REGINA — WorkSafe Saskatchewan is recognizing National Ladder Safety Month this March, as falls from heights are one of the leading causes of serious injuries in the province.
WorkSafe, the partnership between the Saskatchewan Workers’ Compensation Board (WCB) and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety, says it aims to increase awareness of the risks associated with falls from heights by promoting free training and resources to help to educate workers on ladder safety in the workplace.
While Saskatchewan reached a historic low total injury rate of 3.91 per 100 workers in 2024, the WCB reported 27 workplace fatalities during the same period. Falls from heights consistently account for a significant portion of traumatic workplace injuries. From 2023 to 2025, there were 504 workers’ compensation claims related to falls from ladders in the province. Those incidents resulted in 29,243 compensation days lost, more than $8 million in compensation paid and one death.
“Too often, people see ladder work as routine, but the consequences of a fall, even from a low height, can result in life-altering injuries,” said Phillip Germain, the WCB’s CEO.
“We are promoting March as ladder safety month to increase awareness of the risks and educate people about the importance of proper ladder use, inspection and training. In the workplace, by focusing on the right equipment and proper training while following safe procedures, employers and workers can ensure everyone goes home safe at the end of their shift.”
This March, WorkSafe Saskatchewan is encouraging workers and employers to take a fresh look at how to select, inspect, set up and use ladders. WorkSafe Saskatchewan offers a comprehensive suite of resources on its website focusing on ladder safety, including:
- Toolbox talks: Ready-to-use safety meeting guides focused on ladder selection and inspection.
- Training resources: Educational content demonstrating the three-point contact rule and stable setup techniques.
- Inspection checklists: Standardized forms to ensure equipment meets CSA Z11-18 safety standards before use.
WorkSafe has partnered with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety to offer a free online ladder safety course available at worksafesask.ca. The 40-minute course teaches workers about their responsibilities to use a ladder safely, including inspection, setup and safe working procedures. Participants learn about different types of ladders, how to choose the right ladder for the job and where to find more ladder safety information. The course is intended for anyone who uses a ladder at work or at home, as well as supervisors responsible for training workers and making purchasing decisions. To take the free online ladder safety course, visit this page.
WorkSafe also supports free online fall protection training through the Saskatchewan Safety Council. This program is designed to provide information that participants will need to make safe decisions when working at heights. Access this course here.
Partners across the province, including safety associations and the WorkSafe construction learning collaborative, provide even more fall protection and ladder safety training. These partners play an important role in sharing resources, reinforcing best practices and helping workers and employers apply ladder safety and fall prevention measures in real workplace settings.
“Safety starts with each of us on every job and every shift,” said Kevin Mooney, the WCB’s vice-president of prevention and employer services. “Together, we want to use this month to focus on ladder safety and fall protection plans and empower teams with the knowledge to work safely at any height.”
For more ladder safety information and resources, visit their website.
