For information purposes only. This page supports your safety planning; it does not replace professional judgment. All safety plans and fall protection decisions must be reviewed and approved by a competent person or a qualified person as required by the occupational health and safety regulator in your province or territory, before work begins.
Provincial jurisdiction · CSA Z259 standards
Ontario Fall Protection Requirements
Regulated by Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) under the OHS Act (RSO 1990, c O.1). Ontario requires mandatory Working at Heights (WAH) training approved by the Chief Prevention Officer (O. Reg. 297/13). Its OHS penalties are the highest in Canada.
Ask all of your fall protection questions, CSA and provincial answers included.
Open the Regulation Hub ›Ontario fall protection at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Primary authority | Ontario MLITSD |
| Construction trigger height | 3 m (about 10 ft) (O. Reg. 213/91, s.26.1) |
| General industry trigger | 3 m (about 10 ft) (R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851, s.85) |
| Report a serious incident | 1-877-202-0008 (24/7) |
Who regulates fall protection in Ontario
| Contact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Regulator | Ontario MLITSD |
| Website | Official site |
| Governing law | OHS Act (RSO 1990, c O.1) |
Report a serious injury or death
1-877-202-0008 (24/7)
Critical injuries and fatalities must be reported to the Ministry immediately by phone, followed by a written report within 48 hours on construction projects.
Official page ›Ontario requirements beyond the baseline
| Requirement | What it means |
|---|---|
| Mandatory training | Mandatory: Working at Heights (WAH) training, delivered by a CPO-approved provider, with a certificate valid three years. |
| Distinctive rule | Ontario requires mandatory Working at Heights (WAH) training approved by the Chief Prevention Officer (O. Reg. 297/13). Its OHS penalties are the highest in Canada. |
Equipment and anchorage requirements
| CSA standard | Covers |
|---|---|
| CSA Z259.10 | Full body harnesses |
| CSA Z259.11 | Energy absorbers and lanyards |
| CSA Z259.2.2 | Self-retracting devices |
| CSA Z259.2.5 | Fall arresters and vertical lifelines |
| CSA Z259.16 | Design of active fall-protection systems |
| CSA Z259.1 | Body belts and saddles |
Shop our CSA/Canada Certified department for equipment that already carries the mark, with certifications on every spec sheet.
Penalties
| Violation type | Maximum |
|---|---|
| OHS penalty | Corporations up to $2,000,000 per offence; directors and off... |
Ontario fall protection FAQ
Who enforces fall protection in Ontario?
Ontario MLITSD. Regulated by Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) under the OHS Act (RSO 1990, c O.1). Ontario requires mandatory Working at Heights (WAH) training approved by the Chief Prevention Officer (O. Reg. 297/13). Its OHS penalties are the highest in Canada.
At what height is fall protection required in Ontario?
For construction, 3 m (about 10 ft) under O. Reg. 213/91, s.26.1. For general industry, 3 m (about 10 ft) under R.R.O. 1990, Reg. 851, s.85.
Does Ontario have requirements beyond the baseline?
Yes. Mandatory: Working at Heights (WAH) training, delivered by a CPO-approved provider, with a certificate valid three years. Ontario requires mandatory Working at Heights (WAH) training approved by the Chief Prevention Officer (O. Reg. 297/13). Its OHS penalties are the highest in Canada.
What are the maximum penalties in Ontario?
OHS penalty: Corporations up to $2,000,000 per offence; directors and off.... Confirm current amounts with the regulator.
How do I report a serious injury in Ontario?
Call 1-877-202-0008 (24/7). Critical injuries and fatalities must be reported to the Ministry immediately by phone, followed by a written report within 48 hours on construction projects.
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