Fall Hazards

Falls continue to be a leading cause of injury in the construction industry. In order to effectively address falls in the industry, we need a good understanding of where falls are occurring so that we can ensure that no fall hazard gets overlooked. Some of the most common fall hazards include, (in order of occurrence):

  • Slips, Trips, and Falls (falls on same level)

  • Falls from ladders

  • Falls from scaffolds, staging and platforms

  • Fall from floor, dock, or ground level

  • Fall down stairs or steps

  • Fall from roof

  • Falls/jumps from non-moving vehicles

Toolbox Talks

Ensuring that workers understand the different fall hazards that they may be exposed to, is a great step towards prevention. One of the most common ways of communicating information, on site, is through the use of toolbox talks. Toolbox talks are 5-10 minute, informal discussions, with workers, usually conducted by a supervisor or another member of the work crew. They typically focus on the day’s tasks and a particular health and safety topic.  They are a great way of reminding workers about the hazards associated with their work and workplace.  The following toolbox talks are focused on mitigating fall hazards – feel free to share with your workers.

Search from our fall protection toolbox talks, below!

TitleContentLink
15 Steps a Supervisor Can Take to Prevent FallsVirtual Toolbox Talk
15 Steps Supervisors Can Take to Prevent FallsToolbox Talk
3 Point Contact: Vehicles and EquipmentToolbox Talk
3-point Contact on LaddersToolbox Talk
Aerial Work PlatformsVirtual Toolbox Talk
Conducing a Workplace InspectionVirtual Toolbox Talk
Control Zones for Flat RoofsToolbox Talk
Donning a Fall Protection HarnessToolbox Talk
Donning a Full Body HarnessVirtual Toolbox Talk
Extension LaddersToolbox Talk
Fall ProtectionToolbox Talk
Fall Protection – Control Zones for Flat RoofsVirtual Toolbox Talk
Fall Protection – Emergency PreparednessVirtual Toolbox Talk
Fall Protection – Floor and Roof OpeningsToolbox Talk
Fall Protection – GeneralVirtual Toolbox Talk
Fall Protection & Working at Heights in Residential ConstructionVirtual Toolbox Talk
Fall Protection Equipment – Anchorage Point & InstallationToolbox Talk
Fall Protection Equipment – Anchorage PointsVirtual Toolbox Talk
Fall Protection Equipment – Approvals and InspectionsToolbox Talk
Fall Protection Equipment – Guard RailsToolbox Talk
Fall Protection Equipment – Inspecting a HarnessToolbox Talk
Fall Protection Equipment – LanyardsVirtual Toolbox Talk
Fall Protection Equipment – Lanyards and ClassesToolbox Talk
Fall Protection Equipment – Rope GrabsToolbox Talk
Fall Protection Equipment – Self Retracting DevicesToolbox Talk
Fall Protection Equipment – Self-Retractable DevicesVirtual Toolbox Talk
Fall Protection for Sloped RoofsVirtual Toolbox Talk
Fall Protection for Woking on a Sloped RoofToolbox Talk
Fall Protection: Basic TypesToolbox Talk
Fall Protection: Formwork Leading EdgeToolbox Talk
Find Your Footing: Ground ConditionsToolbox Talk
Finding Your Footing – Ground ConditionsVirtual Toolbox Talk
Giving a Safety Talk – TipsVirtual Toolbox Talk
Hierarchy of Fall ProtectionToolbox Talk
Hierarchy of Fall ProtectionVirtual Toolbox Talk
Improving Temporary Stairs and HandrailsToolbox Talk
Inspecting a Full Body HarnessVirtual Toolbox Talk
Inspecting an Aerial Work PlatformVirtual Toolbox Talk
Preventing Slips and FallsToolbox Talk
Preventing Slips and FallsVirtual Toolbox Talk
Scaffold SafetyToolbox Talk
Scaffold SafetyVirtual Toolbox Talk
Scaffoldng SafetyToolbox Talk
Slip and Fall Hazards for Truck DriversToolbox Talk
Step LaddersToolbox Talk
Temporary Stairs and HandrailsVirtual Toolbox Talk
Working at Heights – Site Specific TrainingToolbox Talk

Disclaimer: The materials above are provided to assist organizations with the development of their Occupational Health and Safety Program.  Companies should review and update materials to reflect their unique operations. The information presented is intended for general use and may not apply to every circumstance. It is not a definitive guide to government regulations and does not relieve persons using this information from their responsibilities under applicable legislation. The NLCSA does not guarantee the accuracy of, nor assume liability for, the information presented here.