Fall Protection Facts
- There are about 26,000 lost-time accidents resulting from falls from heights every year in Canada. *source Alberta Government
- Every 3 days a worker dies as a result of a fall from height, survivors of these accidents often sustain the most serious injuries resulting in significant claims, personal suffering and business losses. *source Alberta Government
- Falls cause the largest number of fatalities; about 28 percent in the construction industry per year. *source U.S. Dept of labor
- An OSHA study estimated good safety and health programs can save $4 to $6 for every $1 invested. *source U.S. dept of labor
- Benefits of safe worksites can include “reduced downtime, more stable workforce, higher employee morale, and lower insurance and W.C.B. costs. *source Canada Occupational Safety & Health.
- In 2002, Alberta firms that were certified under Partners in Injury Reduction shared approx. $37,000,000 in refunds, while enjoying preferential insurance rates and other savings. This was all due to better than normal incident rates. *source Canada Occupational Safety & Health.
- Canada Occupational Safety and Health Regulations, for fall protection systems, say “Every employer shall provide a fall-protection system to any employee who is (doing work) ...2.4m above any moving parts of machinery or any other surface or anything else that could cause injury” *source Canada Occupational Safety & Health.
- On December 4, 2002, the maximum penalty for a first offence under the Occupational Health and Safety Act was increased from a fine of $150,000 and/or six months imprisonment for each charge, to $500,000 and/or six months imprisonment for each charge. *source Canada Occupational Safety & Health.
- Every day, 80 people are injured from falls at work. On average, each injury results in 4 weeks of lost time.*source WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board)
- A 5% reduction in the number of falls will save 120 lives and $180 million in injury costs. *source National Safety Movement
- Regulatory agencies make it quite clear that it is the employer’s responsibility to develop a fall protection program that complies with mandated regulations. The most effective programs are those where employers work closely with their workers to identify fall hazards and to jointly develop a comprehensive fall protection program that either eliminates fall hazards or provides appropriate protection against them. It should be noted that regulatory agencies have steadily increased fines for noncompliance and negligence.