Workers were cutting openings in a roof made of steel decking. They planned to cover the openings with unsecured plywood. The first opening for a heating and ventilation unit was covered by two overlapping sheets of plywood. The workers continued to cut more holes, while one worker left the roof to get more plywood to cover the remaining openings.

A young worker in another area of the roof noticed that more plywood was needed. He decided to take one of the overlapping sheets, not realizing that it was already covering an opening. As he lifted up the plywood, he stepped forward and fell through the opening. He landed on the concrete slab 28 feet (8.5 metres) below. He was seriously injured.

• Ensure that materials to cover openings are available before the openings are cut. Covers must be strong enough to withstand the weight of workers and any equipment that might pass over them.
• After cutting an opening in a roof or floor, immediately
  cover it.
• Secure covers so that they cannot be inadvertently moved.
• Mark each cover with a warning to indicate it covers an opening.
• If an opening cannot be covered, erect guardrails
  around the opening instead.

Watch a video:
"You're a Pro: Falls from Elevation" is a set of short videos, including one on falls through openings. View the videos on WorkSafeBC.com (see Publications, Multimedia), or buy the DVD by calling 1 866-319-9704.