An 18-year old man died Monday after falling from a building in the Barrel Yards development in Waterloo.  Police say the man was working on a balcony outside one of the top floors of the 23 story building.  The Ministry of Labour and police are continuing to investigate. 

An tragedy like this incident highlights the risk to young workers and those working at heights.  

Young workers are 4 times more likely to be injured during their first year on the job than at any other time. This is why it is so important for these workers to have Worker Awareness training, so they know what their rights are and what they need to know to keep themselves safe.   It is also important for Supervisors to take Supervisor Awareness training so they know what their duties and responsibilities are to those under their supervision.

It is mandatory for people working at more than 3 metres (10 feet) to have Working at Heights/Fall Prevention training.   This training teachers workers how to properly secure themselves 100% of the time.