Working at height can be dangerous, and falls from height are a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities in Canada. In fact, falls from heights are responsible for more than 14,000 injuries and 40 fatalities each year in Canada. As more and more Canadians are employed in industries that require working at heights, the need for comprehensive fall safety training has become increasingly important. As an employer or employee, understanding the requirements for fall protection in Canada is crucial. At eSafetyFirst, we understand the critical role that training plays in ensuring the safety of workers at height, thus we offer a range of training programs to help individuals and organizations stay safe.
FALL PROTECTION DEFINITION
What is Fall Protection?
Certain jobs and work environments may present a risk of injury to employees working at heights. Falls are the number one cause of critical injuries and deaths of workers on construction sites. Most fall-related incidents result from fall protection methods and equipment being used improperly or not at all. Developing and implementing comprehensive fall protection programs in the workplace can prevent many injuries and fatalities.
Fall protection can be defined as any system designed to prevent a worker from a fall or, in the event they do fall, to stop them without causing severe injury. Examples of these include guardrails and travel restraint systems.
What are the key components of Fall Protection?
The regulation states that for any work that requires fall protection equipment under the COHSR, a fall protection plan must also be created and implemented in consultation with a workplace safety committee or health and safety official. The complete details on the new requirements can be found in section 12.06 of the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. (Source: Justice Law, Government of Canada, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)”. Available at: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/page-22.html, 2 May, 2022)
What is a fall protection plan?
Fall protection plans outline the policy and procedures involved in assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using, and dismantling equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, or platforms used for working at heights as well as any fall protection equipment. Fall protection plans must be specific to each site where workers are at heights.
Fall Hazards
The first step in any fall protection plan for a work site is identifying potential fall hazards. Safety equipment is essential, but failure to identify potential fall hazards is not only an OHSA violation that could cost the company thousands.
A fall hazard is anything in the workplace that could cause an unintended loss of balance or bodily support and result in a fall.
The hierarchy of fall hazard control includes:
- The elimination of fall hazards.
- Prevention (Engineering Controls) of falls.
- Control (Training and PPE) of falls.
Fall protection systems
What are fall protection systems?
Fall protection refers to any system designed to prevent a worker from a fall or, in the event they do fall, to stop them without causing severe injury. If a Fall Protection system such as a guardrail cannot be put into place, one of the 3 following types of systems must be implemented Fall Restraint System, Safety Net or Fall Arrest System.
What are guardrails?
Guardrails are a stationary (or “fixed”) system used to protect workers from falls when working at heights. Guardrails are a preferred means of protecting workers because the system does not rely on the worker to be trained to use, inspect, and wear a fall protection system.
What are travel restraint systems?
When you cannot use a guardrail or opening cover to protect against a fall, then the next option is to use a travel restraint system. A travel restraint system restricts the worker’s movements in the fall hazard area by allowing them to reach the edge, but they are not able to fall over the edge. Travel restraint is used for leading-edge work where there is unprotected end of formwork, floors, roofs, decks or other walking or working surfaces.
A travel restraint system consists of (equipment or item must be CSA approved, where required):
- Full body harness (class A)
- Lanyard (fixed length or adjustable)
- Lifeline
- Rope grab to attach the lanyard to the lifeline
- Adequate anchorage capable of supporting a load as determined by the jurisdiction.
What are fall arrest systems?
Fall arrest system can be defined as the group of equipment, components, and systems used to arrest (stop) a fall when a worker is working at heights. A fall arrest system should only be used when other methods of fall protection are not available or possible, including engineering controls (e.g., elevated platform), guardrails, safety nets, or travel restraints.
Fall arrest system vs fall restraint system
Fall Arrest System is designed to protect you after you fall, whereas a Fall Restraint System is designed to prevent you from falling.
What are safety net systems?
Safety nets are classified as a passive fall protection system which can be installed as either a barrier to prevent a fall or beneath the work to catch a falling worker. Safety nets are designed to decrease the fall distance, absorb the energy of a fall, and reduce the likelihood or seriousness of an injury.
When are fall protection systems required?
The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations require workers to use a fall protection system where they could fall at least 3 m or where a fall from a lesser height may result in serious injury.
Fall Clearance
Fall Clearance is a vital step in determining the setup of a Personal Fall Arrest System. Fall clearance is the minimum vertical distance needed between the worker’s feet and a lower level (this can be the ground level, but also a lower working platform, for example) to prevent the worker from hitting the lower level in the event of a fall.
