Did you know that the hauling and transport industry has one of the highest occupational hazards and injury rates across North America? Without the proper safety equipment in place, loading and unloading can be tricky, and as temperatures drop and snow and ice become a reality on the job site, the risk to your crew, as well as your cargo increases. At Northern Platforms, we know the importance of ensuring a safe job site, and proudly offer industry-leading safe access solutions, including equipment from SafeRack designed to ensure safety while accessing flatbed trailers.
As one of the most depended-on hauling solutions worldwide, Flatbed trailers are an industry staple but are not without their share of risk. Below, we’ll cover some of the basics of handling Flatbed safety concerns. Read on to learn more.
Identifying Risk Factors
One of the most important parts of risk management is taking a proactive stance that promotes prevention over reaction. When it comes to safety it’s critical that you take a proactive approach as opposed to a reactive approach. Flatbed trailers are massive units, typically weighing at least 10,000 pounds with the frame alone, and even more once fully loaded. With multiple models and configurations of flatbed trailers available, having the proper safety measures in place is a non-negotiable for your operations. Typically speaking, there are two main categories of risk where flatbeds are concerned: on-road and off-road (loading). On-road accidents can be caused by over/inefficient loading, cargo shifting, and other such incidences, whereas loading issues happen while cargo is initially being placed on the unit. These kinds of risks include slipping while climbing up or down to access the load, while climbing cargo, or when tarping or tying down cargo.
Risks can be present due to a variety of factors ranging from dangerous climate conditions, lack of training, insufficient safety equipment, and more. Everyone on sites should know what is expected of them, as well as how to react in the event of an emergency to minimize injuries or harm to everyone on your crew.
Prevention Assets
The number one way to prevent an accident on your job site is to have preventive measures in place. When it comes to flatbeds and tarping, this means that acquiring the right equipment is a necessity if you want to lower your risk and ensure that your site is OSHA / OH&S compliant. Loading platforms are light and mobile and can be a great way to circumvent the dangers present when dealing with loading and unloading flatbed cargo, as can mobile platforms and other such equipment. At Northern Platforms, we’re proud to offer flatbed loading solutions from SafeRack. With multiple options available and the ability to add on extra fall protection, you can rest easy knowing that your crew is safe when it matters most.
SafeRack Equipment, Only at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is your exclusive distributor of SafeRack products throughout Western Canada. Our priority is bringing you the best products you can depend on, and we’re proud to partner with an industry leader dedicated to unbeatable quality and performance. Our inventory features several SafeRack products, including the SafeRack self-adjusting stair gangway and much more. Contact our team today to learn more about SafeRack’s line of flat bed fall protection as well as Northern Platforms’ extensive range of safe access and loading solutions!