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Fall Protection Articles

Skylight Fall Protection: A Solution to a Real Hazard

Rooftop skylights are an often overlooked rooftop hazard due to the false sense of security they provide. The problem arises when personnel have to access the roof for maintenance or inspection purposes and may happen to travel unsafely near or around …

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Fall Safety Training-What the Ministry of Labour Looks for on a Job Site

A great way to know how you need to update your fall safety training is by knowing what the Ministry of Labour will be looking for when they visit a job site. This helpful video will not only show you what the representative will look for, but will …

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Skylight Guardrail systems new pictures

Here are a few great pictures of Safety Rail 2000 we have installed to protect rooftop skylights. The versatility of the rooftop guardrail allows many different types, sizes and configurations to be protected. The Safety Rail 2000 systems meet and exceed …

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Rooftop Safety Railing Systems: The Safety Rail 2000 for Rooftops

The Safety Rail 2000 is the most comprehensive rooftop guardrail system on the market today. Nothing comes close to matching the options and features available, and nothing else comes close to meeting the broad safety requirements from all types of …

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OSHA Safety Gates: A Comparison of Two Self-Closing Options

This article highlights the features of our most trusted safety swing gates. Read on to learn more about FabEnCo's industrial safety gates and BlueWater self-closing safety gate to see which of these OSHA safety gates is right for your …

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Roof Fall Protection Systems by Bluewater Mfg.

Bluewater Mfg. clearly and concisely describes their roof fall protection systems in this helpful video. Their products exceed industry standards, come in a variety of product options all while providing dependable safety. Learn here about Bluewater …

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The Guard Dog Safety Gate by Bluewater Mfg Inc.

Watch this informative video about Bluewater Mfg.'s guard dog safety gate. It will walk you through its easy installation as well as describe its flexibility in the workplace. The guard dog safety gate comes in 3 standard colors with custom color …

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Self Closing Industrial Safety Gates by FabEnCo Distributed by W.S. Safety Technologies

Self closing industrial safety gates play an important part in rooftop, construction and workplace safety. Watch this informative video about theFabEnCo self closing industrial safety gate. …

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Hatch Protection Equipment: An Integral Part of Rooftop Safety

W.S. Safety is the Canadian Supplier of many rooftop safety products from industrial netting and guardrails to safety gates and warning lines. We want to take this time to tell you about another rooftop safety solution -- roof hatch protection …

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Fall Protection Nets: Usage, Protection, and Containment

There are two main uses for fall protection nets: the more obvious application as a storage or racking device, and the less obvious usage as a fall protection system. The best feature of industrial nets is flexibility, given that it can be customized to …

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BlueWater Ladder Defender for Roof Ladder Safety

W.S. Safety is now carrying one of BlueWater Mfg.'s newest products, the Ladder Defender. Creating a controlled zone around a ladder it allows safe egress and ingress to and from a ladder exit and entry point. The product's unique finishing …

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Confined Space Rescue Systems for Water Treatment Facilities and Industrial Applications

You never know when you might have an emergency, when you might need dependable confined space rescue systems. On January 22nd, a city worker in Lake Pleasant, Arizona experienced something many of us have experienced: he threw his back out. To …

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New Guardrail Systems Product Released by FabEnCo: The Pallet Safety Gate

FabEnCo, Inc., the world's leading manufacturer of self-closing industrial safety gates, recently released a new product: the Pallet Safety Gate. The newest addition to the company's full line of guardrail systems, these units were designed …

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Genie SX-180 Telescopic Boom Aerial Work Platform now Carried by W.S. Safety

At W.S. Safety we're excited and proud to now be working with the Genie SX-180 aerial work platform, the largest of its kind in the market. It is well-suited for many applications but we at W.S. Safety we rent it and use it for installing our …

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Fall Protection Industry February Month In Review