- Inspecting and maintaining equipment – Personal fall arrest systems shall be inspected prior to each use for wear, damage and other deterioration, and defective components shall be removed from service.
- Rescue plan – Often after a fall is arrested, the worker remains suspended in the air and will must be rescued by others. In other situations, the worker could have injuries that require first-aid. A rescue plan will detail how to return fallen workers to a place of safety while keeping rescuers safe.
FALL PROTECTION LEGISLATION
Most jurisdictions require specific fall protection measures before or in addition to personal protective equipment (PPE). There may also be specific legal requirements around the use of equipment like ladders and scaffolding.
When is fall protection required?
Occupational health and safety laws generally require action when a worker has the potential to fall about 3 metres (10 feet). In most cases, fall protection is required when:
- Other means of fall protection are not available or possible, such as guardrails.
- Working at a height of 3 metres or more (permanent and/or temporary work areas).
- Working at a height of less than 3 metres when the surface below could cause a more significant injury than just the fall (e.g., machinery; risk of drowning in water or other liquid; open tanks, vats, or pits containing hazardous materials; materials that can shift).
- A worker may fall through an opening in the work surface.
- It is determined that fall protection is necessary.
The complete details on fall protection requirements can be found in section 12.06 of the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. (Source: Justice Law, Government of Canada, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) section 12.06 (4)”. Available at https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/index.html, 2 May, 2022)
What are the sources of legislation regarding fall protection?
The table below lists the common regulations and acts where fall protection requirements are mentioned. Other requirements may be listed in different sections, regulations, or acts. For more details, consult the legislation.
| Federal (Canada) | Canada Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, SOR/86-304, Sections 12.01 to 12.09(Source: Justice Law, Government of Canadoda, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) section 12.06”. Available at https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/index.html, 2 May, 2022) |
| Alberta | Occupational Health and Safety Code, 191/2021 Part 9, Fall Protection Sections 138 – 161 (Source: Government of Alberta, “Occupational Health and Safety Code, Part 9” Available at: https://search-ohs-laws.alberta.ca/legislation/occupational-health-and-safety-code/part-9-fall-protection/, 2021) |
| British Columbia | Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, B.C. Reg. 296/97 Part 11, Fall Protection, Sections 11.1 to 11.10(Source: Government of British Columbia, “Occupational Health and Safety Code”Available at: https://www.bclaws.gov.bc.ca/civix/document/id/crbc/crbc/296_97_multi, 22 August 2021) |
| Manitoba | Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Man. Reg. 217/2006 Part 14, Fall Protection, Sections 14.1 to 14.29(Source: Government of Manitoba, “Occupational Health and Safety Code” Available at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/safety/pdf/whs_workplace_safety_act_and_regs.pdf, July 2021) |
| New Brunswick | General Regulation -N.B.Reg. 91-191, Part VII, Protective Equipment, Sections 49 – 5 |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012, N.L.R. 5/12 Part X, Fall Protection, Sections 138 to 146 |
| Northwest Territories | Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, R-039-2015 Part 7, Personal Protective Equipment, Sections 103 to 109 and Part 9 Safeguards, storage, warning signs and signals, Sections 118 to 124 |
| Nova Scotia | Workplace Health and Safety Regulations, N.S. Reg. 52/2013 Part 21, Fall Protection, Sections 21.1 to 21.4 |
| Nunavut | Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. R-039-2015 , Part 7 Sections 104 to 109, and Part 9, Sections 118 to 122 |
| Ontario | Construction Projects, O. Reg. 213/91 Sections 26 – 26.9 And Industrial Establishments, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851 Section 85(Source: Government of Ontario, “Construction Projects, O. Reg. 213/91” Available at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/910213, 1 July 2022) |
| Prince Edward Island | Fall Protection Regulations, EC2004-633 |
| Quebec | Regulation respecting occupational health and safety, O.C. 885-2001 Division XXX, Means and Equipment for Individual and Group Protection Sections 347 – 354.1 And Safety Code for the construction industry R.R.Q. 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 6 Division II, General Provisions Sections 2.9.1 to 2.9.3, Safety measures |
| Saswkatchewan | Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020 Sections 9-2 – 9-5 |
| Yukon | Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, O.I.C. 2006/178 Protective Equipment and Clothing – Fall Arrest Sections 1.37 to 1.43 |
What are the applicable standards for fall protection?
