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!
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.
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.
Ensuring railcar loading safety is critical for protecting workers, preventing accidents, and keeping operations running smoothly. Whether handling hazardous materials or bulk goods, following proper safety protocols is essential for minimizing risks.
Are you looking for the right safety equipment for your operation? Here are five essential Northern Platforms products that can enhance railcar loading safety for your operations.
At Northern Platforms, we pride ourselves on delivering customized safety solutions. Our team will visit your site, assess your needs, and tailor our recommendations to fit your unique requirements.
Gangways and Loading Platforms
Both gangways and loading platforms are popular solutions for ensuring the safety and productivity of railcar loading operations.
Loading platforms are the most used piece of safety equipment, as they provide workers with a secure place to stand while loading and unloading materials. Usually, these platforms are sturdy and non-slip, allowing multiple workers to stand on them for short periods during loading.
Your railcar loading operation should also include gangways, which bridge the gap between the loading platform and the railcar. This piece of equipment helps protect workers by reducing the risk of falls and injuries. Northern Platforms offers customizable gangways that adjust to various railcar heights, ensuring safe access and compliance with railcar loading safety standards.
Loading Arms
Top and bottom loading arms are crucial for railcar loading safety, especially when transferring liquids or hazardous materials. Unlike traditional hoses, loading arms are durable and offer precise control, reducing the risk of leaks and accidents. Their flexibility and sturdiness make them a safer and more reliable option for efficient material transfer.
Using loading arms instead of hoses can dramatically improve railcar loading safety by minimizing manual handling and preventing spills.
Wheel Chocks and Blue Flags Protection
Next, you will need wheel chocks, which are essential for preventing the railcar from accidentally moving during the loading process. Simple yet effective, these devices are placed under the railcar wheels to keep them stationary.
All railcar loading operations should include blue flags in addition to wheel chocks. Blue flags are visual symbols used to warn approaching railway vehicle operators that rail cars are being loaded and unloaded and to indicate that workmen are in the area.
Track Pans
Effective spill containment is critical to railcar loading safety, particularly when dealing with hazardous materials. Track pans are installed between the rail tracks to capture any spills during loading. This product helps safeguard both the workers and the environment from exposure to harmful substances.
Northern Platforms offers several containment solutions from UltraTech, including track pans, berms, and barrels, to ensure full compliance with safety regulations and prevent environmental damage.
Safety Showers
Having easily accessible safety showers is essential for emergency decontamination in any situation where hazardous materials are present. Safety regulations often require safety showers in all areas where chemicals are handled. Plus, positioning them within reach of the railcar loading area can make a significant difference in an emergency.
Ensure your railcar loading safety meets safety standards by equipping your site with properly maintained and strategically placed safety showers.
Safety Solutions Tailored to Your Needs
When it comes to loading your railcar safely, it is important to examine your existing operation. Northern Platforms is here to help you find safety solutions specifically tailored to your needs. Contact us today to start improving the safety and efficiency of your operations.
When it comes to truck fall protection, there’s no such thing as “one size fits all.” In order to ensure the highest degree of safety and efficiency in your operation, you should develop a system that is unique to you and your industry.
At Northern Platforms, we are committed to helping you find truck fall protection, such as custom loading platforms and loading arms, that seamlessly integrates with your existing equipment. Our experienced sales team can visit your site, assess your needs, and develop a system specifically for you.
The first step in developing a comprehensive truck fall protection plan is understanding what type of truck is coming into your facility. Northern Platforms is ready to provide you with the right equipment for the job, whether it is a dry bulk cargo trailer, a liquid tank trailer, an intermodal tank trailer, or a flatbed trailer. Keep reading to learn what type of truck fall protection is right for you.
Comprehensive Truck Fall Protection Systems
At Northern Platforms, we believe in our expertise, which extends to designing and building complete truck loading and tank trailer fall protection systems. These systems can include:
Custom Loading Platforms: Our loading platforms are engineered to accommodate single truck loading stations to multiple truck loading stations. We understand that trucks and trailers come in various shapes and sizes, so our solutions are flexible and can adapt to different configurations.
Loading Arms: These essential components efficiently load trailers and cargo vessels while ensuring the safety of workers.
