It is essential for this committee to make workers and employers aware of the risks of working at height, but also to indicate the solutions and the tools that can save lives.
The CNESST wanted to highlight its policy of zero tolerance concerning risks of falling from a height during a prevention campaign launched in May.
Two main ways to avoid falling from height
Permanent guardrail system :
When an employee works on a roof higher than 3 meters, it is essential that he protects himself against falls, which can, at that height, be fatal. One of CNESST’s first means of fulfilling this mission is the permanent guardrail system (2.9.1 and 2.9.2 CSEC). Indeed, the safety harness and the lifeline are not the safest equipment for several reasons. The guardrail, in addition to preventing falls rather than reducing the consequences, allows workers to have better mobility, a certain peace of mind and no longer worry about the efficiency or the good condition of his equipment.
The CNESST also provide valuable advice such as the verification of the strength of its guardrail and the accordance of its design with the regulations (9.8.2, 3.8.3 and 3.8.4 CSTC). Indeed, it is important, when buying guardrails to ensure the quality and compliance of its manufacture and to choose its manufacturer knowing all the facts.
Permanent Warning Lines :
The Commission also advises the installation of a warning line to delimit a visual zone of protection between the work areas at heights or to replace a temporarily removed guardrail. Once again, the CNESST recommends choosing a product in total compliance with regulations (2.9.4.0 and 2.9.4.1 CSTC), like the VSS Safetyline.
Finally, it is important to remind that falling from a height of 3 meters, even if it may seem insignificant, can lead to many serious injuries such as:
- Sprains or strains
- Lacerations
- Multiple fractures
- Death.
It is also important to reiterate the risks that the employer takes in the event of a violation of the rules. Indeed, the CNESST practices a zero-tolerance policy and can:
- Stop the work;
- Criminally prosecute offenders.
If you want to eliminate the risk of falling on your roofs, call on our team of experts !
Sources :
http://www.csst.qc.ca/prevention/tolerance-zero/Pages/tolerance-zero-definition.aspx
https://deltaprevention.com/les-inconvenients-du-harnais-de-securite-pour-travaux-sur-toiture/
https://deltaprevention.com/les-7-pieges-dune-ligne-de-vie-ou-dun-point-dancrage/