Why is working at heights (WAH) training essential? For many, it’s because the law demands it. For all, without it, this dangerous work can be deadly.
 
Most recently, on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, a worker was killed when they fell from a garage roof at a worksite in Toronto’s west end. No details are available at this time, but Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development (MLITSD) acknowledged an investigation is underway.
 
Just last year, Ontario’s Chief Coroner authored the first annual report of Ontario’s Construction Death Review (CDR) Committee investigating the 131 deaths caused by falls from heights and occurring between 2009-2024. Among the many recommendations in this report was the need for strengthening compliance with working at heights training and fall protection regulatory obligations and mandating WAH training for supervisors to support competency requirements when overseeing this dangerous work. 

 

GAIN OR RENEW COMPLIANCE NOW by registering for Working at Heights Training at a location near you.

Why WHSC WAH training?

Ontario’s only government-designated health and safety training centre, Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) was one of the first to gain government approval to deliver mandatory, standardized WAH training in Ontario. 
 
Today, we are the leading provider of WAH training in Ontario’s OHS system.
Workers, construction trade unions, employers and contractors continue to turn to WHSC for this training because we ensure:

• Training meets and exceeds mandatory standards,
• Training delivery by experienced instructors who understand the realities of the job,
• Training options for workers who need certification now,
• Refresher training options for workers with expiring certification to help keep them compliant and site-ready, and
• Digital record of training system to help guard against false training credentials. 

Who needs working at heights training?

Ontario employers must comply with a range of fall protection obligations and ensure workers who may use fall protection equipment and work on construction projects complete a WAH training program. The training program and provider must be approved by the MLITSD’s Chief Prevention Officer (CPO). Further, it must be completed prior to working at heights and using a fall restricting system, fall arrest system, safety net, work belt or safety belt. For continued compliance, employers must also ensure workers they employ complete an approved WAH refresher program every three years.

Workers in other sectors require similar training. For instance, the Industrial Establishments regulation requires employers ensure workers who must wear or use a fall arrest system, or any other protective clothing, equipment or device be trained in its use and care before use (s. 79 and 85, O. Reg. 851). 

As recommended by Ontario’s Chief Coroner working at heights training is also important for supervisors who must meet competency requirements and their legal obligation to protect workers. This training will also benefit joint health and safety committee members, health and safety representatives, and trades committee members in fulfilling their role supporting the Internal Responsibility System and the pursuit of safer work.   

WHSC can help now!

Working at Heights training and WAH Refresher training is scheduled over the coming weeks and months at training facilities in Hamilton, London, Markham, Sudbury, Tilbury, and Toronto. 

REGISTER NOW for life-saving and mandatory WORKING AT HEIGHTS TRAINING at a location near you

WHSC is also a leading provider of other mandatory and essential construction specific OHS training such as Ground Disturbance, Traffic Control, Suspended Access Equipment Operator, Mobile Elevating Work Platform Operator and Rough Terrain Forklift Operator. 

Need other essential training such as joint health & safety committee certification, GHS-WHMIS, workplace violence and harassment, supervisor awareness and competency, and First Aid and CPR? WHSC can help with these training requirements too. And now all workplace mental health training is $40 when booked by June 30.

Access WAH related resources
Worker killed in fall from garage roof in Toronto’s west end
Ontario’s Chief Coroner leads call for expanded working at heights training
WHSC working at heights resources

Need more information?
Contact a WHSC Training Services Representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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