In 2015 and 2019, IHSA partnered with the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) and industry-recognized subject matter experts to conduct a root-cause analysis on the causes of falls among residential roofing construction workers while working at heights. A total of 48 primary causal factors were identified, ranked, and prioritized. All 48 primary causal factors were voted on, and based on the votes, a Top 10 list was created.
This collective process was open, transparent, and collaborative. The ranking and prioritization of causal factors was done using employer and worker votes only. The MLITSD and IHSA did not participate in voting. Based on the results of the Phase One Working at Heights Root Cause sector workshop, it was determined that the most effective way to complete the solutions and controls portion was to conduct individual trade specific workshops. Having Phase 2 split out into specific trades allowed for more targeted solutions and recommendations to emerge to reflect the uniqueness and complexity.
The MLITSD and IHSA continue to work with industry-recognized subject matter experts to identify controls and solutions that will reduce the risk of workers falling from heights in the construction sector.