Working At Heights

Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island

Working At Heights

Falls from heights are a significant cause of work-related injuries on PEI and they can happen in a split-second. Serious injury or even death can occur when the required safe work practices for working at heights are not followed.

Most falls occur when workers become negligent while working at heights. No matter how experienced you are working at heights, do not become complacent to the risks of falling, as most falls occur unexpectedly.

Any person, working at a height of three meters or more, is required to have a fall protection system in place. This includes when working on scaffolding, on elevated work platforms, on roofs or on any other place that presents a fall hazard.

There are two types of fall protection systems, the travel restraint system and fall arrest system. Both require wearing a full body harness.

The travel restraint system prevents a worker from getting too close to an unprotected edge which prevents the worker from falling.
The fall arrest system prevents a falling worker from hitting the ground and preventing serious injury.

Our Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Officers frequently visit PEI workplaces to assist employers and workers in understanding legal obligations associated with working at heights.

When working at a height of three meters or more:

Make sure a fall protection system is in place.
Make sure the fall arrest system worn is the right equipment for the task, that it fits the worker properly, that it is inspected and in good condition.
Make sure workers are competent and have received training from a competent person to use fall protection.
Make sure a written fall protection plan is developed in accordance with Section 3(11) of the Fall Protection Regulations.

Learn more about safe procedures while working at heights:

Legislation:

Guides:

Fact Sheets:

Printable Posters:

If you would like to learn more about other health and safety matters in your workplace, please contact us or visit our resources webpage.

May 29, 2023

The WCB launches multi-hazard safety campaign to prevent work-related injuries and illnesses

The Workers Compensation Board (WCB) of PEI is launching a multi-hazard safety campaign on May 29 to remind workers and employers to always take time to work safely around asbestos, when excavating and trenching, and when working at heights. From May 29 to July 31, Islanders will see and hear about the WCB’s “Don’t become the worst-case scenario” campaign on the radio, on posters, on social media, on public transit and on the WCB website. The WCB’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Officers and Educational Consultants will also be sharing safety information during work site visits. “There is always time to do the right thing to avoid catastrophic injuries and life altering illnesses that could lead to death,” said Danny Miller, the WCB’s Director of Occupational Health and Safety. “It’s about taking the time to plan construction and renovation with asbestos safety in mind, taking the time to safely prepare sites for excavating and trenching and taking the time for fall protection measures when working at heights. It’s a reminder that no one wants to become the worst-case scenario.” Within the past three years, there have been multiple fines under the Occupational Health and Safety Act for unsafe asbestos management, unsafe work practice while trenching, and working unsafely at heights three metres or more. The fines levied were remitted to the WCB specifically for the purpose of conducting awareness, education, and prevention activities like this campaign. To learn more about workplace hazards and safe practices, please visit wcb.pe.ca The Workers Compensation Board partners with employers and workers in building safe and healthy workplaces and support recovery, if an injury occurs, through the administration of the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Act. Urgent workplace health and safety matters can be reported anytime by calling our 24/7 emergency line at 902-628-7513. Aussi disponible en français.

May 25, 2023

Workplace Harassment and Violence workshop

The WCB will hold a safety workshop about Workplace Harassment and Violence on May. 30 at the Loyalist Inn, Summerside, from 9 am to 12 pm. Click here to register and learn more.

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