While flatbeds might not look as dangerous as tanker trucks or railcars, the truth is that working on these trailers regularly puts operators at risk of fatal falls. Plus, this risk is substantially increased without proper fall protection systems that adapt to the needs of the modern workplace. Enter: mobile fall protection for flatbed trailers. These simple and reliable systems turn life-threatening hazards into manageable solutions. Ready to learn how this product can transform your operations? Keep reading!
What are Mobile Fall Protection Platforms?
Combining safety, versatility, and adaptability, mobile fall protection platforms are an ideal addition to any operation that regularly deals with flatbed trailers. This equipment is designed to provide a secure working surface and fall protection for workers. It typically features large work surfaces, safety handrails, and wheels, allowing them to be positioned alongside trailers where needed.
Benefits of Mobile Platforms for Flatbed Fall Protection
Mobility: The most obvious advantage of this system is that mobile platforms move with your workers, unlike fixed systems. These systems are often equipped with 360-degree casters, making it easy for a single worker to move and position this system.
Versatility: From traditional flatbed trailers to step decks and lowboys, mobile platforms can be customized for any application. Mobile platforms are more than fall protection systems—they’re adaptable solutions with multiple uses. Once loading or unloading is complete, they can be used as standalone work platforms, access solutions, and more. Plus, mobile platforms can often be customized with modular handrails, enclosure panels, and more.
Passive Protection: While active fall protection systems like fall arrests require worker compliance, mobile platforms provide consistent support without any additional effort. With proper guardrails, operators are protected 24/7.
Introducing: RollAStep’s MP Series
Looking for your go-to flatbed fall safety solution? Look no further–RollaStep’s MP Series is one of the best products on the market. Combining the stability of a fixed work platform with the versatility of a movable platform, this fall protection system features:
9’ x 3’ work platforms to accommodate numerous operators.
360-degree swivelling and locking casters.
Removable handrails for ultimate versatility.
No-flat tires.
Aggressive no-slip surface.
Extra wide no-slip tread.
Technical Specifications
RollAStep’s MP series comes in several different sizes to accommodate the different circumstances of your site. Here are the technical specifications of each model:
Top Notch Products: We’re Western Canada’s leading supplier of RollaStep, ErectaStep, and SafeRack products. These brands are backed by decades of expertise and offer some of the bestselling fall protection products in all of North America.
One Stop Shop: Our Leduc warehouse is fully stocked and ready to serve you. On top of mobile platforms, we offer comprehensive solutions for truck and railcar loading, modular work platforms for warehouses, and more! No matter your needs, let Northern Platforms take care of it all.
On-Site Assessments: Whenever possible, the Northern Platforms team will schedule a comprehensive on-site assessment to identify your needs and recommend the ideal solution. If you are located in Alberta, give our team a call and we’ll have someone on site within a few business days.
Looking to revolutionize your operations in 2025? With several safe access suppliers on the market, it can be hard to pick the right partner. But, with over 2 decades of experience, ErectaStep is the go-to provider for all things safe access. Keep reading to learn more about their best-selling products—and how they are in stock at the Northern Platforms warehouse today.
ErectaStep: Safety and Productivity Guaranteed
One of the industry’s leading fall protection and access system providers, ErectaStep has delivered safety and operational efficiency to job sites across North America for over 20 years. With innovative modular access platforms and easy-to-use solutions, they are a go-to partner for reliable and compliant equipment.
Top ErectaStep Products for 2025
Modular Access Platforms
Industrial plants and work facilities are filled with piping, cable trays, production lines, and more. While essential for the operation of your facility, all these obstacles can make moving around your facility a challenge. That’s where ErectaStep’s modular access platforms come in. These modular systems use just five components to create endless configurations, including:
Portable stairs are an essential addition for both permanent and temporary job sites. Available in seven sizes from 28” to 63”, these units use telescopic legs to create a stable platform on uneven ground. Use these mobile access platforms to provide access to:
Ready to ensure total fall protection in 2025? ErectaStep’s safety swing gates can easily be added to any opening in your warehouse between 24” and 37”. Plus, the newest model comes preassembled, making installation a breeze. For wider passages, the YellowGate XL barrier gate helps control access to larger openings, like loading docks or driveways.
