Who Needs Working at Heights Training?

Safety procedures in the workplace are important because they protect workers in various industries from life-threatening falls. Falls do not only lead to economic losses but may also lead to the loss of lives, or long-term injuries and the suffering that follows.

This has people asking, “Who needs Working at Heights training?” It has been proven that Working at Heights training significantly reduces workplace injuries, increases employee morale, and benefits the reputation of companies.

Besides the elimination of fall hazards in all workplaces, safety procedures for falling from heights are crucial, for workers in the construction industry, maintenance workers, mining, industries, etc.

Most falls are caused by a lack of prevention efforts that include:

• Poor working conditions in some workplaces caused by inadequate lighting, incorrect housekeeping practices, and slippery surfaces
• Insufficient protective devices
• Lack of fall-protection equipment
• Unavailable or insufficient training on how to use fall-protection equipment
• Non-existent or invalid working at heights training for employees
• Ill-maintained ladders and scaffolding
• Employees have unclear job procedures and task responsibilities

Unfortunately, fall protection equipment cannot protect employees if it is not used correctly for the task performed.

When is Working at Heights training required?

It is important to understand who needs Working at Heights training. All workers on construction projects who use fall protection devices need to complete a Working at Heights training program. The program must be completed before the worker can use fall protection on the job. The course provider must be approved by the Chief Prevention Officer of the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Any worker required to use fall protection must complete both working at heights training and equipment-specific training. This is set out in O. Reg. 297/13: Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training.

Methods of fall protection requiring Working at Heights training include:

• Safety and work belt
• Safety net
• Fall arrest and fall restricting system
• Travel restraint system

What does one learn at Working at Heights training course?

Now that we know who needs Working at Heights training, we can discuss what is taught in the course. The course covers both the theoretical and practical aspects of working safely from any height. Besides learning how to work safely and prevent falls, trainees are also taught risk assessment and hazard elimination. Training includes correct equipment selection and use; the use of rigging and anchor systems, correct work positioning, fall restraint, and arrest systems.

The important use of energy-absorbing lanyards is taught, and training also includes the use of ladders and their safety. Trainees also learn all the Canadian standards, regulations, and legislation.

If you have previously taken a Working at Heights course, the refresher training is very important because it contributes to an ongoing training process that increases safety awareness.

How long is the certification valid for?

The validity of the course is 3 years after its successful completion. Thereafter, successful completion of the re-training course renews the certificate for another three years. Refresher training is only available for those who have completed the two modules of a program offered by an approved training provider. The same approved providers also offer refresher training courses. The eligibility status of certification can be checked here.

Workers changing employers do not need to complete another program if their course is still valid.

Proof of Working at Heights training

Once training is completed through an approved training provider, the person receives proof of completion; also available from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development or SkillsPass™ through a secure account which is easy to set up.

For employers to access these, they need consent from their employees.

Replacing lost certification

Lost or damaged certification can be re-printed from SkillsPass™ or by contacting the training provider.

Responsibilities of the employer

It is the responsibility of the employer to ensure that all workers have training on the fall protection equipment they use. They are also responsible to ensure that employees have working at heights training from an approved provider and that it is still valid.

The employer must also keep a copy of the worker’s proof of completion document. The document must include the worker’s name, training provider’s name, and date on which it was completed. The record must be available at the request of an inspector from the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development.

Employers are also responsible for the safety of their employees if they work in a potential fall hazard job. It is up to the employer to identify the tasks to be carried out at a height and assess the risk to those working up there. They also need to secure those working below from falling objects. Control measures need to be implemented and must be assessed regularly.

How to enroll in a Working at Heights training

At Coast2Coast, we provide private training courses for those who wish to earn a Working at Heights certificate. Training is offered in an online blended format, allowing the student(s) to complete half of their training online prior to attending an in-class session. In-class training may be completed at the location of your choice. We will send one of our highly-trained instructors to you!