In 2022, nearly 900 workers died as the result of on-the-job falls, highlighting the importance of fall protection in the workplace. What's even more shocking is that 144 of those fatalities occurred due to falls on the same level — not falls from great heights as you might expect.

No two facilities have exactly the same needs, but some hazards are more common than others. Most workplaces need fall-protection solutions for unprotected roof edges, skylights and roof hatches. You may also benefit from using crossover stairways and warning lines. 

Unprotected Roof Edges: Rooftop Railing Systems

Some employees need roof access to perform their duties. If your roof has unprotected edges, there's a chance an employee might veer too close to the edge, causing them to fall over the side of the building. Fortunately, four types of rooftop railing systems exist to prevent this type of fall.

NextGen 3000 Modular Railing

The NextGen 3000 modular railing system makes it easier to comply with OSHA guidelines related to unprotected roof edges. It doesn't penetrate the roof membrane when you install it, making it the preferred option for facilities with temporary protection needs.

The modular design allows you to build over and around obstacles, including ductwork and vents. This makes the NextGen 3000 system extremely flexible.

Kee Guard Railing Systems

If you need permanent rooftop protection, consider installing a guard railing system from Kee. Each rail is made from durable materials, ensuring you remain in compliance with all applicable OSHA standards. Kee's railing systems also use a modular design for maximum flexibility.

One of the main benefits of using Kee railing systems is that they're easy to install. Since no drilling or welding is required, you can meet your safety obligations without compromising the integrity of your roof. Kee also produces railing systems specifically for flat, low-slope and corrugated roofs, ensuring your new railing system matches your company's unique needs.

Continuous Railing Systems

Continuous railing is the best choice if you have a large building requiring consistent perimeter protection. It's also ideal if you're concerned about aesthetic appeal, as the railing system appears to be an integral part of the structure when you view it from the ground. 

Continuous railing also offers these benefits:

•             Enhanced flexibility: You can install continuous railing on flat, low-slope and corrugated roofs. If necessary, you can also add it to a roof parapet or mount it on the side of a wall. Continuous railing accommodates turns, changes in roof level, zigs and zags, allowing you to achieve almost any configuration.

•             Maximum durability: Each piece of railing has a galvanized finish to extend its lifespan.

•             Increased structural integrity: The installation process uses mounting plates or clamping bases, eliminating the need to penetrate the roof membrane.

Custom Railing

If you have a complex or nonstandard rooftop configuration, you may need custom railing to protect employees from falls. When you order custom railing, you can choose the color, the metal type and the outside diameter. You can also add access gates or kick plates for a truly custom solution to your fall protection needs.

Custom railing ensures comprehensive safety by blocking unprotected roof edges without limiting access to employee work areas.

Unprotected Skylights: Skylight Fall Protection

Unprotected skylights are a leading cause of rooftop fall accidents, so OSHA requires employers to use skylight screens or railings. Both products enhance safety by keeping employees away from the edges of unprotected skylights.

Skylight Screens

Skylight screens are extremely durable, making them a reliable way to protect employees from rooftop falls. They also integrate seamlessly with skylights of various sizes and shapes. A skylight screen typically accommodates loads of up to 400 pounds, depending on which type of screen you buy.

If an employee trips near a skylight, the skylight screen prevents them from falling without damaging it, enabling you to save money while complying with all relevant OSHA requirements.

Skylight Railings

Skylight railings are superior to skylight screens when you need to protect large or unusually shaped openings. This is due to their durability and adaptability. Each railing uses galvanized metal to prevent employees from stepping into unprotected skylight openings.

You can also purchase panels or continuous rail, giving you extra flexibility as you work to protect your employees and comply with OSHA's requirements.

Unprotected Roof Hatches: Roof Hatch Railing Systems

Roof hatches are a high-use access point, increasing the risk of falls, especially when workers leave hatch doors open instead of closing them properly. Most commercial buildings as well as schools, hospitals and government buildings use roof hatches for more convenient roof access.

Roof hatch railing systems reduce the risk of falls by preventing employees from unknowingly stepping into hatch openings.

Kee Hatch® Railing

Kee Hatch railing integrates seamlessly with hatch openings, ensuring your company remains in compliance with OSHA standards. Each railing consists of aluminum or galvanized metal, making this an extremely durable solution for all types of environments. 

It also protects employees without making it difficult to open and close roof hatches, enhancing security without hampering productivity.

Lift-and-Lock Systems

Lift-and-lock systems eliminate the need for employees to operate a hatch lid while standing at the top of a ladder, reducing the risk of falls. As an added bonus, this type of system serves as a locking mechanism, preventing workers from stepping into open hatches. 

Other Fall-Protection Solutions

Other fall-protection solutions complement roof rail systems, skylight fall protection and roof hatch railing systems, further reducing the risk of accidents. For example, crossover stairways and warning lines can help prevent employees from getting too close to known safety hazards.

Crossover Stairways and Platforms

Crossover stairways and platforms make it easier to navigate uneven rooftop surfaces. For example, if you have multiple roof levels, you can use a crossover stairway to create a bridge from one level to the next. These safety features protect employees by allowing them to avoid machinery, equipment and other obstacles.

Warning Lines

If you want employees to avoid hazards, you need to make them known. Warning lines indicate safe zones around rooftop hazards, ensuring workers are aware of nearby hazards and can take appropriate steps to avoid them.

One of the biggest benefits of using warning lines is that they're extremely visible. Warning lines are also portable, making it easy to create hazard boundaries. These lines complement other fall protection measures by improving the visibility of rooftop hazards.

Equip Your Facility With Safety Rail Source's Industry-Leading Fall-Protection Solutions

Safety Rail Source has years of experience with all types of fall-protection solutions, including rooftop rail systems, skylight fall protection and roof hatch railing systems. Explore the full range of SRS products, and contact us to discover how different types of fall protection can help you address your company's unique safety needs.