Following the protections introduced by the Ontario government in the Working for Workers Act, 2023, the government has announced that on April 1, 2024, there will be changes to the program and provider standards for mandatory working at heights training.
Workers on construction projects who use fall protection devices must take a working at heights training program. The training requirements for working at heights are set out in O. Reg. 297/13: Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training.
Key changes to the Working at Heights Program Standard include:
- Additional learning outcomes on ladders, skylights and damaged equipment;
- Additional required personal protective equipment;
- Elimination of duplicative language and learning outcomes; and
- Enhancement of language to foster more inclusive engagement.
Key changes to the Working at Heights Provider Standard include:
- A basic occupational health and safety awareness training reminder;
- Enhanced copyright rules;
- Submitting learner status when providing proof of completion to the Chief Prevention Officer;
- Updates to instructor requirements; and
- Promotion of social inclusion and anti-racism.
These new standards aim to improve the quality of training and safety knowledge of participants when working in various settings including with ladders, skylights and damaged equipment. The changes will come into effect on April 1, 2024. Workers with valid working at heights training will not be affected.
Working at heights training providers have until April 1, 2024, to update their programs and ensure they fulfill the requirements of the revised working at heights training program and training provider standards.
We will continue to provide any updates on upcoming safety training and resources in Ontario as they arise.
If you have any questions about this topic or any other questions relating to workplace law, please do not hesitate to contact a Mathews Dinsdale lawyer.
The Firm gratefully acknowledge the assistance of Selina Habib, an Articling Student in the firm’s Toronto office.
