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 required 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.

Homeowners

It is in a homeowner’s best interest to ensure that workers at their home are safe. This can be as simple as confirming with contractors if their workers have been trained and inquiring about their safety plans while on site prior to signing a contract.

In the case of projects where workers will be at heights, such as repairing a roof, homeowners should inquire with 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.

RMG, though our partnership network delivers CPO approved working at heights training for both new users and refresher training.