Human Resources Legislative Update
OHSA Consultation on Implementation of Working at Heights Training
Date: March 28, 2014
The Ministry of Labour is consulting on the implementation of the Working at Heights Training Program Standard released on December 19, 2013.
Specifically, a regulatory proposal outlining amendments to O. Reg. 297/13 (Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training) under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (“OHSA”) would, if adopted, require employers subject to O. Reg. 213/91 (Construction Projects) to ensure that workers working at heights complete an approved working at heights training program by an approved training provider. The requirements for Chief Prevention Officer approval are set out in a new draft Working at Heights Training Provider Standard (PDF) on which the Ministry is also consulting.
This legislative initiative is another step by the Ontario government towards implementing the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Panel of Occupational Health and Safety. As previously reported, mandatory training for workers working at heights and rigorous training standards were among the Panel’s key recommendations.
Stakeholders and interested parties may comment upon the regulatory proposal and draft Standard before April 24, 2014.
