Fall Protection Training

Falls from height are one of the leading causes of workplace injuries. To prevent these incidents, workers must be trained in fall protection systems and safe practices. Training requirements vary by province, but all employers are responsible for ensuring workers are competent before performing work at heights.

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Who Needs Fall Protection Training?

Workers must complete fall protection training if they could fall:

• 3+ meters without guardrails
• Less than 3 meters where hazards increase injury risk (e.g., machinery, water, hazardous materials)
• Through openings in work surfaces

Examples of work requiring fall protection:

• Forklift platforms
• Elevated work platforms
• Suspended work platforms (fixed or swing staging)
• Boatswain’s chairs
• Aerial devices
• Suspended equipment
• Personnel lifting units (cranes/hoists)

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Worksite Safety Training Options

In‑Class Training

• Part 1 – Theory:
  • Rights and responsibilities
  • Hazard identification and control
  • Ladder safety
  • Warning methods
  • Introduction to PPE
• Part 2 – Practical:
  • Barriers and fixed equipment
  • PPE and harness donning/doffing
  • Anchor points
  • Rescue planning
  • Hands‑on equipment exercises
• Best for: Hands‑on learners who prefer active classroom environments.

Online Training

• Covers theory: fall hazards, equipment anchors, lifelines, harness care, ladder safety, connectors, calculations, and rescue planning.
• Practical evaluation: Must be completed separately with a competent person (employer, rental company, or Worksite Safety onsite evaluation).
• Best for: Independent learners, those without access to training locations, or those preferring flexible study.

Note: Online training alone is not sufficient. Workers must complete a practical evaluation to demonstrate competency in:

• Site‑specific fall hazards
• Anchor points and clearance requirements
• Equipment inspection
• Safe use of fall protection systems
• Emergency response procedures

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Certificate Validity

• Certificates are valid for 3 years across most provinces.
• Refresher or recertification training must be completed before expiry.
• Expired certificates require workers to retake the full initial course.

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Provincial Requirements

Newfoundland & Labrador

• Regulation: Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, sections 139–141.
• Requirement: Workers must complete a WorkplaceNL‑approved fall protection training program before using fall protection equipment.
• Employer duty: Ensure fall protection systems are used by all workers exposed to fall hazards.
• Training details:
  • Initial training: 16 hours (2 consecutive days)
  • Recertification: 8 hours
  • Delivery: In‑class only
  • Certificate validity: 3 years
  • Recertification must be completed before expiry. If expired, workers must retake the full initial course.

Nova Scotia

• Regulation: Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, Section 21.19.
• Requirement: Workers must successfully complete fall protection training before performing any work involving fall protection.
• Certificate validity: 3 years (refresher required).
• Competency: Workers must be deemed competent to inspect and use fall protection equipment by a competent person (employer or recognized training organization).
• Training delivery:
  • Online training is acceptable for theory.
  • A hands‑on practical component must be supervised and evaluated in person by a competent person.
• Key point: Employers must ensure workers are fully competent in both theory and practical skills.

Alberta

• Regulation: Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Code, Section 139.
• Requirement: Employers must ensure workers are protected from falling if they may fall:
  • 3 meters or more,
  • Less than 3 meters where unusual injury risk exists,
  • Into hazardous substances or objects,
  • Through openings in work surfaces,
  • Or at permanent work areas between 1.2–3 meters.
• Compliance: Worksite Safety’s Fall Protection training (in‑class and online) complies with CSA standards and Alberta OHS Code.