Comprehensive Fall Protection Awareness Training
for Ensuring Safety During Work at Heights.
This course provides essential training on working safely at heights. Topics include fall arrest systems, body harness usage, anchor points, and rescue procedures. Participants will learn to identify fall hazards, inspect their gear, and use fall protection systems correctly. This training helps reduce fall-related injuries and ensures compliance with OHS regulations.
Preventing Falls
at Heights
This video explains the core principles of fall prevention, proper harness use, and securing elevated work areas.
Fall Arrest
Techniques
Dive into key strategies for arrest systems, anchor points, and emergency procedures for fall-related incidents.
Fall Protection Essentials:
Staying Safe While Working at Heights
At Gama Safety, our Fall Protection Essentials training is designed to equip workers, supervisors, and safety personnel with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize hazards, use fall protection systems correctly, and follow safe procedures when working at elevation.
FALL PROTECTION
Fall Protection Overview: Understanding Height Safety and Risk Prevention
Falls from heights remain one of the leading causes of serious workplace injuries and fatalities across Canada, with over 14,000 incidents and more than 40 deaths reported each year. As the number of Canadians working in high-risk environments continues to grow, the need for proper fall protection training has never been more critical.
At Gama Safety, we recognize the importance of equipping both workers and employers with the knowledge and tools needed to prevent falls and ensure compliance with national safety regulations. Our specialized Fall Protection programs are designed to meet industry standards and provide practical, hands-on training for those working at height helping create safer job sites, every day.
FALL PROTECTION Definition
Fall Protection is a comprehensive system of safety methods, devices, and procedures designed to prevent or reduce the risk of injuries from falls in the workplace, especially in high-risk industries like construction, utilities, warehousing, and manufacturing. It aims to eliminate or control hazards where workers are exposed to elevation changes or unguarded edges.
At its core, Fall Protection includes two categories: fall prevention and fall arrest. Fall prevention strategies focus on eliminating the risk entirely such as installing guardrails or relocating work to ground level. Fall arrest systems, on the other hand, stop a fall in progress using equipment like full-body harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points. Restraint systems, warning lines, and safety nets also form part of a broader Fall Protection strategy.
Fall Protection is not just about equipment it’s also about awareness, planning, and training. Workers must be educated on proper usage, inspection, and maintenance of their fall protection gear. Effective programs incorporate hazard assessments, safe work procedures, and emergency response planning to ensure safety and compliance.
Fall Protection is critical because falls are consistently among the top causes of workplace injuries and fatalities, particularly in construction and industrial sectors. These incidents are often preventable, and failure to address fall hazards can result in severe injuries, permanent disability, or even death. For this reason, Fall Protection is a core pillar of occupational health and safety systems.
Beyond the human cost, the consequences of a fall incident can be financially devastating for companies. They include lost productivity, legal liability, compensation claims, fines from regulatory authorities, and damage to the company’s reputation. Preventing these outcomes through robust Fall Protection strategies is not just a legal obligation it’s also a financial and ethical imperative.
Employers who invest in Fall Protection foster a culture of safety that builds worker confidence and morale. Employees are more engaged and willing to follow procedures when they see their safety taken seriously. This contributes to fewer accidents, stronger teams, and overall operational efficiency.
A Fall Protection system is made up of multiple components that work together to prevent or arrest a fall. These include physical equipment like harnesses, lanyards, self-retracting lifelines (SRLs), anchor systems, and guardrails, as well as administrative tools such as written protection plans, risk assessments, and training programs.
Personal Fall Protection systems (PFPS) are the most recognized. These involve a full-body harness worn by the worker, connected by a lanyard or SRL to a secure anchor point. These systems are designed to distribute the impact force of a fall across the body and limit the fall distance. Guardrails and barriers help eliminate fall risks by physically preventing access to danger zones.
In addition, a complete Fall Protection system includes maintenance schedules, rescue procedures, competent person oversight, and proper documentation. Every component must function properly and be used correctly to ensure worker safety and regulatory compliance.
