An approved training program, qualified instructors and first-class training facilities equals the capacity to comply with newly mandated working at heights training.
 
A growing relationship between the Labourers International Union of North America (LIUNA) in Ontario and the Workers Health and Safety Centre (WHSC) is certainly helping to establish this much needed capacity.
 
“Having worked with the WHSC for many years, we recognize and appreciate their expertise in curriculum development,” says John Mandarino, director, LIUNA Canadian Tri-Fund (pictured left).  “But what makes our relationship unique is that the WHSC recognizes the valuable role we can play in the process.”
 
“As we considered the WHSC Working at Heights program, we found it delivered on the training needs of our LIUNA locals and members, while complying with the new standard,” says Mandarino.
 
Another important aspect of this relationship is a shared belief in a workers-training-workers approach. In many LIUNA locals and training centres, members themselves have become WHSC-qualified instructors.
 
“Learning from a co-worker and a skilled craftsmen with years of experience on the tools adds immediate credibility to the training,” says Patrick Sorce, field coordinator, LIUNA Canadian TRI-Fund. “Combine this with quality WHSC curriculum and we know our members will be prepared for work. This can mean the difference between life and death when working at heights.”
 
Falls from heights are a leading cause of worker death and critical injury in the construction sector.

To help put a stop to this unacceptable situation, new regulatory changes in Ontario require employers to ensure untrained or inadequately trained construction workers complete a Ministry of Labour-approved, working at heights training program before they can work at heights and use fall protection equipment and systems. This requirement came into force April 1, 2015.
 
WHSC Working at Heights training program was one of the first to receive MOL approval.
 
With extensive delivery capacity already in place, many LIUNA locals and training centres across Ontario have made the WHSC their sole delivery agent for this training.   
 
“This is not surprising considering the level of service, trust and reliability we’ve come to expect and receive from the Workers Centre,” says Mandarino. “We are also confident the WHSC can help LIUNA locals and our employer partners meet future training requirements, such as mandatory entry-level training for construction workers which the Ontario government says is imminent.”  
 
The LIUNA Canadian Tri-Fund supports the efforts of LIUNA locals and training centres across Ontario and Canada, helping to ensure members get the most comprehensive health and safety training available.
 
As Ontario’s legally designated training centre specializing in occupational health and safety, the WHSC is also working with other construction industry unions and employers to build our capacity and bring high-quality training to every corner of Ontario.
 
Register now for any one of our scheduled working at heights courses.

Download and share WHSC Working at Heights resources. 

To learn more:
Visit www.whsc.on.ca 
Email contactus@whsc.on.ca or
Call 1-888-869-7950 and ask to speak to a training services representative.