Alec Caldwell
Lurking in the shadows
Canadian Contractor canada Service VehicleThe Ministry of Labour inspector was wearing a blue hat. He was in attack mode.
The word lurking means to lie hidden, waiting to attack and that’s what one of our sole proprietor members faced, as he worked up his ladder at 9 o’clock on a cool November morning in an established residential neighbourhood. Below, in attack mode, wearing a blue hard hat, was an inspector from the Ministry of Labour. Suddenly this contractor’s day was about to heat up.
The inspector asked the contractor to produce a Fall Protection Awareness course completion certificate.
Now, for those still not tuned in to what this is, it’s a required course every single contractor, subtrade or employee has to complete to stay compliant under the Occupational Health & Safety Act.
If you’re not compliant, you can face fines or even jobsite closure, depending on the mood of the inspector that day.
Luckily this inspector was lenient. Proof of completion could not be produced immediately, no matter how hard this contractor searched his wallet and vehicle, and he was given 48 hours to supply it. After calling CARAHS, a copy of his course completion certificate was immediately faxed to the Ministry of Labour to fulfil their request.
Course now made easy
For pennies, everyone can access this course online across Canada through the CARAHS web site. You don’t even have to become a member to use this service and you will be compliant, once you complete the course, no matter what province you reside in.
Complete online Fall Protection Awareness course
Contact us for more information: Toll Free 1-866-366-2930
CARAHS is a non profit Association delivering Safety, Education & Benefits to Self employed Contractors, Renovators, Builders, Trades & Home Services
