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
Picture this: you oversee the transfer of materials from your loading platform to a fleet of trucks. Each truck is a different height, size, and shape, making it hard to safely and consistently access the tops of these vehicles in order to load them.
In situations like this, tight timelines and inadequate safety equipment can lead to inefficient and dangerous loading processes, which can put workers at greater risk of injuries and accidents. However, by implementing some simple yet effective safety solutions, such as articulating stairs, you can ensure that your workers are safe, well-equipped, and efficient.
Keep reading to learn more about why articulating stairs are right for your worksite and how Northern Platforms can help you.
What are Industrial Articulating Stairs?
Industrial articulating stairs, also known as self-adjusting stair gangways, are versatile and adjustable stair systems designed to provide access to elevated work areas. Unlike fixed or modular stairs, these systems can be adjusted in real-time to accommodate different heights. This adaptability makes these systems ideal for environments where vehicle heights change frequently.
While industrial articulating stairs may be more expensive than fixed or modular stairs, the adaptability and durability of these products make them a smart long-term investment. While you may pay more upfront, industrial articulating stairs will inevitably help you save money in the long run.
How Do Industrial Articulating Stairs Work?
In most cases, industrial articulating stairs create a safe and ergonomic path to elevated work surfaces like the tops of trucks, tankers, or railcars. In these industries, vehicles rarely have uniform heights, so using traditional fixed stairs is often extremely impractical.
For example, SafeRack’s SAS self-levelling gangways are built to articulate and self-level, which can help accommodate various heights of vehicles. Some key features of this product include:
A powered lift & lower system makes the gangway easy to adjust and safer to use
A positive locking system is available in any position, which helps to protect both drivers and operators automatically.
Many available size and width options to help suit any application.
Track-Mounted Gangways for Added Flexibility
In many industrial settings, articulating stairs are often paired with track-mounted gangways to help with side-to-side movement. Instead of moving trucks or tankers to re-align with the stair system, a track-mounted gangway slides along a rail, allowing workers to reach the vehicle from any angle. This setup saves time, boosts efficiency, and ensures that workers can safely access different areas of the vehicle.
This system is especially helpful when the vehicle has several loading or unloading spots. A track-mounted system lets the gangway be easily moved without having to shift the vehicle, which improves workflow and safety overall.
Industrial Articulating Stairs and More at Northern Platforms
Ready to level up your worksite? Northern Platforms has everything you need to make your operations safer and more efficient. On top of safe access solutions like articulating stairs, we have everything you need to streamline loading and unloading trucks, railcars, and more.
Are you in search of a safe access solution that doesn’t require permanent space? Especially in smaller facilities, dedicating precious space to a permanent access solution may not be feasible. When that happens, there are other options available!
Northern Platforms is here to help. With brands like ErectaStep, SafeRack, and RollaStep in our inventory, we are a dependable choice for trustworthy Canadian access equipment. No matter your industry—oil and gas, marine, pulp and paper, agriculture, rail—Northern Platforms has loading and safety equipment made for you. Learn more about our portable stairs, and Northern Platforms, below.
Safety and Mobility in One
The mobility of portable stairs is its main attraction. Usable in a variety of locations for a plethora of reasons, ErectaStep portable stairs easily roll across your building to increase safety and productivity. A broad base and handrails support stable climbing without compromising on mobility. Employees can carry products and tools with a lower risk of incurring fall injuries. We understand that safety is not only a legal risk but that you care for your employees’ health and safety, too. For your operations, Northern Platforms can help you find whatever safe access equipment is required.
Versatility and Simplicity
In comparison to a permanent floor structure, portable stairs take up less space and can be positioned in a new location as needed. As such, their footprint is greatly reduced. Make navigating your facility significantly easier without increasing your spending dramatically—portable stairs can move to where you need access solutions. So long as your employees are trained in fall protection, our selection of portable stairs is effective for all ground, whether level or not.
ErectaStep Portable Stairs
In particular, ErectaStep’s metal stairs are prefabricated and come with a broad base for stability and are fitted with non-slip tread. The bolt-together design allows unlimited configurations—saving you time and money on lengthy engineering. It comes in a few different sizes to account for facility, use and movability. An adjustable height and aluminum frame means a fast installation process and safe climbing for you and your workers.
ErectaStep is fully IBC and OSHA compliant. Northern Platforms only distributes quality materials because we understand the reasons behind stringent safety regulations. For technical specs, including BIM/CAD files and LEED/HPD information, contact us today.
Only Quality at Northern Platforms
For 20 years, Northern Platforms has been providing Canada with loading platforms, stairs, swing gates, and more. Our family-owned business is based out of Alberta, and our employees aim to meet your needs with incredible service and support. From turnkey installation to maintenance to personalized customer service, Northern Platforms is Western Canada’s go-to distributor.
We work hard to ensure you get the products you need with fast turnaround service. Your equipment will arrive on-site and be installed within days, not weeks, as we do our best to have equipment on hand to cut down on turnaround time. Find the OPW Engineered Systems, ErectaStep, Saferack, and YellowGate products from someone you trust: contact Northern Platforms today.
Access platforms are essential pieces of equipment that can significantly impact production and safety. The goal is to make durable, versatile platforms and ErectaStep platforms stand out among the rest. With features like corrosion resistance, compliance with regulatory bodies like OSHA, and reconfigurable elements, this platform is perfect for all industries and facilities.
