Adobe Reader)
Revised (not in force) Working at Heights Training Program Standard
Revised (not in force) Working at Heights Training Provider Standard
Proposal Number:
21-MLTSD 003
Posting Date:
January 25, 2021
Summary of Proposal:
Sections 7.1 through 7.4 of the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) give the CPO the authority to establish standards for training programs required under the OHSA and its regulations, and to approve training programs which meet those standards. The CPO also has the authority to establish standards that must be met in order to become an approved training provider for an approved training program, and to approve training providers under those standards.
The CPO has established two standards relating to working at heights in Ontario. They are:
• The Working at Heights Training Program Standard
• The Working at Heights Training Provider Standard
Generally, workers who are required to use specific fall protection equipment on construction projects in Ontario must complete a Working at Heights training program approved by the CPO and delivered by a CPO-approved training provider. These requirements are set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training Regulation (O. Reg. 297/13), made under the OHSA
This consultation is part of a commitment made by Ontario's Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) to review the Working at Heights training program and provider standards every five years. The intent of the review is to ensure the CPO's Working at Heights training standards remain effective, and will allow the continued delivery of high-quality working at heights training that saves lives.
Submissions in response to the consultation questions are requested by March 11, 2021 online or by email. Please submit your written feedback through PreventionFeedback@Ontario.ca with the subject line: WAH Standards Review.
The CPO has established two standards relating to working at heights in Ontario. They are:
• The Working at Heights Training Program Standard
• The Working at Heights Training Provider Standard
Generally, workers who are required to use specific fall protection equipment on construction projects in Ontario must complete a Working at Heights training program approved by the CPO and delivered by a CPO-approved training provider. These requirements are set out in the Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training Regulation (O. Reg. 297/13), made under the OHSA
This consultation is part of a commitment made by Ontario's Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) to review the Working at Heights training program and provider standards every five years. The intent of the review is to ensure the CPO's Working at Heights training standards remain effective, and will allow the continued delivery of high-quality working at heights training that saves lives.
Submissions in response to the consultation questions are requested by March 11, 2021 online or by email. Please submit your written feedback through PreventionFeedback@Ontario.ca with the subject line: WAH Standards Review.
Contact Address:
Working at Heights Standards Review
Training and Awareness Branch
Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
400 University Avenue, 7th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 1T7
Training and Awareness Branch
Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development
400 University Avenue, 7th Floor
Toronto ON M7A 1T7
Effective Date:
April 1, 2024
Decision:
Approved