Health and safety training is essential for maintaining a safe and compliant work environment. In Ontario, various certifications are available to equip workers with the necessary skills and knowledge. Understanding the types of safety training, their validity periods, and their relevance to specific job roles is crucial for both employers and employees.
According to the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development, in 2022, there were a total of 2,685 critical injury events reported across various sectors. The breakdown is as follows:
- Industrial Sector: 1,828 critical injuries
- Construction Sector: 417 critical injuries
- Health Care Sector: 373 critical injuries
- Mining Sector: 67 critical injuries
These figures represent a significant increase from the previous year, 2021, which had 2,387 critical injury events reported. The industrial sector consistently accounts for the majority of these incidents, underscoring the importance of rigorous health and safety training across all industries.
Having health and safety certification will not only help you in your job but also allow you to better focus on your tasks without having to worry about your own safety.
Health and Safety Training Programs for Certification
The Finishing Trades Institute of Ontario (FTI Ontario) offers a number of different health and safety training programs. Here is a full overview to help you supplement your apprenticeship training.
Suspended Access Equipment (SAE)
This program’s prerequisites include: Working at Heights, and Hoisting & Rigging (which is recommended).
Upon completion of this course, you will be able to follow all safety rules and instructions, set up public protection per work plans, as well as select, inspect and connect to fixed supports as per roof and work plans. Additional skills you learn from this program include:
- Selecting, inspecting, and putting on a full-body harness, lanyard, and rope grab
- Tying adequate knots
- Rigging an outrigger beam
- Setting up and connecting a work platform as per manufacturer’s instructions and work plan
- Operating the controls and performing a functional test of a swing stage in accordance with the regulations and the manufacturer’s instructions
- Inspecting the SAE and preparing a written report
Hoisting and Rigging (H&R)
No prerequisites are required are required for this program. Completion of this course means that you will be able to:
- List common hoisting and rigging hazards and causes of accidents
- Identify legislation related to hoisting and rigging
- Know the responsibilities of rigging personnel
- Calculate load weights
- Identify types of cranes, crane components, hazards
- List factors that affect crane capacity
- Demonstrate knowledge of international crane hand signals
- Identify ropes, knots and hitches, working loads, and damage that reduces the capacity of the rope
- Identify hardware, wire rope, and slings, wear and damage, knowledge of the correct selection and use of hardware
- Identify various types of rigging tools and devices and how to properly use them, inspect them, and apply them to requirements
Working at Heights (WAH)
This health and safety training certification includes the following benefits:
- Knowing your rights and responsibilities with regard to working at heights
- Working at heights safely and in compliance with regulatory requirements
- Selecting, inspecting, and using personal fall arrest equipment including a harness and lanyard
- Working toward strengthening workplace safety culture by emphasizing the profile and importance of preventing falls from heights
- Helping reduce the number of falls from heights incidents, injuries, and fatalities
Working at Heights Refresher (WAHR)
For this particular program, you will need to complete a ministry-approved Working at Heights program within the last three years. The benefits of this program include:
- Learning regulatory requirements
- Selecting and inspecting industry-standard personal fall arrest equipment
- Being able to put on and off a harness and maintain tie-off points at all times to an anchor point
Participants for this program will be evaluated by a written test and need to achieve a grade of 75% or better. They will also need to demonstrate deficiencies in industry-standard personal fall arrest equipment.
Power Elevated Work Platforms/Propane (PEWP)
The prerequisite for this program is Working at Heights. Completion of this program will allow you to:
- Explain and understand the roles and responsibilities of operating a PEWP safely and in accordance with the regulations and the manufacturer’s instructions
- Working safely while operating
- Properly using harnesses and lanyards
- Identifying any hazards and being aware of how to avoid them
- Knowledge of how to perform a function test, a site inspection, and a pre-operation inspection and how to document them
- Show proficiency in operation of machines
- Recognize and evaluate hazards of propane
- Demonstrate how to safely connect and disconnect vehicle propane cylinders
0–8-ton Mobile Crane
Prerequisites for this health and safety training program include WHMIS and Hoisting & Rigging. Once this program is completed, you will be able to:
- Operate a 0 – 8 mobile crane
- Show knowledge of responsibility of the hoisting personnel
- Demonstrate the ability to both read and apply the use of load charts
- Show knowledge of the regulations that apply
- Ability to inspect, perform routine maintenance, and complete logbook
- Demonstrate a knowledge of international crane hand signals
Rough Terrain Telehandler (Forklift – FL)
This health and safety certification’s prerequisites include WHMIS and Propane. Completion of this course will allow participants to:
- Demonstrate the ability to both read and apply the use of load charts
- Ability to inspect, perform routine maintenance, and complete logbook
- Show knowledge of the regulations that apply
- Demonstrate a knowledge of international crane hand signals
- Safely pick up and deposit loads (toilet seat)
- Safely operate controls
Confined Space Training for Entrants and Attendants
FTI Ontario’s Confined Space Training is a basic education program that aims to supplement your specific training and information. The objective is to equip you with a general understanding of confined spaces, both inside and outside. This training program covers the regulations outlined in Ontario Regulation 632/05, as well as the legal obligations of employers, supervisors, and workers under these regulations.
