Falls are the primary cause of construction worker injuries and deaths in Ontario, from low-rise and high-rise new builds and renovation projects to retail and industrial establishments.

The province says it will send out Ministry of Labour inspectors from May 16 to July 15, 2016, to ensure employers have policies, programs and safe work practices in place to protect workers from falls.

Just last year, 10 workers died after falling from a construction project, and there were eight deaths from falls at industrial workplaces.

Employers will need to assess ladders, mobile stands and platforms for hazards, maintain equipment and place it on firm footing when in use. They should also make sure works are safe on truck beds, trailers or the top of loads.

Safety barriers such as guardrails should be installed when needed and workers should be trained on the use of appropriate fall protection systems, personal protective equipment and other safety devices when working at heights.