Rooftop safety in harsh weather conditions is one of the most challenging tasks faced by workers in Canada. In a working environment already fraught with risk, maintenance and facilities teams must work around a range of additional hazards driven by snow, heavy rainfall and strong winds. But what can property managers and building owners do to protect users of their buildings against these dangers? We explore this question in detail in the latest safety guide from Skyline Group.
It’s true: elevated workspaces such as rooftops are dangerous by their very nature. According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOSH), more than 42,000 Canadians are injured in work-related falls each year, with falls from roofs accounting for one third of construction workplace fatalities between 2003 and 2013. With these risks multiplied during adverse weather conditions, property managers and owners must take extra precautionary measures to prevent their teams from adding to these statistics.
Why Rooftop Worker Protection is Vital During Harsh Weather
Rooftop worker protection requires an all-year round effort, especially when it comes to preventing falls from height. However, as any property owner or maintenance manager will know, rooftop workers face more risks than falling off the roof edge. Notably, statistics show that the majority (67%) of falls happen on the same level, with this risk significantly increased during adverse weather conditions. So, how should adverse weather conditions inform your approach to rooftop maintenance safety? Let’s take a closer look in the next section.
Understanding the Risks of Harsh Weather in Canada
The impact of harsh weather conditions on rooftop safety cannot be overstated. Below, we’ve listed some of the most dangerous hazards associated with wind, rain and snow:
- Slips, trips & falls: Ice buildup on rooftops can make surfaces extremely slippery, and in many cases, this ice buildup isn’t visible to the naked eye. This adds to the already significant risk of slips, trips and falls.
- Obscured hazards: Rooftop features such as skylights and roof hatches often provide an essential means of access for facilities and maintenance teams. During heavy snowfall, these features can become hidden fall hazards.
- Water accumulation: Whether it’s caused by melting snow or heavy rainfall, the accumulation of water can create slick surfaces, which can further add to the risks of slips, trips and falls. This is particularly true on slope rooftops, where water tends to build up on the lower end of the slope.
- Poor visibility: When rooftop workers are completing maintenance tasks during intense bursts of harsh weather, they are challenged with lower levels of visibility, making the task at-hand significantly more dangerous.
- High winds: Strong winds are dangerous on rooftops for a number of reasons. While they can knock workers off balance, they can also cause unsecured tools, equipment and materials to become flying hazards, presenting an inherent danger to those on ground level.
Rooftop Safety Tips for Adverse Weather
Snow, rain and heavy rainfall represent very different safety scenarios. In order to ensure compliance with key legislation such as the The Canadian Occupational Health & Safety Act (OHSA), you must establish safety protocols that protect workers across these various conditions. But where to start?
1. Rooftop Maintenance Safety in the Snow
Snow is a prevalent feature on rooftops in Canada, with levels of snowfall increasing dramatically in the darker months of winter. This brings a unique set of challenges not only around hidden hazards and frozen surfaces, but also due to the extra weight on the roof structure. Taking the steps below is critical in mitigating these risks:
- Clearing snow and ice: Regularly clearing snow and ice is safety-critical for a number of reasons. It ensures that workers at height have a safe footing when completing maintenance tasks, and can provide a safe path for workers to walk around when walkways aren’t being used. It also ensures that skylights and roof edges are visible, while preventing excessive weight buildup which may lead to structural damage. To create a safe path across a roof, Skyline recommends non-slip walkways or roof paver systems.
- Guardrails & warning lines: Guardrails and warning lines serve as essential fall protection systems, especially in snowy conditions where visibility is low. These systems help workers navigate rooftops safely by providing physical barriers and clear visual cues. We recommend installing guardrails around the perimeter of the roof to provide passive protection, along with bumplines or warning lines to provide early warnings to workers approaching a hazard.
- Skylight & roof hatch safety: As discussed, rooftop features such as skylights and roof hatches become hidden dangers under snow cover, with workers potentially stepping onto these fragile surfaces without realizing the risk. This means that skylights and hatches should be clearly marked, with safety cages or guardrails installed around hatches. To improve skylight safety, we recommend using skylight covers or safety screens. Take a look at our Roof Hatch Safety Solutions for more options.
2. Rooftop Worker Protection During Heavy Rain
Rain and water accumulation can turn a routine rooftop maintenance task into a hazardous situation. Wet surfaces reduce traction and make it easier for workers to slip, and in some cases, water can pool on roofs, creating dangerous puddles. Fortunately, we’ve outlined the steps you can take to remove many of the rooftop hazards associated with heavy rainfall:
- Improve your drainage systems:
A well-maintained drainage system will prevent water from accumulating on the roof, reducing the risk of slips and structural damage due to excess weight. Ensure that all drainage systems are functioning properly, and clear any debris that may block drains. For improved drainage, we recommend installing aluminum walkways with drainage channels, which can direct rainwater away from key working areas and prevent the buildup of water on walkways. - Think about footwear and surfaces: Ensuring that workers wear proper non-slip footwear is vital when working on wet roofs. Additionally, installing anti-slip walkways can further protect workers by providing secure footing in slippery conditions. At Skyline, we recommend non-slip paver systems or aluminum walkways with serrated surfaces to provide improved grip for rooftop workers throughout the year.
- Regular inspections: We cannot emphasize enough the importance of regular inspections during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly around any roof hatches or guardrails that you have installed. By setting up a schedule to check for signs of damage and deterioration, you can elevate the levels of safety across your rooftop.
3. Rooftop Safety Tips for Windy Conditions
For facilities and maintenance teams, working during windy conditions isn’t just unpleasant: it can also be inherently dangerous. High winds create several risks, ranging from the potentially fatal danger of losing balance to being struck by loose equipment. In order to remain compliant and to protect those people who rely on the safety of your building, it is essential to secure all tools and limit roof access during heavy winds. Below, we’ve listed three steps to enhance safety levels during high winds:
- Secure tools, materials & equipment: Tools, equipment and various materials are common features of any rooftop. However, during heavy winds, these common features can transform into major safety risks. By ensuring everything is fastened and tied down, you can mitigate this risk. To keep things fastenied, we recommend installing tool tethering systems, keeping those objects secured to the roof, or the workers themselves.
- Install lifeline systems: In windy conditions, even the most sure-footed workers can lose their balance. Installing a fall arrest or lifeline system provides an added layer of protection for workers who need to move across exposed areas of the roof. Lifeline ladder systems allow workers to attach themselves securely while accessing or moving across the roof, reducing the risk of falls in windy conditions.
- Regularly monitor weather conditions: Before sending workers onto a rooftop, always monitor weather forecasts and avoid scheduling maintenance work during periods of high winds. If work must be done in windy conditions, ensure that extra safety measures are in place.
Working on rooftops in harsh weather conditions poses significant risks, but with the right safety measures in place, those risks can be mitigated. From installing guardrails and lifeline systems to ensuring proper drainage and securing equipment in windy conditions, building managers and property owners can create safer working environments for their teams. Adhering to Canadian safety regulations, conducting regular inspections, and providing workers with the necessary tools and training will ensure that rooftop maintenance can be completed safely, no matter the weather.
Skyline Group: Elevated Work, Elevated Safety
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.
