Preventing falls while tarping

[loaders]

I am reaching out to all of the flat bed carriers for some help in locating any current regulations in Ontario about tarping. Is there anything that describes what precautions must be taken during the tarping process, fall arrest systems, etc.? My search so far has only turned up all of the load securement rules and regs. Any insight would be appreciated, especially any links to a government website that would describe this. As you can no doubt surmise, we have an inquisitive customer. Thanks to all in advance

 

[Jim L]

The Ontario Ministry of Labour does have working at heights requirements. For the most part these apply to the construction industry but I have been told that as a regulation they can apply to any application. In general anything higher than 3 meters/10 feet you are required to have fall arrest system in place. Tarping and being on top of the load would put you above 3 meters from the ground. You can read more at:
https://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/faqs/wah.php

The real question would be how does this apply if the carrier/driver is a federally regulated company. A similar ruling can be found at:
http://www.fallpro.com/fall-protection-info-center/regulations/canada-federal/

In the end, you would be held accountable at the WSIB level where any injuries sustained will affect your NEER Surcharges. It would be best that employees should be trained and have a method to prevent themselves from a fall over 3 meters. How you would do that in a practical sense will require some thought.

 

[loaders]

Thanks Jim, pretty much what I had found as well. My suggestion to our customer who requested the info, was to offer assistance to the driver where practical, i.e. using a forklift to lift the tarps, offering staff to help. I also pointed out that in the event of a workplace accident on their property, it is quite possible that their firm would be assessed for the incident with WSIB. Thanks.

 

[T800]

I am reaching out to all of the flat bed carriers for some help in locating any current regulations in Ontario about tarping. Is there anything that describes what precautions must be taken during the tarping process, fall arrest systems, etc.? My search so far has only turned up all of the load securement rules and regs. Any insight would be appreciated, especially any links to a government website that would describe this. As you can no doubt surmise, we have an inquisitive customer. Thanks to all in advance

https://www.trucknews.com/health-sa...all-protection-gear-nets-30k-fine/1003063535/

 

[bubba-one]

Shippers need to put in sky hooks to tether a harness to. We hear of shippers in the USA who require tarping, load the truck, and make the drivers go to the vacant lot across the street as they won't allow driver to tarp on their property due to liability.

 

[loaders]

Thanks T800! I will forward this article to our customer. I'm sure it won't make him feel all warm and fuzzy!

 

[loaders]

Bubba-one, we have a shipper like that here in Ontario. Want the loads tarped, but won't allow the drivers to do it on their property because they did have a guy fall once before and they were dinged by WSIB. It's a real catch22. Thank goodness for rolltites!

 

[T800]

Bubba-one, we have a shipper like that here in Ontario. Want the loads tarped, but won't allow the drivers to do it on their property because they did have a guy fall once before and they were dinged by WSIB. It's a real catch22. Thank goodness for rolltites!

My first question is Do you have a tarping station? If answer is no then my reply is "guess it doesn't need tarping". You would be surprised how many of them then decide that it really does not need to be tarped and down the road we go.