If you’re considering investing in a modular work platform, learn about the benefits of the inventory we have at Northern Platforms by reading below.
Easy Installation
When it comes to safety, time is of the essence. Whatever modular work platform equipment a company has should be easy to set up and use. While some access platforms can be time-consuming and difficult to install, opting for an easy-install access solution will negate unnecessary delays and additional costs. ErectaStep modular access platforms offer easy installation and configuration, saving valuable time. Northern Platforms’ line of modular work platforms is quality equipment that businesses across many industries trust for safe access.
Reusability and Mobility
Often, organizations are looking for repurposable mobility. A modular work platform should not only serve its current purpose but be flexible enough to be reconfigured to serve future projects as well. For industries where there are multiple projects in need attention and safety features, Northern Platforms has a comprehensive inventory of modular work platforms to tackle all configurations from simple to complex. Whether you need repositioning or complete repurposing, having a reusable access platform ensures efficiency and safety.
Corrosion Resistance
When a facility’s outdoor areas need modular work platforms, it’s important to obtain work platforms that are resistant to weather challenges. Modular platforms with corrosion resistant materials remain intact over time, free from rust and corrosion that can become a hazard. Investing in a modular work platform that will last for the long term will ensure worker safety and enhance productivity.
Slip Resistance
High-traffic areas, especially ones where workers may be transporting goods or materials or be otherwise distracted, require access solutions with proper precautions. Reduce the risk of slips and falls by opting for slip-resistant access platforms. Slip resistant coatings are critical for preventing accidents and in maintaining a safe workplace. ErectaStep modular work platforms provides sure footing even in uncertain conditions.
Safety Compliance
Required certifications and compliances act as a barrier for mitigating potential hazards. Find an OSHA and IBC compliant platform to ensure cooperation with industry standards. At Northern Platforms, we carry compliant stairs and platforms that petrochemical and oil and gas industries all over Canada use for smooth operations.
Northern Platforms Goes the Extra Mile
For over 20 years, Northern Platforms has been a trusted provider of loading operation equipment, access platforms, gangways, and more to organizations all over Canada. Our modular work platforms offer a range of configurations to address multiple problems for any project. Let our team consult with you to determine the best safe access solution.
Contact Northern Platforms to learn more about our inventory of ErectaStep modular work platforms, or call us at 1-844-426-4929.
Recently, Northern Platforms assisted a tank farm in designing custom industrial work platforms and a secondary containment system to keep their employees safe and secure when accessing the tanks. This is just one example of how ErectaStep modular work platforms’ versatility can ensure the safety and accessibility of an operations’ daily tasks. However, ErectaStep platforms can be used beyond tank farms and spill containment access.
Next, we will tell you more about these industrial work platforms and their versatility. Keep reading to find out more!
Industrial Work Platforms: Making Access and Safety #1
When it comes to design and innovation in industrial work platforms, ErectaStep is truly the leader. Their pre-engineered, pre-manufactured industrial work platforms offer superior quality, durability, and safety, making them an excellent option for petrochemical, manufacturing, and commercial industries where access and safety cannot be compromised. Manufactured using advanced laser-cutting technology, patent-pending designs, and lightweight aluminum, ErectaStep industrial work platforms outperform alternative options in all categories.
At Northern Platforms, we are a trusted distributor of ErectaStep products. Whether you need OHSA/OH&S-compliant industrial work platforms or IBC-compliant stairs, we have you covered!
The Easiest Installation Process
One of the many reasons ErectaStep’s industrial work platforms are so popular is that they feature modular, lightweight aluminum components that are easy to install, reconfigure and disassemble.
Installation for these industrial work platforms only takes a few hours and requires little more than a wrench. That means you don’t need to shut down your production line, obtain hot permits, or utilize special tools or welding. Instead, these industrial work platforms easily bolt together.
However, if you require assistance installing your ErectaStep industrial work platforms because you cannot sacrifice the manpower or want to ensure a perfect installation process, Northern Platforms is here to help! With our turnkey installation services, our team can guarantee that your work platform is installed safely and in a timely manner.
Reach out to Northern Platforms today to learn more about our turnkey services!
Customizable for Various Industries!
Because ErectaStep industrial work platforms are versatile and easily reconfigurable, they have dominated the market. Using five key components (aluminum steps, work platforms, industrial handrails, tower support, and aluminum ladders), ErectaStep modular work platforms can be custom-configured for nearly any worksite, warehouse, tank farm, manufacturing facility, and beyond.
Plus, Northern Platforms’ highly experienced team can help with your customization needs from start to finish. If you need an industrial work platform, our team will visit your site to identify your access needs, challenges, and goals. From there, we use a state-of-the-art custom configurator tool to create your industrial work platform digitally right before your eyes. That way, not only can you see exactly what your work platform will look like once it’s installed, but you’ll also be able to view an accurate quote and detailed drawings.
This entire process takes mere minutes, so instead of waiting for a custom fabrication company to build your industrial work platform from scratch, choose Northern Platforms and ErectaStep!
Ready to Get Started?
As a family-owned and operated distributor, Northern Platforms takes pride in offering our customers personalized safe access solutions, loading racks, fall protection and more. Explore our comprehensive inventory today or contact our team! Together, we can help you create a custom industrial work platform system that fits your facility’s unique needs.
