Construction is the deadliest occupation, as evidenced by 193 deaths reported in 2020 by the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada. That represents 21% of the 921 total deaths across all industries. Only manufacturing at 17.5% comes close.

Companies must protect their workers by identifying construction site hazards and taking the proper steps to eliminate or mitigate them. Mitigation begins with education and includes investment in effective and compliant fall protection systems and equipment.

Major risk factors include scaffolds, ladders, rooftops, stairs/walkways, and steel frames. Fall protection must be in place for workers performing tasks at heights of at least three meters (3m) or more.

Scaffolds may look lean and mean, but they are complex structures that should be built under the supervision of a “competent” person who has the knowledge to identify a hazard and the authority to correct it.

Leveling legs or baseplates, scaffold jacks, stacking pins, braces, access ladders, scaffold boards, outriggers, railings, toe boards, gates, and tie-offs are standard components that need to be assembled correctly. The completed scaffold should be inspected before use.

Railings are preferred over tie-off methods for workers. They provide the greatest freedom of movement and least worker involvement because barriers are in place. It is essential not to overlook that railings should cover the length of the scaffold behind the workers and the widths to the sides.

Scaffolds are temporary, so once the building envelope is complete, a scaffold can be replaced by a permanent fall protection system, such as a roof perimeter guardrail system.

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