This module will provide participants with information required to recognize and assess confined space hazards. As well, this module contains information needed for certified members to create or assess a confined space entry program. Strategies and control measures for work in confined spaces are also discussed.

This program is to help workplaces meet their legal due diligence to provide basic training to health and safety representatives. It not only meets, but exceeds the minimum standards prescribed by the law for the first phase of Certification training. This program is applicable to all Ontario workplaces.

Delivered over a four-day period, this program gives participants a full understanding of occupational health and safety legislation, including rights and responsibilities of workplace parties and certified representatives on joint health and safety committees in particular. This will include a full discussion about the Internal Responsibility System (IRS) and the purpose and requirements of workplace health and safety policies and programs. Equally important, participants learn how to identify, assess and control, or better yet eliminate, workplace hazards.

To identify the parts of the chainsaw, safety features and discusses the inspection and maintenance requirements for chainsaws. The chainsaw operator program consists of four modules (six hours). It is designed to inform operators of the features and parts of the chainsaw, how to maintain the chainsaw, the hazards of chainsaw operation and relevant legislation. The participants will be asked to start up the chainsaw and demonstrate how to properly hold it.

This program encompasses eight hours of training over two days. Day one comprises six hours of an in-class session, followed on another day with approximately two hours of practicum per participant (time depending on the operator experience). The practicum serves as a hands-on training tool for new operators, and an evaluation for experienced ones.

Participants will learn about different types of elevating work platforms and discuss their functions, safety features, characteristics, components and stability. Participants will also discuss applicable legislation. Further, this program addresses fall protection systems and requirements of related CSA standards (B354.2-01, B354.4-02 and B354.1-04) including CSA standards regarding owner responsibilities, record keeping, operator instruction, operator requirements and operator training and retraining. Just as important, program participants will gain an understanding of health and safety hazards and their control, including hazards associated with elevating work platforms, including those associated with unstable ground or rough terrain, tip-overs and rollovers, noise, wind speed, and conditions leading to musculoskeletal injuries.

This program introduces participants to the conditions required for fire along with pressure and chemical explosions. Potential health risks are explored and relevant legislation is reviewed. Important to the participant will be the discussion on identifying and assessing fire and explosion hazards and a focus on specific efforts they can introduce in their workplaces geared towards controlling the potential for fire and explosion. They will also look at the steps necessary when responding to fires and explosions and information necessary to recognize and assess the hazards of working with flammable and combustible materials. Relevant legislation, hazard control methods and strategies to implement controls are also discussed.

This program provides training to employees whose duties require them to operate rough terrain forklifts on construction worksites. Participants will learn about the principles and operation of Rough Terrain Forklift Trucks (RTFL). They also learn of the rights and duties of the worksite parties, legislation that governs RTFL use, hazards of RTFL, the associated controls and the safe work procedures that apply to RTFL operations.

This program is designed for workers who will operate powered lift trucks (Classes 1 to 5). It is divided into three important components, including formal classroom learning, a supervised practical hands-on component with the specific lift truck the worker will use and a follow-up evaluation by an authorized instructor who observes actual work performance.

In the classroom, participants will first explore the basics of powered lift truck operation including selection criteria, stability, lift capacity and other principles of counterbalance theory. Legislation, guidelines and standards governing the use of powered lift trucks are explored, including relevant sections in the Industrial Regulations.

Participants will explore the many hazards specific to the operation of a powered lift truck and the work area in which it will be operated. Important in this discussion will be the safety measures aimed at eliminating the risk to health of operators and other workplace parties. Special attention is paid to the components of an effective powered lift truck pre-start inspection checklist.

Safe operating rules and practices will also be identified and discussed.

Upon completion of this program participants must complete the mandatory practicum component. This will allow participants to apply the theories discussed to practical workplace situations under supervised and experienced guidance.