Resp Protection Training
The Respirator Program course covers the fundamentals of setting up, maintaining, and monitoring a respiratory protection program. You will be able to learn about the functioning of the human respiratory system, respiratory hazards, fit testing methods, the significance of respiratory protection, various types of respirators, and the proper usage, examination, cleaning, and storage of respirators. The course also covers regulations 833 and O.Reg.490/09 and the CSA standards Z94.4 and Z180.1 related to the selection, use, and care of respirators, and compressed breathing air systems.
Lead Removal
The Lead Worker Training course is an instructional model that equips instructors to teach Lead Workers how to perform their duties while complying safely and efficiently with all provincial, federal, and local regulations related to lead and lead abatement. During the course, you will review your responsibilities as Lead Workers, safe work procedures, personal protective equipment, the health impacts of lead exposure, and hazards such as identifying lead-based paint, dust abatement inside and outside, establishing containment zones, establishing and implementing decontamination processes, waste disposal, cleanup, and inspection procedures.
Lockout/Tagout
The LOCKOUT/TAGOUT course is designed for students to learn the fundamental principles of lockout/tagout. The objectives include understanding the necessity of lockout/tagout, the dangers associated with the accidental release of stored energy, proper lockout/tagout procedures, handling special lockout/tagout situations, equipment start-up and operation procedures, and their role in preventing accidents.
This course promotes the importance of the LOCKOUT/TAGOUT standard (CSA Z460-13) and aims to increase workers’ awareness and help prevent incidents caused by hazardous energy exposure in the workplace.
Summary: Ontario Health and Safety Training Certificates
Below is an overview of the typical expiry periods for common health and safety training programs offered in Ontario:
| Training Program | Typical Expiry Period | Key Focus Areas |
|---|---|---|
| Working at Heights (WAH) | 3 years | Fall prevention, use of personal protective equipment (PPE), regulatory compliance |
| Working at Heights Refresher (WAHR) | 3 years | Updates on regulations, PPE inspection, practical application |
| Suspended Access Equipment (SAE) | 3 years | Safe operation of suspended platforms, equipment inspection, emergency procedures |
| Hoisting and Rigging (H&R) | Recommended every 3 years | Load calculations, rigging techniques, hazard identification |
| Power Elevated Work Platforms (PEWP) | 3 years | Safe operation of elevated platforms, hazard awareness, equipment maintenance |
| 0–8-ton Mobile Crane | 3 years | Crane operation, load chart interpretation, safety regulations |
| Rough Terrain Telehandler (Forklift – FL) | 3 years | Forklift operation, load handling, safety protocols |
| Confined Space Training | Varies by employer | Entry procedures, hazard recognition, emergency response |
| Respiratory Protection Training | Varies by employer | Respirator selection, fit testing, maintenance, regulatory compliance |
| Lead Removal Training | Varies by employer | Safe handling of lead materials, decontamination procedures, health effects |
| Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) | Varies by employer | Energy control procedures, equipment isolation, safety standards |
Note: While some training programs have legislated expiry periods, others may vary based on employer policies or specific job requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Preparing for the Real World – A Perspective on Health and Safety Training
Completing the health and safety training at FTI Ontario was a game-changer for my career. The instructors were knowledgeable, and the hands-on experience prepared me for real-world challenges. I now feel confident in my ability to maintain a safe work environment.
Investing in health and safety training not only ensures compliance with Ontario regulations but also fosters a culture of safety and well-being in the workplace. Stay informed, stay certified, and prioritize safety in every task.
Why Register for Health & Safety Training with FTI Ontario?
By receiving proper health and safety training, you can learn how to identify and mitigate potential hazards in the workplace, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries. Health and safety certification will not only protect your physical well-being but also have a positive impact on your mental health.
Click here to learn more and apply for health and safety training with FTI Ontario today!
