In Partnership with Public Services Health And Safety Association (PHSHA) OPA is offering  this 1 and 1/2 day unique training of Working at Heights.

You will be participating in the standard Working at Heights program on Day 1 (February 12, 2025) and in the VR pilot session on Day 2 (February 13, 2025).

Day 1: This full-day private delivery program covers essential information about how to work at heights safely and offers opportunity for the practical application of skills. Upon completion, learners will know the hazards of working at heights and be equipped with the knowledge to protect themselves. 

This course covers:

• Rights and responsibilities related to working at heights under the Occupational Health and Safety Act
• General hazard recognition for working at heights
• Hierarchy of controls
• Safety procedures for warning methods and physical barriers
• Safety procedures for ladders and similar equipment
• An introduction to personal fall protection equipment
• Barriers and safety nets
• Personal fall protection equipment
• Anchor points
• Work positioning systems, work access and platforms
• Rescue planning 

Day 2: 

Virtual Reality allows learners to be part of a realistic simulation on a rooftop while they benefit from being in a safe, virtual environment. The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development has funded this project to determine the feasibility of virtual reality training for Ontario workers.

This VR program incorporates various activities such as realistic challenges and multiple-choice questions and will provide you with timely feedback within the simulation. The VR session is intended as an immersive experience that bridges the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application in the workplace.

Your on-site instructors will provide you with clear instructions to make sure you get the most out of this experience and are safe at all times.

The time spent on the VR activity will be approximately 30 minutes to an hour, though, for some learners who are very new to VR, this program may take longer. Overall, you should count on being in-session from 8:00 – 11:00am

We will ask you a few questions just prior to the VR experience and then again afterward. Data collected will be anonymous.