Working at Heights: Reducing Fall Risks Through Training & Best Practices
Why Working at Heights Matters in Ontario
Every year in Ontario, workers are seriously injured or killed from falls on the job. Despite decades of safety campaigns and stricter enforcement, falls remain one of the top causes of traumatic fatalities in the province’s workplaces.
Between 2015 and 2023, Ontario’s single-family residential construction sector alone saw 224 critical injuries and 19 fatalities related to falls from heights.
When Ontario introduced mandatory Working at Heights training in 2015, the results were significant. A study from the Institute for Work & Health found a 19% reduction in fall-from-height injuries requiring time off work in the three years following the training rollout. The researchers estimated the new training prevented more than 300 lost-time injuries and four deaths in that period.
The takeaway? Training works, when it’s done right.
Understanding the Risk Landscape
Across Canada, falls are consistently one of the top three causes of occupational fatalities. In Ontario alone, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) reported 264 traumatic fatalities in 2022–23, with 31% occurring in the construction sector.
Even though many workplace falls happen on the same level (slips and trips), falls from elevation account for the majority of serious and fatal injuries, often involving ladders, scaffolds, roofs, or unprotected edges.
Each year, Ontario averages 17,000 lost-time injuries related to falls, with a disproportionate number in construction and industrial settings.
The Impact of Ontario’s Working-at-Heights Standard
Before 2015, fall prevention efforts in Ontario were fragmented, and there were no consistent standards for what “good training” looked like. The Ministry of Labour changed that with a mandatory Working at Heights (WAH) standard, requiring approved training providers, minimum training hours, theory + practical components, and a refresher every three years.
Since implementation: Ontario saw a 19% drop in fall-from-height injuries, versus just 6% in other provinces. The decline sustained over time, showing long-term behaviour change. Industry leaders and safety groups, including IHSA, credit WAH training with improving overall safety culture.
The lesson is clear: when training is consistent, hands-on, and mandatory, it saves lives.
Why Working-at-Heights Training Matters Beyond Compliance
While compliance with Ontario regulations is crucial, the real purpose of Working at Heights training is to change behaviour, to help workers recognize hazards before they step foot on a ladder, scaffold, or roof.
1. Building Hazard Recognition
2. Promoting Correct Equipment Use
3. Strengthening Safety Culture
4. Reducing Costs and Downtime
Anatomy of an Effective Working-at-Heights Program
Not all training is created equal. The best programs go beyond theory and compliance to deliver practical, hands-on learning that builds muscle memory and accountability.
Regulatory alignment, real-world scenarios, gear inspection, rescue procedures, behavioral coaching, and follow-up reinforcement are key components of an effective program.
Case Example: The Rooftop Repair Job Gone Wrong
A maintenance crew was tasked with servicing rooftop HVAC units. The crew had general safety training, but no formal Working at Heights certification.
One worker climbed near an edge to reach a unit. The surface was icy, and no guardrails or lifelines were in place. He slipped and fell 18 feet, suffering multiple fractures.
The Ministry’s investigation revealed: no written fall protection plan, no training records, and no designated rescue procedure. The company faced fines under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, but more importantly, a preventable incident changed lives forever.
Overcoming Common Challenges
Complacency, cost & scheduling, inconsistent supervision, and skill decay are the main barriers. The ROI on safety training far outweighs the cost of one injury, and ongoing refresher training ensures skills remain sharp.
Best Practices for Ontario Employers
- Assess the work.
- Verify training.
- Inspect equipment regularly.
- Implement written procedures.
- Schedule refreshers.
- Lead by example.
The Broader Impact: Building a Safer Ontario
Since Ontario implemented mandatory Working at Heights training, fatalities and serious injuries from falls have trended downward. Construction fatalities dropped from 65 in 2022 to 49 in 2023, a 25% decrease.
Each fall prevented is a life saved, a family spared, and a company protected from unnecessary loss. Training isn’t just compliance, it’s culture.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
If your organization works at elevation, from construction and maintenance to industrial service, ensuring your team has up-to-date Working at Heights training isn’t optional. It’s a responsibility.
At Engaged Training Solutions, we deliver Ontario-approved Working at Heights programs that blend classroom learning with real-world scenarios, led by experienced safety trainers. Our goal is simple: to make safety second nature.
Book your Working at Heights training today or schedule a refresher course for your crew today.