News from W.S. Safety, industry leaders in fall protection safety: The Genie SX-180 Telescopic Boom Aerial Work Platform is now being used by W.S. Safety. We are happy that we can now offer the largest of its kind in the work platform category on the …

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Fall Protection Industry March Month In Review

News from W.S. Safety, industry leaders in fall protection systems: We've seen a real increase in business over this past month as the snow gradually thaws and customers are back on rooftops, doing maintenance, etc., and workers are being exposed …

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The High Costs of Not Working Safely - Analysis of Ontario Ministry of Labor Construction Safety Report

W.S. Safety is a leading provider of fall protection systems and once again displays its leadership with an astute report on the Ontario Ministry of Labor's Construction Safety Report. "In a competitive marketplace with often tight margins, …

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Fall Protection Regulation General Requirements

Understanding fall protection regulations is an important part of a safety plan for industrial work environments - do you know what's required in yours? …

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Complete Roof Safety System Includes Proper Equipment Use

A proper roof safety system has many elements to be considered and it is important to make sure your workers use equipment how it is intended to be used to avoid accident and injury. One accident that can occur is called "Bottoming Out". It …

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Fall Protection Industry May Month In Review

In May, as the weather continued to warm and the construction industry continued to grow, W.S. Safety Technologies is gearing up on some exciting projects we look forward to sharing with you soon. In the meantime, here is some news from the safety and …

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A Roof Guard Rail For Fall Protection Has Specific Requirements

There are very specific rules and regulations set in place by OSHA regarding the use of a roof guard rail. Guard rail systems are of course only one of the many fall protection systems available to employers to keep themselves and their workers …

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Fall Arrest Netting Saves Lives - Rules For Proper Use

Last month in the Hinckley Times a 45 year old construction worker was reported to have fallen off of a roof after being hit by a pallet that was in motion. Luckily the site had fall arrest equipment in place which arrested the man's fall and he …

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Roof Hatch Safety with Guardrails

Roof hatches are present on most non-residential buildings and allow workers easy access to the roof for the maintenance of rooftop equipment and for roof renovations and maintenance. Roof hatches are very convenient but can pose a serious safety risk to …

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When Fall Protection Equipment Isn't Used Injuries Happen

Just a few days ago a worker in Bellvile, Ontario, was on a roof carrying and installing building trimming when the trimming he was carrying hit a power line giving him a severe shock that sent him plummeting 35 feet to the ground below. The worker …

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Fall Protection Industry June Month In Review

Every month, we at W.S. Safety like to share construction safety related news from around the globe and occasionally our own news as well. Here are a few highlights that we found newsworthy this June. News from the construction safety …

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Your FabEnCo Experts For The Canadian Market

We at W.S. Safety Technologies were very excited when FabEnCo released their new pallet safety mezzanine gate. Up until they developed this product companies were simply putting together two standard safety gates in a saloon door style configuration. The …

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Teach Workers to Use Fall Protection Systems With Training Trailers

We designed our fall protection training trailers as a method to conduct on-site training sessions with a real fall protection demonstration as part of the training. This has proven incredibly valuable to teach our customers and their teams about fall …

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BlueWater Manufacturing Products In Canada

W.S. Safety is a proud Canadian partner of US-based BlueWater Manufacturing, a leading fall protection equipment specialist. BlueWater Mfg specializes in solving fall protection issues using a passive fall protection guardrail system. The Safety Rail …

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Self-Closing Safety Gates: Know Your Options

W.S. Safety carries the top three options for self-closing safety gates. We work closely with our customers to provide the best option for their swing gate needs. FabEnCo Self-Closing Safety Gates FabEnCo self-closing safety gates will dramatically …

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Fall Protection Industry July Month In Review

As a leader in fall protection services, W.S. Safety keeps a beat on construction safety industry news. Here are a few highlights that we found newsworthy this July. News from the construction safety industry: A worker in Georgia was cited by OSHA …

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Supervisor & Employer Obligations for Fall Protection Safety

