Over 1,000 construction workers in B.C. injured from fall in 2024
According to WorkSafeBC, over 1,000 construction workers across British Columbia were injured in a fall from elevation in 2024.
That represents an average of about three construction workers falling and incurring injuries per day.
In fact, between 2020 and 2024, based on the number of claims received by WorkSafeBC, there were over 5,400 injury claims in the construction sector from a fall from elevation, including nearly 1,900 serious injuries and 35 fatalities.
The provincial agency released these statistics today ahead of the expected sharp rise in construction activity, which typically begins in spring each year due to more optimal weather, project timelines, and sustained industry demand.
Falls from a height are one of the leading causes of injuries and deaths in the construction industry.
However, WorkSafeBC maintains that many of these incidents can be avoided with proper safety measures by construction employers. This includes proper planning, supervision, training, and the use of fall protection equipment. Some of these incidents are due to time pressures or the “mistaken belief that certain tasks are low-risk.”
Provincial regulations require fall-protection systems when workers are at risk of falling three metres (10 ft) or more.
“Falls from elevation can happen from a roof or scaffold to a ladder or truck bed — often due to inadequate protection, not following safe-work procedures, or hazardous conditions,” said Barry Nakahara, director of prevention field services at WorkSafeBC, in a statement today.
“But these incidents are largely preventable with proper planning, supervision, training, and consistent use of fall protection.”
To better ensure safe compliance, the agency notes that it is conducting proactive, unannounced inspections at construction worksites across the province.
WorkSafeBC issued 152 administrative penalties for violations related to fall protection in 2024 alone, totalling $1.07 million in fines.
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