Date of incident: February 2016
Notice of incident number: 2016165410006
Employer: General contractor

Incident summary
Two carpenters were working in a four-storey condominium that was being renovated. One worker was on the fourth floor, standing on either the top step or the cap of a 2.4 m (8 ft.) stepladder, passing materials up to the other worker, who was inside the attic. The stepladder was positioned adjacent to a large floor opening that extended uncovered from the fourth floor down to the second floor. The worker standing on the stepladder lost his balance and fell onto the fourth floor, then fell into the opening and came to rest on the second floor approximately 6.4 m (21 ft.) below. The worker fell a total of approximately 8.8 m (29 ft.) and sustained injuries.

Investigation conclusions

Cause

• Worker without fall protection fell through uncovered floor opening. The worker was not wearing any fall protection while standing on the top step or cap of a stepladder that had been positioned directly adjacent to an opening in the floor. The worker lost his balance and fell onto the floor, then into the uncovered floor opening.

Contributing factors

• Inappropriate choice of equipment. The work was hazardous and not short duration or light duty. According to the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation, if such work cannot be done from a ladder without hazard to a worker, a work platform must be provided.
• Inadequate supervision. Workers were allowed to work in an area while being exposed to a fall hazard of approximately 6.4 m (21 ft.) through the uncovered and unguarded floor opening. Both the employer and the owner of the worksite were aware of the floor opening hazards but failed to ensure the floor opening was covered or guarded before allowing workers to work in the area. The two carpenters were not adequately supervised.

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