Working at Heights Training Expiry? Validity, Duration & Risks

Does Working at Heights training expire in Ontario? Learn certificate validity, expiry rules, refresher requirements, and what happens if training has expired.

What Happens If Working at Heights Training Has Expired?

When Working at Heights training has expired, the worker is no longer legally permitted to perform work at height on a construction project in Ontario.

Expired certification is treated the same as no training at all.

Once the expiry date has passed:

• The worker must be removed from work at height

• Refresher training must be completed before work resumes

• Employers must not assign elevated tasks to the worker

There is no grace period after expiry.

Can You Work With Expired Working at Heights Training?

No. Working with expired Working at Heights training is not allowed in Ontario construction.

If a worker continues to work at height with expired certification:

• The employer may be found non-compliant

• Enforcement action may follow during inspections

• Stop-work orders may be issued

Even if the worker previously completed the full course, expired training does not meet legal requirements.

How Inspectors Treat Expired Certification

During inspections by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, officers commonly verify:

• Whether Working at Heights certificates are current

• Whether expiry dates have passed

• Whether refresher training has been completed on time

If training has expired, inspectors may:

• Issue orders requiring immediate compliance

• Remove workers from elevated tasks

• Escalate enforcement if work continues

Expired training is a frequent inspection finding because it is easily verifiable.

Employer and Worker Risks of Expired Training

Allowing work at height with expired training creates legal, operational, and safety risks.

Risks for Employers

Employers may face:

• Orders to stop work

• Delays and project disruption

• Fines or prosecution under Ontario safety law

• Increased liability following an incident

Expired training weakens an employer’s ability to demonstrate due diligence.

Risks for Workers

Workers with expired certification:

• May be removed from job sites

• May be reassigned or sent home

• Are exposed to increased safety risk

• May be involved in enforcement actions following incidents

Training expiry affects both compliance and personal safety.

How to Stay Compliant and Avoid Expiry Issues

Employers should take proactive steps to prevent certification lapses, including:

• Tracking Working at Heights expiry dates

• Scheduling refresher training before expiry

• Verifying certificates before assigning work

• Keeping training records accessible and up to date

Workers should also be aware of their own expiry dates and notify employers in advance.

Preventing expiry is far easier than addressing non-compliance after it occurs.

Compliance Takeaway

Working at Heights training in Ontario:

• Is valid for three years

• Expires automatically at the end of that period

• Must be renewed through refresher training before expiry

Once training expires, work at height must stop until compliance is restored.

Working at Heights Training Expiry Checklist

To remain compliant in Ontario, employers must ensure that:

• Working at Heights training is completed through a CPO-approved provider such as Achieve Safety.

• Certificates are valid for three years from the completion date

• Expiry dates are tracked and monitored

• Refresher training is completed before expiry

• Workers with expired certification do not perform work at height

• Training records are available on site or immediately accessible

If any of the above conditions are not met, the worker is considered not trained under Ontario construction regulations.

Working at Heights Training Expiry – FAQs

---

Does Working at Heights training expire in Ontario?

Yes. Working at Heights training in Ontario expires after three years from the date of course completion. Once expired, the worker must not perform work at height until refresher training is completed through a CPO-approved provider.

---

How long does a Working at Heights certificate last?

A Working at Heights certificate is valid for three years across Ontario construction projects. Employers must ensure the certificate remains valid while the worker is exposed to fall hazards.

---

Can you work with expired Working at Heights training?

No. Workers are not permitted to work at height on construction projects if their Working at Heights training has expired. Expired certification is treated as non-compliant during inspections.

---

What happens if Working at Heights training expires?

If training expires, the worker must be removed from work at height until refresher training is completed. Employers may face inspection orders or enforcement action if expired training is discovered during inspections.

---

Do inspectors check Working at Heights expiry dates?

Yes. Inspectors from the Ontario Ministry of Labour commonly verify whether Working at Heights certificates are current and valid. Expired certificates are a frequent inspection finding.

---

Is refresher training required before expiry?

Yes. Refresher training must be completed before the three-year validity period ends. There is no grace period after expiry.