Find out who needs Working at Heights training in Ontario, including workers, supervisors, and employers. Learn when training is legally required.
- Summary
- Who Needs Working at Heights Training & When?
- Workers on Construction Projects Exposed to Fall Hazards
- Trades and Roles Commonly Required to Have Training
- Do Supervisors Need Working at Heights Training?
- Supervisors must have Working at Heights training if they:
- Supervisors without hands-on exposure
- Are Employers, Owners, and Managers Required to Have Training?
- Training is required if employers or owners:
- Training is not required if employers:
- Subcontractors and Multi-Employer Construction Sites
- When Training Is Not Required
- Compliance Takeaway for Employers
- Final Note
Summary
Working at Heights training is required in Ontario for workers on construction projects who may be exposed to fall hazards of 3 metres or more and who may use fall protection systems.
The requirement applies based on the work performed and the risk involved, not job title. Supervisors and employers may also require training if they perform or direct work at heights.
They are based on:
- The type of work being performed
- The presence of fall hazards
- Whether fall protection is required
This distinction matters. Employers who assume training is only for certain trades or roles often find themselves non-compliant during inspections.
CPO-Approved Training Provider in Ontario
Achieve Safety is a Chief Prevention Officer (CPO)–approved Working at Heights training provider in Ontario and is listed on Ontario.ca as an approved provider. Our training meets provincial standards and is recognized during Ministry of Labour inspections. Employers can rely on approved training to meet legal requirements, maintain valid records, and demonstrate due diligence.
Who Needs Working at Heights Training & When?
The table below summarizes when Working at Heights training is required in Ontario.
Training is required when:
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The work is a construction project
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There is a risk of falling 3 metres or more
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Fall protection systems are required or may be used
Training applies to:
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Workers performing tasks at height
-
Supervisors who access elevated areas or use fall protection
-
Owners or managers who perform work at height
-
Subcontractor workers exposed to fall hazards
Training is not based on:
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Job title
-
Experience level
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Length of time on site
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Employment status
If exposure exists, training is required.
Workers on Construction Projects Exposed to Fall Hazards
Working at Heights training is legally required for workers on construction projects who may be exposed to a risk of falling 3 metres or more.
This includes workers who may need to use:
- Fall arrest systems
- Travel restraint systems
- Fall restricting systems
- Safety nets
- Work belts or safety belts
If a worker may be required to use fall protection equipment to perform their job safely, they must complete approved Working at Heights training before starting the work.
The requirement applies regardless of:
- Experience level
- Length of time on the job
- Whether the work is temporary or occasional
If the hazard exists, the training requirement exists.
Trades and Roles Commonly Required to Have Training
The requirement applies across many roles on construction sites, including but not limited to:
- Roofers
- General labourers
- Framers and carpenters
- Electricians and HVAC technicians
- Steel and structural workers
- Window installers
- Maintenance workers performing construction activities
The key factor is exposure to fall hazards, not the trade itself.
Workers performing different tasks on the same site may have different training requirements depending on their exposure. Employers are responsible for assessing this before work begins.
Do Supervisors Need Working at Heights Training?
Supervisors are not automatically required to complete Working at Heights training based on their title alone.
However, supervisors do require training in several common situations.
Supervisors must have Working at Heights training if they:
- Perform hands-on work at heights
- Use fall protection systems themselves
- Demonstrate or assist workers with fall protection equipment
- Are exposed to fall hazards while inspecting or accessing work areas
If a supervisor may fall 3 metres or more or may need to use fall protection equipment, the same training requirement applies.
Supervisors without hands-on exposure
Supervisors who:
- Remain at ground level
- Do not access elevated work areas
- Do not use fall protection equipment
may not be legally required to complete Working at Heights training.
However, many employers still require supervisors to complete the training to:
- Better understand fall hazards
- Properly enforce safe work practices
- Demonstrate due diligence during inspections
Inspectors often expect supervisors to understand fall protection systems, even if they are not personally using them.
Are Employers, Owners, and Managers Required to Have Training?
Employers, owners, and managers are not automatically required to complete Working at Heights training.
The requirement depends on exposure, not authority.
Training is required if employers or owners:
- Access roofs, scaffolds, or elevated work areas
- Participate in construction work at height
- Use or handle fall protection equipment
In these cases, they are treated as workers under Ontario law and must meet the same training requirements.
Training is not required if employers:
- Do not access hazardous areas
- Perform administrative or office-based roles only
That said, many owners and managers choose to complete Working at Heights training to:
- Strengthen safety leadership
- Understand legal responsibilities
- Support effective supervision and planning
This is often viewed positively during inspections and audits.
Subcontractors and Multi-Employer Construction Sites
On multi-employer construction sites, each employer is responsible for their own workers.
This includes:
- Ensuring workers have valid Working at Heights training
- Verifying training before work begins
- Keeping records available
General contractors may also:
- Request proof of training from subcontractors
- Restrict site access for untrained workers
However, responsibility cannot be transferred.
If a subcontractor’s worker is exposed to fall hazards without proper training, both the subcontractor and the constructor may face enforcement action depending on the circumstances.
When Training Is Not Required
Working at Heights training is not required when all of the following apply:
- The work is not a construction project
- There is no risk of falling 3 metres or more
- Fall protection systems are not required
Even in these situations, employers must still ensure workers are:
- Properly instructed
- Competent to perform the task safely
Training requirements may still exist under other regulations.
Compliance Takeaway for Employers
In Ontario, Working at Heights training requirements are determined by hazard exposure, not role or seniority.
Employers must ensure that:
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Any worker exposed to fall hazards has completed approved training
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Supervisors understand fall protection requirements
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Training records are available upon request
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Untrained or expired workers are not permitted to work at height
Failure to properly assess who requires training is a common reason for inspection orders and enforcement action.
Clear role-based understanding helps prevent gaps before they become violations.
Final Note
Knowing who requires Ontario CPO Approved Working at Heights training is a foundational part of managing fall risk on construction sites.
When employers correctly identify exposure, verify training, and document compliance, they reduce legal risk and improve on-site safety.
Clarity around scope protects both workers and organizations.
