Human Resources Legislative Update
Ontario Announces Changes to Mandatory Working at Heights Training Requirements for Programs and Providers
Date: May 24, 2023
On May 17, 2023, Ontario announced changes to the training requirements for working at heights.
The province has updated both the program and provider standards for mandatory working at heights training, noting that falling from heights is one of the leading causes of workplace fatality in a number of industries including construction.
Currently, workers on construction projects who use fall protection devices must undergo a working at heights training program that is approved by the Ministry of Labour and delivered by an approved training provider. The training requirements for working at heights are set out in O. Reg. 297/13: Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training.
The key changes to the program standard include:
- additional learning outcomes, including with regard to ladders, skylights and damaged equipment
- additional requirements for personal protective equipment
- other changes to foster more inclusive engagement in the training
Changes to the provider standard include updates to instructor requirements and the promotion of social inclusion and anti-racism.
These changes were announced in tandem with an investment of $12.5 million in Ontario’s health and safety associations, which provide safety training and resources to Ontario workers and businesses.
The changes to the Working at Heights Training Program Standard and the Working at Heights Training Provider Standard will come into effect on April 1, 2024. Current training programs will remain valid until that date. Workers with valid working at heights training will not be affected.
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