With an expansive product line and over two decades in business, it is no surprise that ErectaStep is a go-to for plants and warehouses nationwide. Here are some of the reasons you should choose ErectaStep and Northern Platforms to level up your facility this year:
Quick Installation: Whether you opt for a couple of safety swing gates or a comprehensive catwalk system, all ErectaStep products are easy to assemble and install. Avoid the hassle of hot work permits, crane work, or extended shutdowns and increase your productivity within hours.
Real-Time Configuration: Using ErectaStep’s proprietary configurator, our team can create plans and drawings for your system in real time. This can help your team visualize your new system, identify any problems, and receive the plan for your ideal design—all with one appointment.
OH&S Compliant: Every ErectaStep system is built to comply with or exceed the relevant safety regulations of your jurisdiction. All products ensure that your workers are protected and that your site is compliant.
In Stock Now: One of the biggest benefits of choosing Northern Platforms and Erectastep? Speed. All the products included in this article are in stock at our Leduc warehouse right now, meaning we can design, supply, and install your next safe access solution in no time. Do you have a project with a tight timeline? Contact our team today—we are ready to help.
Northern Platforms: Western Canada’s Chosen ErectaStep Supplier
Ready to add some bestselling ErectaStep products to your Albertan operation? As Western Canada’s premier ErectaStep distributor, Northern Platforms has all these products—and more—in stock at our Leduc warehouse. From brand-new catwalk systems to swing gates for added security, our team is ready for rapid delivery across Alberta and British Columbia. Ready to get started? Contact our team to schedule your initial assessment today!
With almost 20% of all workplace injuries from falling from heights, it is no surprise that rooftop safety remains a critical concern across many Alberta industries. Do your workers regularly access elevated areas for maintenance, inspections, or operational tasks? Are you looking for a safe access solution that easily addresses key safety concerns? Using a real-world case study from Alberta’s food processing sector, this post will explain how modular access platforms can prevent falls without compromising structural integrity, and how the expert team at Northern Platforms can help.
The Problem: Complex Rooftop Safety Concern
As reported by OHS Canada, a third of fatal construction falls occur from unsecured rooftop access points, poor edge awareness, and other rooftop construction risks. For example, consider a food processing plant located in Central Alberta. Recently, facility managers identified a rooftop safety concern that required quick attention. In order to complete rooftop inspections and servicing, workers at this plant had to regularly cross a parapet wall separating two roof areas with different elevations. Each side required different stair lengths for safe access, meaning a simple crossover unit wasn’t suitable. Additionally, no proposed rooftop solution could penetrate the rooftop, making securing any available access units hard.
The Solution: Modular Access Platforms
Once contacted, the Northern Platforms team immediately got to work and scheduled a site visit within 24 hours. Once we assessed the main safety concern, we designed a system that easily accommodated the plant’s needs.
Part 1: Engineered Non-Penetrating Base
Before we could create the access unit, our team had to devise a creative solution that allowed us to secure the stairs and walkways without penetrating the roof. To do this, we made a solid base out of steel channels that evenly distributed the weight, allowing us to secure all stairs and access units.
Phase 2: Adjustable Stair System
Next, we got to work creating a custom ErectaStep system that accommodated the site’s demands. Using the ErectaStep configurator, we had designs of a potential system within hours. Once the designs were approved, our team installed in-stock modular platforms and components to create a comprehensive system that offered total rooftop protection.
Phase 3: Complete Fall Protection
Within one week, our Leduc team installed a complete rooftop safety system, which included:
A custom non-penetrating base structure
Adjustable stair components to accommodate both roof elevations
Protective handrails, guardrails, and self-closing safety swing gates
At the end of the day, the staff at this food processing plant were extremely grateful for our local expertise, quick response times, prompt site visits, and fit-for-purpose solutions.
The Local Advantage: Choose Northern Platforms
Is your plant, site, or warehouse located in Alberta? When you partner with Northern Platforms, you aren’t just getting over 20 years of industry expertise–you are getting a local partner who will put your needs first. As Alberta’s leading ErectaStep provider, our team offers:
Quick Response Times: Same-day site visits (if possible) and turnaround times that exceed industry standards.
