The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) has launched its Fall Protection - Zero Tolerance Campaign to prevent injuries caused by falls at work.  The goal of the campaign is to protect workers and employers by eliminating violations to the fall protection laws and by raising awareness of the importance of workplace safety.

Working at heights is dangerous business.  In the past five years, there have been over 800 claims accepted for injuries caused by falls at workplaces on Prince Edward Island. The Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act sets out the legislated requirements for fall protection, yet every year, compliance orders are issued for violations. Each instance of noncompliance represents an unsafe situation that could result in a serious or fatal fall. 

“Because a fall at work can be catastrophic, it is critically important that we do all that we can to reduce the risk for Islanders working at heights,” said Nancy Guptill, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board.  “The WCB’s mission with the Zero Tolerance campaign is to educate and motivate all Island workplaces to do their part by complying with PEI’s safety legislation.”

During the Zero Tolerance Campaign, WCB Occupational Health and Safety Officers will be inspecting Island workplaces with an increased focus on fall protection. Greater emphasis will be placed on enforcement of the OHS Act and Regulations, to improve accountability by Island workplaces. The consequences of noncompliance could include stop work orders and prosecution under the OHS Act.

For more information about fall protection, contact the WCB Occupational Health and Safety Division at 902-368-5680 or 1-800-237-5049, or visit the Safe Workplaces section oof the WCB website.