First annual review of fall-related construction deaths highlights training gaps, supervisory issues, and regulatory blind spots
A report released over the summer by Ontario’s Office of the Chief Coroner and spearheaded by lead coroner, Dr. Dirk Huyer, outlines key factors contributing to 26 fatal falls in the construction sector between 2017 and 2023. The Construction Death Review – Falls from Heights Annual Report is the first to emerge from new legislation mandating annual coroner-led reviews of accidental construction deaths.
The report examines systemic issues across the sector, drawing from a wider dataset of 131 fall-related fatalities between 2009 and 2024. It includes seven formal recommendations directed at provincial ministries and sector stakeholders.
“Each of the 26 deaths under review…was undermined as a result of specific issues, notably supervisory challenges, ineffective policy or practice, equipment malfunctions or unfortunate decisions.”
Inexperience and age identified as contributing factors
Thirteen of the 26 workers had been in their roles for less than one year. Three died on their first day of work. The report notes that inexperience was not limited to young workers.
“Seven of the workers among the 13…were over age 40 and four were over age 60.”
Workers over the age of 50 were also found to be overrepresented in fatality statistics. While they make up less than 20% of the construction workforce, they accounted for 35% of fall-related deaths from 2009 to 2024.
Fall protection not consistently used
Although 77% of the deceased workers had completed working at heights training, most were not using fall protection equipment at the time of their incidents. In some cases, equipment was used incorrectly or not anchored. Only 16% were protected in accordance with legal and procedural requirements.
“63 percent were exposed to a hazard and were not protected by fall protection equipment or were using it improperly.”
The report notes a disconnect between formal training and on-site practices, particularly in environments with limited oversight.
Small employers and residential sites feature prominently
The majority of the 26 fatalities occurred in small companies. Thirteen involved employers with fewer than 10 employees. Three workers were sole proprietors.
“Issues with health and safety may be greater in small and sole proprietor companies.”
More than half of the deaths occurred in the residential, single-family housing sector. The report cites limited supervision and subcontractor fragmentation as possible contributing factors.
Homeowners often unaware of legal responsibilities
Several cases involved homeowners managing renovations or residential construction who, under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, assumed the legal role of “constructor.” The report found a lack of awareness among homeowners regarding their obligations.
“Help homeowners…understand their health and safety obligations, including circumstances when homeowners may become constructors.”
Recommendations focus on supervision, training, and public education
The report provides seven recommendations for improving fall safety. These include:
- Reviewing causes of non-compliance with fall protection regulations.
- Enhancing supervision on construction sites with fewer than five workers.
- Requiring working at heights training for supervisors.
- Providing accessible health and safety information to small construction businesses and homeowners.
- Incorporating real-life fatality case studies in training.
- Distributing safety information through insurance providers, permit offices, and retail outlets.
- Allocating funding to support implementation of these actions.
Fatality rate declines, but annual totals remain constant
Ontario’s construction workforce has grown by approximately 40% since 2010, and the number of hours worked has also increased. During the same period, the death rate per million hours has declined, but the absolute number of annual fall-related fatalities has remained relatively stable.
“The number of deaths has remained largely unchanged, which means the rate of death is decreasing.”
The report concludes by encouraging broader collaboration to address remaining gaps in the province’s construction safety system.
