As a property manager or commercial building owner, you are aware of the major health and safety risks faced by workers at height when accessing your rooftop from ground level. That’s why we’ve created a brief learning resource containing all of the advice you need to protect workers at height while adhering to key Canadian safety regulations.
The foundation of safety in elevated work areas begins with awareness. Whether you’re a facility manager, maintenance manager or safety officer, implementing the following five pieces of advice will help ensure a safe and compliant working environment on your rooftop.
Accessing the Roof: A Reminder of the Dangers
Before we offer advice on this subject, let’s consider why it is so important. An examination of the statistics in this area makes for important reading and profoundly reminds us of the human cost of avoidable accidents.
In 2019 and in British Columbia alone, 1,077 claims were accepted as a result of falls from ladders across all industries. Tragically, these included 325 injuries and four deaths.
This shocking statistic is matched with another. According to OHS Canada, 95% of ladder incidents are caused by unsafe use, with falls from under 3 metres having the potential to be fatal.
5 Tips for Safe Access from Ground to Roof
The figures mentioned above demonstrate that your approach to roof access can make that critical difference between life and death for workers at height. While no two rooftops are the same, the following five pieces of advice can be implemented across virtually any elevated area. Keep reading to learn more.
Step #1: Use Compliant, Properly Placed Access Ladders
The beginning of your safe roof access strategy should begin with selecting the right access ladder. First and foremost, they should meet the stringent safety criteria underlined in the Canadian Occupational Health & Safety Regulations (see here for differences in provincial regulations).
A well-designed Fixed Roof Access ladder should be securely anchored, constructed from durable materials, and regularly maintained to prevent accidents. Where extension ladders are being used, it’s crucial to ensure that it is placed on a stable surface and at the correct angle. An extension ladder that is not properly positioned can slip or tip over, leading to serious injuries. Regardless of what kind of ladder is in use, it should extend at least three feet above the roofline to provide a secure handhold for workers as they step onto the roof. Please note that for safety and compliance reasons we highly recommend the use of a fixed access ladder system over a temporary ladder solution like an extension ladder.
Step #2: Implement Guardrails and Barriers
One of the most dangerous elements of your workers’ journey to the rooftop is while they are completing their climb. This places them at close proximity to a fall risk, potentially resulting in serious injury or death. This is why we recommend placing appropriate guardrails and barriers around the proximity of all access points.
Step #3: Incorporate Safety Cages or Lifeline Systems
For ladders that extend past a certain height, incorporating a safety cage or lifeline system is essential and mandatory depending where the building is located. These systems provide additional protection by preventing falls and ensuring that workers remain secure as they ascend or descend the ladder. In Canada, specific regulations require the use of these systems for ladders of certain heights.
Step #4: Consider the Use of Platforms, Walkways & Crossover Bridges
- Crossover bridges: These structures span rooftop obstacles, providing safe passage over areas cluttered with ducts, piping, or equipment. They minimize tripping risks and facilitate easy access across the roof.
- Platforms: Elevated platforms offer secure, stable areas for specific tasks needing access to particular rooftop equipment or zones, enhancing safety and efficiency for workers engaged in height-related activities. While climbing, platforms can be integrated into the design of the ladder, creating a resting platform to help with fatigue. Depending on the size of the ladder this could also be a requirement set by your local safety standards.
- Walkways: Aluminum and paver walkways facilitate safe passage across rooftops, featuring anti-slip surfaces to prevent trips and falls over uneven or risky areas, thus ensuring a stable pathway year-round.
Step #5: Provide Training for Workers at Height
Even with the best equipment, proper training is essential for safe roof access. Workers must be trained in the correct use of ladders, the importance of maintaining three points of contact, and the proper use of any additional safety equipment such as harnesses or lifeline systems. Skyline Group offers comprehensive training programs, including Lunch and Learn sessions, that cover all aspects of safe roof access. These programs ensure that your workers are well-informed about the risks and the best practices for safely accessing rooftops from ground level.
Here at Skyline Group, we’re more than just a supplier: we’re the complete safety partner you need to protect your people, your company and your brand. To get started, browse our full selection of safety solutions. Alternatively, book an On-site Sales Consultation or reach out to one of our safety experts to learn more.
