The need for fall protection training is critical, regardless of the province where you work.
The hazards do not change from province to province. The definitions of working at heights, or when you require fall protection training may differ from province to province, but the underlying hazards do not change. There is no equivalency for training, which means you are required to receive training either from an approved training provider in the province where you will be working or from a person deemed competent. Always check the provincial regulations directly for the most accurate requirements.
To illustrate this point, we will compare Ontario’s Working at Heights Training and the Alberta Fall Protection Training. We have chosen these two provinces as we see a number of workers moving between both provinces to perform work. The difference between these two courses is a regular question we receive.
The significant differences are outlined below:
Ontario – Working at Heights
- Workers must have a written procedure for rescuing the worker before the use of any fall arrest system or safety net.
- Training on Working at Heights must be provided by a CPO (Chief Prevention Office) approved provider.
- Training must be completed and refreshed every three (3) years.
Alberta – Fall Protection
- Workers require a Fall Protection Plan where workers may fall more than three (3) metres, and they are not protected by guardrails.
- Training must be provided on the fall protection plan and the safe use of the fall protection system before area where a fall protection system must be used
These differences may seem negligible however they are different enough that Ontario does not have an equivalency for the Alberta Fall Protection training, and you must ensure the standards for your area are met in the training.
For more information on our training calendar, requirements, or availability click here.