Falls from heights continue to cause serious worker injuries, reinforcing the need for greater access to proper training and effective fall protection.

Register today for WHSC Working at Heights training at 50% off.

The consequences of inadequate fall protection

On June 3, 2026, two roofing companies were convicted and fined for failing to ensure their workers were protected from falls while working at heights.
 
In the first instance, a worker was replacing a steel roof in Port Hope when they fell approximately 22 feet after disconnecting from their safety line because the tether was too short to reach the final roof panel. While stepping over a roof panel, the worker lost their balance and sustained critical injuries. Although fall protection equipment was available on site, the worker was not using any fall protection at the time of the fall. The company was fined $100,000 and an additional 25 per cent victim surcharge as required by the Provincial Offenses Act.
 
In the second instance, a roofing worker in Mount Forest was critically injured after falling approximately 11 feet while stepping from a ladder onto a residential roof. The ladder, which was set on frozen, uneven ground and was not secured, twisted during the transition. The worker was not wearing fall protection, and no fall protection system was in place. Both the company and owner were fined a total of $145,000, as well as a 25 per cent victim surcharge as required by the Provincial Offenses Act.

In both cases, the companies were in contravention of section 25(1)(c) of the Ontario Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and section 26.1(2) of Ontario Regulation 213/91 (Construction Projects). In the Mount Forest case, the company also contravened OHSA section 32(a), which requires employers to ensure the workplace complies with the OHSA and its regulations.

Why working at heights training matters

While the financial penalties were substantial, the far greater cost was the critical injuries sustained by the workers. These incidents highlight why comprehensive Working at Heights (WAH) training is a critical safeguard against falls and a legal requirement for employers and workers alike. Ontario regulations require employers to ensure workers on construction projects complete a Ministry of Labour, Chief Prevention Officer-approved WAH training program before working at heights or using fall protection equipment and systems, and an approved WAH refresher every three years to maintain compliance.
 
This summer, Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) is making WAH training more accessible than ever. As Ontario’s official designated and leading WAH trainer, WHSC is currently offering 50 per cent off CPO-approved WAH and WAH refresher training when booked by Aug. 31, so you can book now and train anytime this year at a location nearest you.

REGISTER 

Need other training? Take advantage of our summer special and get 50 per cent off scheduled, in-person training on a range of courses that equip workplace parties with the skills to recognize hazards, prevent injury, illness or even death and provide safe work. Training from $37.50 to $237.50 down from regular prices of $75 to $475, when booked by Aug. 31.

WAH reference materials
Working at Heights Resources
Ontario’s Chief Coroner leads call for expanded working at heights training
Standardized working at heights training improves safety, study

Need more information?
Contact a WHSC Training Services Representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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