The Occupational Health and Safety Branch of the Department of Government Services today issued a reminder to employers and workers to exercise caution when removing snow from roofs.

The branch is extremely concerned about recent reports of workers shovelling 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, travel restraint, guard rails and barricades or other appropriate measures. Appropriate fall protection is required for work on all types of roofs, including flat roof structures.

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

Occupational Health and Safety Offices:

St. John�s: 709-729-2706
Grand Bank: 709-832-2070
Grand Falls-Windsor: 709-292-4400
Corner Brook: 709-637-2946
Wabush: 709-282-3679
Toll Free: 1-800-563-5471

For further information on snow removal safety procedures, please go to www.gs.gov.nl.ca/ohs/safety-info/si-snow-removal.stm.

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