Beginning in just six months, some Ontario employers will need to ensure construction workers in their employ complete a MOL-approved working at heights refresher training program.
 
New training requirements took effect on April 1, 2015 requiring employers to ensure untrained or inadequately trained construction workers complete MOL-approved working at heights (WAH) training before they start work at heights and use fall protection equipment. Employers were given a transition period for workers who, prior to April 1, 2015, met the original fall protection training requirements set out in subsection 26.2(1) of the Construction Projects Regulation.
 
By October 1, 2017 employers must ensure even these workers complete this initial MOL-approved working at heights training program. In fact, employers must be able to provide MOL inspectors written proof of enrollment in a program scheduled prior to this date if requested.
 
This initial WAH training is valid for three years from the date of successful completion of an approved program.
 
For continued compliance, employers must ensure workers they employ complete an approved WAH refresher training prior to the expiration of this three year period. This refresher program must be at least half-day in length and delivered by an approved training provider. Successful completion of this training will re-validate WAH training compliance for three years.
 
For those employers who complied with the initial training requirement in April, 2015, or shortly thereafter, the three year training validity period is fast coming to an end and refresher training is required.
 
The WHSC was among the first providers to gain MOL approval to deliver the initial WAH training. We are again at the front of the pack with our recently released Working at Heights Renewal program.
 
The new WHSC MOL-approved Working at Heights Renewal program involves a review of basic awareness ranging from significant employer and supervisor obligations to working at heights-related hazards, along with safeguards and procedures designed to protect workers. The second part of this follow up training involves a more practical review of the functionality and safety aspects of fall protection equipment and systems. This will include a hands-on practicum.
 
As mentioned above, successful completion of this four hour refresher training will re-validate WAH training compliance for three years.
 
Note: WHSC will begin to schedule the new WHSC MOL-approved Working at Heights Renewal training early in 2018 in communities across Ontario. Meantime, clients wishing to schedule in-house training can begin at their earliest convenience.
 
Need more information about mandatory working at heights refresher training?
Call us at 1-888-869-7950 and ask to speak to a training services representative. 
 
Still need to comply with initial working at heights training by October 1, 2017?
Register today for upcoming training scheduled in communities across Ontario
 
Don’t see a WHSC scheduled program that fits your needs?
Call us at 1-888-869-7950 and ask to speak to a training services representative. 
 
WHSC is committed to ensuring you get the training you need, when and where you need it. As scheduled courses fill, we are opening new ones. We are also working closely with construction unions and employers to bring training directly to workers.

To learn more about working at heights, visit our dedicated Working at Heights resources page.
 
Also, be sure check out our product sheets listing all programs suited for the construction sector and those specifically for equipment operators.