Construction & Trades Safety Training

Each province sets its own training rules. Here is what they say about four common topics.

• Fall protection. Alberta (OHS Code s. 141), BC and Ontario (O. Reg. 213/91, s. 26.2) all require training before you use a fall protection system.
• Aerial lifts. In Alberta you must be trained, show your competency and be authorized before you run powered mobile equipment, which includes self-propelled aerial lifts (OHS Code s. 256).
• WHMIS. Anyone who works with or near hazardous products needs it. The general course covers labels and safety data sheets, and your employer adds training on the products at your site.
• Traffic control. In Ontario, a worker who directs traffic on a public way must be a competent worker and get written and oral instructions (O. Reg. 213/91, s. 69).

Start with WHMIS 2025, then add courses for the equipment and tasks on your site. Our guides to Fall Protection Fundamentals and MEWP training compare the other courses in each topic. If you dig, see ground disturbance and excavation training.

• Online courses cover the theory. Your employer still adds hands-on practice and instruction for your site.
• Ontario construction workers who use fall protection also need Working at Heights training from a CPO-approved provider, with an in-person practical. These courses don't meet that.
• In BC, traffic control persons must train with a WorkSafeBC-approved provider. The flagger course description says it is not valid in BC.