Each November, Ontario recognizes Fall Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about one of the leading causes of workplace and community injuries.
Falls remain one of the top causes of lost-time injuries across all industries in Ontario, from construction sites and warehouses to healthcare facilities and offices. Many of these incidents happen during everyday tasks: using ladders, navigating uneven surfaces, or walking on wet or cluttered floors. Simple preventive measures, when applied consistently, can make a major difference in reducing these risks.
Start by conducting a thorough hazard assessment of your workplace. Check for trip hazards, loose handrails, poor lighting, and uneven flooring. Encourage employees to keep work areas clear of clutter and to report hazards immediately. When working at heights, make sure fall protection equipment is properly maintained, inspected, and used according to Ontario’s health and safety regulations. Training is key; workers must understand not just how to use equipment safely, but also why these procedures matter.
Education and awareness are powerful tools. Throughout November, consider hosting toolbox talks or safety refreshers focused on fall prevention. Use this time to share real examples, review your company’s fall protection plan, and remind staff that safety is everyone’s responsibility. Even small steps like slowing down, using handrails, or wearing proper footwear can prevent serious injuries.
Falls don’t just happen in high-risk workplaces. Office workers, drivers, and visitors can all be affected. Creating a safety culture that values awareness, communication, and prevention benefits everyone. Together, we can make Ontario’s workplaces safer and stronger.
If your organization would like working at heights training, hazard assessments, or policy reviews, Auspice Safety Inc. is here to help! Contact us at info@auspicesafety.com
You would also find this article helpful: Working at Heights vs. Fall Protection: What You Need to Know