If you work in construction or perform tasks at elevation in Ontario, Working at Heights (WAH) training isn’t optional — it’s the law. Whether you’re an individual worker or an employer managing teams on active job sites, completing Chief Prevention Officer (CPO)-approved training is critical for both safety and legal compliance.

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At Holmes Safety Training, we offer Ministry-approved Working at Heights certification and refresher courses across Ontario — including Ottawa, Kingston, Cornwall, Brockville, and surrounding regions. We don’t just check boxes — we equip workers with the real-world knowledge and hands-on skills they need to prevent falls and work safely every day.

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Why Working at Heights Training Matters

Falls are one of the leading causes of serious injury and death in Ontario workplaces — especially on construction sites. The Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) mandates that any worker who uses fall protection equipment must complete a CPO-approved Working at Heights course before stepping foot on an elevated job site.

This isn’t just about compliance — it’s about saving lives.

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Who Needs Working at Heights Training?

If you're working at elevation on a construction project in Ontario, and you use or are exposed to any fall protection systems — such as:

• Travel restraint systems

• Fall arrest systems

• Fall-restricting systems

• Safety nets

• Work positioning systems

• Safety belts or full-body harnesses

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...you are required by Ontario Regulation 213/91 to complete WAH training through an approved provider like Holmes Safety Training.

You must also carry proof of valid training with you on the job site, and employers are required to maintain accurate training records for every worker.

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When Is Fall Protection Required?

Fall protection systems must be in place when a worker is exposed to:

• A fall of 3 metres (10 feet) or more

• Any height where the fall could cause injury (e.g. near sharp objects, machinery, or open edges)

This is especially important for trades like roofing, framing, scaffolding, or working on ladders or lifts.

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What’s Included in the Working at Heights Course?

WAH certification must be completed in person and includes two key components:

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1. Basic Theory Module (Approx. 3 Hours)

• Worker rights and responsibilities under the OHSA

• Identifying fall hazards and how to control them

• Understanding the hierarchy of controls

• When and how to use warning methods or barriers

• Introduction to ladders, scaffolds, and elevated work platforms

• Overview of fall protection equipment

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2. Practical Hands-On Module (Approx. 3.5 Hours)

• Proper donning, inspection, and fit of harnesses and lanyards

• How to use anchor points correctly

• Hands-on use of fall protection systems

• Work positioning and access strategies

• Emergency response and fall rescue planning

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How Long Does a WAH Certificate Last?

WAH certification is valid for 3 years from the date of completion. Workers must complete a Working at Heights Refresher Course before their certification expires in order to stay compliant.

Refresher training reinforces critical concepts, updates workers on changes in regulations or best practices, and ensures everyone is ready to respond effectively in real-world scenarios.

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WHMIS and Working at Heights: How They Connect

WHMIS (Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System) training is another key component of job site safety. While WHMIS focuses on hazardous substances, it complements Working at Heights training by helping workers understand:

• How exposure to certain chemicals (e.g. fumes, vapours) at elevation can increase fall risk

• Safe storage of materials at heights to prevent slips, trips, and spills

• The importance of PPE (personal protective equipment) when working with both chemicals and fall protection systems

Together, WHMIS and WAH training provide a more complete safety framework that reduces risk on every level — from slips to toxic exposure to life-threatening falls.

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Why Choose Holmes Safety Training?

Holmes Safety Training is an MLITSD-approved Working at Heights training provider with a reputation for high-quality, effective instruction. Our trainers are industry-experienced, and our courses are designed for:

• Construction workers

• Roofers and framers

• Tradespeople and apprentices

• Supervisors and site leads

• College and co-op students entering the trades

We also offer group rates for businesses and on-site training across Eastern Ontario.

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Register Now for an Upcoming Course

Whether you're due for a refresher or need certification to start a new job, Holmes Safety Training makes it easy to get compliant — and stay safe.

Find a course near you or request private onsite training for your team.

👉 Explore our Working at Heights Courses

👉 Contact us to schedule group training