As a property manager, contractor or a member of the facility maintenance team, you’ll understand better than most the risks that rooftop workers face in their everyday tasks while navigating commercial rooftops. However, the increased risks they face during adverse weather conditions are often overlooked. In a comprehensive learning resource from Skyline Group, we explore the various means of creating a safe rooftop work environment that mitigates the risk of adverse conditions such as ice, rain and wind.
Before we get into the details here, let’s take a look at some of the current statistics around height-related accidents in Canadian workplaces:
- Every year 20 people in Ontario die as a result of workplace falls (Workplace Safety & Insurance Board)
- 34% of falls are from ladders, stairs, roofs and other height-related conditions (CCOHS)
- More than 42,000 Canadians are injured in work-related falls each year (CCOHS)
For the majority of safety decision makers, these statistics will make for a sobering read. While these stats indicate just some of the risk workers at height face, it should be taken into account that these risks become heightened even further during times of adverse weather conditions.
Adverse Environmental Conditions: Understanding the Risks
Adverse weather conditions such as snow, ice, rain, and wind present major risks to the safety of workers at height. While some may increase the risks of slips and trips, other conditions present a heightened risk of falling from the rooftop due to minimized visibility. Below, we’ve highlighted some of those key conditions that your rooftop safety strategy should account for.
1. The Dangers of Ice and Rain
Ice and rain transform the rooftop environment, creating slippery surfaces that greatly increase the risk of slips and falls. Ice can form an almost invisible layer, particularly on darker materials where it blends into the surface, making detection difficult until an unfortunate misstep occurs.
Rain exacerbates these conditions by adding a sheen of water that reduces traction, particularly on smooth surfaces like metal, while also making slopes a little more dangerous. These conditions not only endanger workers but also complicate the handling and transportation of materials and tools across the rooftop.
2. The Risks Presented by Snow
Snow accumulation on rooftops poses multiple threats. Visually, it can obscure vital rooftop units such as skylights, hatches, ducts and even the roof’s edge. This concealment increases the likelihood of accidental falls or collisions with unseen obstacles.
From a structural standpoint, the weight of snow can stress the roof, particularly if unevenly distributed, which can lead to collapses in extreme cases. The unpredictable nature of snow, where drifts can form and shift with wind exposure, means pathways and safe zones can quickly become hazardous without regular maintenance and snow removal protocols.
3. How Wind Can be Dangerous at Height
Wind presents a dynamic risk on rooftops, capable of causing immediate physical harm and creating conditions that lead to accidents. Strong wind can destabilize not only the workers but also any materials, tools, or temporary structures like scaffolding and signage.
Items left unsecured can turn into dangerous projectiles that threaten both workers on the roof and the people below. The risk extends to the manipulation of materials; sheets of metal, plywood, or any board, flat materials can catch wind like a sail, leading to loss of control or balance.
Each of these environmental factors requires careful consideration and proactive safety measures to ensure the well-being of workers tasked with operating in such challenging conditions on rooftops. Keep reading to learn more about what this should entail.
Mitigating the Risks of Adverse Weather
To truly address the potential impacts of adverse weather conditions, it is essential that property managers and commercial building owners follow a combination of proactive strategies, safety installations and routine checks.
In terms of that combination of steps, let’s take a closer look…
- Anti-slip surfaces: To combat the slipperiness caused by ice and rain, installing anti-slip surfaces such as aluminum or paver walkways with gritted surfaces ensures a stable footing. These walkways channel water away efficiently, reducing puddle formation and ice/snow accumulation.
- Guardrails and bumplines: Fixed or ballasted guardrails provide a physical barrier between workers and the roof edge, proactively reducing the risk of falls. For more of a warning-based solution, bumplines can be deployed to create safe zones and pathways, guiding workers away from hazardous areas obscured by snow or ice. Ultimately, creating awareness on the rooftop prior to encountering the hazard. The presence of guardrail solutions not only protects workers during the maintenance of rooftop units, or during the process of navigating across the roof. But also helps in creating a safe environment for snow removal.
- Snow and debris removal tools: Ensuring that maintenance includes regular removal of snow and debris can prevent obscuration of hazards and reduce the load on the roof structure. Tools and plans should be in place for safe snow removal that does not endanger workers.
- Anchor Point: Installing robust anchor points provides secure tie-offs for personal fall arrest systems, essential in high wind conditions. These systems should be capable of withstanding the forces exerted during a fall, ensuring worker safety.
- Routine checks: Regular inspections and maintenance of all safety installations are crucial. This ensures that all equipment remains in optimal condition, capable of providing protection when needed most. Post-storm inspections are particularly important to assess and repair any damage that may compromise the safety of the roof environment.
While the above steps are critical in protecting workers from the elements, you can always go further to ensure their safety. That means creating a safety culture at the heart of your organization, providing training and education to workers on the potential hazards and the correct use of safety equipment. Regular training sessions, including emergency response drills and proper equipment usage, can significantly enhance safety awareness and preparedness.
Skyline Group: Elevated Work, Elevated Safety
Here at Skyline Group, we bring together decades of experience in rooftop safety to protect people, companies and brands. To find out how we can elevate the safety of your green rooftop, contact us today for your expert consultation. Alternatively, get started by browsing our full selection of safety solutions.