Fall prevention and fall arrest are two key elements of Fall Protection, each addressing a different stage of fall risk. Fall prevention is the first line of defense it aims to eliminate the chance of falling altogether. This might include installing barriers or guardrails or designing work processes to be performed at ground level.
Fall arrest, however, comes into effect only after a fall has occurred. It involves the use of specialized equipment like harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points that safely stop a worker's descent and prevent contact with a lower surface. These systems are critical when working at heights where fall hazards cannot be eliminated.
While both strategies are integral to Fall Protection, prevention is always prioritized over arrest. Stopping a fall before it starts is safer and easier to manage than dealing with the consequences of a fall in progress.
Any worker exposed to height-related risks must undergo Fall Protection training. This includes individuals working on rooftops, scaffolding, elevated platforms, ladders, or near unguarded openings. Roles such as roofers, electricians, framers, and maintenance technicians are typically required to receive this training.
Training must cover the selection, use, inspection, and storage of Fall Protection equipment. Workers need to understand how to calculate fall clearance, use harnesses correctly, and perform equipment checks before each use. They should also be aware of site-specific risks and emergency procedures.
Supervisors and safety officers must also receive advanced Fall Protection training to recognize hazards, enforce protocols, and coordinate rescues if necessary. Proper training ensures everyone on site is aligned in maintaining a safe and compliant work environment.
Inspection of Fall Protection equipment is essential before each use and at regular intervals. Workers must visually and physically examine harnesses, lanyards, connectors, and anchor points for signs of wear, fraying, cuts, corrosion, or missing labels. Any defects mean immediate removal from service.
A competent person must perform detailed scheduled inspections and document the findings. Many manufacturers provide specific guidelines on inspection intervals, lifespan of materials, and replacement timelines. Following these guidelines is part of a legally compliant safety program.
Proper maintenance of Fall Protection gear also includes storage in clean, dry environments away from direct sunlight and chemicals. Equipment must be stored neatly, handled carefully, and not altered in any way. Maintenance records and inspection logs help employers track equipment history and remain audit-ready.
FALL PROTECTION Legislation
Most jurisdictions require specific fall protection measures before or in addition to personal protective equipment (PPE). There may also be specific legal requirements around the use of equipment like ladders and scaffolding.
When is fall protection required?
Occupational health and safety laws generally require action when a worker has the potential to fall about 3 metres (10 feet). In most cases, fall protection is required when:
- Other means of fall protection are not available or possible, such as guardrails.
- Working at a height of 3 metres or more (permanent and/or temporary work areas).
- Working at a height of less than 3 metres when the surface below could cause a more significant injury than just the fall (e.g., machinery; risk of drowning in water or other liquid; open tanks, vats, or pits containing hazardous materials; materials that can shift).
- A worker may fall through an opening in the work surface.
- It is determined that fall protection is necessary.
The complete details on fall protection requirements can be found in section 12.06 of the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Regulations. (Source: Justice Law, Government of Canada, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) section 12.06 (4)”. Available at https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/index.html, 2 May, 2022)
What are the applicable standards for fall protection?