Local Expertise: Our team has dealt with the Canadian climate since the beginning. You can count on us for a solution that performs, no matter the weather.
Complete Turnkey Services: From consultation to installation to maintenance, our experts are with you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our installation services and maintenance programs!
Get Started Today!
Ready to improve your site’s rooftop safety? Contact our Alberta-based safe access team at 780-986-8825 to schedule a site visit today!
Industrial operations across Alberta face an important decision when installing a catwalk or platform system: should you opt for a modular or custom-engineered solution? While both systems have pros and cons, the decision is simple once you compare the details. In this blog post, we’ll compare these safe access solutions and break down which works best for your Edmonton warehouse, Leduc food processing plant, or Fort McMurray worksite. Keep reading to learn more!
Modular Catwalk and Platform Systems
Modular catwalks, like ErectaStep systems, feature pre-engineered, bolt-together components that require no welding or custom fabrication. These easy-to-install systems use standardized parts–like platforms, stairs, and railings–that assemble quickly without hot work permits.
Key features of ErectaStep systems include:
Pre-fabricated components that are in stock for quick shipping.
Aluminum or galvanized steel construction.
Can be custom-configured and installed within days.
Pros
Versatile: All ErectAStep systems are completely modular and can be customized to your site’s demands. Using only 5 components, you can create endless configurations. Your system can also easily be repurposed if your worksite’s needs change.
No hot work required: These catwalks and platforms feature an easy-to-use bolt-together design, meaning no welding or hot work is needed.
Quick installation: Since you can skip the design and permit process, a modular system can be installed within 5-6 days of consultation. After the Northern Platforms team visits your site and assesses your needs, we’ll use our ErectAStep Configurator to design your system easily and quickly.
Cons
Some limitations: While modular systems suit 95% of Alberta factories and warehouses, some situations demand custom solutions. Worried that a modular system won’t be able to accommodate your needs? Contact the Northern Platforms team to talk about your options.
Engineered Catwalk Systems
Custom systems are unique solutions designed from scratch for specific applications. These systems accommodate deep infrastructure challenges, extreme weight needs, harsh environmental conditions, and more.
Pros
Completely custom: With a custom catwalk, no challenge is too complicated. Since your new system will be designed from the ground up, you can ensure that every need or demand is addressed.
Cons
Requires special permits: Your engineered system will require welding to install properly, which comes with its own set of permit applications. Before choosing this system, consider that hot work permits can take up to 6 weeks for approval and may require that you temporarily close your facility while the work is being completed.
Expensive: A custom solution comes with a custom price tag. Custom-fabricated catwalks cost substantially more than modular systems, especially when factoring in the designs, permits, and installation.
Takes a long time to install: As we’ve already noted, permits, designs, and fabrication of a custom system can take a long time. A custom system is not the right choice if you are under intense time constraints.
Which System is Right for Your Site?
While each system has advantages and disadvantages, it is essential to be realistic with your needs when choosing a catwalk system. Consider the following:
Are you on a tight timeline?
Do you have budgetary constraints?
Will the needs of your site change in the future?
If you answered yes to the above questions, a modular catwalk system is the right choice for you.
Contact Northern Platforms for Your Catwalk Quote Today!
Ready to get started on a new and improved catwalk system for your plant? As a trusted ErectAStep supplier, Northern Platforms has served customers in Alberta and BC for over 20 years. Our turnkey approach handles everything from consultation to maintenance. Call our Leduc location at (780) 986-8825 or visit northernplatformsltd.ca to get started on your free consultation today!
Let’s face it: working on roofs is dangerous. In addition to routine workplace hazards, workers face the consistent risk of fatal falls and accidents. That’s why effective rooftop safety and fall protection is so important.
Typically, when people think of fall protection, they might imagine safety harnesses, lifelines, and other types of personal protective equipment (PPE). But did you know that employers can implement several other fall protection measures in addition to these systems? It’s true: installing handrails, guardrails, safety gates, and even modular work platforms can help create a comprehensive rooftop safety system that you can count on. In this post, we’ll explain how to take proper precautions when working on a roof and all the safety equipment you’ll need to protect your workers at every turn.
