What working at heights training does a roofer need in Ontario?

The training rule follows the fall protection rules in O. Reg. 213/91, Construction Projects. Section 26 applies them where a worker may fall more than 3 metres, fall more than 1.2 metres where the work area is a path for a wheelbarrow or similar equipment, or fall into operating machinery, water, a hazardous substance or through an opening. Section 26.1 then requires a guardrail, or where that is not practicable, the highest ranked method that is: travel restraint, fall restricting, fall arrest or a safety net.

The Occupational Health and Safety Act defines construction to include repair, alteration and structural maintenance. Ontario's training page says workers whose workplaces are not covered by O. Reg. 213/91 do not have to complete the approved training.

Training is valid for three years from the date it was completed. After that, the worker completes an approved refresher, which keeps it valid for another three years.

O. Reg. 213/91 also requires the employer to train each worker in the specific fall protection system they will use, with oral and written instructions from a competent person, and to keep a signed record. Before a fall arrest system or safety net is used, the employer needs written procedures for rescuing a worker whose fall has been arrested.

Ontario warns of fraudulent providers who take a fee and issue cards without giving valid training. It lists three ways to check training done in Ontario:

• Accept a proof of completion issued by the Chief Prevention Officer or by an approved provider.
• With the worker's consent, look them up in the ministry's certification management system.
• With the worker's consent, contact the ministry to confirm the training is valid.

Check that the provider was approved at the time the worker was trained. The employer keeps a record of each worker's training, with the worker's name, the provider, the program and the completion date, and shows it to an inspector on request.

Every roofer Roundhouse books holds working at heights training, and each one's WSIB clearance is checked before booking and before every payment. See roof repairs for Toronto rentals, WSIB clearances or request work.