Working at Heights Refresher

Program Description

Our Working at Heights Refresher Training course is specifically designed to refresh and update the knowledge and skills of individuals who have previously completed the Working at Heights training program in Ontario. This refresher course ensures that participants maintain their competency in working safely at heights, in compliance with the regulations outlined in Ontario Regulations 297/13 and 213/91 Construction Projects. 

Through interactive learning modules and practical demonstrations, participants will review key concepts, legislation, and best practices to mitigate the risks associated with working at heights.

Successful completion of the refresher training will re-validate a learner’s working at heights training for another three year period from the date of successful completion of the refresher. 

Learning Outcomes 

By the end of the program, participants will be able to:

• Discuss the components, limitations, and the appropriate application of travel restraint, fall restricting, and fall arrest systems

• Determine the fall distance to prevent a worker from striking the ground or an object below

• Define and explain the effects on the human body of ”bottoming out”, the pendulum effect, and suspension trauma

• Demonstrate an ability to inspect and identify deficiencies in industry-standard personal fall arrest equipment

• Demonstrate how to appropriately "don" and "doff" (i.e. put on and take off) industry-standard personal fall arrest equipment, including harness and lanyard

• Explain and demonstrate methods to maintain tie-off at all times to an anchor point when changing anchor points

• Discuss the appropriate location and use of anchor points

• Provide examples of appropriate and inappropriate anchor points

• Identify the consequences of using inappropriate items as anchor points

• Illustrate the differences between permanent anchors, temporary fixed supports, and existing structural features as anchor points

• Provide examples of the types of personal fall protection equipment that is needed to safely work at heights on work access equipment and platforms

• Explain the purpose of a working at heights fall rescue plan

• Identify key components of a fall rescue plan

• Discuss the roles and responsibilities of employers, supervisors and workers in regards to a fall rescue plan and emergency procedures; and

• Explain that each project where workers rely on fall protection equipment (such as PPE and safety nets) must have a site specific rescue plan and that information, instruction or training on the site specific rescue plan is necessary.

Target Audience 

Individuals that hold a current working at heights certificate.

Legislative/Standard References

• OHSA s. 25. (1)(a) – (d)

• O.Reg. 213/91 s. 26., 27.

Course Length 

• 4 hours