Updates

While employer obligations under WSIB Regulation 1101 remain in place, the new standard introduces updated training requirements, a stronger focus on practical skills and competency-based learning, and new course names such as Basic First Aid (formerly Emergency First Aid) and Intermediate First Aid (formerly Standard First Aid).

Existing valid certificates will continue to be recognized until they expire, so employers do not need to retrain workers immediately. The goal of the new standard is to create greater consistency in workplace First Aid training across Canada while ensuring workers have the skills and confidence to respond effectively in an emergency.

Ontario's construction safety training standards are being used as a foundation as provinces and territories work toward harmonizing key safety training programs across Canada. The goal is to improve worker mobility while maintaining strong and consistent safety standards nationwide.

Areas currently being reviewed include:

✔️ Working at Heights
✔️ MEWP / PEWP Operator Training
✔️ Hoisting and Rigging
✔️ Trenching and Shoring
✔️ Entry-Level Construction Worker Training
✔️ Construction Supervisor Training

For Ontario employers and workers, this highlights the importance of training that meets Ontario's established requirements and standards. The current target for harmonized Working at Heights and MEWP training across participating jurisdictions is January 1, 2027.

Effective July 1, 2027, Ontario construction projects will require enhanced head protection measures, including Type 2 safety helmets in certain situations where workers may be exposed to side-impact hazards. Additional retention systems, such as chin straps, may also be required where helmets could become dislodged. Amendments will be made to Section 22 of O. Reg 213/91.

Now is a good time to review your current head protection program, assess equipment, and start planning for compliance before the deadline arrives. Standards must meet CSA Z94.1

Flexible Weekend and Weekday Safety Training

DNT Safety Training understands that standard weekday business hours do not work for every workplace. Depending on instructor availability, we may be able to accommodate safety training requests on weekends, during evenings or at different times throughout the week.

For organizations with a large enough and suitable training area, we can also explore delivering the course directly at your workplace. On-site training can make it easier to coordinate employees, reduce travel and schedule training around shifts or operational requirements.

Businesses in Ottawa and throughout Ontario are welcome to contact DNT Safety Training with their preferred dates, times, location and number of participants. We will review the request and see what scheduling options may be available.

Flexible and on-site training is subject to course requirements, instructor availability, class size and the suitability of the training space.

The City of Ottawa has announced updated Occupational Health and Safety Management System (OHSMS) requirements for construction contracts over $2 million, effective October 1, 2026.

As safety expectations continue to evolve across Ontario’s construction industry, now is the time to ensure your workers and supervisors are properly trained and prepared.

The occupational radon exposure limit under the Canada Labour Code has been reduced from 800 Bq/m³ to 200 Bq/m³, bringing it in line with Health Canada’s public safety recommendations.

Radon is an odorless, radioactive gas and a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Workplaces with basements or ground-level spaces, including warehouses, schools, daycares, and offices, may be more vulnerable to exposure.

DNT Safety Training is based in Ottawa and provides workplace health and safety training for businesses, organizations and workers throughout Ontario. We have delivered training in multiple communities, from Ottawa and Eastern Ontario to Toronto and the Greater Toronto Area.

For employers who need training for several workers, we can bring our instructors, course materials and training equipment directly to your workplace. On-site safety training can make scheduling easier, reduce employee travel and allow participants to complete their training in a familiar workplace environment.

Do you need a workplace safety course that is not currently listed on our website? Contact DNT Safety Training and tell us what your organization requires. We will review the request and determine how we may be able to help, whether through our instructors, additional arrangements or another qualified training provider.

Examples of requested training may include:

• Propane handling training

• Ontario Traffic Manual Book 7 traffic control training

• Workplace-specific hazard awareness

Whether you are looking for safety training in Ottawa, on-site training for an Ontario workplace or assistance finding a specialized course, our goal is to help your team access practical and appropriate health and safety education.

In February 2026, DNT Safety Training successfully passed the Ministry inspection for our own Working at Heights training program. We are proud to provide practical, engaging and high-quality Working at Heights training for workers and employers throughout Ottawa, Kanata, Nepean, Orleans, Gloucester, Stittsville and surrounding Eastern Ontario communities.

Our Working at Heights program covers five key areas:

1. Legal responsibilities and the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA)

2. Identifying fall hazards and applying the hierarchy of controls

3. Preventing falls through elimination, guardrails and protective barriers

4. Personal fall protection equipment and systems

5. Safe use of access equipment, work platforms and ladders

The program combines essential safety knowledge with practical instruction to help workers recognize fall hazards, understand their legal responsibilities and use fall-protection equipment correctly.

Whether you are an individual worker looking for Working at Heights training in Ottawa or an employer arranging training for your team, DNT Safety Training is happy to help you meet your workplace safety training needs.