Inadequate fall protection systems have been the most common OSHA violation for over 10 years. Even in Canada, almost 40,000 workers are injured yearly due to falling accidents.
Here’s the truth: fall protection systems save workers’ lives, regardless of industry. For example, railcar loading operations need an effective system that protects workers, prevents accidents, and helps keep everything running smoothly. But building a top-notch system is more complicated than you might think. Without professional insight, you might not know where to start.
Enter: Northern Platforms, western Canada’s trusted supplier of safe access equipment. Let us walk you through how to build the best fall protection system for your operation with our expert insights.
Step 1: Partner with a Qualified Safe Access Equipment Supplier
When it comes to fall protection, there is no such thing as “one size fits all.” Each environment will have different needs, demands, and challenges. But, if you aren’t a qualified safe access professional, it might be hard to identify these unique pitfalls. That’s why partnering with an expert like Northern Platforms is essential.
With over 20 years of experience, we know how to design fall protection systems with workers in mind. We’ll survey your site and your operations to identify any hazards. We recommend partnering with our team as soon as possible so we can ensure that your system is comprehensive and works together to comply with local and national safety regulations.
Step 2: Assess Your Needs
When we visit your site, we’ll ask you personalized questions to better understand your operation. For example, we might ask if you want a system that can accommodate different railcar sizes. If so, we’ll offer tailored solutions that are adaptable and customizable. Or, we might ask you for accurate and comprehensive data, such as drawings of the railcars you need to be able to access. Here are some other questions to consider when building your railcar fall protection system with Northern Platforms:
- How are you moving your railcars around your site (e.g. track mobile, portable power, or a third-party provider)?
- How are you loading/unloading your railcar?
- How many tracks are you dealing with?
Step 3: Design Your System
Once you’ve answered the above questions, we can start creating your system. In our experience, the following equipment is essential for all types of loading and unloading applications:
The biggest advantage of working with Northern Platforms is that we’ll care for every piece of the puzzle. For an efficient system, your gangways, loading platforms, and arms must be compatible. Instead of dealing with multiple vendors and worrying about compatibility, Northern Platforms will create a seamlessly integrated turnkey system. Plus, our experts are on call if anything goes wrong.
Railcar Fall Protection Systems at Northern Platforms
Ready to start improving safe access in your railyard? Northern Platforms has got you covered with our expansive inventory of safe access, fall protection, and loading equipment. From safety cages and spill containment to wheel chocks and derailers, we have everything you need to design the safest system possible. Contact us today to schedule a railcar fall protection system assessment.