Edge protection is something that’s not often considered as we’d all like to believe we’re invincible and cautious enough when it comes to working at height. However, even with the smartest and most cautious minds, dangers come with those who are operating and working in these conditions.
With edge protection, it gives that extra peace of mind and effort made by the business to protect its staff. Without it, there’s an added risk to those working at height and potential legal trouble for those businesses that haven’t put in the proper parameters needed to protect their workers.
What is edge protection? What are the variations available? In this informative guide, you’ll learn all about edge protection and what to look for when finding the right company to install it.
What is edge protection?
Edge protection is a structure typically used on roofing to help prevent any person from falling from a height. It’s designed to prevent it from happening or to at least lower the risk of it occurring.
This protection will often consist of guardrails and handrails which are applied at various locations for those who may be working at a certain level of height that’s deemed dangerous and life-threatening.
Edge protection is something that is applied in many different varieties whether that be on rooftops, in football stadiums, warehouses, and other locations where it’s needed.
What variations of edge protections are there?
You’ve got three different types of protection available and depending on your needs will determine which one is best.
- Collapsible guardrail and handrail – Ideal for temporary use and for those that may need to operate other machinery or equipment in the same vicinity.
- Fixed guardrail and handrail – Useful for those who need a permanent fixture in place and are made for use all year around.
- Freestanding guardrail and handrail – Handy for those working at height and needing a solution that doesn’t penetrate the surface of the roof. These rails are weighted down to be heavy enough to prevent falls but are moveable.
Height safety is an important part of operating work personnel that are working at a height, so any of the above options is useful to implement for fall protection.
What are the benefits of using edge protection for your business?
Why use protection? As a business, you want to look after your employees and when it comes to safety, the more preventative measures you put in place, the better.
Help prevent any accidental falls
Accidents happen and when they happen in the workplace, it can become a legal and HR nightmare to navigate. To help prevent this from happening, edge protection can be useful to have in place.
A trip or fall with edge protection in place can be the difference between a little graze or bump to the head, to falling from a height and potentially being life-threatening.
Minimizes injury in the workplace
Injuries occur in the workplace and as a business, you want to minimize injuries as best as possible. Not only is it upsetting to see an employee member injured but more injuries that occur in the workplace, lead to a lack of productivity and efficiency.
They can be easy to install
A great benefit of edge protection is that most are easy enough to install. Some may be installable yourself or you may want to get the help of a company to install them for you.
A trip or fall with edge protection in place can be the difference between a little graze or bump to the head, to falling from a height and potentially being life-threatening.
Minimizes injury in the workplace
Injuries occur in the workplace and as a business, you want to minimize injuries as best as possible. Not only is it upsetting to see an employee member injured but more injuries that occur in the workplace, lead to a lack of productivity and efficiency.
How to find the right company for edge protection installation
Talking of companies to help, how do you find the right company for edge protection installation? It’s important that you pick the right one, especially as some may not use the best materials and that could contribute to more risk. Here are some tips for finding the best edge protection installation company for your business needs.
Look for a variety of options
What options do they offer you when it comes to edge protection? Some companies may specialize in offering just one type, whereas others may offer you all three options. Depending on your needs, you may want to go with one that’s a specialist or one that caters to a variety.
Compare costs
There are plenty of companies out there, so make sure to compare the costs of each one before deciding on one. It’s always good to save a bit of money but you want to ensure the quality of materials and installation remain.
Edge protection is something every business with employees working from height, requires. Make sure to get edge protection fitted within your business premises this year.
