Industrial facilities constantly balance numerous demands. Are you struggling to ensure worker safety while still meeting operational standards? Articulating stairs might be the perfect solution. Let’s explain how one simple piece of equipment from Northern Platforms has helped reduce injury, optimize workflow, and meet other modern industrial needs.
What are Articulating Stairs?
Articulating stairs are adjustable stair systems designed to provide safe and stable access to areas at varying heights. Unlike fixed staircases or ladders, articulating stairs automatically adjust their angle and step level to match the height of the platform, truck, railcar, or equipment being accessed. This self-levelling feature ensures that each step remains even and secure, reducing the risk of slips, trips, or falls.
Types of Articulating Stairs
Northern Platforms offers two types of articulating stairs for specific applications.
For industrial truck and railcar loading/unloading: Saferack’s Self-Adjusting Stair gangway is built to articulate and self-level, with an adjustable working range of 40° below horizontal and 45° above horizontal. Learn more about our various gangway options in our previous post, “SafeRack Gangways and More at Northern Platforms.”
For commercial warehouses: RollaStep G Series Self-Levelling Stairs also allow for height adjustability. Unlike a gangway, this access solution includes a work platform, making it perfect for warehouses, processing plants, and other interior industrial applications. Read more: “The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Portable Stairs for Your Workplace.”
Benefits of Articulating Stairs
Reduced Worker Injury
Many industrial environments regularly expose workers to fall risks, especially when climbing on top of tanker trucks or grabbing product from hard-to-reach shelves. Often, sites do not have adequate fall protection in place, especially when using outdated solutions. When you opt for articulating stairs, workers benefit from OH&S compliant handrails, integrated fall protection systems, and more. With more effective systems in place, you will benefit from a safer and more efficient workplace.
Improved Site Efficiency
When workers are limited to traditional ladders, they must always maintain three points of contact. While this regulation is crucial for safety purposes, it can also make carrying tools, equipment, or products difficult while ascending or descending the stairs, significantly slowing down workflows. Want to speed up your operations while still keeping safety at the forefront? Consider articulating stairs. With enhanced safety features, these solutions allow workers to easily transport materials with both hands.
Cut Down Long-Term Costs
While articulating stairs cost more than traditional ladders, they actually save you money, depending on your operation. If your workers regularly access materials or trucks of different heights, articulating stairs can streamline your operations process, increasing the number of trucks you can unload or products you can ship in a day. Additionally, your articulating stairs include several enhanced safety features, which help avoid costly injuries or regulatory fines. So, while the initial cost might seem steep, consider your long-term savings when adding articulating stairs to your site.
Trust Northern Platforms for Articulating Stairs, Portable Stairs, and More
Whether you are dealing with strict regulatory requirements or intense efficiency demands, Northern Platforms is here to help. With over 20 years of experience in safe access equipment, we have what it takes to find a solution that integrates seamlessly into your operation for years to come. Not sure where to start? Call us at (780) 986-8825 today to schedule your free site visit and learn more about how our team can help! For more information, check out our service page or product catalogue.
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!
Are you looking to invest in fall protection measures for your worksite but aren’t sure what solution is right for you? In this post, we’ll explain why you should trade in chains and manual swing gates for a safer, more effective fall protection solution: self-closing safety gates. Keep reading to learn more!
The Problem with Chains and Manual Swing Gates
Safety chains are commonly used to block off ladder openings or restricted areas. However, they are not OSHA or OH&Scompliant and are generally considered unsafe. Workers have to manually reattach the chain after passing through. This step is easy to forget, especially when carrying tools or moving quickly. Chains are also flimsy and can’t provide reliable fall protection. Over time, they tend to sag, rust, or even break, especially in harsh weather conditions. This makes chains a poor choice for any environment where safety matters. Another standard fall protection measure used in industrial environments is manual swing gates. While these solutions are sturdier than chains, they still depend on workers to close them every time. In busy workplaces, it’s common for gates to be left open by mistake, creating a dangerous gap in your fall protection system.
Safety Swing Gates
Self-closing safety swing gates are engineered to eliminate human error while providing robust physical barriers in high-risk areas. Unlike chains or manual gates, which rely on workers to secure them, these gates use spring-loaded mechanisms to automatically close after someone passes through. Drastically improve the safety of your site by installing YellowGate’s safety swing gates today.
Key Advantages Over Alternatives
Automatic Safety: YellowGate’s gates close on their own, removing the risk of workers forgetting to secure a chain or manual gate. This is critical when employees are dealing with tools, tight timelines, or other demands.
One Gate Fits All: A single SKU can adjust from 24″ to 36″ (61–94 cm), fitting nearly any opening in your warehouse. The swing direction and mounting orientation are flexible, making installation simple on stairs, ladders, and more.
Regulatory Compliance: While chains and manual gates often violate regulatory standards, YellowGate’s safety swing gates comply with these regulations by having self-closing mechanisms, 42″ rail heights, and load-bearing capacity.
Durability: Constructed from powder-coated aluminum, these gates resist rust, corrosion, and extreme temperatures. Invest in a solution that lasts!
Common Uses for Safety Swing Gates
Ladder Openings: A self-closing gate prevents workers from accidentally stepping into an open ladder shaft, a common cause of falls.
Rooftops & Platforms: Gates paired with guardrails create secure barriers around rooftop fans or other HVAC units
Gangways & Mobile Platforms: Looking for a truck loading operation that is 100% and 100% efficient? Contact Northern Platforms to have YellowGate products installed on your existing loading rack.
High: Closes automatically every time, minimizing user error.
Low: Relies on users to reattach and can be left open.
Moderate: Must be closed by the user, can easily be left open.
User Error Risk
Very Low
High
Moderate
Compliance with Regulations
The self-closing design is fully compliant and meets OSHA and OH&S requirements.
Does not meet OSHA and OH&S standards for guardrail openings.
May meet standards if always closed, but user-dependent.
Durability & Longevity
Built for industrial use, withstands harsh conditions.
Chains wear, sag, or corrode quickly.
Hinges and latches can wear out over time.
Ease of Use
Easy to use, hands-free closing.
Extremely difficult to use.
Requires manual opening/closing.
Northern Platforms: Your Trusted YellowGate Supplier
Northern Platforms is the exclusive supplier of YellowGate safety solutions, providing businesses province-wide with compliant, easy-to-install fall protection systems. Choose us for:
Full Product Range: From adjustable safety gates to modular platforms and portable stairs, our Leduc warehouse has everything you need in stock today.
Regulatory Expertise: With over 20 years of experience in the safe access industry, our team knows the ins and outs of all Alberta rules and regulations. Contact us today to find out which ones affect you.
24/7 Customer Support: Need a gate for an unusual opening? Or do you have an urgent request that requires fast installation? The Northern Platforms team is ready to help! We can schedule a site visit within 24 hours, with designs and full installation completed within the week.
Beyond Gates
Northern Platforms also supplies YellowGate’s aluminum railing systems for rooftops and barrier gates to protect large openings or control access to your site. All products are designed for quick assembly and can easily be reconfigured if the needs of your worksite change.
Contact Us Today!
With self-closing safety swing gates, you protect workers, avoid fines, and build a culture of safety. Explore our YellowGate products and contact Northern Platforms to get started 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!
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.
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!