Common Rooftop Hazards
Uncontrolled edges are the most common hazard workers encounter when working on a rooftop. However, there are several other risks you should be aware of, including:
Sloped or uneven surfaces
Challenging weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice
Cable trays, HVAC ducting & piping
Parapet walls
Every rooftop will have different risks and challenges. That’s why it is important to assess your workplace and identify any potential hazards thoroughly. Review all your access points, unprotected edges, and common walking paths. Next, once you’ve determined where you need fall protection, partner with a trusted supplier like Northern Platforms. We’ll help make your rooftop safer, provide equipment suggestions, and offer turnkey installation services.
Beyond PPE: Guardrails, Safety Swing Gates and Modular Work Platforms
One of the best ways to work safely on a roof is to remove falling hazards wherever possible. In Canada, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety requires fall protection in any situation where workers could fall from a height of 3 metres (10 feet) or more. This includes the use of fixed barriers, surface opening protections, and warning barriers, in addition to PPE. At Northern Platforms, we regularly recommend ErectaStep’s modular industrial platforms for safe access to your facility’s rooftop. These versatile, safe access solutions can be used to get over, around, or on top of rooftop obstacles, such as cable trays, HVAC systems, or pipes. Plus, since this system is modular, you can easily customize your walkways, crossover stairs, and work platforms to avoid the unique obstacles and challenges in your workplace. Not sure where to start? As a certified ErectaStep supplier, the Northern Platforms team can design and build your rooftop access solution quickly, no matter how complex your needs. With our digital real-time configuration tool, we plan, draw, and quote your modular work platforms within minutes. Contact us today to get started!
Northern Platforms: Your Experts in Rooftop Safety
Ready to make your operations safer, smarter, and more efficient in 2025? As Western Canada’s trusted safe access equipment supplier, Northern Platforms is here to help. We’ve been helping companies with their safe access equipment and loading systems since 2002. No matter your needs, we have the expertise and know-how to craft a solution that integrates seamlessly into your site. Don’t wait to revolutionize your operations–schedule a site assessment today!
Efficient and safe access to buildings and areas on your worksite is crucial for all operations. But, in some circumstances, it might not make sense to invest in a permanent solution. That’s where portable stairs come in. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the basics of portable stairs, their key features, and why it pays to invest in high-quality models like ErectaStep from qualified suppliers like Northern Platforms. Keep reading to learn more!
What are Portable Stairs?
Portable stairs are adjustable work platforms designed to provide access to temporary buildings, trailers, and other areas on construction, industrial, and commercial sites. These safe access solutions are usually installed when permanent stairs aren’t necessary or practical, like temporary worksites or remote jobs. Some employers might also opt for portable steel stairs as a permanent solution since they are a cost-effective and durable alternative to concrete or wood stairs.
Multiple configurations are available, including direct, left, right, or multiple entries. Double stairs are also available.
How High-Quality Portable Stairs Can Save You Money
Avoid Costly Construction
Enabling safe access for your workers is crucial; stairways are just one way. However, external stairs can cost a lot to fabricate and install, especially when using concrete. On the other hand, if you opt for a cheaper material like wood, you’ll experience increased liability due to rot, decay, and improper construction. That’s why metal stairs are ideal: they are less expensive than concrete but more durable than wood.
With pre-fabricated metal stairs, you can significantly reduce material and labour costs. All elements easily bolt together on-site without welding or heavy equipment, making the installation fast and painless. Plus, they are made from durable galvanized steel with large, slip-resistant platforms, meaning your workers will be protected, every step of the way.
No Permits, No Fines
In some cases, you might need a permit if you are building a permanent exterior staircase yourself. Additionally, you’ll need to make sure your stairs comply with your area’s local rules and building regulations. If you aren’t careful, incorrect stair construction can lead to costly fines, taking a significant financial toll in the long run.
Avoid uncertainty (and hefty penalties!) with ErectaStep prefabricated portable stairs, which are OSHA, IBC, and CCOHS compliant. This product is built with tread, riser, and width regulations in mind, meaning you can count on passing your safety inspection with flying colours.
Northern Platforms: Your Go-To for Quality Portable Stairs and More
