Safety Requirements for Roofing Companies in Ontario, Canada
The roofing industry in Ontario is becoming more aware of not only building design and innovation like green roofing system technology, but also the safety of workers. No doubt that people have the widest choice of the roofing contractors than ever, especially in Ontario.
So how do you choose the right company that will satisfy all your needs?
What do you look for?
What factors do you need to consider before selecting a roof system and what safety requirements need to be met?
Referrals – Find out from friends, family and neighbours if the roofing company that they worked with operated in a safe manner.
Ask – Ask questions about the process of installing your new roof. How long will it take? What safety precautions will be in place to protect people working on your home.
Where do you find the safety requirements for roofing companies in Ontario?
All these rules are written in the Occupational Health and Safety Act and may vary from one province to another; that’s why doing your own research is necessary. If you are unsure if the company that you have hired knows how to safely install your roof, do not hesitate to ask questions before you hire them: the more you know about their experience, education and references, the better.
You need roofing contractors that have the proper training and safety equipment to do the job properly and safely. That’s why you need to find a trustworthy, reliable roofing company in Ontario that meets all the safety requirements set in Ontario.
Roofing Contractor Safety is Important
Although similar experience and good references are important, safety always comes first.Section 26 of the Regulations for Construction Projects outlines the circumstances where fall protection is required:
- Falling into the water/another liquid;
- Falling more than 3 metres or more than 1.2 metres, if the work area is used as a path for the equipment;
- Falling into operating machinery, hazardous substance, or object;
- Or falling on a work surface through some opening;
How can you protect workers?
The worker should be adequately protected by a guardrail system, that meets all the requirements (described in the subsections 26.3 (2) to (8), “the Regulations for Construction Projects”). But if it’s not reasonably possible, that this is how the safety of the workers is ensured:
- By a travel restraint system;
- A fall restricting system;
- A safety net;
If you are not familiar with the rules and not sure of what type of fall protection is required for your particular situation, always ask a roofing professional and do not underestimate the value of protection.
It’s just not worth the risk. Human life is priceless so saving a few dollars on your roof, while putting anyone’s life in danger is just not worth it. The Ontario Government takes these issues very seriously and In 2015, for example, one roofing company based in Ontario was been fined $15,000 for a number of safety violations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act.
