Know your fall protection facts

December 3, 2018

Falls from heights and dropped objects can have dangerous consequences for both workers and companies. Awareness of the dangers associated with working at heights is the first step in helping prevent injuries from falls and dropped objects.

Annual Canadian fall protection occupational injuries or fatalities facts*

Falls

8,596+
injuries from falls
43+
fatalities from falls

Dropped Objects

8,881+
injuries from being struck by dropped objects
21+
fatalities from being struck by dropped objects

Fall-related injury or fatality costs per claim*

Falls from roofs
$119,000

Falls from height
$66,000

Falls from ladders
$82,000

Falls from height
$48,000

Top ten reasons why objects get dropped when working at heights

1. Inadequate risk assessment

Failure to identify dropped object hazard.
2. Human factors

Operator error, poor behaviour, complacency, neglect.
3. Inadequately stored or secured tools and equipment

No tool lanyards or tethers being used. No containment of loose items.
4. Inadequate procedures

Bad planning, no management of changing workplace hazards.
5. Failed fixtures and fittings

Corrosion, vibration, poor design, selection or improper installation.
6. Poor housekeeping

Pre-existing hazards from previous tasks.
7. Collisions and snagging

Lifting, travelling equipment, tag lines, service loops.
8. Inadequate inspection, repair and maintenance

Ignoring unsafe conditions.
9. Redundant, neglected and home-made tools and equipment

These should be eliminated.
10. Environmental factors

Wind, sea motion, ice, snow, extreme conditions.

Download the technical guide.

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