Urgent Hazard Alert � fall protection equipment required for snow removal on roofs

The Workplace Health and Safety Inspections Division of the Department of Environment and Labour today issued a reminder to employers and workers to exercise caution when removing snow from roofs.

The division is extremely concerned about recent reports of workers shoveling snow off roofs without any protective measures in place. The prevention of snow build-up on roofs is an effective means to prevent overloading of structures, but employers must ensure that workers are not put at risk when removing snow. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, any person working above 10 feet from the ground or other permanent level must be protected from falling. This may be accomplished through the use of fall protection systems including fall arrest and travel restraint systems, guard rails and barricades or other appropriate measures. These systems apply for work on all types of roofs, including flat roof structures.

The Workplace Health and Safety Inspections Division conducts regular inspections of workplaces throughout Newfoundland and Labrador to ensure compliance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations. There are four offices throughout the province to assist employers and employees with workplace health and safety, and anyone with questions or concerns should contact one of the offices listed below for assistance.

Occupational Health and Safety Offices:

St. John�s: 729-1932
Grand Falls-Windsor: 292-4345
Corner Brook: 637-2946
Labrador City: 944-6326

Toll Free 1-800-563-5471

Media contact: Diane Keough, Communications, (709) 729-2575.

2001 01 26                                                        10:05 a.m.