Did you know that falls from flatbed trailers are among the most common–and preventable–workplace injuries? Even though most flatbeds are only about 5 feet high, workers often end up 8 feet or more above the ground when climbing on loads to secure or tarp them. Falling from this height can lead to significant injury, so safety regulations require proper fall protection for these jobs. Looking for the right truck loading fall protection for your operation? You can keep your team safe and speed up your loading process with the right choice. Let’s discuss what you should consider when choosing a flatbed fall protection system–and how Northern Platforms can help.
3 Things to Consider When Selecting a Fall Protection System
1. What Types of Trucks Are You Dealing With?
There are several types of flatbed trailers, and your fall protection system should adapt to your needs. At Northern Platforms, we design custom solutions for:
- Regular Flatbeds: The most common trailer type, ideal for standard cargo like steel beams and machinery.
- Lowboys: Lowered decks make these trailers ideal for oversized loads, like excavators or other construction equipment. Lowboys require adjustable guardrails to match height changes.
- Step Deck: Two-level trailers designed to carry tall cargo. Like lowboys, fall protection for these trailers needs dual-layer railings or mobile platforms.
If your site handles multiple trailer types, our experienced team can engineer a versatile and adaptable solution that includes components to fit every truck.
2. What Kind of Work Are You/Your Operators Doing?
When choosing the right truck loading fall protection, consider the tasks your workers routinely perform. This will help determine the best fall protection approach.
For example, are they strapping and securing loads? Manually performing this work has a high chance of a fall, especially with unstable cargo like pipes or lumber. Our expert team recommends RollaStep’s MP Mobile Platforms for this type of work. These platforms provide a stable elevated work surface with safety guardrails, which helps workers secure loads without climbing on top of the flatbed trailer while loading.On the other hand, if your workers are manually tarping loads, consider the SafeRack TF Tarping System, which allows a single operator to tarp a full flatbed in only 15 minutes. Thanks to this innovative technology, workers are completely safe from falling risks, since they no longer need to climb on top of the trailer to complete their jobs.
3. What are the OH&S requirements of your jurisdiction?
In Canada, fall protection laws vary by province. However, most jurisdictions require fall protection for any worker working “at height,” defined as working 6ft or above. Even though flatbeds are generally only 5 feet tall, tarping or securing loads often puts workers 8 feet or above, which is above legal limits. Non-compliance can lead to fines, lawsuits, or work stoppages. At Northern Platforms, we guarantee 100% compliance by designing systems that exceed Alberta OH&S standards.
Flatbed Fall Protection Systems Available Now At Northern Platforms
At Northern Platforms, we offer two industry-leading solutions to help keep your team safe while loading and unloading trucks:
RollaStep MP Mobile Platforms
- Stability: Heavy-duty steel frame with anti-slip treads.
- Mobility: 360° swivel casters for easy repositioning.
- Versatility: Adjustable height (5–8 feet) to match lowboys, step decks, and regular flatbeds.
SafeRack TF Tarping System
- Speed: 15-minute tarping reduces labour costs and delays.
- Safety: Ground-level operation prevents falls entirely.
- ROI: Cuts liability risks and increases operational efficiency.
Contact Us Today!
With over 20 years of truck fall protection systems expertise, Northern Platforms provides cutting-edge solutions that help protect your workers and streamline your operations. Whether you need mobile platforms for load securing or automated tarping systems, we’ll deliver a custom, compliant solution. Ready to get started? Contact us today for a free site assessment and quote! Call us at 780-986-8825.