The province is making new training for those who work at heights mandatory as of April 1, 2015.
The new Working at Heights Training Program Standard will ensure everyone using fall protection systems is consistently trained and better protected on the job. This standard applies to all construction projects in Ontario regulated by the Regulations for Construction Projects.
The training standard includes: rights and responsibilities related to working at heights; hazard identification; ladder safety; and the proper usage of personal protective equipment.
A Working at Heights Training Provider Standard has also been developed to set out requirements for prospective training providers.
In 2013, 21 workers died in incidents on construction projects. Almost 50 per cent were as a result of falls.
Workers trained under the current fall protection training requirements in the Regulations for Construction Projects before April 1, 2015 will have until April 1, 2017, to also be trained under the new requirements.
An application form and guidelines for training providers are posted on the Ministry of Labour website. Applications will be accepted starting Jan. 5.