The following table mentions the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards concerning fall protection that may be accepted in Canadian workplaces. Other standards may apply. (Source: CSA Group, “New standards can help improve fall protection in the workplace” Available at: https://www.csagroup.org/article/new-standards-can-help-improve-fall-protection-in-the-workplace/)
| Z259.1-05 | Body belts and saddles for work positioning and travel restraint (R2020) |
| Z259.2.2-17 | Self-retracting devices |
| Z259.2.3:16(R2020) | Descent devices |
| Z259.2.4-15(R2020) | Fall arresters and vertical rigid rails |
| Z259.2.5-17 | Fall arresters and vertical lifelines |
| Z259.10-18 | Full body harnesses |
| Z259.11-17 | Personal energy absorbers and lanyards |
| Z259.12-16(R2021) | Connecting components for personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) |
| Z259.13-16(R2020) | Manufactured horizontal lifeline systems |
| Z259.15-17 | Anchorage connectors |
| Z259.16: 21 | Design of active fall-protection systems |
| Z259.17:21 | Selection and use of active fall-protection equipment and systems |
| ANSI/ASSP Z359.1-2020 | The Fall Protection Code |
| ANSI Z359.2-2017 | Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program |
WORKING AT HEIGHTS VS FALL PROTECTION
What is working at heights training (WAH)?
This program has become a regulatory requirement in Ontario and Newfoundland for any contractor and construction worker that uses fall protection equipment. This training requirement is part of the O. Reg. 297/13: Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training requirements, along with many other requirements for those working on Construction Projects. (Source: Government of Ontario, “Construction Projects, O. Reg. 213/91” Available at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/910213, 1 July 2022)
Failing to provide workers with CPO (Chief Prevention Officer) approved WAH training from a CPO-approved trainer can result in fines and other legal action. Although this is not the same as fall protection training, many businesses, employers, and contractors still mistakenly refer to the training as fall protection or fall arrest training, which leads to some misunderstandings. It’s crucial to know that in Ontario, the only training that is currently valid for the construction industry is the Working at Heights MOL-approved program.
Who should take working at heights training?
In the construction industry, the requirements for fall protection are more stringent. Those who use fall protection equipment while working on construction projects are required to take WAH.
Does the law require Ontario construction workers to take WAH training?
Yes. In Ontario, workers who must use certain fall protection equipment on construction projects are required to complete Working at Heights training. (Source: Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development of Ontario. “Training for working at heights” Available at:https://www.ontario.ca/page/training-working-heights, October 7, 2019)
Can WAH be beneficial to those not working on construction projects?
Yes, however it is not required, and fall arrest training or fall prevention training may be more appropriate.
What is fall protection training?
Fall arrest training is a comprehensive safety program that teaches workers how to work safely at height and prevent falls. The training typically includes information on:
- The hazards of working at height
- The various types of fall protection equipment and how to use them
- Proper selection, fitting, and inspection of fall protection equipment
- How to safely work on ladders, scaffolds, and other elevated work platforms
- Safe work practices and procedures
If Working at Heights is the regulatory requirement, why would anyone need a Fall Protection training course?
Fall Protection training courses are still useful as many industries are required to take Fall Protection training. Furthermore, besides Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, all other provinces do not have requirements for a specific training standard.
Who should take fall protection training?
Workers involved in mining operations, industrial establishments, health care and residential facilities sector, and other workplaces that are not designated under the Construction Projects regulations still benefit from fall protection training.
Does the law require to take fall arrest training?
No, but your workplace may require you to complete specific training, especially if your workplace involves working at heights.
Can I take fall arrest/prevention training instead of Working at heights training?
Fall arrest training is NOT a replacement for Working at Heights training, as it is not approved by Ontario Chief Prevention Officer.
FALL PROTECTION TRAINING
Online fall arrest training is an effective and convenient way to provide workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to work safely at height. With online training, workers can complete the course at their own pace and at a time that is convenient for them.
What is fall protection training?
Workers using a fall protection system must receive instruction and training and be knowledgeable of fall protection requirements as per the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, which includes, but is not limited to, the recognition of fall hazards, selection of fall protection systems, safe use and limitations of personal fall protection equipment, inspection requirements, and rescue procedures.
Who is responsible for fall protection training?
Across Canada, it falls upon the employer to ensure a safe work environment for their employees. As such, the former is responsible for the implementation of any safety training that might be required. At the same time, it is the worker’s obligation to complete the courses and apply what they have learned throughout their work experience. Many job candidates will often complete Fall Protection before their interview to enhance their resume and hiring prospects.
