Industrial facilities constantly balance numerous demands. Are you struggling to ensure worker safety while still meeting operational standards? Articulating stairs might be the perfect solution. Let’s explain how one simple piece of equipment from Northern Platforms has helped reduce injury, optimize workflow, and meet other modern industrial needs. 

What are Articulating Stairs? 

Articulating stairs are adjustable stair systems designed to provide safe and stable access to areas at varying heights. Unlike fixed staircases or ladders, articulating stairs automatically adjust their angle and step level to match the height of the platform, truck, railcar, or equipment being accessed. This self-levelling feature ensures that each step remains even and secure, reducing the risk of slips, trips, or falls.

Types of Articulating Stairs 

Northern Platforms offers two types of articulating stairs for specific applications. 

• For industrial truck and railcar loading/unloading: Saferack’s Self-Adjusting Stair gangway is built to articulate and self-level, with an adjustable working range of 40° below horizontal and 45° above horizontal. Learn more about our various gangway options in our previous post, “SafeRack Gangways and More at Northern Platforms.”
• For commercial warehouses: RollaStep G Series Self-Levelling Stairs also allow for height adjustability. Unlike a gangway, this access solution includes a work platform, making it perfect for warehouses, processing plants, and other interior industrial applications. Read more: “The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Portable Stairs for Your Workplace.”

Benefits of Articulating Stairs 

Reduced Worker Injury

Many industrial environments regularly expose workers to fall risks, especially when climbing on top of tanker trucks or grabbing product from hard-to-reach shelves. Often, sites do not have adequate fall protection in place, especially when using outdated solutions. When you opt for articulating stairs, workers benefit from OH&S compliant handrails, integrated fall protection systems, and more. With more effective systems in place, you will benefit from a safer and more efficient workplace. 

Improved Site Efficiency 

When workers are limited to traditional ladders, they must always maintain three points of contact. While this regulation is crucial for safety purposes, it can also make carrying tools, equipment, or products difficult while ascending or descending the stairs, significantly slowing down workflows. Want to speed up your operations while still keeping safety at the forefront? Consider articulating stairs. With enhanced safety features, these solutions allow workers to easily transport materials with both hands. 

Cut Down Long-Term Costs 

While articulating stairs cost more than traditional ladders, they actually save you money, depending on your operation. If your workers regularly access materials or trucks of different heights, articulating stairs can streamline your operations process, increasing the number of trucks you can unload or products you can ship in a day. Additionally, your articulating stairs include several enhanced safety features, which help avoid costly injuries or regulatory fines. So, while the initial cost might seem steep, consider your long-term savings when adding articulating stairs to your site.  

Trust Northern Platforms for Articulating Stairs, Portable Stairs, and More

Whether you are dealing with strict regulatory requirements or intense efficiency demands, Northern Platforms is here to help. With over 20 years of experience in safe access equipment, we have what it takes to find a solution that integrates seamlessly into your operation for years to come. Not sure where to start? Call us at (780) 986-8825 today to schedule your free site visit and learn more about how our team can help! For more information, check out our service page or product catalogue.