Search

Fall Protection - Legislation for Training Requirements

On this page


What are the requirements for fall protection training?

Back to top

All jurisdictions in Canada have requirements for education and training that covers the fall protection plan, the fall protection equipment, or both.

Fall protection plans will outline the policy and procedures involved in assembling, maintaining, inspecting, using, and dismantling equipment such as ladders, scaffolds, or platforms used for working at heights as well as any fall protection equipment. Fall protection plans must be specific to each site where workers are at heights.

Most jurisdictions require the use of specific fall protection measures before, or in addition to, personal protective equipment (PPE).


What are the sources of legislation regarding fall protection training?

Back to top

Below is a table (for guidance purposes only) that lists legislation that specifically mentions training, and provides a general summary of the training elements, if listed.

NOTE that other requirements may be listed in other sections, regulations, Codes, or Acts that are not listed in this table. Always consult the legislation that applies in your situation, and with your jurisdiction for complete information.

The provinces of Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador require the workers be trained by approved trainers following an approved program. Approvals are granted by the regulator of the province.

JurisdictionAct, regulations, etc.

Elements (general summary)

(For more details, consult the legislation directly.)

Federal (Canada)Canada Occupational Safety And Health Regulations, SOR/86-304, Sections 12.2

The employer must make sure every employee who uses protection equipment is trained by a qualified person in the use, operation, and maintenance of that equipment, and includes training about the fall-protection plan and in emergency procedures if there is a risk of drowning.

Keep copies of the instruction and training.

AlbertaOccupational Health and Safety Code, Reg. 191/2021
Part 9, Fall Protection
Section 141
 

The employer must train a worker in the safe use of the fall protection system before use. 
Training includes review of legislation, the fall protection plan, fall protection methods required at the work site, identification of fall hazards, assessment and selection of anchors, instruction on correct use of connecting hardware, effects of a fall on the body, pre-use inspections, emergency response procedures, practice, and other control measures.

 

 

British ColumbiaOccupational Health and Safety Regulations, B.C. Reg. 296/97
Part 11, Fall Protection, Section 11.2
 
Employers must make sure the worker is instructed in the fall protection system and the procedures to follow before entering an area where there is a risk of falling.
Manitoba

Workplace Safety and Health Regulation, Man. Reg. 217/2006
Part 14, Fall Protection, Sections 14.2 and 14.11

And

Operation of Mines Regulation, Man. Reg. 212/2011
Part 4 General Workplace Requirements, 
Section 4.7 (3)
 

Employers must develop and implement safe work procedures, train workers in these procedures, and make sure workers comply. Training must address guardrails and fall protection system, how to assemble, maintain, inspect, use, and disassemble fall protection systems, as well as procedures for rescue.

Workers must be trained in use and care, and inspection by a competent person.

Similar elements are required in mines. 
 

New BrunswickGeneral Regulation - Occupational Health and Safety Act, N.B. Reg. 91-191
Part VII, Protective Equipment,
Sections 50.1 and 50.3
 

The employer or contractor must make sure the employee is instructed in the fall protection system, post-fall rescue procedure (if applicable), and that the employee is competent in these procedures before they enter an area where a fall may occur.

The employer must receive training on the use, maintenance, and inspection of the fall-protection system for the task.

Training must be conducted by a competent person, who also prepares the training records. 
 

Newfoundland and LabradorOccupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2012, N.L.R. 5/12
Part X, Fall Protection, Section 139
 

A worker must not use fall protection equipment until they have a completed a training program as prescribed by WorkplaceNL.

Training providers are listed in the Certification Training Registry.

Northwest TerritoriesOccupational Health and Safety Regulations, R-039-2015
Part 7, Personal Protective Equipment, Sections 90, 105 and Part 9 Safeguards, storage, warning signs and signals, Sections 120
 

When any personal protective equipment is required, the employer must train workers in the location, use, why the equipment is required, and the limitations of the equipment.

There are specific requirements to include training in the safe use of a full body harness, and the fall protection plan. 
 

Nova ScotiaWorkplace Health and Safety Regulations, N.S. Reg. 52/2013
Part 21, Fall Protection, Sections 21.19 to 21.22
 

The employer must make sure a person takes and successfully completes training on fall protection before they use fall protection, work, supervise or plan for work in an area where fall protection is required at least every 3 years. A person is considered competent to inspect and use fall protection by either their employer or the training organization.

Training must be provided by a competent person. They can evaluate the training by determining an appropriate method.

Training must include items related to the work, including legislation, hazard identification, controls, different methods for fall protection, fall and safe work procedures, assessment and selection of anchors, selection and use of fall protection components and hardware, effects of a fall on the body, emergency procedures, and provide practice in how to inspect, fit, adjust and connect the fall protection systems and components as well as emergency response procedures.

Training records must be completed by either their employer or the training organization and contain the required information.

Each person who successfully completes the training must keep their fall-protection training certificate or card available at the workplace at all times.

 

Nunavut

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations R-039-2015

Part 7 Personal Protective Equipment, Sections 90, 105 and Part 9, Sections 120

When any personal protective equipment is required, the employer must train workers in the location, use, why the equipment is required, and the limitations of the equipment.

There are specific requirements to include training in the safe use of a full body harness, and the fall protection plan.      

Ontario

Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training O. Reg. 297/13

Construction Projects, O. Reg. 213/91
Sections 26.2

Industrial Establishments, R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851
Section 79

Oil and Gas – Offshore
R.R.O. 1990, Reg 855
Section 21

Window Cleaning
R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 859
Sections 9 and 45

The Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training regulation outlines the requirements of a working at heights training program.

Construction Projects Regulations:
The employer must make sure the worker who may use a fall protection system is trained in its use, and is given oral and written instructions by a competent person. The worker must also meet requirements under the working at heights

Records must be prepared by the person who provides the training and kept by the employer.

Other regulations: 
When a worker is required to wear or use protective equipment, clothing or device, they must be instructed and trained in its care and use before wearing or using.

Prince Edward Island

Fall Protection Regulations, EC2004-633
Section 2.1

 


 

Employers must provide the worker with the means of fall protection in a work area, including training on use, care, and inspections, and review of the legislation.

Employers must maintain training records that contain the required information.

QuebecRegulation respecting occupational health and safety, O.C. 885-2001
Section 338
Safety Code for the construction industry R.R.Q. 1981, c. S-2.1, r. 6
 

Employers must make sure the workers have received the information necessary for using any required protective means or equipment.

The Safety Code for the construction industry requires that rescuers are trained in rescue a worker suspected in a safety harness after a fall. 
 

Saskatchewan

Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020

Sections 7-2, 7-17, 9-3 
 

Employers or contractors must make sure that when any personal protective equipment is required, the worker trained in its use and informed of any limitations of its protection.

Before allowing a worker to work in an area where a fall protection system must be used, employers or contractors must also train the worker regarding the fall protection plan, and the safe use of the fall protection system.
 

Yukon

Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, O.I.C. 2006/178
Sections 1.04, 1.06, 1.06.01, and 1.10
 

 

All reasonable precautions must be taken, including providing workers with information and training on existing and potential hazards, and personal protective equipment. Workers must not operate any tool, equipment, machinery or process unless they are adequately trained on the safe operation and the related safe work procedure.

  • Fact sheet first published: 2021-03-11
  • Fact sheet confirmed current: 2023-05-02
  • Fact sheet last revised: 2021-03-11

Success!

This page has been added as a saved link.

Error!

This page could not be added as a saved link. Please try again later.