Hopper cars and rail transport are one of the biggest methods of shipping in North America, with millions of pounds of wheat, crude oil, steel, gasoline and more moving across the continent each year. In order to ensure safe transport measures and reduce your onsite risk, fall protection is an essential asset. At Northern Platforms, we’re proud to put safety and efficiency first. Our team knows the many risks associated with loading and transport, and by partnering with some of the top manufacturers in the safe access industry including SafeRack LLC (we are Western Canada’s exclusive source for SafeRack), we’re here to make sure you have the equipment you need when it matters most.
Below, we’ll talk about some of the top safety tips when it comes to reducing the risks associated with loading railcars. Read on to learn more!
Install Rail Safety Solutions
Falls are one of the biggest risks associated with railcar loading, and installing rail loading fall protection solutions is one of the best ways to mitigate the danger. Hopper cars come in a variety of configurations, meaning that the ability to customize your safe loading solutions is essential. Using safety equipment like gangways, safety cages, loading/unloading racks, and anchor points are all vetted ways to reduce fall hazards and allow your team to work as effectively as possible.
Education is Key
When it comes to establishing safety on your job site, education is key. As much as equipment can help eliminate immediate concerns, if no one is aware of best practices, as well as the safety measures you have in place, you’re far less likely to succeed. Take the time to invest in employee education; your staff, as well as your job site efficiency, will thank you!
Know the Challenges of Your Job Site
Every job site will have its own unique safety hazards you need to account for, and depending on what circumstances you face, varying access solutions will be better suited to your workspace. Customizable options like gangways, railings, safety gates and other interchangeable solutions will go a long way towards creating a better, safer space for all.
SafeRack Equipment, Only at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is the exclusive distributor of SafeRack products throughout Western Canada and is proud to partner with an industry leader dedicated to unbeatable quality and performance. Our inventory features several SafeRack products, including the SafeRack self-adjusting stair gangway and much more. Contact our team today to learn more about SafeRack’s gangways and rail loading options, as well as Northern Platforms’ extensive range of safe access and loading solutions!
As one of the top industries with the potential for significant workplace injuries and hazards, the transportation sector has an increased need for trustworthy safety solutions. As of 2019, one of the biggest concerns on any job site is falling, which becomes even more dangerous when dealing with hauling units like flatbeds or tanker trailers.
Northern Platforms is one of Western Canada’s top sources for safe access and fall protection equipment, including products from top industry names like SafeRack (we are Western Canada’s exclusive source for SafeRack), ErectaStep, YellowGate, and more. Below, we’ll talk about 4 key elements to be used in ensuring your flatbed trucks have fall protection in place. Read on to learn more!
Why Fall Protection Matters
Fall protection is essential to OH&S compliance / OSHA compliance, which requires that fall protection be available at certain heights, as well as in any instances where the risk of falling over dangerous equipment and machinery may be present. Without the proper measures in place, you greatly increase your risk for deadly falls and significant injuries to your crew members. At Northern Platforms, we’re passionate about putting safety first, and will always partner with your team to find the best solutions for every job site and application. Key fall protection items for flatbeds include:
Tarping Systems
Tarping systems work as a great deterrent for falls by removing the risk of crew members standing on or walking on a trailer itself. As an easy to install and remove measure, tarp systems are the first line of defense that also keeps your cargo safe from exposure and external damage.
Dedicated Access Equipment
Flatbed loading and unloading benefit greatly from equipment specifically designed to facilitate easier, safer, access. Gangways, portable platforms / rolling stairs, overheard fall arrest systems and other such resources can be an invaluable asset to your team that allows everyone to get to work with peace of mind and maximum safety in place.
Handrails
Handrails are a great addition to portable platforms, as well as flatbed units where your crew will need to stand on the bed of the truck itself. When put in place you’ll be able to help prevent slips and falls caused by tripping and reduce the risk of a significant incident.
Harness Systems
Harness systems are another strong asset for fall protection and can go a long way toward ensuring your site is OH&S complaint / OSHA compliant. Self retracing lifelines and harnesses tied into an overhead fall arrest system / anchor point can greatly lower your risk threshold.
Fall Protection Solutions and More at Northern Platforms
Northern Platforms is proud to offer your team the products and solutions that we offer are built to meet or exceed your needs, and our experts are always here to help you find the perfect custom fit. From loading racks to gangways, spill containment and loading arms and more, Northern Platforms has you covered, every step of the way!
In addition to an expansive product line, Northern Platforms also offers assistance with turnkey installation services and preventive maintenance, meaning you can trust us to help your crew reach where they need to go, every step of the way! Learn more by contacting our team today!
