Institutional Buildings Archives - Skyline Group International

Working at Height: 5 Risks and How to Mitigate Them

December 11, 2024 by Selina Bassignana Leave a Comment

When we think about working on rooftops, it’s not hard to imagine the huge range of safety risks faced by facilities teams and maintenance workers. However, many of the most common risks can be addressed through careful planning, proper safety protocols and by remaining fully compliant with Canadian safety regulations. In the latest safety guide from Skyline Group, we highlight five of the most common safety risks that threaten workers at height, with tips on how these can be mitigated.

Roof maintenance and installation work are dangerous by their very nature, with these risks multiplying during adverse weather conditions. Understanding these risks and acting upon them is critical, not only in protecting your teams but also in remaining compliant with key legislation. Let’s take a look at the top five risks:

1. Falling from the Roof Edge

Falling from the edge of a roof is the most significant danger faced by any worker at height. It is a sad fact that in Ontario alone, 20 people die every year as a result of workplace falls. These falls are the leading cause of serious injury and death for workers on rooftops, with unprotected edges, open roof hatches and the potential for falling through skylights presenting an ever-present danger. It is important to note that Canadian regulations, such as those outlined by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) legislation, require fall protection systems for heights over 3 meters.

Mitigating the risk: To prevent falls, a combination of passive and active fall protection systems should be implemented. This includes installing guardrails along the roof’s edge as a passive barrier and using lifeline systems or roof anchors when workers must move away from protected areas. Roof hatches should be equipped with guardrails or barriers, and warning lines or bumplines can alert workers to dangerous areas. Meanwhile, regular inspections and maintenance of fall protection equipment are essential to ensure continued compliance and safety.

2. Slips, Trips and Falls on the Roof

Workers aren’t just at risk of slipping, tripping or falling from the edge of a roof. It is important to remember that the majority of falls happen on the same level. Naturally, the risk of these incidents happening on roof level are significantly increased when surfaces become slippery due to moisture, debris or uneven materials – particularly important to bear in mind with Canada’s levels of ice, rainfall or snow. During snowy conditions, RTUs such as solar panels and roof hatches can become hidden dangers.

Mitigating the risk: To address slip and trip hazards, the installation of anti-slip walkways or crossover bridges can provide a safer path across the rooftop, reducing the risk of slipping. These walkways should be made from materials such as aluminum or have serrated rungs that provide extra grip. Regular removal of snow and debris from the rooftop is also necessary. Additionally, workers should wear slip-resistant footwear and ensure proper visibility by clearly marking skylights, roof hatches, and obstacles.

3. Weather-Related Hazards

Working on a roof exposes workers to the elements, making them vulnerable to extreme weather conditions. Heavy rainfall, snowstorms, strong winds, and even sun exposure can compromise worker safety. High winds, in particular, are hazardous as they can cause a loss of balance, while rain and snow can obscure hazards and create slippery surfaces.

Mitigating the risk: To mitigate weather-related risks, it’s important to schedule rooftop work during favourable weather conditions whenever possible. In cases where work must continue during adverse weather, ensure that guardrails, lifelines, and safety harnesses are in place. Workers should also be trained in seasonal safety protocols, such as recognizing early signs of heat exhaustion or the dangers of working in icy conditions. High-quality personal protective equipment (PPE), including waterproof and insulated gear, should also be provided to prevent cold stress or heat-related illnesses.

4. Skylight Hazards

Skylights can present a hidden fall risk, particularly when they are not clearly marked or if snow covers them during the winter months. Workers may unknowingly step onto or near skylights, assuming they are a solid surface, which can lead to fatal falls.

Mitigating the risk: One of the most effective ways to prevent accidents involving skylights is to install skylight safety solutions such as skylight screens or skylight guardrails around these openings. These safety barriers prevent workers from accidentally falling through. It’s also important to ensure that all skylights are clearly marked and visible year-round, even when snow is present. Regular inspections of these protective systems are necessary to maintain compliance with safety standards.

