Falls are among a leading cause of workplace injuries and fatalities in Canada, with over 42,000 workers experiencing fall-related injuries annually, according to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS). If you’re running a business in Calgary, the risks can be even higher due to our local climate, industry demands, and site-specific challenges. From icy conditions to multi-level construction projects, fall hazards are everywhere.
The solution? A robust, site-specific fall protection plan. Whether you’re in construction, oil and gas, warehousing, or maintenance, this guide will walk you through creating and implementing a fall protection plan tailored to your job site. Plus, we’ll show how Calgary Safety Consultants can make this process easy and effective, keeping your team safe and your business compliant.
A fall protection plan isn’t just a regulatory requirement—it’s a lifesaver. Falls from heights or even same-level slips can result in severe injuries, legal troubles, and costly downtime. Beyond compliance with Alberta's Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Code, having a strong fall protection plan demonstrates your commitment to your workers’ well-being.
For Calgary businesses, this commitment takes on added significance given the dynamic weather conditions, frequent construction projects, and diverse work environments. A properly implemented fall protection plan can prevent incidents, save money, and boost team morale.
Step 1: Understand the Regulations
First things first—know your responsibilities. In Alberta, employers must ensure fall protection is in place whenever workers are at risk of falling:
Regulations also specify the type of equipment workers must use, training requirements, and employer responsibilities.
How Calgary Safety Consultants can help: We simplify the regulatory jargon, ensuring your plan aligns with the OHS Code. Whether it’s understanding equipment standards or clarifying when fall protection is required, we’ve got you covered.
Step 2: Assess Your Job Site
Every job site has unique fall hazards. A comprehensive hazard assessment is the foundation of your fall protection plan. For Calgary businesses, some common hazards include:
Assess both current and potential hazards. Think about the nature of the work, the tools being used, and the environmental conditions.
Pro Tip: Engage your team during this process. Workers often have firsthand insights into hazards you might overlook.
How Calgary Safety Consultants can help: Our experts will visit your site to conduct a thorough hazard assessment. We identify risks specific to Calgary’s industries and environment, providing you with a clear starting point for your plan.
Step 3: Choose the Right Fall Protection System
The next step is selecting the best fall protection system for your site. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all decision—it depends on your hazards, budget, and work processes.
Types of Fall Protection Systems:
Consider Calgary’s Climate: Extreme cold can impact equipment performance, so choose materials and systems designed for harsh conditions.
How Calgary Safety Consultants can help: We help you evaluate your options and select solutions that meet your needs while considering Calgary's unique challenges. From harnesses rated for subzero temperatures to weather-resistant guardrails, we ensure you’re prepared.
Step 4: Develop Written Procedures
Your fall protection plan needs to be more than just a checklist—it should be a comprehensive document that includes:
Remember, your workers will rely on this plan to stay safe. Use clear, straightforward language and include visuals where possible.
How Calgary Safety Consultants can help: We create easy-to-follow, customized plans for your team. Our documents are worker-friendly and meet all regulatory standards, so you can confidently focus on your business.
Step 5: Train Your Workers
Even the best fall protection plan won’t work if your team isn’t trained to implement it. Alberta OHS mandates that workers using fall protection systems must be trained in:
Training should be practical, engaging, and tailored to your industry. Don’t forget regular refreshers, especially with high staff turnover or new equipment.
How Calgary Safety Consultants can help: We deliver hands-on training sessions in Calgary, ensuring your team understands how to stay safe and comply with regulations. Our interactive approach keeps workers engaged and knowledgeable.
Step 6: Monitor and Maintain the Plan
A fall protection plan isn’t static—it needs regular updates to remain effective. Monitor your site regularly to identify new hazards or changes in working conditions. Investigate incidents and near-misses to improve safety measures.
Key activities include:
How Calgary Safety Consultants can help: We provide ongoing support through audits, equipment inspections, and plan revisions. Our team ensures your plan evolves with your business needs.
Real-Life Challenges for Calgary Businesses
In Calgary, businesses face unique fall hazards due to:
Addressing these challenges requires local expertise, customized solutions, and a proactive approach to safety.
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we pride ourselves on being a trusted partner for local businesses. Here’s why we’re the go-to experts for fall protection in Calgary:
Falls are preventable with the right measures in place. If you’re ready to protect your team and ensure compliance, Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help.
Ready to take the first step? Contact Calgary Safety Consultants and take the first step toward measurable safety success. Book your complimentary consultation today.
References
Stay safe, Calgary! Let’s make fall protection a priority.
Fall protection is required when workers could fall more than 3 meters or when working near dangerous equipment or materials at lower heights.
The plan should include hazard assessments, equipment selection, written procedures, emergency response protocols, and worker training.
You should review and update your fall protection plan whenever there are changes to the worksite, equipment, or regulations. Regular audits and training refreshers are also recommended.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
