The Occupational Health and Safety Branch of the
Department of Government Services today issued a reminder to employers
and employees to exercise caution when removing snow from roofs. This is
an issue of particular concern in the western region of the island where
large amounts of snow have fallen over the course of this winter.
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.
St. John�s: 729-2706
Grand Bank: 832-2070
Grand Falls-Windsor: 292-4400
Corner Brook: 637-2946
Labrador: 282-3679
Toll Free: 1-800-563-5471
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