Looking for the perfect addition to your onsite safety equipment? As an integral upgrade to loading platforms, rolling stairs, crossover platforms and more, swing gates play an important role in offering passive fall protection and reducing the overall risk to workers as they go about their daily routines. Northern Platforms is pleased to feature a wide selection of swing gates in our inventory, including top solutions from YellowGate, designed to offer superior performance and integration you can trust. Below, we’ll talk about just a few of the key ways swing gates enhance your job site and keep everyone safe. Read on to learn more!
Lower Risk in Key Areas
Regardless of the structure of your facility or your specific application, there are always areas that are at higher risk for slips and falls than others. Rooftops, ceiling catwalks, elevated platforms and other such spaces have a significantly increased danger quotient due to the inherent risk from higher levels, and thus having the right equipment in place is essential. Swing gates help to make sure your team always has something to watch on their back as they climb up high, giving everyone peace of mind.
Foot Traffic Protection
Job sites are busy, and with crew members coming and going as well as machinery moving back and forth with cargo, there’s always a risk for accidents to occur. Gates can be put in place as a guiding path for your team, helping to alleviate confusion and reduce the chance for incidences right from the get-go.
Perfect for Ladders and Elevators
Ladders and elevators are necessary if your facility requires workers to access different levels to get to equipment or resources, but they can also pose safety hazards without the right equipment present. Swing gates can keep everyone in place and keep your equipment secure at the same time, making sure everyone (and everything) is set up for success.
Asset Protection
Finally, gates aren’t just good for workers, they can also add an additional level of protection for equipment and machinery. Gates can be used as a deterrent to keep valuable items inaccessible and keep your job site safe after hours, avoiding costly losses and massive headaches along the way.
Swing Gate and Rolling Stair Solutions at Northern Platforms
As one of Western Canada’s top suppliers of safe access solutions, Northern Platforms is proud to offer an extensive inventory of swing gate and rolling stair solutions from leading manufacturers like YellowGate, ErectaStep, RollaStep and more. YellowGate swing gates are among the best available on the market and give you the opportunity to safely integrate their products with almost any set-up, allowing your team to focus on getting the job done with added peace of mind.
At Northern Platforms, we know that safety always comes first, and we’re here to make sure your team has everything it needs to succeed. From loading solutions to custom configurations, turn-key solutions, and more, Northern Platforms is your one-stop shop for safe access platforms, swing gates, and everything in between. Contact us today to learn more!
Need safe access solutions and modular platforms systems that make handling inventory and shipping easy? Wanting to ensure your worksite is safe, efficient, and compliant with OSHA / OH&S standards? Northern Platforms has you covered! As one of Western Canada’s leading sources of safe loading platforms and equipment, our team proudly partners with the top manufacturers in the business to make sure that you have everything you need to operate at maximum efficiency, while also maintaining peace of mind. We offer a wide variety of solutions, including leading products from ErectaStep. With an industry reputation for excellence and longevity, ErectaStep access platforms and stairs make it easy for your team to access and navigate higher areas with reduced fall risks. Find out the benefits ErectaStep access platforms and stairs below!
Quality You Can Trust
At Northern Platforms, we know how vital it is to have loading solutions you can trust to perform, no matter the circumstances or applications. We vet our manufacturers to make sure that quality is always a forefront priority, and will never settle for less.
ErectaStep knows how to walk the walk, and with over 2 decades of proven results to their name, they consistently set a high bar for performance and longevity in every situation. Each of ErectaStep’s pre-engineered and pre-manufactured components are built using advanced laser-cutting technology and patent-pending designs in order to ensure superior performance as well as OSHA & OH&S compliance. In addition, ErectaStep’s new International Building Code (IBC) compliant stair series are manufactured and engineered with heavy gauge steel and designed to stand the test of time. Simply put, when it comes to quality, ErectaStep doesn’t mess around.
Versatility
Tired of solutions that are only good for a specific purpose and leave you wanting more? There’s no need to worry! ErectaStep’s line of products is incredibly diverse and designed to offer you a wide range of applications for simplicity and efficiency. Their access platforms and stairs are often used for the safe movement of workers and equipment in elevated areas, but there are almost endless ways to integrate them into your own setup. Best of all, when all 5 parts of ErectaStep’s modular framework are combined (Prefabricated Metal Stairs, Metalwork Platforms, Industrial Handrails, Aluminum Stairs/Ladders and a Tower Support) the result is a comprehensive safe access solution that is sturdy, requires no fabrication and quickly bolts together for optimal convenience.