5. Material and Equipment Handling

Handling heavy tools and materials on a rooftop is risky, as workers are often required to balance and manoeuvre bulky equipment in an environment with limited space and fall hazards. The risk of dropping equipment is high, which not only poses a danger to workers below but can also result in injuries for the person handling the materials.

Mitigating the risk: To safely handle materials on a rooftop, mechanical systems such as hoists should be used to lift equipment, preventing the need for manual lifting. Tools and materials should be tethered with tool lanyards to prevent them from being dropped. Additionally, crossover bridges can be installed to provide safe passage over rooftop obstacles, ensuring that workers can carry tools and materials without tripping. Proper training on load handling techniques and regular inspections of equipment handling systems are also key in reducing this risk.

Elevated Work, Elevated Safety: Choose Skyline Group

Here at Skyline Group, we are more than just a safety solution provider: we’re the trusted North American choice for safe elevated work areas. To transform safety levels on your rooftop, get started by browsing our safety solutions. Alternatively, book an On-Site Consultation or request a quote.

Common Winter Hazards That Require Attention on Your Roof

October 31, 2024 by Selina Bassignana Leave a Comment

Seasons greatly affect the working conditions on rooftops. Access to roofs in winter can present some of the most dangerous conditions. Here are examples of hazards to be aware of and address to ensure safety on your roof.

Hidden Hazards

Skylights: Protect skylights with physical barriers to prevent falls.

Gas Lines: Use markers or provide step overs to eliminate trips.

Parapets: Apply anti-slip coatings to parapets, or provide step overs to eliminate slips and trips.

Slippery Access

Non-slip Surfaces: Upgrade old access equipment to equipment with anti-slip surfaces and ensure regular maintenance.

parapets at ladder entrance winter dos and donts

Parapets at Ladder Entrance: Apply anti-slip coatings to parapets, or provide step overs to eliminate slips and trips.

Roof Type/Ice: Provide walkways with an anti-slip surface that doesn’t allow ice build up, to prevent slips.

Slope Roof: Provide anti-slip walkways, or levelled access to pathways or service areas to prevent falls.

Unsafe Servicing

Lack of Platform: Install permanent platforms to replace temporary access methods.

Roof Obstacles: Provide necessary equipment to easily navigate roof obstacles to ensure safety, and prevent damage to equipment.

rooftop walkways new roof edge winter dos and donts

Access Near Roof Edge: Clearly mark service areas and install guardrails or warning lines.

Roof Hatches: Protect the opening with physical barriers to prevent falls. Provide handles for safe exit and entry.

Winter conditions bring unique challenges to rooftop safety, making it essential to address hazards like slippery surfaces, unprotected edges, and other common risks. By implementing proactive solutions, such as anti-slip surfaces, guardrails, and clear safety markings, you can significantly reduce the chances of accidents and create a safer work environment. Prioritizing these safety measures not only protects your team but also ensures compliance with safety standards. Stay vigilant, stay safe, and keep your rooftop winter-ready.

Elevated Work, Elevated Safety: Choose Skyline Group

Here at Skyline Group, we’re more than just a safety solution supplier. We’re the trusted choice for rooftop safety across North America, providing the experience and expertise you need to protect your people, company and brand. To get started, browse our full selection of safety solutions or contact us to organize an on-site consultation.

A Comprehensive Guide to Safety Harnesses for Working at Heights

September 18, 2024 by Selina Bassignana Leave a Comment

When it comes to fall protection, few measures provide greater value than solutions like guardrails, bumplines and access ladders. However, as a building manager or owner, you can take safety levels even further by implementing safety harnesses as a secondary layer of defence. In this comprehensive guide, we provide safety guidance on how to use these solutions properly, the key features to look for when selecting one and the legal requirements in Canada that mandate their use.

Before we start, it is crucial to understand that when it comes to ensuring the safety of workers at height, fall prevention systems like guardrails and safe access ladders are essential and should form a primary element of your approach to creating a safer environment at height. These systems prevent falls from happening in the first place by providing robust barriers and secure access points, potentially eliminating the need for safety harnesses depending on the application.

