Safety certifications are more than a piece of paper saying you’re certified. They’re peace of mind for yourself and your employer that you have received the training and practiced the skills to perform an activity safely. In Ontario, construction and other sectors require workers to be certified in specific certifications.
What is Working at Heights? How do I know if I need it?
Working at Heights certification teaches students the skills they need to work safely at heights. While you may not think that this certification is necessary, especially if you have no problem working off the ground, you’d be surprised how important it is to your overall safety. Learning to use fall prevention equipment, how to use it, and what to do, are all part of the Working at Heights certification. All workers on construction sites must take working at heights training if they are to be using fall protection devices, as per the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Chief Prevention Officer.
The fall protection devices, as listed by the Ontario government, will include:
- travel restraint system
- fall restricting system
- fall arrest system
- safety net
- work belt
- safety belt
Who can teach Working at Heights?
There are several requirements for training and certification for Working at Heights. Be sure that the program you have chosen is:
- approved by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s Chief Prevention Officer
- delivered by a training provider who has been approved by the Chief Prevention Officer
It is important to remember that the training must be taken before a worker can use fall protection. Finding a provider that is approved by the Chief Prevention Officer is important for your safety and the safety of others. This is the only way to be certified and have it approved by the office of the Chief Prevention Officer.
When searching for a provider, be sure to do your research. Check reviews from past students and always be sure that they are an approved training provider. We recommend checking out the website for Working at Heights safety regulations to be sure you are going to be trained correctly and will be able to work safely. Visit https://www.ontario.ca/page/training-working-heights .
What can Certification help me with?
Working at Heights Certification is a key safety measure to take for working safely on job sites.
- Your rights and responsibilities related to working at heights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
- Learn anchor points
- Personal fall protection equipment
- Learn work positioning systems, work access, work platforms
- Hazard recognition for working at heights
- Safety procedures for warning methods
- Safety procedures for physical barriers, safety netting, ladders/similar equipment
- Plan rescue methods
For your career, if fall protection gear and working at heights is part of your duties, having Working at Heights certification is necessary. It can also be an attractive addition to your resume, showing your future employer(s) that you are aware of safe practices and are ready to work.
When should I apply to get certified?
This is up to you as an individual. You might want to wait until you have received a job offer and your employer offers to fund your training. However, there is a benefit to certifying before you are employed. It is an attractive certification for employers, showing that you take your work and safety seriously. At Pathways, we have seen both types of students come through our doors. Either way, you can learn proper procedures for Working at Heights and be ready for whatever employment may have in store for you.
Working at Heights Certification prepares you for other certifications!
Working at Heights certification is not just for fall protection from roofs and ladders. It is a core skill and certification to have if you are looking to operate any machinery that places you above ground. One example is elevated work platforms; these require you to be at heights and operating machinery. To operate machines such as scissor lifts, you will need certification such as the Pathways’ Mobile Elevated Work Platform. You can find mobile elevated work platforms in a variety of work environments, including manufacturing and construction sites.
Learn skills to keep you safe at Heights
Your safety and the safety of others are two of the most important things on the job site. Knowing the procedures, the reasons behind them, and applying the skills you learn can make a safe difference in the workplace. Working at Heights training and certification equips you with the confidence and knowledge you need to safely work at heights while at work. This certification gives you transferable skills that are important to employers and is valid for 3 years. Give your career and safety a boost with CPO-approved Working at Heights certification, and know that you are in safe hands with providers like Pathways Skill Development.