In May 2013, the Workers Compensation Board (WCB) will relaunch 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.

The campaign was first launched in July 2012 to address repeated violations of the fall protection requirements in the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Act.  As a result of last year’s Zero Tolerance campaign, three employers, two supervisors and nine workers were charged and fined for non-compliance.  Each charge represents an unsafe situation that could have resulted in a serious or fatal fall. 

“Our goal for the Zero Tolerance campaign is to ensure that Islanders who are required to work at heights are adequately protected,” said Nancy Guptill, Chair of the Workers Compensation Board.  “We appreciate the cooperation of employers, workers and the public in being attentive to fall hazards and promoting safety matters at work.  By working together, we will keep each other safe.”

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 in Island workplaces. Failure to comply with fall protection regulations could result in stop work orders, fines and prosecutions 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 WCB website at www.wcb.pe.ca