The Hidden Danger Falls from Heights in Ontarios Construction Industry
- 5 min read
- November 21, 2025
Ontario’s construction industry continues to be one of the most hazardous sectors, with falls from heights remaining the leading cause of traumatic deaths and injuries. Recent tragedies highlight the urgent need for mandatory working-at-heights training, introduced in 2017, to prevent similar incidents. While significant progress has been made—saving lives and preventing injuries—there’s still much work to do, especially for new and inexperienced workers. This blog explores how training, statistics, and actionable steps can help employers safeguard their workforce and meet provincial safety standards.
In a matter of days, two tragic incidents shook Ontario’s construction industry, reminding us all of the devastating impact of workplace safety failures:
- A construction worker in Barrhaventragically fell to his death at a site.
- Another worker in downtown Toronto lost his life after falling from a ladder placed against a billboard.
These tragedies are not isolated events—they represent the ongoing crisis in Ontario’s construction sector. Falls from heights are the leading cause of traumatic deaths and serious injuries in the industry.
Dr. Lynda Robson
Scientist - Institute for Work & Health (IWH)
"Construction is one of the most hazardous sectors in the Canadian economy, with falls from heights being the leading cause of traumatic deaths and injuries.”
Key Statistics That Demand Action
To combat this growing problem, Ontario mandated working-at-heights training in 2017 after the devastating 2009 swing-stage collapse that killed four workers. A follow-up study by the IWHreveals significant progress:
- 19% reduction in fall-related injuries requiring time off work between 2017 and 2019 compared to 2012-2014.
- 4 lives saved and 320 injuries prevented over three years.
- 31.5% of fatal falls involve workers within their first year on the job.
- 15% of fatal falls occur within a worker’s first month on the job.
These statistics highlight the importance of early, comprehensive training programs for new and inexperienced workers. Without proper preparation, many workers remain vulnerable to life-threatening risks.
The Role of Working-at-Heights Training in Saving Lives
The reduction in injuries and fatalities shows thatworking-at-heights trainingis more than a compliance measure—it’s a life-saving intervention. However, gaps remain, particularly for new hires and smaller companiesthat may lack proper safety frameworks.
At 4S Consulting, our Working-at-Heights Courseis specifically designed to address these risks through blended learning options that combine practical in-person training with online modules. This ensures flexibility and comprehensive coverage of essential topics, including:
- Identifying hazards related to falls
- Proper use of fall protection equipment
- Preventive safety measures to reduce risks
Our course complies with Ontario’s strict regulations and is approved by the Chief Prevention Officer, ensuring that your workforce gets the highest standard of safety training available.
New Workers at Higher Risk: Why Training Must Be Prioritized
One of the key findings from the IWH study is that new workers are disproportionately affected by fatal falls. In fact:
- 31.5% of fatal falls occurred within the worker’s first year.
- 15% of fatal falls happened within their first month on the job.
This underscores the need for employers to prioritize working-at-heights training during onboarding to protect newcomers who are less familiar with site hazards. Comprehensive, structured safety programs, such as those offered by 4S Consulting, play a pivotal role in ensuring that new workers are adequately prepared.
A Renewed Call to Action: Prioritize Safety and Prevent the Next Tragedy
The recent tragedies in Barrhaven and Toronto are harsh reminders of what’s at stake. Ontario’s working-at-heights training program has made significant strides, but continuous improvement is necessary, especially for new and inexperienced workers.
Consult with 4S Consulting to Assess Your Safety Readiness
Our team of safety experts can help your business implement cost-effective and compliant training programs tailored to your workforce’s specific needs.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect your workers because safety isn’t just compliance, it’s a commitment.
