Weekly Safety Share #66 - Falls from Heights
Falls from heights remain one of the leading causes of workplace injuries and fatalities. In fact, in the construction industry, falls are the number one cause of fatalities, far surpassing other hazards. Sadly, many of these incidents are preventable with proper planning, resources, and training.
The Workplace Safety and Compensation Commission (WSCC) emphasizes fall prevention through the “Plan, Provide, and Train” model. This simple but powerful approach can drastically reduce the risk of falls on job sites and at home.
Why Fall Prevention Matters
Every year, thousands of workers are injured due to falls—whether from ladders, scaffolds, rooftops, or elevated platforms. Beyond the tragic human cost, falls can also lead to project delays, financial penalties, and long-term health impacts for workers.
Even though legislation clearly sets out requirements for fall protection, standards for working at heights are among the most commonly violated safety regulations. That makes it even more important for employers, supervisors, and workers to go beyond compliance and build a culture of safety.
The “Plan, Provide, and Train” Approach
1. Plan
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Think ahead: Before starting any task, determine whether work at heights can be avoided altogether. For example, can equipment be assembled on the ground and lifted into place?
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Identify requirements: If working at heights cannot be eliminated, plan for all aspects of the job—tools, equipment, personnel, and materials.
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Prioritize safety: Incorporate safety considerations into the planning process, including the type of fall protection needed (harnesses, guardrails, lifelines), and ensure workers know how to use them.
2. Provide
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Equip workers properly: When work is performed above 10 feet without engineering controls like guardrails, provide the necessary fall protection systems and personal protective equipment (PPE).
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Allow sufficient time: Rushing leads to mistakes. Providing workers with adequate time to set up, perform, and take down equipment safely is just as important as providing PPE.
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Engineer safety into the worksite: Wherever possible, use permanent or temporary guardrails, safety nets, or other engineering solutions to minimize reliance on PPE alone.
3. Train
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Hazard recognition: Workers must be trained to identify fall hazards before and during a task.
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Proper use of equipment: Simply handing out safety gear is not enough—workers need to know how to wear, inspect, and use it correctly.
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Empower decision-making: Encourage workers to pause and reassess when a task feels unsafe. Training should give them the confidence to suggest safer alternatives or stop work when needed.
Beyond Compliance
Following regulations is essential, but compliance should be the starting point—not the finish line. A workplace culture that values safety requires continuous planning, equipping, and training.
Supervisors, workers, and even bystanders all play a role. If you see anyone working more than 3 meters (10 feet) above the ground without fall protection, report it as a near miss. Speaking up could save a life.
Final Thoughts
Falls don’t just “happen”—they result from gaps in planning, resources, or training. By adopting the Plan, Provide, and Train model, employers and workers can work together to prevent tragedies before they occur.
At the end of the day, the goal is simple: everyone goes home safe.