March 2026 · 8 min read · Training Guide
Falls remain the leading cause of death and critical injury on Ontario construction sites. To address this, the Ontario government introduced mandatory Working at Heights (WAH) training under Ontario Regulation 297/13. Whether you are a first-year apprentice or a seasoned superintendent, understanding the requirements around this training is essential to staying compliant, staying safe, and staying on the job.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know — who needs the training, what it covers, how long it lasts, and what happens if you skip it.
Under Ontario Regulation 297/13, any worker on a construction project who may use a method of fall protection must complete an approved Working at Heights training program. This applies broadly. If there is any chance you will work at an elevation where fall protection is required — whether that means a full-body harness, guardrails, travel restraint, or a safety net — you need the certification.
In practice, this includes most workers on construction sites:
The regulation specifically targets construction projects as defined under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Industrial workplaces have their own fall protection requirements, but the WAH training standard under Reg. 297/13 is construction-specific.
The employer is responsible for ensuring that every worker who may use fall protection on a construction project has completed an approved Working at Heights training program — and can produce proof of that training on request.
An approved Working at Heights training program is divided into two parts: theory and practical. The full program runs approximately 6.5 hours and must be delivered by a training provider approved by the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD).
The theory portion builds your understanding of fall hazards, the legal framework, and the equipment designed to protect you. Topics include:
The practical component is what separates a real training experience from a slide deck. Workers get hands-on time with actual equipment in a controlled environment. This portion covers:
At the end of the program, workers must demonstrate competency in both the theoretical and practical components. There is no written exam in the traditional sense for most providers, but trainers will assess understanding throughout the day.
There are two versions of the program, and which one you need depends on your certification history.
The full Working at Heights program covers both theory and practical components over approximately 6.5 hours. You need the full program if:
The refresher is a shorter program — approximately 3.5 hours — that covers only the practical component. You are eligible for the refresher if:
Do not let your certificate lapse. If your 3-year window passes, you will need to retake the full 6.5-hour program — not just the refresher. Plan your renewal early.
Your Working at Heights certificate is valid for 3 years from the date of training. The expiry date is printed on the wallet card and the certificate issued by your training provider.
After completing an approved program, the training provider reports your completion to the MLITSD. You receive a certificate and a wallet card bearing the Chief Prevention Officer's approval. This is the official proof of training you will need to present on any Ontario construction site.
To maintain continuous certification, schedule your refresher training before the expiry date — not after. Many workers book their refresher 2 to 3 months before expiry to give themselves a buffer.
Do not let your certificate lapse. If your 3-year window passes, you will need to retake the full 6.5-hour program — not just the refresher. Plan your renewal early.
Showing up prepared makes the day smoother for everyone. Here is what you should bring:
Most training providers supply all fall protection equipment for the practical portion. You do not need to bring your own harness unless specifically instructed.
Not all training providers are created equal. Ontario requires that WAH training be delivered by a provider approved by the Chief Prevention Officer under the MLITSD. Here is what to look for:
This is non-negotiable. If a provider is not on the MLITSD's list of approved training providers, the certificate they issue will not be recognized. You can verify a provider's status on the Ontario government website. If they cannot show you their approval number, walk away.
The best programs go beyond the minimum. Look for providers who use actual fall protection equipment — harnesses, lanyards, anchor systems — and have a dedicated practical area. Some providers set up indoor training rigs; others use outdoor structures. Either way, you should be physically connecting to an anchor point and experiencing equipment first-hand.
Ask around your job site or union hall. Experienced workers know which providers deliver solid training and which ones rush through the material. Google reviews, testimonials, and word-of-mouth referrals are all valuable. A provider with a strong reputation has earned it through consistent delivery.
Smaller class sizes mean more one-on-one time during the practical portion. A class of 12 will give you a very different experience than a class of 40. Also consider location and scheduling — a provider that offers weekend or evening sessions, or that comes to your job site, can save significant downtime.
Ontario takes fall protection seriously, and the penalties for non-compliance reflect that. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, failing to ensure workers have completed approved Working at Heights training can result in:
A single missing WAH certificate can shut down work for an entire crew. The cost of training is a fraction of the cost of a stop-work order — or worse, a serious injury.
Beyond the legal penalties, there is the human cost. Falls from heights cause life-changing injuries — spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, and fatalities. The training exists because the risk is real, and because proper training demonstrably saves lives.
Working at Heights training is not just a checkbox on a compliance list. It is a foundational safety skill that every Ontario construction worker needs. The course equips you with the knowledge to identify fall hazards, the hands-on ability to use fall protection equipment correctly, and the awareness to plan for rescue if something goes wrong.
If your certificate is approaching its 3-year expiry, book your refresher now. If you have never taken the course, get it done before you step onto your next project. It is one of the simplest investments you can make in your career — and your life.
4 Your Safety Solutions offers MLITSD-approved Working at Heights training in Toronto & GTA. Full certification $150+tax.
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