b'WORKSAFEBCOVERCOMING BARRIERS TO FALL PROTECTIONInvesting in safety programs can lead to improved industry and workplace cultureBY ALEXANDRA SKINNERD espitewidespreadawarenesscanemployersandsupervisorsensureInconsistent supervision: Someoftherisks,constructionworkers consistently use fall protectionsupervisors lack the experience workers,includingroofers,every time its required? and training to recognize when continuetofalloftenwithFalls often happen due to inadequatefall protection is needed.devastating consequences.protection,notfollowingsafeworkTime and cost pressures: TightFrom 2020 to 2024, there were overproceduresorhazardousconditions,deadlines and budgets can lead 5,400injuryclaimsintheconstruc- says Andrew Kidd, director of preven- some employers and workers to tionsectorfromfallsfromelevation,tion field services at WorkSafeBC. Buttake shortcuts. Its important to includingalmost1,900seriousinjuriesthese falls are largely preventable withremember that trying to save a and 35 fatalities. Over 1,000 construc- properplanning,supervision,trainingfew minutes can come at ationworkerswereinjuredduetofallsand consistent use of fall protection. high cost.from elevation last year alone. Industry culture: For someEmployersarefeelingtheimpactKEY CHALLENGES IN veteran workers, years of experi-too: in 2024 alone, WorkSafeBC issuedTHE ROOFING SECTOR ence can bring a sense of confi-152administrativepenaltiestotal- Severalfactorscontributetothedenceeven a belief that they lingover$1,069,720relatedtopersistentchallengesaroundfall-pro- know the task so well, they dont fall-protection violations. tectioncompliance,butunderstandingneed to take the same precautions. If the risks are so well known, whyandaddressingthemoffersemployersIf nothing bad has happened dofallskeephappeningandhowopportunities for improvement:before, its easy to assume it never 14 lROOFINGBClSUMMER 2025'