SAFETY
When it comes to working at heights trends and advancements in Canada,
changes have been made at a slow, steady pace. In general, the trends and
advancements have been for the betterment of the fall protection wearer,
usually focusing on increasing comfort and safety. Some of the most notable
recent trends include training standards set by the Ministry of Labour in Ontario,
advancements in equipment and increased enforcement.
Ontario’s Working at Heights Training Program
Working at heights accidents are unacceptable and preventable. Through approved
training programs from sanctioned providers, the Ministry of Labour aims to
reduce fall injuries and accidents from heights that are resultant from a lack of
quality training. The Working at Heights Training Program Standard comes in
response to an intolerably high number of working at heights accidents and fatali-ties
reported in Ontario.
The Ministry of Labour’s website states the purpose of the Working at Heights
Training Program Standard as follows:
The purpose of the Working at Heights Training Program Standard is to
establish a mandatory minimum standard for high quality and consistent train-ing
for workers who work at heights in the Province of Ontario.
The purpose of a working at heights training program that meets the require-ments
set out in this standard is to:
a. Strengthen workplace safety culture by elevating the profile and importance
of preventing falls from heights
b. Provide workers who may be exposed to the hazard of falling with adequate
knowledge about fall hazards and general safety practices to work safely
at heights
WORKING
AT HEIGHTS
Trends and
advancements
By Jenn Miller, Occupational Safety Group
ILKERCELIK / 123RF STOCK PHOTO
PILING CANADA 59