The following table mentions the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) or American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards concerning fall protection that may be accepted in Canadian workplaces. Other standards may apply. (Source: CSA Group, “New standards can help improve fall protection in the workplace” Available at: https://www.csagroup.org/article/new-standards-can-help-improve-fall-protection-in-the-workplace/)
| Z259.1-05 | Body belts and saddles for work positioning and travel restraint (R2020) |
| Z259.2.2-17 | Self-retracting devices |
| Z259.2.3:16(R2020) | Descent devices |
| Z259.2.4-15(R2020) | Fall arresters and vertical rigid rails |
| Z259.2.5-17 | Fall arresters and vertical lifelines |
| Z259.10-18 | Full body harnesses |
| Z259.11-17 | Personal energy absorbers and lanyards |
| Z259.12-16(R2021) | Connecting components for personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) |
| Z259.13-16(R2020) | Manufactured horizontal lifeline systems |
| Z259.15-17 | Anchorage connectors |
| Z259.16: 21 | Design of active fall-protection systems |
| Z259.17:21 | Selection and use of active fall-protection equipment and systems |
| ANSI/ASSP Z359.1-2020 | The Fall Protection Code |
| ANSI Z359.2-2017 | Minimum Requirements for a Comprehensive Managed Fall Protection Program |
This program has become a regulatory requirement in Ontario and Newfoundland for any contractor and construction worker that uses fall protection equipment. This training requirement is part of the O. Reg. 297/13: Occupational Health and Safety Awareness and Training requirements, along with many other requirements for those working on Construction Projects. (Source: Government of Ontario, “Construction Projects, O. Reg. 213/91” Available at: https://www.ontario.ca/laws/regulation/910213, 1 July 2022)
Failing to provide workers with CPO (Chief Prevention Officer) approved WAH training from a CPO-approved trainer can result in fines and other legal action. Although this is not the same as fall protection training, many businesses, employers, and contractors still mistakenly refer to the training as fall protection or fall arrest training, which leads to some misunderstandings. It’s crucial to know that in Ontario, the only training that is currently valid for the construction industry is the Working at Heights MOL-approved program.
Who should take working at heights training?
In the construction industry, the requirements for fall protection are more stringent. Those who use fall protection equipment while working on construction projects are required to take WAH.
Does the law require Ontario construction workers to take WAH training?
Yes. In Ontario, workers who must use certain fall protection equipment on construction projects are required to complete Working at Heights training. (Source: Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development of Ontario. “Training for working at heights” Available at:https://www.ontario.ca/page/training-working-heights, October 7, 2019)
Can WAH be beneficial to those not working on construction projects?
Yes, however it is not required, and fall arrest training or fall prevention training may be more appropriate.
What is fall protection training?
Fall arrest training is a comprehensive safety program that teaches workers how to work safely at height and prevent falls. The training typically includes information on:
- The hazards of working at height
- The various types of fall protection equipment and how to use them
- Proper selection, fitting, and inspection of fall protection equipment
- How to safely work on ladders, scaffolds, and other elevated work platforms
- Safe work practices and procedures
If Working at Heights is the regulatory requirement, why would anyone need a Fall Protection training course?
Fall Protection training courses are still useful as many industries are required to take Fall Protection training. Furthermore, besides Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador, all other provinces do not have requirements for a specific training standard.
Who should take fall protection training?
Workers involved in mining operations, industrial establishments, health care and residential facilities sector, and other workplaces that are not designated under the Construction Projects regulations still benefit from fall protection training.
Does the law require to take fall arrest training?
No, but your workplace may require you to complete specific training, especially if your workplace involves working at heights.
Can I take fall arrest/prevention training instead of Working at heights training?
Fall arrest training is NOT a replacement for Working at Heights training, as it is not approved by Ontario Chief Prevention Officer.
Online fall arrest training is an effective and convenient way to provide workers with the necessary knowledge and skills to work safely at height. With online training, workers can complete the course at their own pace and at a time that is convenient for them.
What is fall protection training?
Workers using a fall protection system must receive instruction and training and be knowledgeable of fall protection requirements as per the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, which includes, but is not limited to, the recognition of fall hazards, selection of fall protection systems, safe use and limitations of personal fall protection equipment, inspection requirements, and rescue procedures.
Who is responsible for fall protection training?
Across Canada, it falls upon the employer to ensure a safe work environment for their employees. As such, the former is responsible for the implementation of any safety training that might be required. At the same time, it is the worker’s obligation to complete the courses and apply what they have learned throughout their work experience. Many job candidates will often complete Fall Protection before their interview to enhance their resume and hiring prospects.
Who needs fall protection training?
The Fall Protection certification is a legal requirement for workers who must conduct their activities at heights that exceed 3m (10 feet).(Source: Justice Law, Government of Canada, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304) section 12.06 (4)”. Available at https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/index.html, 2 May, 2022)
Many job candidates take it upon themselves to complete the certification before an interview, increasing their chances of getting hired. Meanwhile, current employees must regularly undergo this training program to maintain their safety in the workplace. The following industries are more likely to require Fall Protection certification from employees:
- Construction.
