In Ontario, Working at Heights Training must be renewed every 3 years.

Our Working at Heights program covers the following:

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, Platforms, and Ladders

Workers on Ontario construction projects are required to complete Working at Heights training when their job involves the use of fall protection methods identified under Ontario Regulation 213/91 (Construction Projects). This applies to workers using equipment or systems such as:

• Travel restraint systems

• Fall restricting systems

• Fall arrest systems

• Safety nets

• Work belts

• Safety belts

In addition to Working at Heights training, workers must also receive training on the specific fall protection equipment they will be using, as required by Section 26.2 of the regulation.

Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injuries and fatalities in Ontario’s construction industry. Working at Heights training helps workers recognize fall hazards, properly use fall protection systems, and understand their responsibilities under Ontario health and safety legislation.

A Working at Heights course is only considered valid in Ontario if it meets the requirements established by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development. To be recognized as compliant, the course must:

• Be approved by the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO)

• Be delivered by a training provider approved by the Chief Prevention Officer

• Be completed before a worker performs tasks that require the use of fall protection equipment on a construction project

These requirements are outlined under Ontario Regulation 297/13: Occupational Health and Safety Awareness Training.

Supervisors may require Working at Heights training if their duties involve using fall protection equipment or performing work where fall hazards are present on a construction project.

Even when supervisors are not directly exposed to fall hazards, many employers choose to have supervisors complete Working at Heights training so they can:

• Better understand fall protection requirements

• Recognize unsafe work practices and hazards

• Properly oversee workers performing work at heights

• Help ensure compliance with Ontario health and safety regulations

• Support safer job site practices and worker awareness

In Ontario construction environments, having supervisors trained in Working at Heights can help improve overall safety knowledge and strengthen workplace compliance and hazard recognition.

Employers are responsible for ensuring that workers who perform tasks requiring fall protection have valid Working at Heights training that meets Ontario requirements. Verification typically involves reviewing a worker’s proof of training or certification card issued by an approved training provider.

To be considered valid in Ontario, the training must:

• Be approved by the Chief Prevention Officer (CPO)

• Be delivered by an approved Working at Heights training provider

• Be current and not expired

• Include any required refresher training within the required timeframe

Employers should keep training records on file and confirm that certification remains up to date before workers perform work at heights on a construction project.

The Working at Heights Full Course is intended for workers who have never completed approved Working at Heights training before, or for individuals whose certification is no longer valid. This course is typically a full-day program and provides comprehensive instruction on fall hazards, fall prevention methods, and the proper use of fall protection systems used on Ontario construction projects.

The full course includes both classroom theory and hands-on practical training. Participants learn how to safely inspect, fit, adjust, and use fall protection equipment in realistic job site scenarios.

The Working at Heights Refresher Course is designed for workers who already hold a valid Working at Heights certification and need to renew it before it expires. In Ontario, Working at Heights certification is generally valid for three years, after which refresher training is required to maintain compliance.

Refresher training is typically completed as a half-day course and focuses on reviewing key safety principles, reinforcing proper fall protection practices, and updating workers on any relevant changes to regulations or industry best practices.

Like the full course, the refresher course also includes both theory and practical hands-on components. Participants review safe equipment usage and complete practical exercises involving fall protection equipment and safe work procedures.

At DNT Safety Training, we focus on delivering Working at Heights training that is practical, engaging, and relevant to real job site conditions. Our goal is not just to help workers meet Ontario certification requirements, but to ensure participants leave with the knowledge and confidence to work safely at heights.

We believe safety training should be interactive, easy to understand, and grounded in real-world experience. Our courses combine clear instruction with hands-on practical training to help participants properly use fall protection equipment and recognize workplace hazards before incidents occur.

Why workers and employers across Ottawa and Ontario choose DNT Safety Training:

• Hands-on practical fall protection training

• Experienced and approachable instructors

• Instructors with the industry experience and/or educational background required to effectively deliver safety training

• Engaging courses focused on real workplace scenarios

• Working at Heights training available across Ottawa and throughout Ontario

• On-site instruction available for employers, crews, and workplaces across Ontario

• Flexible scheduling for individuals, companies, and group training sessions

• Strong focus on workplace safety, compliance, and confidence

• Training designed to be informative, practical, and easy to follow

Whether you are an individual worker renewing your certification or an employer arranging Working at Heights training for your team, DNT Safety Training is committed to providing high-quality safety education that supports safer workplaces across Ottawa and Ontario.