Construction is a major industry in Nova Scotia, from road building to roofing and all the structures.
In 2022, the number of time-loss claims in construction that involved falls increased by nearly 50 percent, from 100 in 2021 to 149 in 2022 causing sprains/strains and fractures/dislocations. This resulted in 15,259 days lost to workplace injury from falls in the construction sector.
The following workplace hazards are common in the construction industry:
- Falls from heights
- Struck-by accidents
- Electrical hazards
- Caught-in or between hazards
- Noise exposure
- Respiratory hazards
- Chemical hazards
- Heat and cold stress
- Musculoskeletal injuries (sprains/strains)
Use the OH&S Risk Mapping Tool for injury prevention to identify and mitigate these risks.
Fall Protection
Every year, improper fall protection when working from heights leads to death or serious injury of construction workers across Nova Scotia.
Construction Safety Nova Scotia (CSNS), one of the organizations working to improve Occupational Health and Safety outcomes in the construction industry, has partnered with 14 organizations, including the WCB to create a new fall protection awareness campaign for employers and workers in the construction industry.
Resources and legislation pertaining to employers and workers can be found at www.TieOffNS.ca.
Resources:
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
Working to Well - Return to Work website