However, this is not to say that safety harnesses don’t provide significant safety benefits, particularly in environments where additional risks might be present or during activities where workers might temporarily bypass primary defences or safety protocols. In these scenarios, harnesses offer a critical safety net, ensuring that the individual is protected from serious injury if a fall does occur.

Safety Harnesses: Understanding the Law in Canada

Across Canada, the use of fall protection systems is mandated under provincial occupational health and safety regulations. The Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations stipulate that employers must provide fall protection systems when workers are exposed to heights of 3 meters (10 feet) or more.

It is important to note that each province will have its own regulations that may have additional requirements. As an example, let’s take a look at what some of these differences entail across Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta:

Ontario: Ontario’s regulations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act require safety harnesses for any work at heights of 3 meters or more.
Alberta: In contrast, Alberta’s Occupational Health and Safety Code may stipulate additional requirements such as the use of specific types of harnesses or additional fall protection measures under certain conditions.
British Columbia: British Columbia, meanwhile, mandates that all safety harnesses meet or exceed specific safety standards outlined in their regulations, with rigorous compliance checks.

Safety Harnesses: Critical Components and Key Features

While designs differ, safety harnesses generally work by distributing the force of a fall across the body, thereby reducing the risk of serious injury. Indeed, when combined with other fall protection systems like lanyards, anchor points and lifeline ladders, this risk is reduced even further.

In the following sections, we outline the key components of any safety harness, as well as the key features you should be looking for when specifying these products for your own rooftop.

An Overview of Key Components in Safety Harnesses

Contrary to popular belief, a safety harness is more than just a simple strap. These are highly sophisticated fall arrest systems that include multiple components to ensure the safety of workers at height. See below for a breakdown of those components:

Dorsal d-ring: This component can be found on the back of the harness, and is the primary attachment point used on the individual’s lanyard or the lifeline ladder they’re using. The dorsal d-ring should be based between the wearer’s shoulder blades to ensure proper balance in the event of a fall.
Shoulder straps: These straps are worn over the shoulders, and are critical in distributing the overall force of a fall across the upper body. Shoulder straps should be fully adjustable to fit snugly on an individual without restricting movement.
Chest strap: This element of a safety harness should be fastened at the sternum and properly adjusted for a secure fit. This component keeps the shoulder straps in place and stops them from sliding off during a fall.
Leg straps: These straps wrap around the thighs and are vital for distributing the force of a fall across the legs and lower body. Again, these should be properly adjusted to fit in a way that avoids discomfort and ensures safety.
Sub-pelvic strap: This strap runs under the buttocks and further supports the body during a fall. This component is especially important when it comes to preventing serious injuries to the lower spine and internal organs.
Lanyards & lifelines: These are the connecting elements between the harness and the anchor point. Lanyards may be shock-absorbing to reduce the force on the body during a fall, while lifelines provide mobility while remaining secure.

What to Look for in a Safety Harness

While designs of safety harnesses are broadly similar, many offer different features. Several of these features should be considered to ensure safety, comfort and compliance with Canadian safety regulations. Here’s what to look for:

Adjustability: As previously mentioned, a good harness should have multiple attachment points to fit different body types. When specifying a harness, be sure to look out for easily accessible buckles and sliders.
Padding: Opting for a harness with thick padding across the shoulder, leg and waist areas not only enhances comfort, but also prevents chafing and distributes pressure more evenly across the body.
Weight capacity: Ensure that the harness is rated for the weight of the worker, including any tools or equipment they may be carrying. Overloading a harness can compromise its effectiveness. The higher the weight capacity, the better.
Durability: The harness should be made from high-quality, durable materials that can withstand harsh conditions, including exposure to UV rays, chemicals, and abrasion.
Fall indication features: Some harnesses come with built-in fall indication features that change colour or break away after a fall, indicating that the harness has been subjected to a significant force and should be replaced.
Ease of inspection: Regular inspection is crucial for maintaining the safety of a harness. Look for harnesses with clear labelling and easy-to-access components for quick and thorough inspections.

How to Use Safety Harnesses Properly

Knowing how to use a safety harness correctly is just as important as choosing the right one. This is where creating a culture of safety across your organization comes into play. Comprehensive training must accompany the introduction of any fall arrest system, and this especially applies to safety harnesses.

