Construction sector employers will soon be required to ensure workers in their employ complete working at heights (WAH) refresher training.
 
Ontario health and safety law was altered back in April, 2015 requiring employers to ensure untrained or inadequately trained workers on construction projects complete a Ministry of Labour (MOL)-approved WAH training program. In fact, this mandatory training must be completed before they start work at heights and use fall protection equipment.
 
Since October 1, 2017 this initial mandatory training is required for all workers on construction projects regardless of the adequacy of previous training.
 
WAH training though is only valid for three years from the date of successful completion. For many, this expiry date is fast approaching. For continued compliance, employers must ensure workers complete MOL-approved WAH refresher training every three years. This refresher program must be at least a half-day in length and delivered by an approved training provider.

WHSC can help ensure continued compliance

Workers Health and Safety Centre (WHSC) has been a long-time advocate for mandatory, approved WAH training because of its life-saving effect. In fact, WHSC was one of the first organizations to offer MOL-approved WAH training. We continue to be a leading provider.
 
With our recently released, MOL-approved Working at Heights Refresher program, we are now prepared and committed to meet the new demand for this life-saving training. 
 
WHSC WAH Refresher training offers a review of the most current legal duties and obligations of employers, constructors, suppliers, supervisors and workers relating to work at heights, protective equipment and worksite safety policies and procedures designed to protect workers. This training also involves a practical hand-on review of the functionality and safety aspects of fall protection equipment and systems.
 
Upon successful completion of this program, participants receive a WHSC record of training card confirming WAH training compliance for another three years.
 
To assist those seeking to comply with WAH refresher obligations and to ensure preparedness for the work site, the WHSC 4.5 hour program is:

• priced competitively ($90/person plus HST),
• designed to ensure critical learning is achieved,
• delivered by experienced instructors from the trades,
• scheduled in communities across Ontario, and
• supported by complete training records and replacement cards when needed.

Register today for upcoming Working at Heights Refresher training in a community near you.
 
Don’t see a date that works or want to schedule in-house training at your earliest convenience—call 1‑888-869-7950 and ask to speak to a WHSC training services representative.
 
Scheduled courses are offered in English. Should you require training in another language, please contact a WHSC training services representative.
 
Also be sure to download and share our one-page flyer about this important training.
 
Other Working at Heights information resources are also available on the WHSC website.
 
As Ontario’s legally designated training centre specializing in occupational health and safety, the WHSC continues to develop partnerships with construction industry unions and employers to build our capacity to bring high-quality training to every corner of Ontario. In fact, we offer a range of training specific to the needs of the construction sector ranging from Forklift and Skid Steer Operator training to Propane and GHS WHMIS programs.