Working at Heights vs Fall Protection and Arrest

In Ontario, both Working at Heights training and Fall Arrest systems are essential components of ensuring worker safety, but they serve different purposes and are required in different circumstances. Here’s a breakdown of when each is required and the key differences between the two.

When is Working at Heights Training Required?

Legislative Requirement:

• Working at Heights training is specifically mandated for workers in the construction industry who are required to work at heights of 3 meters (10 feet) or more where a fall hazard exists.
• The Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) mandates this training for workers on construction projects who may be exposed to fall hazards.
• This training is designed to provide workers with the knowledge and skills to safely perform work at heights, including how to properly use fall protection systems such as guardrails, travel restraint systems, and fall arrest systems.

When Do You Need It?

• Working at Heights training is required when any worker on a construction site is working at a height of 3 meters or more and could be exposed to a fall hazard. Examples include roofers, scaffolders, ironworkers, and anyone working on elevated platforms or structures.

When is Fall Arrest Required?

Legislative Requirement:

• Fall Arrest systems are required when workers are exposed to fall hazards of 3 meters (10 feet) or more, and other forms of fall protection, such as guardrails or travel restraint systems, are not feasible or sufficient.
• The OHSA requires that when a worker is at risk of falling 3 meters or more, a fall arrest system must be in place unless other protective measures are already protecting the worker.

When Do You Need It?

• Fall Arrest systems are required in situations where workers are working at heights and passive fall protection measures (such as guardrails) are not available or practical. This includes scenarios like working on an open roof, using a boom lift, or performing tasks on scaffolding where the worker might be exposed to a potential fall.
• The worker must be trained in the use of fall arrest equipment, which includes a full-body harness, lanyard, and an appropriate anchorage point.

Key Differences and When You Need One vs. the Other

• Working at Heights Training: This is a comprehensive safety training program required by law for construction workers who work at heights of 3 meters or more. The training covers a broad range of fall protection methods, including the proper use of fall arrest systems. It is required before a worker can engage in tasks at height on a construction site.
• Fall Arrest System: This is a specific type of equipment and procedure used to stop a fall that has already begun. A fall arrest system is a component of what is learned in Working at Heights training, but it is required to be implemented on-site when workers are performing tasks at height and there are no passive fall protection measures like guardrails. For instance, if a worker is utilizing a Genie Boom or Scissor Lift, but will not be leaving the equipment platform, then Fall Arrest and Protection is sufficient.

In summary:

• Working at Heights training is a mandatory training program that must be completed by workers before they are allowed to work at heights on construction projects.
• Fall Arrest is a specific protective system that must be used in the field whenever there is a risk of falling 3 meters or more, and other protective measures are not in place.

Both are crucial, but Working at Heights training is a prerequisite for understanding and properly using fall arrest systems on the job.