A concerning surge in fake occupational health and safety (OHS) training certificates is alarming safety professionals, employers, and legal experts across Ontario. In just a few weeks, more than 20 fraudulent safety credentials have been discovered, revealing a growing problem that could put countless workers at risk. Experts warn that if employers fail to verify training records, they may face heavy fines—or even legal action—under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act.
1. Overview of the Certificate Fraud Issue
Ontario’s construction and industrial sectors are facing a troubling new challenge: fake safety training certificates. These falsified documents allow untrained individuals to enter job sites under the guise of being qualified, creating dangerous conditions for everyone involved.
2. How the Fake Certificates Are Being Created
Many of these fraudulent certificates are photocopied or digitally produced using easily available online tools. Workers are reportedly presenting these fake cards as proof of mandatory safety training such as Working at Heights or WHMIS certification.
3. Roger Tickner’s Investigation Findings
Roger Tickner, president of Tickner & Associates and Tickner Brooks Professional Corporation, sounded the alarm after his clients uncovered over 20 fake training cards in just two weeks.
“We’re finding a lot of fake cards being made online and presented as valid proof of training,” Tickner said.
He has since notified the Ministry of Labour and the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) about the growing issue.
4. Why Employers Are at Risk
Many companies accept training cards at face value, without verifying them with the issuing provider. Tickner warns that this exposes employers to serious legal and financial risks, especially if an incident occurs on site involving an untrained worker.
5. Legal Implications Under OHSA
Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), it is an offence to knowingly present false information to an inspector—including fake safety certificates.
Penalties for violations include:
- Fines up to $500,000
- Imprisonment for up to 12 months
- Or both
Employers must confirm their workers’ certifications with ministry-approved providers and keep up-to-date verification records.
6. The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Training Fraud
Darcy Chalifoux, senior partner at Cognisense, revealed a new threat: AI-assisted fraud in online training.
“We’ve seen AI complete training modules and assessments on behalf of workers,” he explained.
This alarming trend shows that the problem goes beyond fake documents—it’s about identity verification and real-time monitoring in online learning environments.
7. Ministry of Labour’s Enforcement Measures
The Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development confirmed it actively investigates all reports of fraudulent safety certificates. Inspectors assess workplace conditions and issue penalties based on evidence found.
Employers can report suspected fraud through the Health & Safety Contact Centre or online via the ministry’s website.
8. WSIB’s Clarification and Support
The WSIB clarified that while the Ministry of Labour oversees most safety training programs, it does not handle First Aid certification.
Anyone suspecting a fake First Aid certificate should contact the police immediately.
9. Industry’s Push for Digital Verification Systems
To tackle the problem, Tickner and industry partners are developing a digital OHS credential verification system. This system would create a secure database of validated training certificates, helping employers verify authenticity before workers enter a site.
He also supports the idea of a national harmonized safety standard, though acknowledges the legal and logistical challenges ahead.
10. Accountability and Employer Responsibilities
Employers must take a proactive role in verifying training records. Relying solely on physical cards or unverified online certificates is no longer safe—or legal.
Best practices include:
- Verifying certificates directly with issuing organizations
- Keeping digital copies of all verified records
- Training supervisors to identify fake credentials
- Partnering with compliance professionals via /services
11. The Path Forward for Safety and Compliance
With the rise of fake and AI-generated certificates, Ontario’s safety landscape is facing a serious test. The message from experts is clear: verify before you trust.
Tickner’s final warning serves as a wake-up call to the industry:
“If you accept everything at face value, you could be held accountable. And if someone is seriously injured, the consequences could be severe.”
The road ahead requires collaboration between regulators, employers, and safety professionals to restore trust and ensure that every worker on site is genuinely trained and competent.