Safety Gates: Fall protection is crucial, and our safety gates are designed to prevent accidents and injuries during loading and unloading processes.
Gangways: Gangways offer a safe and convenient means for employees to access the truck or trailer during loading and unloading.
What type of truck are you loading/unloading?
Before we can start designing a truck fall protection program that is tailored to you, we’ll need to know what types of trucks you are dealing with on a daily basis.
Dry bulk cargo trailer
Dry bulk trailers are often used to transport large quantities of loose materials like cement, sand, or grain. Workers must access the top of the trailer to open and close manholes. Since this process requires workers to operate high off the ground, truck fall protection systems are essential.
For this type of truck, Northern Platforms recommends using a safety cage paired with a gangway for optimal performance. The safety cage creates a barrier to prevent falls, while the gangway helps provide safe access to the top of the truck.
Liquid tank trailer
Much like workers dealing with dry bulk cargo trailers, workers dealing with liquid tank trailers often need to get on top of the truck to connect any loading or unloading equipment, inspect the connection site, and more. This dramatically increases the risk of falling, making adequate fall protection essential to safeguarding workers.
Intermodal trailer
Also known as isotainers, intermodal tank containers are used to transport liquids, gases, and powders, both hazardous and non-hazardous, across different transportation modes. These trailers often vary in height, so an optimal truck fall protection system for this type of operation would be highly adjustable and mobile.
Flatbed trailer
As discussed in a previous post, it’s important to be proactive with your truck fall protection. In the case of flatbed trailers, it is very common for workers to get injured when they attempt to cover a load with a tarp.
By using mobile platforms, such as SafeRack’s loading platforms, you can ensure that your workers and contractors are always protected. These rolling platforms provide a safe walking surface beside the flatbed truck while loading. Plus, this truck fall protection system features large swivel casters, allowing the platforms to be easily rolled alongside the flatbed and rolled away when the truck leaves.
Your Source for Truck Fall Protection
No matter what type of truck you are loading or unloading, proper truck fall protection can save lives. At Northern Platforms, we are the industry experts in establishing the best safe access solutions and fall protection systems for any work site. Our team can visit your site, evaluate your needs, and determine the best truck fall protection system for your operation.
One critical area where safety cannot be compromised is in the loading and unloading of trucks. This is where truck fall protection systems come into play, and Northern Platforms offers a comprehensive solution for these crucial needs. Below, we’ll explore the importance of truck fall protection systems and the range of products that contribute to this vital safety aspect. Continue reading to find out more.
Comprehensive Truck Fall Protection Systems
Truck fall protection systems include a wide range of products and safety measures aimed at safeguarding workers during the loading and unloading of trucks. These systems not only protect employees but also ensure the efficient flow of operations, allowing trucks to transfer their loads quickly and safely.
At Northern Platforms, we’ve been a trusted partner in the design and installation of safe access solutions for truck loading and fall protection since 2002. Our solutions include custom steel loading platforms, available in both stationary and portable configurations. These platforms can be equipped with state-of-the-art loading arms, safety gates, fall protection systems, and operator gangways. We also offer the option to install operator buildings, safety showers, and shelters to provide employees with additional protection during loading and unloading processes.
The Importance of Comprehensive Solutions
High-quality safe access solutions are a hallmark of Northern Platforms‘ commitment to providing comprehensive truck fall protection systems. Our expertise extends to designing and building complete truck loading and tank trailer fall protection systems. These systems may encompass various components, including:
Custom Loading Platforms: Our loading platforms are engineered to accommodate single truck loading stations to multiple truck loading stations. We understand that trucks and trailers come in various shapes and sizes, so our solutions are flexible and can adapt to different configurations.
Loading Arms: These essential components efficiently load trailers and cargo vessels while ensuring the safety of workers.
Safety Gates: Fall protection is crucial, and our safety gates are designed to prevent accidents and injuries during loading and unloading processes.
Operator Gangways: Operator gangways offer a safe and convenient means for employees to access the truck or trailer during loading and unloading.
Our decades of experience providing truck fall protection systems have given us invaluable insights into what works best. We supply equipment that not only meets safety standards but also ensures the efficiency and consistency of your loading and unloading operations.