Skid steer vehicles lend themselves to a variety of applications in many sectors including construction, farming, manufacturing and landscaping. However, these vehicles pose serious occupational health and safety concerns to operators and others in the workplace. This training program will provide participants with an understanding of skid steer features along with associated hazards and control measures. The training is suitable for both new and experienced skid steer operators. It is designed for delivery over two days. The first day is an in-class session. Participants will learn about various types of skid steers and attachments plus their application within different work sectors. They will also learn about the hazards associated with each attachment and factors such as weight capacity, rough terrain, speed and turning, that can affect the skid steer stability. This session also covers the centre of gravity and load centre theory as well as the combined centre of gravity concept. Finally, they will explore the Occupational Health and Safety Act to gain an understanding of key rights and responsibilities for the workplace parties. The second day is a hands-on demonstration session — otherwise known as a practicum. Participants will demonstrate their knowledge of standard hand signals and specific safety procedures followed by a practical driving demonstration. By the end of the two sessions, participants will gain the requisite knowledge and skills needed for the safe operation of a skid steer vehicle.

The WHSC Occupational Health and Safety Level I program is intended for use by unions to train new joint committee members and health and safety representatives. Through the Level I program, participants learn and practice skills needed to promote and achieve prevention in the workplace. Upon completion of the program, learners receive a Level I certificate.

The Level I program trains worker representatives to identify and fight off behavioural-based management approaches and establish real prevention programs that identify, assess and control hazards. But workers do not have the power to simply institute these programs; employers hold the power in the workplace, workers must bargain. These negotiations are both similar and different than those typically carried out to establish a collective agreement. Like collective agreement bargaining, there is a profound need to get information, communicate with members, build proposals and apply leverage. However, when it comes to health and safety, there is no multi-year contract that defines the conditions of work. In all workplaces, hazards changes regularly – even daily – and these changes to the conditions of work usually take place without any consultation with workers. Because the employer can continuously and unilaterally change the hazards of work, worker representatives need to continuously bargain with employers for improved prevention. The WHSC Level program trains worker representatives to carry out this continuous bargaining mission.

The Level II Law (Provincial) training program will equip participants with an understanding of health and safety law and its inadequacies, and enable them to use their legislated rights and develop strategies to press for workplace improvements.

By default this program ships with a copy of the Industrial regulations for each participant. Before booking, the WHSC representative should check the sector of the course participants and edit the selection of regulations to ensure each participant receives a copy of the regulation that applies to his or her sector.

The Level II Committees program is an advanced training for worker members of the joint health and safety committees in Ontario. It provides them with the necessary skills to make them more effective, such as communication skills, consensus building, conflict resolution, problem solving, goal setting, and presentation skills. Participants learn how to conduct a joint health and safety committee meeting. They acquire skills in how to do an assessment, research a hazard, and evaluate a scientific study. They gain knowledge of accident and disease investigation steps.

This program provides participants with a basic understanding of the types of energy hazards, and the need for a lockout system. It identifies the sources of energy and their associated hazards. The program also provides basic understanding of relevant legislation, standards and guidelines. Various methods and devices used for lockout procedures are discussed, as well as the contents of an effective lockout policy and program.

The Steward Course provides participants with the tools and techniques needed to prepare them for the role of Steward at the work site. Participants learn what a steward does, the knowledge and information required to do the steward’s job, and common problems and situations that the steward may have to address, including job site grievances, health and safety issues, and substance abuse and drug testing. The Steward Course transforms the classroom into a learning environment that fosters self-direction, builds on experiences, meets specific needs and allows opportunities to apply concepts to actual situations.

The Mini Excavator Operator program is done over two days (8 hours of training per participant). The first day is the in-class theory portion and on the second day the participants will demonstrate their knowledge of the standard hand signals and specific safety procedures followed by a practical operating demonstration. The practicum could be approximately two hours per participant. This program was designed for veteran or novice operators. A comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, three worksheets along with participants engaging in active lecture is the delivery format.

Module 1 is an introduction to the mini excavator. It discusses the components of the excavator, how they work and the various part names. The legislation session introduces the duties of the parties and sections of the construction regulations that are relevant to mini excavator operations.

