Working at Heights Training – Full Course
In Person
Overview
Falls are one of the major causes of injury and death on construction sites in Ontario.
Injuries and deaths related to working at heights can be avoided by knowing the correct information. Part of this means being aware of what fall prevention systems can be used, such as guardrails and protective covers, being aware of how to properly inspect, use and store a fall arrest system, and being familiar with the various types of equipment available.
In addition to the types of equipment, participants will also become familiar with the legislative requirements found under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, as well as the regulatory requirements found under Regulation 213 for Construction Projects.
This CPO Approved Working at Heights training program focuses on providing all participants with the information they need to know in order to perform their task safety, and to be compliant with the applicable occupational health and safety laws.
What You’ll Learn
- Review of the OHSA and applicable Regulations
- Occupational Health and Safety Act, sections 23 to 31, 50, 66
- Regulation 213/91 for Construction Projects
- Fall Hazard Recognition
- Incorrect or temporary conditions
- Hierarchy of controls
- Methods of fall prevention
- Guardrails
- Protective covers
- Barriers
- Travel restraint systems
- Proper set up, inspection and use
- Application
- Fall protection systems
- Fall restrict systems and associated components
- Safety nets
- Fall arrest systems and associated components
- Access structure overviews
- Scaffolding
- Powered elevating work platforms
- Ladders
- Boatswain chairs
- Suspended access platforms
- Workplace specific training
- Practical demonstration of proper inspection and use of a fall arrest system
FAQ
How is this program taught?
This program is taught using an interactive discussion method. This means that all participants will be involved in discussing the content throughout the duration of the program. This method ensures that all participants receive and understand the information.
Where possible, all material being discussed throughout the length of the Working at Heights program will be related directly to the participants workplace in order to provide a better understanding on how to apply what is being taught.
Who should take this training?
This course is mandatory for Ontario construction workers who work at heights and use any form of fall protection equipment. It is ideal for:
- Construction and roofing workers
- General labourers and apprentices
- Carpenters, electricians, ironworkers, and HVAC technicians
- Forepersons, supervisors, and site managers
- Health and safety representatives
What do I need to do in order to pass?
In order to successfully pass the program and obtain the working at heights certification, all participants are required to successfully demonstrate how to inspect, don and doff a fall arrest harness and lanyard, demonstrate the proper use of a 100% tie-off lanyard, and obtain at least a 75% passing mark on the written evaluation.
Are there accommodations for learning disabilities?
Participants that may have a learning disability or other impairment, such as language, literacy hearing, or vision, will be accommodated. This may involve having the questions read to the participant(s) by the instructor, the assistance of an interpreter supplied by the employer, or other means. Where disabilities or impairments are identified, please advise your contact when scheduling the course so all efforts to accommodate can be made.
How long is the certificate valid for?
The Working at Heights certificate is valid for three years from the date of completion
Details
Course Length
approximately 8 hours
Breaks
Two 10-minute breaks, one 30-minute lunch
Location
Private onsite or in public setting at STC facilities in the Simcoe-Muskoka region
Requirements
Photo ID
Prerequisites
CSA approved steel-toed safety boots or shoes depending on the training environment
Free Download
Ladder inspection checklist
Working at Heights Quick Reference Guide
This is a CPO Approved Training Course
The Chief Prevention Office (CPO) is a division within Ontario’s Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD). It was created under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) to strengthen the province’s approach to workplace health and safety.
The Chief Prevention Officer (the individual who leads the Office) is responsible for providing strategic leadership in preventing workplace injuries, illnesses, and fatalities across Ontario. The CPO works with employers, workers, labour organizations, training providers, and other stakeholders to create a coordinated and consistent prevention system throughout the province.
Key Responsibilities of the Chief Prevention Office
- Setting Health and Safety Training Standards
The CPO develops and approves mandatory training standards. Only CPO-approved training providers may deliver these mandatory programs, ensuring consistency and quality across Ontario workplaces: - Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Certification programs
- Working at Heights training standards
- Worker and Supervisor Awareness training
- Establishing and Overseeing Prevention Strategies
The Office develops Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Strategy, which outlines priorities for reducing workplace injuries and occupational diseases through education, enforcement, and collaboration.
- Data Analysis and Performance Measurement
The CPO analyzes injury, illness, and fatality data to identify trends and focus prevention efforts where they are most needed. This evidence-based approach helps guide policies and resource allocation.
- Accrediting Health and Safety Management Systems
Through initiatives such as COR 2020 (Certificate of Recognition) and other recognized systems, the CPO supports employers in implementing formalized health and safety management frameworks that meet provincial standards.
- Collaboration with Partners
The Office works closely with the Health and Safety Associations (HSAs), including Infrastructure Health and Safety Association (IHSA), Workplace Safety North (WSN), and others, to deliver training and prevention programs to specific sectors.
Fall Protection Training Is Mandatory in Ontario
Falls are one of the top causes of serious injuries and fatalities in Ontario’s construction industry. To protect workers, the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) requires that anyone using fall protection systems—including fall arrest, travel restraint, or work positioning systems—must complete CPO-approved Working at Heights training before starting work at elevation.
STC’s Working at Heights course teaches participants to:
- Recognize and assess fall hazards in construction environments.
- Properly inspect, don, and maintain fall protection equipment such as harnesses, lanyards, and lifelines.
- Identify safe anchor points and calculate clearance distances.
- Use ladders, scaffolds, and elevating work platforms safely.
- Develop emergency response and fall rescue plans that save lives.
Already Have a Working at Heights Certificate?
Your Working at Heights certificate is valid for three (3) years from the date of issue. To maintain compliance, workers must complete a Working at Heights Refresher course before their certification expires.
The refresher course reviews essential fall prevention principles, legislative updates, and practical demonstrations to ensure workers remain confident, compliant, and up to date with Ontario’s latest safety standards.
Choose STC for Your Working at Heights Training
With over 15 years of experience in safety training and consulting, Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd. (STC) is a trusted CPO- and TSSA-approved provider serving industries across Ontario.
We don’t just teach compliance — we build safety cultures that last.
What sets STC apart:
- ✅ CPO-Approved Programs – Fully compliant with MLITSD and OHSA regulations.
- ✅ Experienced Instructors – Trainers certified since the first CPO training standards were introduced in 2013.
- ✅ On-Site Training Available – We bring certified safety instruction directly to your worksite anywhere in Ontario.
- ✅ AODA-Compliant & Inclusive – Accessible learning for every worker.
- ✅ Full-Service Safety Support – STC also provides policies, procedures, and compliance consulting for complete workplace safety solutions.
Get Your Working at Heights Certificate Today
Get Certified. Stay Compliant. Work Safe.
At Safety Training and Consulting Services Ltd. (STC), we provide Chief Prevention Officer (CPO)–approved Working at Heights training for construction professionals across Ontario. Our program meets all requirements set out by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) under O. Reg. 213/91 – Construction Projects.
Whether you’re a general contractor, roofer, labourer, or site supervisor, this mandatory Working at Heights certification ensures you and your team remain safe, competent, and legally compliant on every Ontario job site.