Working at Heights: Construction Training *CPO Approved! – Train-the-Trainer

Course Summary

Working at heights continues to be a major hazard in the construction industry. Proper program design, effective training delivery, and competent working at heights instruction can result in increased training participation, worker retention, and compliance.

OSG’s Chief Prevention Officer approved program provides participants with the necessary skills and tools to effectively prepare for and deliver the program. Our two-day program focuses on how to teach the program using the Leader’s Guide, Participant Manual, and Workbook.

Learning Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain working at heights hazards
• Explain the hierarchy of controls
• Discuss safe work plans
• Explain when ladders are appropriate
• Explain proper inspection, care, and use of ladders
• Explain types of warning methods and physical barriers
• Explain when warning methods and physical barriers are required
• Discuss limitations, application, and storage of different fall protection systems
• Explain how to calculate fall distances
• Explain and demonstrate how to inspect equipment, don and doff a harness, and maintain 100% tie-off
• Discuss the differences between permanent, temporary and structural anchors
• Explain how to select the appropriate fall protection equipment when working in a platform
• Explain the purpose, roles, and responsibilities of workplace parties with respect to a rescue plan

Note: Completion of this program does not make you an approved provider; it allows you to apply to the Ministry of Labour using an approved program. Potential providers have a responsibility to provide instructors that meet the Ministry of Labour Training Provider Instructor Requirements.

OSG is an Ontario Chief Prevention Officer Approved Training Provider for the Working at Heights: Construction Train-the-Trainer Program.

Course Material

Leader’s Guide, 12 Participant Manuals, 12 Workbooks, test, temporary wallet card

Target Audience

Trainers in the construction industry, supervisors, JHSC members, health and safety representatives

Legislative Reference

Ont. Reg. 213/91 – Construction Projects s. 26.2 (1)

4.1. Instructor Qualifications

Training providers must ensure an instructor’s qualifications are valid and current before he or she delivers an approved working at heights training program. Instructors must have the following qualifications:

1. Technical occupational health and safety knowledge and experience obtained through at least one of the following:
   1. a professional occupational health and safety designation;
   2. successful completion of at least 30 hours of occupational health and safety training over the last two years;
   3. five years of recent occupational health and safety experience;
   4. a degree, diploma, or certificate in occupational health and safety from a recognized post-secondary institution; or
   5. three continuous years of experience as a certified joint health and safety committee member
2. Combination of adult-education delivery experience and knowledge of principles obtained through at least one of the following:
   1. more than 100 hours of adult education delivery experience in the last five years;
   2. a degree, diploma, or certificate in adult-education principles from a recognized post-secondary institution;
   3. a professional training and development designation; or
   4. successful completion of an instructor training program based on adult learning principles
3. Knowledge of the approved working at heights training program topics obtained through at least one of the following:
   1. more than five years of recent delivery experience on the approved training program topic(s);
   2. successful completion of a train-the-trainer session for an approved training program as evaluated by the approved training provider; or
   3. successful co-facilitation of a minimum of two sessions of the approved training program as evaluated by the approved training provider

In addition, training providers must demonstrate that approved working at heights training programs will be delivered by instructors with all the following qualifications:

1. Knowledge about:
   1. The Occupational Health and Safety Act and regulations relating to working at heights;
   2. Codes, standards and guidelines related to working at heights in general, and the specific equipment to be used in delivering the training program
   3. the hazards of working at heights;
   4. the hierarchy of controls as it applies to working at heights; and
   5. work access, fall prevention and personal fall protection equipment referred to in the approved training program, and the limitations of this equipment
2. Advanced knowledge in the correct use and application of equipment referred to and used in the approved working at heights training program

In addition, for programs delivered via eLearning, blended learning or distance learning, training providers must ensure that it will be delivered by instructors with experience delivering through this mode of training and who are proficient in the use of the software, platform, or other information technology that is to be used.

4.2. Instructor Delivery Expectations

Effective instructors create positive learning environments, engage learners and assess the achievement of learning outcomes.

Training providers must ensure their instructors meet the following delivery expectations:

4.2.1. Create Positive Learning Environments

Training providers must ensure that the instructor:

1. is knowledgeable about the content of the approved working at heights training program;
2. adheres to the instructional design of the approved working at heights training program;
3. communicates expected learning outcomes of the approved working at heights training program;
4. models positive attitudes towards learning;
5. creates a safe and positive learning environment;
6. asks learners for feedback;
7. employs a variety of instructional techniques;
8. uses personal protective equipment or other equipment in accordance with the legislative requirements and the approved training program;
9. models respectful and professional behaviour; and
10. resolves and addresses any learner’s inappropriate behaviours promptly and respectfully.

4.2.2. Engage Learners

Training providers must ensure that the instructor:

1. Links course content and learning activities with learners’ knowledge and experience;
2. Links program content with learners’ workplace;
3. Asks open-ended questions;
4. Employs a variety of clarification and feedback strategies; and
5. Encourages group discussion

4.2.3. Assess Learning and Performance

Training providers must ensure that the instructor:

1. Communicates learning evaluation criteria;
2. Uses evaluation methods that are appropriate to learner’s language, literacy and accommodation needs;
3. Monitors and evaluates individual and group performance throughout the program delivery;
4. Assesses achievement of an approved working at heights training program’s learning outcomes in accordance with the Working at Heights Training Program Standard; and
5. Reviews incorrect answers or practices with the learners.

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