How Working at Heights with Guardrails Increases Protection and Minimizes Risk?

Falls at the workplace can happen at any time, especially when working at heights. Workers are exposed to very real risk on a daily basis – thus the importance of working at heights with guardrails.

In Quebec’s construction sector alone, according to the CNESST, there are more than 700 falls per year. In fact, in 2017, the province’s occupational health and safety board compensated just over 16,000 workers for accidental falls in the workplace, over 4,000 of whom fell from a height. Tragically, 10 falls resulted in death that year. Many of these injuries could have been prevented by working at heights with guardrails. More statistics are available as a PDF from the CNESST’s 2022 publication of its annual statistics.

Legislation Requires Working at Heights with Guardrails

In Canada, occupational health and safety is a provincial jurisdiction. According to the Safety Code for the Construction Industry in effect in Quebec, it is prohibited from working at less than 2 metres from the edge of a roof that is higher than 3 metres unless a system for fall prevention and protection is installed, for example working at heights with guardrails.

The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS), Canada’s national resource for the advancement of workplace health and safety, points out that the basic elements of occupation health and safety legislation are similar across Canada, especially when it comes to the responsibilities of employers and the rights and responsibilities of workers. While the details of provincial regulations and the way laws are enforced vary from one province or territory to another, the guiding principle of ensuring worker safety while working at heights with guardrails remains the same.

Throughout Canada, when a worker is exposed to a fall hazard at a height greater than 3 metres, the employer must install guardrails to prevent any falls. If working at heights with guardrails proves impossible, a worker must wear a fall arrest and restraint system.

Any non-compliant employers risk having their occupational health and safety board put a stop to the work and risk being subject to judicial sanctions and penalties in accordance with provincial and territorial laws.

Innovations in Working at Heights with Guardrails

Today, there are new innovative protective guardrail systems that employ more practical, more efficient, and simpler methods of fall prevention and protection. Les Équipements JPB Inc. has developed a modular rooftop freestanding guardrail that functions as collective protection because it allows employers to safeguard an entire area. Thanks to its counterweight system for stability, it installs rapidly and easily without having to drill into the roof.

While this innovative freestanding guardrail system was designed for permanent installation, it can also be used for temporary work sites because its installation does not require altering the structure of a building. Safety is crucial when working at heights with guardrails and our rooftop freestanding system is cost-effective and efficient thanks to its modular design that complies with all Canadian building codes and safety standards.

Turnkey Solutions for Working at Heights with Guardrails

The rooftop freestanding guardrail designed by Les Équipements JPB Inc. is an economical solution to working at heights with guardrails thanks to its no-maintenance, rust-resistant construction, lightweight strength, and durability in addition to its easy installation.

Remember that training on the use and maintenance of fall protection equipment is included in our collective protection services for your workplace. With the expertise of Les Équipements JPB Inc., a turnkey safety system for working at heights with guardrails can be set up quickly and efficiently so as to avoid any interruptions to your daily operations or productivity.

For more information on the specifications of our rooftop freestanding guardrails, read Freestanding Guardrails, a Winning Solution on our blog and learn about our higher than average fabrication standards that surpass CNESST strength criteria.

Contact us to get your personalized quote.

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