Who needs fall protection training?
The Fall Protection certification is a legal requirement for workers who must conduct their activities at heights that exceed 3m (10 feet).(Source: Justice Law, Government of Canada, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) section 12.06 (4)”. Available at https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/index.html, 2 May, 2022)
Many job candidates take it upon themselves to complete the certification before an interview, increasing their chances of getting hired. Meanwhile, current employees must regularly undergo this training program to maintain their safety in the workplace. The following industries are more likely to require Fall Protection certification from employees:
- Construction.
- Energy & Electricity
- Lumber/Forestry
- Mining
- Oil & Gas
- Seismic
Ontario employees should note that contractors & any construction-related work require the regional “Working at Heights” (WAH) certification instead of the online course. Newfoundland and Labrador employees must undergo a minimum 2-day WorkplaceNL-approved “hands-on” training course. (Check Working at Heights vs Fall Protection section) (Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ,”Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act” Available at: https://assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/w11.htm, 2022)
Can you do Fall Protection training online?
Yes, Fall Protection training can be conducted online, but it’s important to note that online courses typically cover the theoretical aspects of the training only. While online training can provide valuable theoretical knowledge and understanding of crane safety, it is important to recognize its limitations, particularly when it comes to hands-on practical training. To be fully certified, individuals need to complete both theoretical training and evaluation, as well as workplace-specific hands-on practice (blended training).
Blended training is an alternative approach that combines online theoretical training with on-site practical training. Any company or organization claiming to provide full certification solely through online training without the hands-on component is likely operating a scam.
Blended training may be recommended for those who have access to the required equipment or have a competent person to oversee the completion of the workplace-specific checklist.
Although it may seem like a better option, in-classroom training still requires workplace-specific hands-on practice, which can present challenges. The equipment used in the training doesn’t always match the equipment used in the workplace, thus making it inconvenient for some individuals. Furthermore, it is more expensive and not necessarily more practical.
Is there a free Fall Protection training?
The short answer is: No, not really.
The long answer: Fall Protection courses can be developed either by the employer themselves, in which case they can be provided to you for free but have a cost of development for the employer; Alternatively, they can be developed by a private company such as ours.
When a private company develops such a program, many costs are associated with the process (human resources, programs licenses, host and servers, content research, voice-overs, software development, marketing, learning machine system development etc.); therefore, it cannot be free.
Depending on the website that sells it, its commitment to user experience, and its user panel investments, developing a Fall Protection course will cost upwards of $10,000.
Websites that claim to offer free Fall Protection training usually do so at the expense of users’ privacy or security as they have to recover their investments somehow. Your data will be sold to other third parties or used to promote related services (such as other programs or systems advertised as needed).
In more extreme situations, such websites may offer you the content for free but charge you for the certificate or unlocking the testing section, in most cases a price that is 2 or 3 times higher than what other private companies are selling the program for because at that point you have already invested time in completing the program with them.
Stay away from such websites because when you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.
Where can you purchase Fall Protection online training?
In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get safety training done. There are many methods and providers of Fall Protection training. It is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money. Ensuring your Fall Safety Training program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.
How we compare
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FALL PROTECTION CERTIFICATE
What do you need to learn?
To obtain a certificate in Fall Protection, you must become familiar with the different types of fall protection / fall arrest systems, fall protection planning, including how to spot fall hazards and avoid them, personal protective equipment (PPE) used for fall protection, as well as CSA standards and requirements.
How long is the certificate valid?
In most provinces, fall protection training expires 3 years after completion. However, some companies may require recertification more frequently.It is important to note that fall arrest training is not a one-time event. It must be updated regularly to reflect changes in equipment or workplace hazards and to ensure that workers are up-to-date on the latest safety procedures and regulations.
How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?
The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.
This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.
The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.
If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.
How can I find my certificate if I lost it?
In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.
If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.
CONCLUSION
Fall safety training is an essential aspect of workplace safety in Canada. With the right training, employees can learn how to identify and mitigate fall hazards, and how to properly use fall protection equipment. At eSafetyFirst, we offer comprehensive online fall arrest training that meets Canadian safety standards and regulations. Our training courses are designed to be convenient, flexible, and accessible to employees across Canada. By investing in fall safety training, employers can create a safer workplace environment, reduce the risk of accidents and injuries, and protect the well-being of their employees. With eSafetyFirst’s online fall arrest training, you can ensure that your employees have the knowledge and skills they need to stay safe while working at heights.