b'FEATUREWORKSAFEBCSCONSTRUCTIONHIGH-RISK STRATEGY Placing the focus on falls from heightsI n British Columbia, the injury rate in the constructionhave established and maintained a system or process that will sector is 4.0 per 100 workers, compared with the provin- ensure compliance with fall-protection regulatory requirements.cial average of 2.19. And the leading cause of injuries inThe strategy has three main components:this sector is falls from heights. First,workplaceinspectionsbyWorkSafeBCprevention Between 2014 and 2018, falls from heights in the construc- officers are focusing on health and safety planning and supervi-tionindustryresultedinmorethan6,000time-lossclaims,sion. They are engaging prime contractors, owners, employers, 2,107 serious-injury claims and 31 work-related deaths.supervisors and workers to promote effective supervision and Carpenters, roofers and labourers have the highest likelihoodplanning to prevent the development of unsafe working condi-of falling at residential construction worksites, with falls fromtions and practices.ladders and from roof/scaffolding being the most common. Second, WorkSafeBC is looking at the selection of tools, Its one of the reasons why WorkSafeBC released a three-yearequipment or processes to reduce workplace incidents resulting plan in 2018 to help employers reduce serious injuries in thein serious injury and the development of high-risk violations at construction sector. The 2018-2020 Construction High-Riskworkplaces.Strategy is designed to prevent unsafe acts or conditions thatThird, WorkSafeBC is working with internal and external cause workplace injuries and fatalities. stakeholders, such as the BC Construction Safety Alliance, to As part of its high-risk strategy for construction, WorkSafeBCencourage and foster communication to proactively respond to isincreasingenforcementeffortsonfallprotectionsystemevolving industry challenges and emerging risks.anchorsusedintheresidentialwood-frameconstructionNearly every worksite has the potential for a fall, whether industry. Worksite inspections are also focusing on the healthits from a short ladder, a tall scaffold or a roof. A fall is usually and safety responsibilities of prime contractors to ensure theytheresultofacombinationofhazards,suchasworkingat 28lROOFINGBC l WINTER 2019'