IHSA training program highlights
Specialized work requires specialized training—and IHSA delivers it.
Ontario workers who perform high-risk work have an extensive catalogue of training courses to choose from at IHSA. Offered at our training centres across Ontario and at member facilities, all IHSA programs are led by trainers with years of experience spanning the industries we serve.
Many of the courses we teach cover specialized tasks requiring specialized equipment, knowledge, and safe-work practices. We’re proud to be among a limited number of organizations in Ontario providing health and safety training in these areas. Some of IHSA’s more unique training programs are outlined below. To learn more about them and to register, visit ihsa.ca/training.
Foundations of Facilitating, Training, and Learning
Three-day course
This course uses the Competencies for Training and Development Professionals, created by the Canadian Society for Training and Development, to teach how to facilitate health and safety training that gets results on the job. Through a variety of hands-on exercises, participants gain an understanding of the training cycle, how adults learn, and successful delivery techniques.
Who should attend? Anyone who performs health and safety training at their workplace. Register now!
Asbestos Abatement Worker
Three-day course
All workers who perform Type 3 asbestos work must successfully complete the in-class training component of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development’s (MLITSD) Asbestos Abatement Worker training program. IHSA’s course satisfies that requirement— and prepares workers to write the Ministry’s asbestos abatement exam from an accredited administrator. Through classroom and hands-on instruction, participants learn about legislation, hazards, and controls specific to Type 3 asbestos abatement, as well as worker protection and hygiene practices, basic equipment procedures, and non-asbestos hazards in Type 3 workplaces.
Who should attend? Any workers and tradespeople from a Ministry-approved Signing Authority employer who perform Type 3 asbestos work as defined in the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA). Register now!
Asbestos Abatement Supervisor
One-day course
Type 3 asbestos work—characterized by its heightened risk of worker exposure—must be overseen by a worker who has completed the in-class training component of an MLITSD-approved Asbestos Abatement Supervisor program. After successfully completing this training through IHSA, workers will be prepared to write the Ministry’s Asbestos Abatement Supervisor exam.
Who should attend? Anyone tasked with supervising high-risk asbestos abatement work. Note, however, that participants must first earn MLITSD Asbestos Abatement Worker certification and complete IHSA’s Basics of Supervising course. Register now!
Electrical and Utility Safety Rules Training
One-day course
The Electrical Utility Safety Rules (EUSR) has been the industry’s accepted health and safety guidebook for more than 100 years and is embedded in the OHSA. It’s also written and published by IHSA, in collaboration with our utilities-sector partners. Participants in this course receive the latest edition of the EUSR, and learn to interpret and apply the specific rules within it—several of which were updated significantly in January 2024.
Who should attend? All electrical workers and supervisors/managers of workers who perform work on or near electrical transmission or distribution systems. Register now!
Poletop and Aerial Device Rescue
One-day course
Any worker who regularly climbs wooden poles or works from aerial devices (such as bucket trucks, aerial ladders, and articulated boom platforms) should know how to rescue someone from those apparatus. According to the EUSR, workers must undertake at least one poletop rescue practice session per year for each rescue procedure that may be required as part of their duties. Participants must successfully demonstrate a poletop rescue to pass this course.
Who should attend? Individuals who climb wooden poles or use aerial devices including powerline technicians, arborists, and telecommunications workers. Register now!
Fleet Signing Authority – MTO Driver Certification Program
10-day course
In order to train, test, and recommend transportation workers for license upgrades under the Ministry of Transportation’s Driver Certification Program, workers must be approved by the MTO as a Signing Authority. Completion of an approved driver-trainer course (such as this one) is required to gain approval as a Signing Authority. IHSA’s program helps participants understand the principles of adult learning, as well as coaching, instructional, and assessment techniques, by looking at common transportation and fleet-related responsibilities and challenges.
Who should attend? Those who wish to obtain ongoing recognized signing authority with the MTO and have training responsibilities specific to Ontario’s Class A, B, C, D, E, and F driving licenses within their organization. Register now!
In-Cab Evaluation – Train the Trainer
Two-day course
This comprehensive workshop helps professional driver evaluators build their skills to conduct effective in-cab evaluations, assess on-road safety performance, ensure trainers have the correct observation and driving skills for their prospective roles, and gauge workers’ willingness to improve their defensive driving habits.
Who should attend? Fleet safety professionals who want to improve their ability to develop driver evaluation routes, set evaluation standards, conduct effective evaluations, and deliver constructive feedback. Register now!
Commercial Motor Vehicle Collision Investigation
Two-day course
Motor vehicle collisions are a leading cause of worker injuries and fatalities. Through this course’s hands-on exercises, participants learn the concepts and techniques needed to competently investigate a motor vehicle collision, including identifying training needs, making recommendations for safer vehicle operation, and building a database to understand how, where, and why collisions are happening.
Who should attend? Safety officers, driver trainers, federal work place health and safety committee members, managers, and anyone involved in the collision investigation program. Register now!
Ergonomics – How to Effectively Control MSD Hazards
One-day course
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a leading cause of lost-time injuries in the sectors IHSA serves and cost Ontario’s healthcare system millions of dollars a year. This course helps workplaces meet their legal responsibilities for addressing MSDs with respect to office, skilled trade, or transportation-related environments. Training can be delivered at member facilities to allow participants to complete MSD risk assessments on tasks performed at their workplace.
Who should attend? Employers, managers, supervisors, health and safety managers, joint health and safety committee members, and workplaces participating in COR®. Register now!
Suspended Access Equipment – Users
Two-day course
This program provides classroom and hands-on instruction on the safe use of a suspended work platform system or powered boatswain’s (or bosun’s) chair, and meets the training requirements outlined in the Regulation for Construction Projects (O. Reg. 213/91, s. 138) and Window Cleaning regulation (Reg. 859, s. 45).
Who should attend? Workers, supervisors, and third-party representatives who use suspended work platform systems or powered boatswain’s chairs after they’ve been set up and installed by others. Register now!
Suspended Work Platforms System – Installers
Two-day course
Participants learn how to read and use a roof plan and work plan, assemble a suspended work platform system in accordance with manufacturer instructions, and inspect the assembled system.
Who should attend? The competent worker who is designated by the employer to install and inspect the suspended work platform system before it is put into service for the first time. Successful completion of IHSA’s Suspended Access Equipment – Users course is a prerequisite. Register now!
Boatswain’s Chair
One-day course
If used incorrectly, boatswain’s chairs present a high risk of injury or death. This course serves as an additional day of hands-on training for workers who use boatswain’s chairs. It covers the use of a roof plan, personal protective equipment, inspection of life lines, suspension lines, and rigging for defects, installation and operation of a boatswain’s chair, and more.
Who should attend? Workers who use boatswain’s chairs. Participants must successfully complete IHSA’s Working at Heights and Suspended Access Equipment – Users courses prior to registering for boatswain’s chair training. Register now!