If you're a Canadian construction business a great resource of information on fall safety and protection is the Ontario Ministry of Labour's website. Considering that falls are the number one cause of critical injuries and deaths of workers at …

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For Portable Fall Protection, Trust the AES Raptor

The AES Raptor might be what you are looking for in portable fall protection equipment. Compliant with U.S., British, and Canadian OSHA standards as well as multiple Canadian-wide health and safety regulatory practices the AES Raptor combines its safety …

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Not Providing Proper Safety Equipment Comes with a Cost

A roofing company in Bradley, IL has been fined by OSHA for two willful safety violations by exposing workers to fall hazards. It has been reported that workers were expected to work on a low-sloped roof, 13 feet above the ground without the recommended …

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Solutions for Your Fixed Platform and Gangway Needs

Fixed platforms and gangways are a great solution when you need to assist in railcar access or transport truck access quickly and safely. Our on-site assessment will allow us to assist you in making the correct choice for your particular application. As …

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Standards for Guardrail and Handrail Systems

When it comes to guardrails and handrails there are certain standards that must be applied. According to OSHA regulations, a railing is required when working at 4 inches or more. OSHA 1910.23(c)(1) Every open-sided floor or platform 4 feet or more above …

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Roof Hatch Guardrail Protection Options

Roof hatches provide easy access to roof areas for maintenance as well as facilitate the installation or removal of large pieces of equipment. Although they offer great convenience, if not equipped with the proper fall safety equipment, they can pose a …

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Fall Protection Industry September Month in Review

Every month at W.S. Safety, we like to gather and share construction safety related news. Here are a few highlights for the month of September. News from the construction safety industry: OSHA announced in September their final ruling on reporting …

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The Importance of Rooftop Warning Lines

While warning lines do not take the place of fall protection equipment they can help create a safer environment when used together on rooftops. According to OSHA, a warning line system consists of ropes, wires or chains and supporting stanchions which …

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Confined Space Safety

This year, a company in California was fined $82,090 by OSHA, for an accident in a confined tank space. The accident, a flash fire inside of a metal tank, resulted in serious burns to an industrial painter. Fortunately, the employee was rescued but spent …

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Safety Net Systems For Fall Protection

When working in any environment that leaves an employee open to falls, an employer cannot have enough fall protection equipment in use. A good addition to your fall protection system would be to include safety nets. As with all safety equipment, it is …

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Fall Protection Industry October Month in Review

As a leader in fall protection services, W.S. Safety keeps a close eye on construction safety industry news. Here are a few highlights that we found newsworthy this October. This month started out with the First Hawkeye safety conference held in …

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Customized Solutions for Your Fall Protection Needs

If you are in need of a customized fall protection system, W.S. Safety Technologies has the ability and knowledge to create one for your specific solution. Always keeping in mind the health and safety of your employees and paying attention to OHSA …

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Rooftop Snow Removal - Keeping it Safe

With the winter weather upon us, it is important to make sure all of your employees are trained for fall protection safety taking into account the swift temperature changes, snow and ice factors and unpredictable conditions that can happen at a worksite …

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Fall Protection Systems for Large Scale Transportation

Maintaining large scale transportation vehicles such as buses, trucks and railcars can be hazardous. As an employer, it is essential to provide the proper fall protection safety equipment to keep your employees safe during routine maintenance and …

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Fall Protection Industry November Month in Review

W.S. Safety, a leader in fall protection equipment, keeps a close eye on construction safety industry news throughout the month. Here are a few highlights that we found newsworthy this November. Early this month OSHA announced a partnership with …

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The Importance of Fall Protection Safety

Fall Protection safety is not a passive protection measure but an active decision to ensure safety is in place before anyone even begins working at heights. …

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The Mezzanine-Pivot Safety Gate

