At Height Works we are passionate about safety when working at heights. As as fall protection safety experts preventing falls is what we live, breath and sleep every day.
Falls from working at height remain a significant occupational hazard across a variety of industries in Western Canada. Western Canadian provinces of British Columbia (BC), Alberta (AB), Saskatchewan (SK), and Manitoba (MB) have all reported notable incidents in 2023, highlighting the ongoing need for more stringent safety measures and comprehensive fall protection training programs for those employees that spend their days working at heights.
British Columbia (BC)
In British Columbia, there were over 4,000 claims related to falls from heights in the workplace. Among these incidents, nine resulted in fatalities, while others caused a range of injuries from mild to severe. These statistics underscore the importance of improving safety standards and ensuring effective fall prevention measures, such as using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and engineered fall protection systems.
Alberta (AB)
Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code statistics reveal that 19% of all workplace injuries and accidents were due to falls from heights. Additionally, over 35% of workplace fatalities in Alberta were caused by such accidents, with 18 incidents resulting in fatalities. These figures highlight the critical need for maintaining stringent safety protocols and implementing comprehensive training programs to prevent workers falling from heights in Alberta’s workplaces.
Saskatchewan (SK)
Saskatchewan reported fewer fall-related injuries compared to other provinces, with approximately 4.33 incidents per 100 workers, according to the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB). The province recorded around 39 workplace fatalities, 14 of which were due to falls. This data indicates a need for continued focus on fall prevention and safety training to reduce these numbers further.
Manitoba (MB)
In Manitoba, there were 55 reported falls from working at heights in 2023. Among these incidents, 10 resulted in fatalities, while 45 caused injuries. These statistics emphasize the necessity for robust safety measures and training programs to protect workers from fall-related hazards.
The statistics throughout Western Canada from 2023 highlight the persistent risk of falls from working at heights. Employers and safety professionals must continue to prioritize fall prevention through comprehensive training, proper use of PPE, and adherence to safety protocols. By doing so, collectively at Height Works, we believe we can reduce the number of injuries and fatalities and create a safer working environment for all.
Should you or your organization be interested in learning more about how to enhance your workplace safety, contact the fall protection experts at Height Works today.