SafeRack SAS Gangways: A Versatile Component
As part of our commitment to safety and quality, Northern Platforms proudly stocks industry-leading products like SafeRack’s SAS gangways. These gangways are designed to articulate and self-level, accommodating varying heights of tanker trucks and trailers. They are built to last, thanks to their one-piece stair design that reduces welds, virtually eliminating failures. Despite their rugged construction, these SAS gangways are easy to use, with a spring counterbalance that requires minimal effort.
At Northern Platforms, our team takes a consultative approach to determine the best truck fall protection systems for your worksite. We offer on-site visits to develop the right system for your specific needs. With expedited delivery, precision-built components, and custom solutions available, SafeRack’s SAS gangways provide a comprehensive solution for your truck fall protection requirements.
Start Designing Your Truck Fall Protection System Today!
Truck fall protection systems are non-negotiable when it comes to ensuring the efficiency and safety of loading and unloading processes. At Northern Platforms, we offer solutions designed to provide reliable and comprehensive fall protection for workers in numerous industries. Additionally, we also offer installation and routine maintenance services to ensure your new fall protection system is correctly set up and ready to go.
Contact us today to learn more about setting up your truck fall protection system with Northern Platforms.
A robust fall protection system is non-negotiable when it comes to ensuring the safety of your truck loading operations. Are you confident that your current system is up to the task? At Northern Platforms, we understand the importance of a comprehensive fall protection strategy for truck loading platforms. Below we will guide you through the process of evaluating, upgrading, and implementing a safety solution that not only keeps your workers secure but also optimizes your operational efficiency. Keep reading to find out more!
Let Northern Platforms Assess Your Current System
A truck loading fall protection safety assessment is the foundation of an effective system. At Northern Platforms, our experts meticulously evaluate every facet of your truck loading platform system, including safety cages, gangways, loading arms, safety showers, and more. We aim to ensure that each component and safety equipment is functioning correctly, delivering the level of safety it was designed for.
Northern Platforms’ diligent approach not only guarantees compliance but also contributes to the smooth continuity of your operations. By maintaining and, if needed, replacing equipment, you’re also maximizing your return on investment in your truck loading fall protection system.
How Effective Is Your Truck Loading Fall Protection?
The effectiveness of your truck loading fall protection hinges on various factors, each tailored to your specific needs and loading site challenges. Northern Platforms‘ safety experts will analyze a range of considerations to evaluate the efficiency of your truck loading platforms and overall safety requirements. This may include:
Cargo Properties and Hazards: The nature of the materials being loaded and unloaded plays a significant role in determining the required safety measures.
Site-Specific Loading Processes: Factors like the volume and size of trailers, traffic flow, space constraints, existing configurations, and current equipment all influence the safety measures needed.
Adherence to Standards: Northern Platforms aligns our safety recommendations with relevant industry safety standards, procedures, and best practices.
Equipment Limitations: Any power limitations affecting electric or hydraulic equipment use are considered to ensure an effective solution.
Maintenance and Changes: Our team assesses whether your existing equipment has been properly maintained and if any alterations to the site layout or loading processes have occurred or are required.
Fall Protection Systems from Northern Platforms
One of the most common causes of workplace injuries is employees attempting to cover flatbed truckloads without proper protection. At Northern Platforms, our innovative fall protection systems eliminate these risks, safeguarding your workers and enhancing their efficiency. Two of the most common systems our team recommends are as follows:
Overhead Tarping Systems: By suspending a tarp from an overhead track, our system enables operators to cover flatbed trailers safely without climbing onto them. A powered winch system and hand-held control make the process easy and secure.
Access Equipment: Our wide range of SafeRack rolling platforms provides a secure walking surface beside flatbed trailers, railcars, tanker trucks and more, streamlining loading processes while maintaining safety.
Partner with Northern Platforms for Your Safety Needs
No matter the type of fall protection system you opt for, partnering with Northern Platforms means gaining access to industry experts committed to your safety. Our team tailors our solutions to your site and needs, ensuring the best possible flatbed or tanker truck loading fall protection system for your operations.
Ready to elevate your safety measures? Contact Northern Platforms today and take the first step toward implementing a top-tier truck loading fall protection system!
