All workers who use fall protection on a construction project must complete an approved working at heights training program. The extension applies only to experienced workers - those who completed fall protection training prior to April 1, 2015 - who are enrolled in a Chief Prevention Officer-approved working at heights training program scheduled to be completed before October 1, 2017.
Employers
Employers must ensure that certain workers complete a working at heights training program that has been approved by the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO) and delivered by a CPO approved training provider before they can work at heights.
The training requirement is for workers on construction projects who use any of the following methods of fall protection: travel restraint systems, fall restricting systems, fall arrest systems, safety nets and work belts or safety belts.
This training requirement is in the Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training Regulation, and is in addition to training requirements under the Construction Regulation.
The Ministry has now extended the transition period by six (6) months to October 1, 2017. Employers will have until then to ensure that workers successfully complete a CPO-approved working at heights training program.
The extension applies only to experienced workers - those who completed fall protection training prior to April 1, 2015 - who are enrolled in a CPO-approved working at heights training program scheduled to be completed before October 1, 2017.
Homeowners
It is in a homeowner’s best interest to make sure workers at their home are safe. This can be as simple as asking contractors if their workers have been trained, and how they plan to keep workers safe on site, before signing a contract.
In the case of projects where workers will be at heights, such as repairing a roof, homeowners should ask contractors if their workers have been trained to do the work safely.
Depending on the circumstances, homeowners may be considered constructors and subject to obligations under Occupational Health and Safety Act if they hire multiple contractors to work at the same time.