Protecting employees at heights is a must and now protecting employees in elevated mezzanine loading areas just got easier. The MZ-Pivot Safety Gate by FabEnCo, is now available at W.S. Safety Technologies. With its counterbalanced gates, the MZ-Pivot …

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Temporary Rooftop Guardrails - Which One is Right for You

Temporary rooftop guardrails can be used for many different applications in construction and maintenance. A few of these uses include rooftop maintenance, new roof installation, solar panel installation on roofs, HVAC/RTU maintenance and building …

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Fall Safety Training - An Employers Responsibility

It has been reported that nearly 6.5 million people work at approximately 252,000 construction sites across the nation on any given day. Due to much of the work being dangerous, the fatal injury rate for the construction industry is much higher than the …

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Fall Protection Industry December Month in Review

Every month, we at W.S. Safety like to share construction safety related news from around the globe. Here are a few highlights that we found newsworthy from December. News from the construction safety industry: In early December, the Considerate …

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Aesthetics and Safety Combined In SafetyRail 2000 Architectural Series

The SafetyRail 2000 Architectural Series Maintaining aesthetics and safety can sometime be difficult to achieve when it comes to combining architecture and guardrails. Fortunately, W.S. Safety carries an architectural series that takes into account both …

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Horizontal Lifelines for Pipe Rack Safety

While working at heights on a construction site can be dangerous, there are many OSHA safety regulations an employer must provide to their employees regarding equipment that will keep them safe. This is especial true when working on pipe racks. One of …

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Preventing Workplace Falls - Three Simple Steps

Preventing falls in construction is a continuing matter that all employers attempt to say ahead of. As stated on OSHA's Falls Prevention Campaign webpage, falls can be prevented and lives saved by adopting three simple steps in the …

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Fall Protection Industry January Month in Review

Every month, we at W.S. Safety like to share construction safety related news from around the globe. Here are a few highlights that we found newsworthy this January. January offered a new year and new OSHA regulations regarding the reporting of …

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Rooftop Fall Protection - Staying Safe in the Winter Months

With the long winter still rearing its ugly head for most of us, it is important to keep rooftop safety at the forefront. Maintaining HVAC/RTU units, vents, flags, security cameras in addition to roof and/or skylight repair can be especially difficult …

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Fall Protection System Saves the Day on Better Call Saul

We at W.S. Safety, have been enjoying the new show on AMC's 'Better Call Saul'. Without giving away too many spoilers, on Season 1, Episode 4, 'Hero', there is a great scene that shows us the importance of using proper fall protection equipment and how …

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May 2015 Month In Review

WS Safety month in review - May 2015 As the weather finally started turning nicer this past month construction activity was up and also unfortunately fall accidents and fatalities. It seemed like a particularly bad month for accidents. We are hoping …

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Q. Why Are More Companies Choosing Safety Rail 2000?

A. Meets and exceeds numerous USA and Canadian codes for permanent and temporary guardrailing including: OSHA, OBC, CSA, OH&SA, OSHA, CAL OSHA, Alberta OHS, WorkSafeBC, and TSSA variance requirements. Standard Safety Rail 2000 lengths include 3′, …

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Q. What Are Companies Using SafetyRail 2000 For?

A. Companies are using BlueWater SafetyRail 2000 guardrail systems for: Roof Top Fall Protection, Temporary Fall Protection, Roof Edge Protection, Roof Hatches, Skylights, Hazard Barriers, Warehouse Dock Doors, Warehouse Mezzanines, Warehouse Traffic …

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Q Why are companies choosing Safety Rail 2000FG Fiberglass Guardrails?

A. No holes need to be drilled It's 100% portable Meets and Exceeds OSHA Regulations for Fall Protection ... …

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Q. Why are companies choosing Safety Rail 2000 StealthRail?

A. Save money over an engineered lifeline system …

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Q. What is the OSHA requirement?

