Ontario’s Ministry of Labour just announced that as of April 1, 2015, a new training requirement will be mandatory for workers that perform travel restraint system, fall restricting system, fall arrest system, safety net, work belt, or safety belt. Working at Heights Program Standard is the new training program designed to prevent injuries and fatalities in the construction sector. The mandatory training will also allow employees to become familiar with hazard identification, ladder safety, proper use of personal protective equipment (PPE), and the rights and responsibilities regarding work at heights.
Although the mandatory training becomes effective on April 1, 2015, workers that have received training that meet the requirements will have an additional two years to complete the standard program. Employers are required to ensure their workers are adequately trained on the use of a fall protection system if the fall protection system is used in the job. For more information, make sure to visit Ontario Ministry of Labour’s Working at Heights Training Program Standard page.