Any training process regarding your team’s use of safety harnesses should address a number of key areas, starting with pre-use inspections. This should cover how to conduct checks for signs of wear, damage or fraying across the straps, buckles or d-ring. It should also include guidance on how to wear the harness safely, with steps on slipping straps over arms, fastening chest straps and positioning the d-ring safely between the shoulder blades.

Beyond pre-use inspections and guidance on donning the harness, your training protocols should also address how to safely attach the harness to anchor points. On this point, it is essential to make your workers aware of the importance of attaching to anchor points that are rated for the weight of the worker, as well as any tools or equipment they may be carrying, with the anchor point located overhead to reduce free fall distance.

When it comes to training your users on how to use a harness safely, always remember the three points of contact principle. When climbing or moving at height, your team should maintain three points of contact (for example, two hands and one feet or two feet and one hand) to reduce the risk of slipping or falling.

Finally, your training protocols should address the critical importance of post-use re-inspections. Ensure your workers know how to periodically check the fit of their harness throughout the day, particularly if they have been moving or climbing extensively. Always remember that straps loosen over time, so constant readjustment is an absolute necessity.

Going Beyond Compliance

Safety harnesses are a vital component of any fall protection system for workers at heights. By understanding the key features to look for, how to use them properly, and the legal requirements in Canada, employers can create a safer work environment and protect their employees from the dangers of working at height.

Remember, while compliance with regulations is essential, going beyond the minimum requirements and investing in high-quality, well-maintained equipment and comprehensive training can make all the difference in preventing accidents and saving lives.

Skyline Group: Elevated Work, Elevated Safety

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.

5 Tips for Accessing the Roof Safely from Ground Level

September 10, 2024 by Selina Bassignana Leave a Comment

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.

Best Practices for Emergency Evacuation from High-Rise Buildings

August 28, 2024 by Selina Bassignana Leave a Comment

By their very nature, high-rise buildings present significant challenges when it comes to emergency evacuation processes. Considering multiple floors, a limited number of exits and a high number of occupants with varying levels of ability needs, ensuring a safe and efficient evacuation process is a critical responsibility, and one that lies with you. The following learning resource outlines the best practices that building managers and facility maintenance teams can follow to protect people in the event of an emergency.

The advice we’ve shared in this blog isn’t only for the benefit of you as a key decision maker in the operations of the building. The benefits of following this guidance equally applies to OHS professionals, first responders and the occupants of your building, including those who may require assistance in the event of an emergency. We provide a comprehensive approach in the following article, however all readers should refer to the specific codes for their own province or territory under the Canadian National Building Code and National Fire Code.

The Challenges of High-Rise Evacuations: An Overview

According to a 2019 study, there is no data to suggest that fire-related casualties increase with building height. However, insights from Fire Fighting Canada address the range of unique challenges that come with tall buildings.

Indeed, high-rise buildings are more susceptible to a variety of hazards, ranging from fires to earthquakes and power outages. Their high susceptibility to risk can be attributed to their vertical nature: a far more complicated process than experienced in low-rise buildings. Below, we’ve highlighted some of the key challenges that your high-rise evacuation plan should consider:

1. Vertical movement:

Evacuating large numbers of people down multiple flights of stairs can be both time-consuming and physically demanding. These issues are multiplied if occupants of the building are injured or suffer from mobility issues.

2. Limited exits:

A common feature of taller buildings is their lower number of exits and escape routes compared to low-rise buildings. This increases the risk of congestion during an evacuation: a scenario that is often fraught with panic and rushed movement.

3. Smoke and fire:

Fires are only one of the risks faced by high-rise buildings, but should receive special focus in your evacuation procedures. Smoke and heat can spread through stairwells and elevator shafts, creating additional hazards in an already-dangerous situation.

4. Communication challenges:

Strong, continuous communication between groups is essential for any high-rise building’s evacuation plan. However, this can be highly challenging due to the size of the building and the potential for communication systems to fail.

These four elements should form cornerstones of your high-rise building evacuation plan. In the next section, we share some expert advice on how to create a plan that addresses these issues.

