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FALLS FROM HEIGHTS ADVISORY FOR THE CONSTRUCTION SECTOR

17/07/2014
MESSAGE FROM ONTARIO's CHIEF PREVENTION OFFICER Falls from heights are major hazards for workers in all workplaces,...
Published on: 17/07/2014

MESSAGE FROM ONTARIO's CHIEF PREVENTION OFFICER

Falls from heights are major hazards for workers in all workplaces, but particularly in the construction sector where they are the number one cause of critical injuries and fatalities.

In the construction sector alone, nine workers tragically died and 71 workers received critical injuries last year because of falls at work projects. These falls from heights tragedies are unacceptable and preventable.

That is why the government has developed training standards to support quality and consistent training for workers who work at heights.

We all need to get the message out to employers and workers in the construction sector to avoid hazards and be careful when working at heights. By law, employers must ensure all workers are protected when working at heights.

Every employer in Ontario should:
  • Identify falls from heights dangers in the workplace and ensure controls are in place to protect workers
  • Train workers on how to work safely at heights and ensure workers are provided with appropriate personal protective equipment and gear
Workers also have a responsibility to take steps to ensure their own safety.

Every worker who is working at heights should:
  • Be aware of workplace fall dangers and hazards and be protected by guardrails, covers or by a fall protection system
  • Be supported through safety training in the workplace and should always refuse to do unsafe work

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