Module 2 addresses safety hazards and will inform the participant of actual and potential hazards associated with mini excavator operation along with hazard controls.

Module 3 is on mini excavator operation and discusses the safest work practices and procedures such as how to travel on an incline or decline with or without a load. Soil classification, shoring and sloping requirements will be discussed. The practical evaluation will give an opportunity for operators to experience the mini excavators maneuverability and versatility. The Instructor will record the practicum evaluation on three forms. On successful completion of the tasks and exercises the operator will receive a record of training (ROT).

Most construction workers will tell you they understand propane and know how to connect cylinders to heaters and torches. What they may not know is how the law regards propane use, the hazards they face or the health and safety effects from occupational use. To work with propane and use propane fuelled appliances workers must hold a CH-02 (Construction Heater Operator 2) certificate from an accredited training facility. This full day, WHSC Propane CH-02 ROT program meets and surpasses the regulatory requirements of the Technical Safety and Standards Authority (TSSA) and its regulations. The morning is spent with the WHSCs CH-02 certified instructor facilitating in-classroom sessions on propane characteristics, law, storage use and handling. Adult learning principles are employed with active lectures, brainstorming sessions, video clips, powerpoint presentation, resource material and handouts. Learning and understanding is verified as participant-trainees successfully complete and pass three written evaluation worksheets. The afternoon is spent in a field-setting. Propane use, transfer, storage and handling is first demonstrated by the instructor. Participant-trainees observe then demonstrate their newly acquired skills, after inspecting the equipment to be used. They correctly manifold three cylinders together, connect construction heaters and torches to cylinders, light and shut each appliance down safely. The instructor assesses and checks each step of their performance. Returning to the classroom, participant-trainees watch a video clip on the proper steps required to exchange cylinders on a propane powered forklift. Checklists for each procedure are provided along with the background resource material to refer to when needed. At the end of the course, participants will be certified to safely connect, activate and disconnect propane torches and heaters, up to 400,000 BTU/h to meet the training requirements of the TSSA and the Fuel Industry Certificate regulation 215/01. Participants who successfully complete the program will receive a Record of Training certificate. The CH-02 certificate is valid for three years from the date of training. Depending upon the number of participant-trainees in the class and their individual skill set, the program will take a full day to complete, varying between 6 to 8 hours. This includes lunch and breaks.

This six and a half hour program for construction workers is based on the requirements of the new MOL training program standard. This full day program is divided into two sessions, a three-hour basic theory session and a three and a half hour working at heights practical equipment session that includes a practicum. Note that the first module allows for a maximum of twenty four participants while the second module with hands on demonstrations must only have twelve participants for the sessions. This will require some coordination for larger workplaces with more than twelve workers to train. Due to the nature of the hazards and the required training standards both a written evaluation and a practicum are required. Each participant must score a 75% score to pass and receive a training card. In the first session Basic Theory, participants will learn: the roles and responsibilities of the employer, constructor, supplier, supervisor and worker including the workers right to know, participate and refuse unsafe work the regulations that address fall hazards, fall protection equipment and working at heights projects working at heights hazards and the hierarchy of controls to protect workers safe work procedures and plans to identify and control working at height hazards the advantages and disadvantages of various types of ladders, to inspect ladders and to safely position and use ladders the distinctions between and use of travel restraint, fall restricting and fall arrest system and the basic components of each system the setup, use, maintenance and storage of travel restraint and fall arrest system the use of bump lines, barriers, guardrails and safety nets to determine fall distance to prevent a worker from striking the ground or an object below the work level the health effects of bottoming out, the pendulum effect and suspension trauma on the body once the fall arrest system has been initiated In the second module Practical Equipment Use, participants get a hands-on demonstration of fall protection equipment and systems. Topics addressed in the module include: regulatory requirements and procedures for use of bump lines, barriers, guardrails and safety nets regulations, use, inspection, limitations, storage and procedures for travel restraint, fall restricting and fall arrest systems requirements for guard rails use of vertical, horizontal and retractable lifelines set up and use of rope grabs for both fall arrest and ladder use determining correct anchor points and regulations and procedures for safe use of anchor points procedures to maintain tie-off including when changing anchor points and with elevating work platforms key components of a fall rescue plan and emergency procedures. Note: this is not a complete list of topics for the program.

