Don't miss this essential safety webinar, addressing the ethical and legal risks posed by unsafe rooftops and how to keep your workers safe
With unsafe rooftops posing a significant risk of severe injuries and even fatalities, building owners in Canada have both an ethical and legal responsibility to ensure their properties are safe.
Fortunately, steady improvements in technology and safety practices can help property owners create more secure environments and comply with increasingly strict regulatory requirements.
An upcoming webinar hosted by Skyline Group on July 27 titled Best Practices in Creating Safe Access and Working Environments on Rooftops, will delve into the many rooftop hazards facing building owners while providing a summary of solutions that can create a safer workplace for all.
Skyline Group has grown from a handful of employees in 2014 to a leading provider of permanent roof safety and access systems in Canada.
Sign up for the free industry webinar today – click here.
Danger above
When most people think of unsafe rooftops, they probably think of falls. While falls are among the most serious risks, there are so many other hazards that can expose a building owner to liability.
Workers regularly trip when operating on the unfamiliar rooftop landscape littered with obstacles like air conditioning units, pipes, and skylights. It’s necessary to mark or safeguard these obstacles while conducting regular risk assessments and inspections to identify potential hazards.
Designated walkways marked with high-visibility paint or demarcation chains can help direct foot traffic away from hazards – and guardrails or covers should protect skylights and other openings. Workers also need to be trained to be vigilant and report any potential dangers.
Restricting access to rooftops
An often-overlooked safety hazard is the tendency for building owners to restrict unauthorized access to rooftops by removing the lower sections of rooftop access ladders, assuming it will create a safer environment.
However, this modification can actually compound the safety risks if the ladder doesn’t comply with safety guidelines or adhere to its original tested design. There’s a legal risk as well with Canada's Westray Law (Bill C-45) exposing owners to criminal liability for rooftop injuries.
Further hazards arise when staff are forced to use a step or extension ladder to reach the roof access ladder, which opens up the owner to yet more liability.
All routes leading to the rooftop should be safe, secure, and only accessible to authorized personnel. Workers should use fixed access ladders, stairs, or a lift to access the roof, and these points should be kept clear from obstruction.
Codes and compliance
During the webinar, Skyline Group will update viewers on the labyrinth of codes, standards, and regulations that govern rooftop safety in Canada, while providing guidance to new solutions and strategies that contribute to a safer workplace.
Recent advancements in height safety practices and technologies have significantly improved the ability to create a safer rooftop. From better ladders, harnesses and lanyards to more proactive solutions such as horizontal lifelines, guardrails, and anchor points – people can move more freely and safely on building rooftops.
Ensuring better worker safety on rooftops requires an integrated approach involving the use of modern safety solutions, compliance with regulations, and meticulous attention to roof access and potential hazards. With these measures in place, building owners can shield themselves from liability while organizations safeguard their most valuable asset – their workers.
Don’t miss out – secure your free webinar access here.