- Energy & Electricity
- Lumber/Forestry
- Mining
- Oil & Gas
- Seismic
Ontario employees should note that contractors & any construction-related work require the regional “Working at Heights” (WAH) certification instead of the online course. Newfoundland and Labrador employees must undergo a minimum 2-day WorkplaceNL-approved “hands-on” training course. (Check Working at Heights vs Fall Protection section) (Source: Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada ,”Workplace Health, Safety and Compensation Act” Available at: https://assembly.nl.ca/Legislation/sr/statutes/w11.htm, 2022)
Can you do Fall Protection training online?
Yes, Fall Protection training can be conducted online, but it’s important to note that online courses typically cover the theoretical aspects of the training only. While online training can provide valuable theoretical knowledge and understanding of crane safety, it is important to recognize its limitations, particularly when it comes to hands-on practical training. To be fully certified, individuals need to complete both theoretical training and evaluation, as well as workplace-specific hands-on practice (blended training).
Blended training is an alternative approach that combines online theoretical training with on-site practical training. Any company or organization claiming to provide full certification solely through online training without the hands-on component is likely operating a scam.
Blended training may be recommended for those who have access to the required equipment or have a competent person to oversee the completion of the workplace-specific checklist.
Although it may seem like a better option, in-classroom training still requires workplace-specific hands-on practice, which can present challenges. The equipment used in the training doesn’t always match the equipment used in the workplace, thus making it inconvenient for some individuals. Furthermore, it is more expensive and not necessarily more practical.
Is there a free Fall Protection training?
The short answer is: No, not really.
The long answer: Fall Protection courses can be developed either by the employer themselves, in which case they can be provided to you for free but have a cost of development for the employer; Alternatively, they can be developed by a private company such as ours.
When a private company develops such a program, many costs are associated with the process (human resources, programs licenses, host and servers, content research, voice-overs, software development, marketing, learning machine system development etc.); therefore, it cannot be free.
Depending on the website that sells it, its commitment to user experience, and its user panel investments, developing a Fall Protection course will cost upwards of $10,000.
Websites that claim to offer free Fall Protection training usually do so at the expense of users’ privacy or security as they have to recover their investments somehow. Your data will be sold to other third parties or used to promote related services (such as other programs or systems advertised as needed).
In more extreme situations, such websites may offer you the content for free but charge you for the certificate or unlocking the testing section, in most cases a price that is 2 or 3 times higher than what other private companies are selling the program for because at that point you have already invested time in completing the program with them.
Stay away from such websites because when you’re not paying for the product, you are the product.
Where can you purchase Fall Protection online training?
In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get safety training done. There are many methods and providers of Fall Protection training. It is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money. Ensuring your Fall Safety Training program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.
The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.
All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.
This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.
The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.
Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.
If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.
How can I find my certificate if I lost it?
In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.
If you are a customer of GamaSafety.ca, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.
Fall safety training is a critical component of workplace safety in Canada, especially in construction and industrial environments where working at heights is common. At GamaSafety, we provide hands-on Fall Protection training that meets current Canadian safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Our programs are designed to help workers and supervisors identify fall hazards, select and use fall protection equipment correctly, and implement safe practices on the job site. With 13 Onsite and 19 On-Campus courses available, GamaSafety delivers flexible training options for both individuals and companies across the country.
By investing in certified fall protection training with GamaSafety, employers demonstrate a commitment to worker safety, reduce the risk of injuries, and create safer, more compliant workplaces. Our expert instructors and practical approach ensure that every participant leaves with the knowledge and confidence needed to work safely at heights.
Comprehensive Fall Protection Awareness Training
for Ensuring Safety During Work at Heights.
This course provides essential training on working safely at heights. Topics include fall arrest systems, body harness usage, anchor points, and rescue procedures. Participants will learn to identify fall hazards, inspect their gear, and use fall protection systems correctly. This training helps reduce fall-related injuries and ensures compliance with OHS regulations.
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