This program assists those responsible for creating, implementing, and/or overseeing traffic control in temporary work areas to develop an effective traffic control plan. Participants are taught using typical layout case studies, Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 7, and the Regulations for Construction Projects.

Tapping is the process of connecting laterals and service lines to mains and/or other laterals. Connections for water services can be made either when the water main pipe is empty (dry taps) or when the pipe is filled with water under pressure (wet taps). This course has been designed to instruct participants on the procedures and methods for tapping water mains.

This course introduces delegates to the oxy fuel cutting process. It allows the delegates to develop a range of techniques to produce a good quality cut on a variety of thickness of materials, understanding the correct procedures and safe working practices in handling the equipment and cylinders.

Comprehensive two-day course offering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) skills for those who need training due to work requirements or who want more knowledge to respond to emergencies at home. Includes the latest first aid and CPR guidelines. Meets federal and a variety of provincial/territorial regulations for Standard First Aid and CPR. Exceeds competitors’ standards by including injury prevention content, CPR and AED.

1 Day course. Learn the basic fundamentals of organizing non-union companies. Our future work depends on it. It’s everyone’s responsibility to organize and ensure that our union continues to grow.

This six hour program is intended to provide participants with the knowledge required to recognize and assess hazards associated with overhead cranes, hoists and rigging and the appropriate control measures and safe work procedures to control or eliminate hazards. The program discusses relevant health and safety legislation and the applicable regulations and standards for crane, hoist and rigging operations. A practicum evaluation at the end of the program allows participants to demonstrate their acquired knowledge directly in the field. Where possible and appropriate the practicum is done in the workplace of the participant. The evaluation form is in triplicate and allows for copies for the workplace, the participant and WHSC record keeping.

This class introduces CCLs to the basic math skills needed to perform calculations related to distance, area, volume, angles, weight and measurement on construction projects. Participants are provided instruction and an ample opportunity to measure objects, calculate and perform basic math functions including addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of whole and fractional numbers; measure and estimate volumes, convert fractions to decimals, (and decimals to fractions). In addition participants learn practical applications of the Pythagorean theorem, formulas for calculating perimeters, area, volume, and the use and function of square roots.

This course focuses on safe procedures and erection methods for Systems and Tube and Clamp scaffolds in the Construction Industry. Safe erection and dismantling of scaffolds will be the focus of the course.

This course prepares participants to safely install pipe systems by introducing them to the tools, equipment, and techniques typically used in pipelaying. Special attention is paid to the proper work practices and safety measures to follow when installing a variety of piping systems.

The Concrete program prepares the worker to work safely and productively in this potentially hazardous field. Safety issues associated with the mixing, forming, placement, and curing of concrete materials as well as the associated skills are covered in depth. Through instructor facilitated and extensive hands-on training, the worker becomes familiar with construction math and measurements, project planning, and site preparation. Other topics important to a concrete worker, such as forming, placing, finishing, and sawing are covered in detail. Appropriate cleanup procedures and concrete repair are also covered in the program.

The Line and Grade program focuses on the skills, knowledge, and aptitude necessary to operate a variety of surveying instruments and record information for maintaining elevation and alignment control points on heavy and civil construction projects.

Mason Tending provides instruction on the mason tender’s duties, proper job task performance, and health and safety issues associated with mason tending. Participants use mathematical and scientific concepts to achieve an understanding of working with masonry units, mortars, and admixtures.

This course provides methods and procedures required for form setting. It describes the methods and procedures of form setting tools. It also introduces the proper tools required to perform the work.

This course will enable the participant to describe methods and procedures for the use of hand and power tools that will be used in the industry.

Participants will be able to understand the fundamentals, dangers and safe working procedures of sandblasting.

This course will enable the participant to interpret blueprints, drawings and layouts using architectural and measurement conventions according to industry standards.

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