In addition to ErectaStep products, Northern Platforms is also proud to be a Canadian distributor for YellowGate Self Closing Safety Gates for pairing with modular access systems. The YellowGate Safety Gate offers the adjustability to safely close off openings between 16″ to 36″ to provide a safe working environment in any gated, barrier, or railing needed area. Variable lengths, adjustable swing directions, mobility, and universal mounting systems are a few key features that make the YellowGate Safety gate superior to other comparable products.
Partner with Northern Platforms Today
If you’re ready to set your worksite up for success with safe access and loading solutions that you know you can trust, Northern Platforms is here to help. Contact our team today to learn more about our ErectaStep solutions as well as the many other manufacturers we offer to customers across Western Canada.
Are you one of the many haulers across western Canada that relies on railcars to transport heavy cargo and resources across North America? As one of today’s most dependable solutions for heavyweights and loads that do not fit in other types of trailers, railcars are a vital resource for the transport industry. Railcar loading ramps help to ensure that you have enough space for handling and movement, while also optimizing the overall efficiency of your operations. Northern Platforms is proud to be one of Western Canada’s top providers of loading and access solutions, including railcar loading racks and more. Below, we’ll take a closer at the benefits of railcar loading systems. Read on to learn more!
Why Use Ramps and Platforms?
Railcar loading ramps have multiple benefits, whether you’re operating a dedicated rail yard or simply servicing a few cars at your facility. As hauling experts will know, the size and structure of railcars can pose unique challenges and hazards when loading. One of the main benefits of using a platform or loading ramp is that it helps to enable easier, as well as safer loading and unloading for your crew by facilitating straightforward navigation and operation. While the right solution will hinge on the exact details of your specific application, the proper fit will expedite loading and unloading significantly, all while reducing the overall risk present.
Durability
Loading and unloading require a solution that you can depend on to last, even when the going gets tough. Northern Platforms is proud to carry some of the most durable loading platforms on the market, build with high-grade materials, and backed by expertise and warranties you can trust. Brands like SafeRack have a well-earned reputation for excellence, and Northern Platforms remains dedicated to providing exceptional service to ensure you have the perfect fit for your application.
Fast Delivery and Set-Up
At Northern Platforms, we know that time is money, and firmly believe that your resources should never cost more than they give in return. That’s why our team of experts is here to help you find the right match when it matters most and even offer 3D rendering to give you a picture-perfect solution that’s customized to your facility and application. With fast delivery and accessible support around the clock, Northern Platforms always has you covered.
Want to Learn More?
Ready to find the safe access solutions you’ve been looking for? Contact Northern Platforms today to learn more about our extensive inventory and services across Western Canada.
Does your workplace health and safety team have a fall protection plan in place?
If you answered no, it may be time to take a close look at why not. Fall protection is one of the most important aspects of safety on the job, and with industrial sites and rail loading locations becoming busier once more, it’s time to ensure you have the right safeguards in place on your job site.
At Northern Platforms, we’re proud to support workplace safety on all fronts and serve as one of Canada’s most in-demand suppliers of loading safety tools, including fall protection for railcar loading and more. Below, we’ll talk about the importance of having a fall protection plan on the job, as well as the benefits of railcar loading safety protection. Read on to learn more!
Why Do You Need Protection?
Simply put, falls are one of the most prevalent, and most dangerous risks facing today’s worksites, especially on locations that feature catwalks, platforms, and ladders for loading/unloading. In order to be compliant with OSHA standards, as well as to ensure your team always has the support they need, fall protection equipment goes a long way toward mitigating disaster and allowing everyone to stay on track with minimal issues.
The Reality of Working At Heights
Working at heights poses a distinct risk, regardless of whether you’re only a few feet off the ground or soaring high in the sky. When working with railcars, in particular, having safety measures in place is a guaranteed way to help minimize risks like falling from step ladders or gangs, being pushed off by falling products, and more.
Designing a Fall Protection Plan
In order to maintain OSHA compliance and keep your daily operations as efficient as possible, your workplace safety team will want to have a detailed fall protection plan in place. Your plan should highlight, in detail, specific procedures and policies pertaining to the assembling, maintenance, inspection, and overall use of platform and lift equipment such as ladders, stairs, scaffolds, and more. Bear in mind that no two job sites will (or should) have the same protection plan and your safety team will need to focus on integrating elements that are relevant to your specific setup.
Railcar and Loading Protection Solutions at Northern Platforms
With over 18 years of industry-leading experience, Northern Platforms is proud to be one of Western Canada’s leading suppliers of site safety and platform access solutions including portable access platforms, loading racks, loading arms, and more. Our team believes in offering exceptional customer service as wells as unbeatable products to provide an all-around stress-free experience from start to finish. Learn more about our railcar loaned and safety solutions as well as our extensive range of other items by contacting our team today!
