Falls are a major cause of injury and death in Ontario workplaces. Many of these incidents are falls from heights, even though the height may be no more than one or two metres.
When it comes to working at heights, the most effective way to ensure you remain safe is to assess the risks and implement a hierarchy of controls to manage those risks. As it relates to fall prevention, the following hierarchy ranks controls from the most to the least effective:
1. Elimination
Physically remove the hazard so it no longer exists.
2. Isolation:
Use temporary protective barriers to restrict access to the hazard.
3. Substitution:
Replace the unsafe process with a less hazardous one.
4. Engineered Controls:
Use protective barriers to protect all workers from the hazard.
5. Administrative Controls:
Use standard operating procedures and safe work practices to reduce the risk of harm.
6. Personal Protective Equipment
When all other controls are not possible, workers must rely on PPE.
To raise awareness and improve workplace safety, IHSA is leading Falls Awareness Week from May 5 to 9, 2025. IUOE Local 793 supports this initiative and remains committed to protecting every worker building and maintaining Ontario.