High-Rise Evacuation Planning: Essential Elements

What are the essential elements of an effective high-rise building evacuation plan? The fact is that no two high-rise buildings are the same. However, there are a number of universal tips that can be adopted in virtually any building. Below, we have compiled an essential checklist:

1. Assessing Risks

Before creating your high-rise evacuation plan, it is essential that you begin with a comprehensive and thorough risk assessment to identify any potential hazards that are specific to your building. This should include evaluating the risk of fires, as well as any structural vulnerabilities and other potential threats.

2. Establish Clear Routes

Any evacuation plan should have clear, safe exit routes at its core. Your plan should therefore designate and clearly mark all evacuation routes throughout your building. However, your effort in establishing clear routes shouldn’t end there.

Once you’ve established your routes, you must ensure that at all times, these routes are totally free from any obstacles that could cause a trip or fall injury, or that may cause an obstruction to fire exits. Beyond these considerations, your evacuation routes should be fully equipped with operational emergency lighting and signage to guid the occupants of your building. As specialists in roof safety, it is important that if an emergency were to occur, that those workers on the roof can get to safety with ease as time is of the essence. Having to to clumb over vents/ducts or run across a sloped roof with no walkway can make for a dangerous scenario.

3. Ensure Robust Communication

As discussed in the previous section, ensuring strong and continuous communication in high-rise buildings can present a significant challenge. Your approach should ensure that your communications can reach all occupants, regardless of their location in the building.

Aside from alarms, your communications infrastructure should include public address systems and backup communication methods in the event of a fire.

4. Evacuation Drilling

The importance of including regular drills in your evacuation strategy should not be underestimated. It is essential that you regularly conduct these drills to familiarize the occupants of your building with any evacuation routes and related procedures.

The key to doing this in an effective manner is by conducting the drills at different times of the day to account for varying occupancy levels.

5. Mobility Assistance

As previously discussed, your building will likely house occupants with varying levels of mobility. Your high-rise evacuation strategy should create a comprehensive plan for assisting those occupants, including the disabled, the elderly and those who may be suffering with an injury.

There are a number of ways of assisting in the event of an emergency. For instance, your plan could include evacuation chairs or assigning staff to assist people during the evacuation process.

6. Ensure Proper Fire Safety Systems

In accordance with the law and to achieve any successful evacuation, your building must be fully equipped with up-to-date fire safety systems, including fire alarms, smoke detectors and sprinklers. Your plan should also include measures to regularly maintain and test those systems.

7. Identify Assembly Areas

The outside of your high-rise building should include designated safe assembly areas where occupants can gather after evacuating.

Your decision around designating safe assembly zones will largely depend on the surroundings of your building. However, they should generally be at a safe distance from the building, allowing full access to emergency services.

8. Coordinate with Emergency Services

Once you’ve created your evacuation plan, fully encompassing the seven steps listed above, you reach the final (and potentially most important) step. At this point, it is critical to establish a clear line of communication with your local emergency services, including the fire department and medical responders.

When coordinating with emergency services, be sure to provide them with detailed building layouts to ensure they are familiar with your evacuation plan.

Using Safety Solutions to Enhance Your Strategy

Creating a comprehensive and fully considered plan only forms half of a successful evacuation. In order to protect the welfare of the many people who depend on the safety of your building, it is essential to employ solutions that ensure occupants can evacuate quickly.Here are just a few Skyline solutions that can help:

Fixed and non-penetrating guardrails: Skyline Group offers both fixed and non-penetrating guardrails that can be installed without compromising the building’s structure. These guardrails provide a critical safety barrier, ensuring that occupants can safely navigate elevated areas during an evacuation.
Emergency exit ladders: In situations where traditional stairwells are inaccessible, emergency exit ladders can provide an alternative means of evacuation. Skyline Group’s modular aluminum ladders are lightweight, durable, and easy to install.
Crossover bridges: Crossover bridges are particularly useful in high-rise buildings with multiple rooftop levels or complex layouts. These bridges provide safe passage over obstacles such as pipes, ducts, and other equipment, ensuring that occupants can navigate the rooftop safely during an evacuation.
Walkways and anti-slip surfaces: During an evacuation, slips, trips, and falls can pose a significant risk, especially in high-stress situations. Skyline Group’s walkways and anti-slip surfaces are designed to reduce the risk of these accidents.
Safety signage and markings: Clear and visible safety signage is crucial for guiding occupants during an evacuation. These signs can indicate evacuation routes, emergency exits, and assembly areas, helping to ensure that occupants can evacuate efficiently.

