Workplace Compliance Initiatives

Falls From Heights Campaign

Area of Focus: Single Family Residential


Unfortunately, falls are still one of the leading causes of fatalities and critical injuries across Ontario. One workplace fatality in any year is one too many, regardless of the sector, industry, or occupation.


The MLITSD has launched a focused campaign on falls from heights, specific to the residential sector. This campaign is taking place from April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2024.


It will include:


  • Education, outreach and awareness supported by the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association
  • Focused inspection blitz


Visit the IHSA's Fall Prevention Working at Heights page to access many FREE resources to consider in controlling the hazards associated with slips, trips and falls from heights. We suggest you delivery a safety talk as a reminder to workplace parties of the hazards, and more importantly re-establish safe practices and procedures.

Download this Advisory
Download this Guide
Download this Safety Talk

5 Ways to Remind Workers of Fall Prevention.


  1. Provide Site Specific Training:  All Ontario workers on a construction project who may use a method of fall protection to protect themselves from a fall hazard must receive approved working at heights (WAH) training. In addition, a WAH refresher course must be taken every three years. However, an important part of WAH training that is often overlooked is the requirement for the employer to provide site-specific WAH training. This advisory contains helpful information on providing site-specific WAH training to workers.
  2. Conduct a hazard assessment of the site: A hazard assessment or Job Safety Analysis (JSA) will show what the hazards are, where they are located, and where fall protection is required. IHSA recommends that each site should have a customized Fall Protection Work Plan (BR005). 
  3. Deliver a Safety Talk:  A safety talk is a hands-on way to remind workers that health and safety are important on the job. Each talk takes about five minutes and can help workers recognize and control hazards on the project. Safety talks demonstrate the commitment of employers and workers to health and safety. Access a variety of ready-to-go Working at Heights talks here.
  4. Review Rescue Procedures:  Before any worker uses a fall arrest system on a project, the employer is legally required to develop written procedures for rescuing someone whose fall has been arrested. These rescue procedures should also be reviewed with the workers and must be posted in a conspicuous place at the project. We have provided some sample fall rescue procedures that employers can customize to meet their needs here.
  5. Review your Fall Protection Plan: Use our step-by-step guide for controlling fall hazards on your jobsite. It is intended to offer guidance and instruction for workers using fall protection. It’s easy to follow and will help supervisors choose the best method of fall protection that is available to them under the circumstances.


Sincerely,

Michelle Roberts

Vice President, Stakeholder & Client Engagement

IHSA

IHSA | Website