A. OSHA Reference 29 CFR 1910.23 guarding of floor openings and holes. "(a)(2) Every ladderway floor opening or platform shall be guarded by a standard railing with standard toe-board on all exposed sides (except at entrance to opening), with passage …

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Control Zones - An Underrated Option for Rooftop Safety

The 'control zone' concept offers a method of indicating a safe distance from the roof edge. At W.S. Safety, we see this concept as a missed asset. If you have a large roof, there may not even be any need to invest in an anchor system at all. …

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Active vs Passive Fall Protection - Five Reasons I Would Choose Rooftop Guardrails

If you are a consultant, project manager or operations manager and are looking for roof safety systems, here are five reasons for choosing rooftop guardrails. …

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Understanding Rooftop Safety Requirements in Canada - Part 1

You have a list of daily tasks. As an Operations Manager, Business Owner, Project Manager or Consultant this keeps you busy. On top of that, you have fall protection regulations and other such requirements to follow. This may seem like a lot, but when …

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People Falling Through Skylights – An Unnecessary Expense

First and foremost, all rooftop workers should be familiar with the layout of the roof before beginning work. This can prevent falls, fines and serious injuries. When working on a roof equipped with skylights, the main risk of falling through a skylight …

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Understanding Rooftop Safety Requirements in Canada Part 2 - Provincial Requirements

Rooftop safety requirements in Canada are divided by region. Following these requirements can help your company protect an unsafe roof. In our article we published online in June Understanding Rooftop Safety Requirements in Canada - Part 1, we briefly …

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Why Series: Fixed Ladder Fall Protection Requirements

Access ladders have hidden dangers that can lead to severe consequences if fixed ladder fall protection requirements are not met. …

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Fall Limiter vs. Self-Retracting Lifeline: What’s the Difference?

When deciding between a fall limiter vs. a self-retracting lifeline (SRL), there are a few things to keep in mind. A simple self-retracting lifeline definition is a fall safety device with a spring loaded line or cable that connects to a worker’s …

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3 Height Training Requirements for Building Safer Teams

In April 2015, the Ontario government rolled out new legislation affecting height training requirements for employers and workers in the construction industry. Changes were prompted by the alarming number of injurious or fatal falls that were occurring …

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Why Series: Harness Inspection Record Keeping for Controlling Risk

Maintaining safety on construction sites requires the implementation of a comprehensive fall protection program. Elements of the program include educating and training workers on the proper use of equipment, the selection of equipment appropriate to the …

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What is a Lone Worker? Minimizing Height Safety Risk

Lone workers can easily find themselves in vulnerable situations. Depending on the nature of the work, specific dangers to lone workers could involve exposure to chemicals or machinery, excessive heat and noise, accidents, and environmental hazards …

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Roof Safety Line Step-by-Step Installation

A roof safety line, also known as a lifeline, is typically a horizontal line connected between two points. The line is connected to a lanyard, which is then connected to the harness of a worker. Because it is installed parallel to the surface of the …

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Fall Arrest vs. Fall Restraint—Two Types of Height Safety Systems

What is the main difference between fall arrest vs. fall restraint systems? Fall arrest equipment is designed to stop a fall that has already happened. It is activated after a worker slips, “arresting” their fall in mid-air. On the other hand, fall …

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Working At Height Procedure | Frequently Asked Questions

Having a comprehensive working at height procedure is key to avoiding disastrous fall-related accidents. This article will introduce some considerations when codifying height safety measures. …

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Ladder Hazards & Control Measures For Reducing Fall Risk

Despite laws surrounding ladder hazards and control measures, falls from ladders continue to be a leading cause of serious injury and fatality in Ontario workplaces. Unsafe ladder use is among the factors that contribute to fall risk. …

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Scaffold hazards and control measures

It’s estimated that over half of all scaffold accidents in Ontario every year are falls. While convenient to use, scaffolds can pose serious risks if proper precautions and working at heights control measures aren’t observed. Considering that …

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OSHA Fixed Ladder Requirements