Skyline Group: Elevated Work, Elevated Safety

Here at Skyline Group, we combine decades of safety experience with a comprehensive industry to bring the levels of safety on your rooftop to new heights. To get started, browse our full selection of safety solutions. Alternatively, reach out to one of our experts for a consultation.

Rooftop Safety: The Hierarchy of Controls Explained

August 23, 2024 by Selina Bassignana Leave a Comment

Here in Canada, ensuring a safe elevated work environment can be a highly complex process: a fact that can be largely attributed to the country’s diverse climates and varying building architectures. The Hierarchy of Controls is an overarching occupational health and safety strategy that helps commercial building owners and property managers navigate these challenges in a considered, systematic manner. We explain this concept in detail in the following learning resource.

What is the Hierarchy of Controls?

The Hierarchy of Controls is a simple yet highly effective means of assessing and prioritizing control measures so you can take the most effective steps possible to protect not only your staff but also the many people who rely on the safety of your building.

It provides a consistent approach to safety management, helping key decision-makers select the most effective control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of hazards that are often identified in any proper risk assessment process. This means striking a balance between the level of risk and the measures needed to control that risk while taking into consideration time, money, and overall effort.

A Closer Look at the Hierarchy of Controls

At the heart of the Hierarchy of Controls is a systematic approach to risk mitigation. It achieves this by categorizing various control measures into the five distinct levels represented in the above diagram: an inverted pyramid. Each level builds upon the other, creating a comprehensive safety net for workers at heights. Let’s take a closer look at each of these levels and what they represent to those responsible for ensuring rooftop safety.

1. Elimination

The first, top level of the Hierarchy of Controls is defined as elimination. The fact is that the most definitive way to ensure height safety is to eliminate that hazard entirely, and should form your first preference wherever possible.

In the context of working on an elevated space, elimination measures include a number of examples. For instance, elimination could involve architectural designs that minimize the need for roof access. Alternatively, this could involve the use of technologies that monitor equipment remotely, thereby reducing the frequency and need for access to potentially high-risk environments. One can also place the HVAC units that support the cooling of the building on ground level, outside the building. Eliminating the need to maintain them while at dangerous heights.

2. Substitution

In many cases, elimination is simply not feasible. Where this is the case on your rooftop, substitution offers the next-best alternative. Fundamentally, this means replacing hazards with safer options.

There are a number of examples that come to mind. When focusing on roof access, a basic, non-compliant ladder could be replaced with a lifeline ladder, providing those accessing the roof with an extra layer of fall protection. Meanwhile, slippery surfaces or rungs can be replaced with slip-resistant materials that reduce the risk of a slip or a fall – particularly during adverse weather conditions.

3. Engineering Controls

When elimination or substitution are not viable, physical changes to the rooftop environment can reduce risk. This is where the Engineering Controls element of the Hierarchy of Controls comes into play.

Engineering controls involve altering the workplace to design out hazards. On rooftops, this could mean installing permanent guardrail systems around perimeters and openings or embedding safety features such as reinforced anchor points for fall arrest systems. Features like Skyline Group’s non-penetrating guardrails and walkway systems play a crucial role here, enhancing safety without compromising the roof’s structural integrity.

4. Administrative Controls

The fourth level of the Hierarchy of Controls addresses the fact that beyond physical modifications, administrative controls must be introduced to enhance height safety by focusing on work practices, height safety training and procedures.

In a nutshell, administrative controls modify how the range of tasks required on your rooftop are performed. This involves implementing comprehensive training programs that educate workers on the specific hazards associated with working at height and the proper use of safety equipment. It is also important to note that scheduling work for safer weather conditions also falls under this category, ensuring continual alignment with safety standards.

5. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is placed at the bottom of the hierarchy of controls because it should only be used as a last—and not a primary—line of defence.

For rooftop workers, this includes harnesses, helmets, and non-slip footwear. While essential, reliance on PPE alone is not sufficient; it must be integrated into a broader safety strategy that includes the higher-level of controls that come before it.

Beyond the Hierarchy of Controls

Implementing these controls in Canada presents unique challenges due to the country’s diverse climate conditions—from heavy snowfalls in the East to persistent rains in the West. Each geographic area requires tailored solutions to address local environmental factors effectively. Additionally, compliance with provincial regulations, which may vary significantly, requires that safety measures not only meet but exceed national standards to ensure comprehensive worker protection.

Skyline Group: Elevated Work, Elevated Safety

Skyline Group: Changing the Narrative on Rooftop Safety

December 18, 2023 by Selina Bassignana Leave a Comment

Words like stakeholders, partners and compliance standards are often thrown around, but it’s crucial to remember that these terms represent, real individuals who rely on your buildings. As roof safety accident statistics continue to rise in Canada, we’re inviting building managers, architects and property managers to join us in changing the trend.

Property managers in Canada operate within a strict regulatory framework, particularly the Canadian Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), which prioritizes safety for all individuals accessing rooftops. These regulations aim to mitigate risks and prevent accidents, serving as a comprehensive framework to safeguard lives. Despite this, figures for height-related accidents and injuries continue to rise year-on-year.

These statistics are more than just data points; they are reminders of the human cost of preventable accidents. Preventable injuries can change lives, and the responsibility to prevent them extends beyond compliance.

Skyline Group: A Controlled Approach to Rooftop Safety

At the core of our safety approach is the Hierarchy of Controls, a systematic method to mitigate risks, with prevention as the key focus. We categorize control measures into five levels:

Elimination: The most effective method, where the hazard is eliminated entirely.
Substitution: When elimination isn’t possible, hazards are replaced with safer alternatives.
Engineering Controls: Physical changes to the rooftop environment to reduce risks.
Administrative Controls: Focuses on changing work practices and procedures.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): The last line of defense that complements other controls.

Our mission is to empower property managers to eliminate, substitute, engineer, and establish administrative controls while ensuring the right guidance on PPE specification. We offer onsite safety consultations to help property managers discover, define and deliver rooftop safety solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Changing the Safety Narrative: How We Can Help

At Skyline, our commitment to rooftop safety goes beyond providing off-the-shelf solutions. We design and build height safety solutions tailored for professionals, by professionals. Our streamlined methodology empowers property managers and facility maintenance teams to customize safety solutions that precisely meet the unique needs of their rooftops.

Step #1: Discover

In this crucial initial step, we emphasize the principle that you don’t know what you don’t know. Our team of safety experts stands ready to offer their support, guidance, and extensive experience in understanding the layout of your rooftop and the existing processes for accessing it. Whether through detailed site surveys, comprehensive safety audits, informative lunch and learn sessions, or hands-on safety training, our objective is to gain a comprehensive understanding of the various means of accessing and working on your rooftop. This step includes:

Onsite Safety Consultation: We meticulously assess your rooftop to identify potential hazards and areas of concern.
Lunch & Learn: We offer informative sessions to educate your team on best practices for rooftop safety.
Safety training: We provide hands-on safety training to ensure that your staff is well-prepared to navigate rooftop risks.

Step #2: Design

Building on our discoveries, we move on to the crucial process of defining the safety parameters of your rooftop. Based on our findings, we identify trip and fall hazards on your rooftop. If your roof is undergoing construction or renovation, we also consider the future layout to ensure that employees are protected from trip or fall hazards. This step includes:

Development of a safety program: We work on creating a comprehensive safety program that addresses the specific hazards and requirements of your rooftop.
Design of the future state: Our team designs a rooftop access and working environment that prioritizes safety and efficiency.
Engineered drawings: We provide engineered drawings, ensuring that our solutions adhere to safety standards.
Budget approval: We review and approve budgets, ensuring that the safety solutions are cost-effective and meet your financial constraints.

