Working at Heights vs Fall Protection Training vs Fall Arrest Training

Working at Heights, Fall Protection, and Fall Arrest are crucial safety concepts in Ontario's workplace health and safety regulations. While they are related, each has distinct requirements and applications. This article will outline the differences between these concepts, government requirements, and when each is needed to help employers understand their obligations.

Working at Heights

Working at Heights refers to any work performed above ground level where there is a risk of falling. In Ontario, this is generally considered to be work performed at heights of 3 meters (10 feet) or more

Requirements:

• Employers must ensure that workers who may use a fall protection system complete an approved Working at Heights training program

• This training must be delivered by a Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development approved training provider

• The training is valid for three years from the date of successful completion

When Needed:

Working at Heights training is required for workers in the construction industry and those who work at heights in any sector where they may be exposed to fall hazards

Fall Protection

Fall Protection refers to the systems and procedures put in place to prevent workers from falling when working at heights.

Types of Fall Protection:

1. Travel Restraint Systems: These prevent a worker from reaching an area where they could fall

2. Fall Restricting Systems: These limit a fall to a short distance

3. Fall Arrest Systems: These stop a fall before the worker hits the ground or an object below

4. Safety Nets: These catch a falling worker

5. Work Belts: Used in specific situations for work positioning

Requirements:

• Employers must ensure that one of these systems is in place when workers are exposed to fall hazards

• The system chosen must be appropriate for the specific work situation and hazards present

When Needed:

Fall protection is required in any situation where a worker is exposed to the following hazards

• Falling more than 3 meters

• Falling into operating machinery

• Falling into water or another liquid

• Falling into or onto a hazardous substance or object

• Falling through an opening on a work surface

Fall Arrest

Fall Arrest is a specific type of fall protection system designed to stop a fall that has already begun.

Components:

A typical fall arrest system includes

• Full body harness

• Lanyard

• Energy absorber

• Anchor point

Requirements:

• Fall arrest systems must be designed by a professional engineer or comply with a national standard

• Workers must be trained in the proper use and inspection of fall arrest equipment

• Fall arrest systems must be inspected before each use

When Needed:

Fall arrest systems are typically used when other forms of fall protection (like guardrails or travel restraint systems) are not practical. They are often used in construction, maintenance, and industrial settings where workers are at risk of falling from heights

Key Differences

1. Scope:

   • Working at Heights is a broader concept that includes training requirements.

   • Fall Protection encompasses various systems and methods to prevent falls.

   • Fall Arrest is a specific type of fall protection system.

2. Purpose:

   • Working at Heights training aims to educate workers about fall hazards and protection.

   • Fall Protection systems aim to prevent falls from occurring.

   • Fall Arrest systems aim to stop a fall that has already begun.

3. Application:

   • Working at Heights training is required for all workers who may be exposed to fall hazards.

   • Fall Protection is required in any situation where fall hazards exist.

   • Fall Arrest is used when other fall protection methods are not practical.

In conclusion, employers must assess their specific work environments and tasks to determine which of these safety measures are required. It's crucial to provide appropriate training, equipment, and systems to ensure worker safety and compliance with Ontario's Occupational Health and Safety Act