By implementing various changes to standards and policies, OSHA hopes to save employers hundreds of millions of dollars every year by preventing fatalities and lost workdays due to injuries related to fixed ladders. Let’s take a look at the key …

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Building Regulations for Roof Access Hatch

There are a number of safety regulations and building code requirements in Ontario relating to the use of roof access hatches. Hatches must meet the standards required by the National Building Code (Canada) and the Occupational Health and Safety …

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Ontario Ladder Safety Regulations

Misusing ladders or ignoring safety precautions can result in serious injuries or fatalities. When ladders are not secured properly, are slippery or defective, or not used in conjunction with appropriate stabilizers, workers are far more vulnerable to a …

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Skylight Safety Measures - OSHA Requirements

To help ensure that workers do not fall through a skylight, OSHA has clear regulations regarding the rooftop safety measures that are necessary …

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Roof Work Safety Checklist - Part One

The following information is an OSHA compliant roofing safety checklist and guide to support basic safety measures for workers on rooftops. …

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Roof Work Safety Checklist - Part Two

In this article, we will review several other key components to developing a comprehensive and OSHA-compliant roofing safety checklist. …

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Skylight Defender Safety Screens

Why should you buy a skylight safety screen? To ensure safety for workers on rooftops, OSHA requires that every skylight on any given rooftop work site has an appropriate safety screen or guardrail to prevent possible falls. …

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Skylight Safety FAQs - Part One

The Skylight Defender safety screen is a must-have to ensure rooftop safety. We have put together a series of the most relevant and frequently asked questions about the Skylight Defender and issues relating to skylight safety. …

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Skylight Safety FAQs - Part Two

The Skylight Defender safety screen is a must-have to ensure rooftop safety. We have put together a series of the most relevant and frequently asked questions about the Skylight Defender and issues relating to skylight safety. …

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Roof Inspection Checklist

Rooftop hazards can range from being relatively mild to being critical with severe consequences. Identifying hazards, cataloguing them and addressing them with professional solutions can be accomplished with an in-depth roof inspection and evaluation by …

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Skylight Fall Protection in Winter

Skylight safety is of paramount importance when considering the risks of working on a rooftop during the winter. Learn about the greatest winter skylight hazards and how to mitigate them. …

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Crossover Ramps and Stairs : Giving Workers Safe Access Over Rooftop Obstacles

Rooftop crossover systems are modular and can include stairs, ladders and ramps. Crossover ramps are an alternative to stairs that allow workers to move around wheeled equipment easily and safely. …

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Why a Fall Protection Incident Could Happen To You

Often, you read about falls and incidents in the industry that have happened to other construction companies or contractors. It makes for an interesting read, and you shake your head and move on to another task. …

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What is Safer? Harnesses or Guardrails?

It’s a common assumption that supplying workers with a cheaper option like a fall protection harness is enough protection to keep them safe and productive and remain compliant with OHSA standards. …

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Tis’ The Season - Rooftop Safety

In Canada, November is fall safety month. While W.S. Safety helps employers and companies in rooftop safety, being safe around your home is just as important. Here’s a reminder to be safe around the Festive season. …

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3 Reasons Rooftop Guardrails Don’t Have To Be Ugly

Many business owners understand the need for rooftop guardrails or a fall protection system and even have available personal fall protection available for their workers or contractors. …

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New SRC360 Mobile Rail System

We are excited to announce that we are now carrying the products lineup from Safety Rail Company. …

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The New Tech-Walk Rooftop Safety System

Living in a climate where half of the year involves contending with snow and ice means that your approach to rooftop safety needs to be carefully thought through. Many companies have access to rooftops to maintain heating and cooling systems or other …

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Skylight Defender Rooftop Screen Protection

W.S. Safety always provides some of the best and most competitive products in the industry. One of our best products over the years has been our rooftop skylight protection, the Skylight Defender. …

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