Step #3: Deliver

Execution is key to turning plans into reality. Our dedicated project management team is available around the clock to guide and manage the project as needed, ensuring a seamless installation process. We prioritize safety throughout the installation, and we even request pictures of the final installation for approval by our engineering team. Our aim is to guarantee that areas of concern on your rooftop are not only compliant with local guidelines but also undeniably safe. This step includes:

Comprehensive project management: Our project management experts can lead all parties involved in the project, ensuring efficient and effective execution.
Logistics coordination: We confirm shipping and on-site requirements to streamline the installation process.
Review and approval: We can schedule the review and approval of the installation to ensure that it aligns with our commitment to safety and exceeds your expectations.

Navigate Complex Regulations with Skyline

One of the most intricate challenges property managers and facility maintenance teams face in Canada is navigating the complex landscape of safety regulations. Each province and territory may have its unique requirements and standards, making it imperative to maintain a cohesive safety strategy that complies with regional regulations. At Skyline, we understand the complexities involved in complying with these regulations and provide invaluable assistance in ensuring your rooftop safety.

Here’s how Skyline Group helps you navigate these challenges effectively:

Compliance consultation: Our team offers comprehensive compliance consultation services. We help you decipher the regulations relevant to your location and industry, ensuring that your safety strategy aligns seamlessly with the current standards. With our expertise, you can navigate the intricacies of regional regulations confidently.
Continuous updates: Our commitment to staying informed means you’ll receive timely updates on regulatory changes. We keep you well-informed about any modifications that may affect your height safety strategy, so you’re always in compliance. This proactive approach helps you stay ahead of the curve and minimizes the risk of non-compliance.
Customized solutions: At Skyline, we understand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to rooftop safety. We tailor our safety solutions to your unique situation, ensuring they not only meet but also exceed provincial safety requirements. Our customized approach ensures that you remain compliant while providing the highest level of safety for your rooftop workers and visitors.

Stand Up for Safety with Skyline Group

Here at Skyline, we’re reminding building managers not to discover safety by accident. To get started, contact us to book your Onsite Safety Consultation. Alternatively, browse our full range of safety solutions.

Fall Prevention Month: Changing the Narrative on Rooftop Safety

November 17, 2023 by Selina Bassignana Leave a Comment

November marks Fall Prevention Month in Canada: an annual reminder that the safety of workers at height is a shared responsibility. Preventable falls remain a sobering reality, with rooftop environments presenting their own unique set of challenges. As Skyline Group delves into a month dedicated to fall prevention, we explore how building managers can combine awareness and action to transform the current narrative surrounding rooftop falls.

This important month reminds us that falls are not just accidents; they are a global concern that can lead to devastating outcomes. Some recent statistics highlight the importance in creating preventative strategies for hazards that can lead to a fall from heights:

Falls rank as the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths worldwide, making it clear that this issue transcends borders and industries (World Health Organization, 2021)
Fall-related emergency department visit rates have increased from 58 to 64 per 1,000 older adults in the past decade (Public Health Agency of Canada, 2022)
The average cost to a roofing company when an employee falls from an elevation is approximately $106,000 per injured employee (Occupational Safety and Health Administration – US)

Each fall is not just a statistic; it represents an individual whose life has been profoundly affected, along with their families. However, while these figures may seem daunting, the encouraging fact is that the vast majority of falls are preventable.

Changing the Narrative Through Awareness & Action

Whilst we all face a shared responsibility to maintain health and safety, building managers hold a pivotal role in preventing rooftop falls. One of the most effective tools in the fight against falls is the Hierarchy of Controls, highlighted in the infographic below.

At its core, the Hierarchy of Controls is a systematic approach to risk mitigation, emphasizing prevention as the cornerstone of safety. It categorizes control measures into five distinct levels, each building upon the other to create a comprehensive safety net.

In the fight against rooftop falls, real change can be achieved by integrating an understanding of this hierarchy with the implementation of a robust safety infrastructure. As you review each element of the safety hierarchy, take the time to think on how this methodology can be applied to your rooftop environment.