Regulations, Approved Systems, and Employer Obligations
Falls from heights are the leading cause of traumatic workplace fatalities in Ontario. They occur in an instant — and in most cases they are entirely preventable. This resource explains what Ontario law requires, when fall protection is mandatory, and what workers and employers must do to stay safe at heights.
Bullivant Health + Safety | bullivant.ca | 905-664-4943 | 158 S Service Road, Stoney Creek, ON
This resource is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
1. Overview
- #1: Cause of traumatic workplace fatalities in Ontario construction
- 3m: Height at which fall protection is mandatory on most Ontario construction sites
- 100%: Of fatal falls from heights were potentially preventable
O. REG. 213/91, SECTION 26.1
A worker exposed to a risk of falling more than 3 metres shall be protected by a guardrail system, a travel restraint system, a fall restricting system, a fall arrest system, or a safety net. (Ontario Regulation 213/91 — Construction Projects)
2. Fall Protection Systems
| GUARDRAIL SYSTEMS
Physical barriers at open edges — most reliable passive protection because no worker action is required. Required where feasible before other systems are specified. FALL ARREST SYSTEMS Harness, lanyard, and anchor system that arrests a fall after it begins. Requires rated anchor, full-body harness, shock-absorbing lanyard, and sufficient clearance below. SAFETY NETS Installed below work areas to catch falling workers. Used in bridge and structural construction. |
TRAVEL RESTRAINT
Connects the worker to an anchor point sized so they physically cannot reach the fall hazard edge. Prevents reaching the edge — does not arrest a fall. FALL RESTRICTING SYSTEMS Allows limited movement but stops the fall before the worker falls the full distance. Used where clearance is insufficient for full arrest. SAFETY MONITORS A trained worker assigned to watch and warn others of fall hazards. Used only in specific limited circumstances — not a replacement for physical fall protection. |
HIERARCHY APPLIES TO FALL PROTECTION
Always start with elimination — can the task be done from grade? Then substitution — can a scissor lift replace a ladder? Then engineering — guardrails. Only after these are exhausted should fall arrest systems be the primary control. A harness is not a substitute for a guardrail.
3. Employer Obligations
| WRITTEN FALL PROTECTION PLAN
For construction work where workers may fall more than 3 metres, a written plan is required before work begins identifying hazards, systems, and anchor points. WORKING AT HEIGHTS TRAINING All construction workers who may use fall protection equipment must complete an approved Working at Heights training program, renewed every 3 years. RESCUE PLANNING An emergency rescue plan must exist before fall arrest work begins. Suspension trauma can develop within minutes — rescue must be fast. |
ANCHOR POINT ENGINEERING
Anchor points must support a minimum load of 8 kN or be designed by a professional engineer. Workers must never attach to unverified anchor points. EQUIPMENT PROVISION & INSPECTION Provide fall protection equipment in good condition. Inspect before each use. Damaged equipment must be removed from service immediately. SUPERVISION Supervisors must ensure fall protection is used correctly, not just available. Allowing work at heights without required protection is an OHSA violation. |
4. Equipment Inspection
- Before each use: inspect full harness — webbing, stitching, buckles, D-rings, and connectors for cuts, abrasion, heat, chemical damage, or deformation.
- Inspect the lanyard: check shock pack deployment indicators, snap hooks, and carabiner for gate function, corrosion, and deformation.
- Inspect anchor slings and connectors for wear, cuts, and correct rating.
- After any fall arrest event: remove all involved equipment from service immediately regardless of appearance. Internal damage may not be visible.
- Store equipment away from UV light, chemicals, and extreme heat. Hang harnesses — do not pile on the floor.
- Retire equipment based on manufacturer service life, visible damage, or following any fall arrest event.
NEVER MODIFY FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT
Tying knots in lanyards, removing labels, or modifying harnesses in any way renders equipment non-compliant and potentially fatal. If equipment does not fit or function correctly, replace it.
GENERAL INFORMATION NOTICE
This resource is for general informational purposes only. Consult O. Reg. 213/91 and the Ministry of Labour for requirements specific to your workplace.