OPA Education and Training Academy

The Ontario Parks Association (OPA) created the Ontario Parks Academy in 1999 to offer parks operation and management related educational resources to its members and potential members. A list of potential programs has been developed for consideration by our members, in the hope programs can be presented across the province at a reasonable cost.

Programs Available

Municipal Integrated Pest Management Accreditation Workshops

This course is a must for any municipality who wishes to become IPM Accredited or wants to learn about the components of an IPM or PHC program that is specifically for municipalities. This course will provide you with the information required for the first step in becoming IPM Accredited and will prepare you to write the required exam at Ridgetown College. After completing this course you will receive a Municipal Integrated Pest Management Certificate of Attendance.

Click here for dates and locations.

                                                 

Parks Equipment Safety Operations (PESO)

Working safely in a parks environment requires a comprehensive understanding of the tasks at hand and the equipment designed to effectively and efficiently perform the work.  Today’s parks and open space practitioners must be able to function in various capacities.  The Parks Equipment and Safety Operations course is designed to help enhance the competencies of experienced employees, while setting the right foundation blocks for those being introduced to the world of green space maintenance and management.  Participants will be introduced to industry best practices and learn the skills required for the safe operation of small hand tools to large grass cutting and turf care equipment.  The course will cover:

• Equipment and Fleet Training and Safety 
• Occupational Health & Safety Act
• Personal Protective Equipment
• Current CVOR Legislation
• Load Security
• Pre-trip Inspection
• Fuel Handling, Safety and Storage
• Equipment Safety Check Sheets
• Off-site Equipment Demonstrations and Training

Click here for dates and locations.

                                                   

Parks Oriented Chainsaw Safety

The Department of Labour requires that all parks professionals who use chainsaws on the job be trained in their safe operation. This two day seminar helps satisfy these requirements. The first day you will learn about PPE & legislative requirements. The student will dismantle the chainsaw & learn basic maintenance procedures & how to sharpen the saw. The second day will be spent in the field working on techniques and safe operation while cutting wood & trees.

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Parks Supervisor / Lead Hand Competency

In the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations (OH&S Act and Regulations) the definition of a Supervisor, “means a person who has charge of a workplace or authority over a worker.”  The Supervisor Competency course, offered by OPA, takes the meaning of a Supervisor, as stated above, and informs the worker of His/Her responsibilities under the OH&S Act and Regulations.  The successful participants of this course will be deemed as Competent which is a requirement in the OH&S Act and Regulations.  The course will cover:

• Definition of Accident/Incident Reporting
• Health and Safety Law
• Joint Health and Safety Committees
• Certified Members
• Work Stoppage
• Bill C-45: Amendment to the Criminal Code

Click here for dates and locations.                                   

 

Parks Health and Safety Workshops

This course is targeted to any employee that investigates accidents or is responsible for WSIB case management. Getting control of an accident can make the difference in thousands of dollars and getting the best care available for injured employees. You will learn all the legal requirements for employees and employers when dealing with work related injuries. This includes the accident period to the employees full recovery.