Snow removal can be a wild wild business

Safety inspectors receive weekly calls about dodgy snow removal outfits, mostly from passers-by

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By Pipsa Palttala
     
      There is more than enough demand for snow clearance workers at present.
      The snow layer on the roofs of buildings is so thick that some snow removal businesses are having to say no to those who plead for their services.
     
At the same time, the pressure of demand tempts even enterpreneurs with inadequate experience or no equipment for what is ultimately a pretty dangerous job.
      ”The professionals are beginning to get exhausted, which is why the jobs are being taken up by semi-professionals like roof repairmen or janitors”, says Hannu Sironen, senior negotiator for the Service Union United (PAM).
      ”In addition, there is a whole bunch of people who do not meet any safety requirements whatsoever”, Sironen adds.
     
In the worst case, people are working on roofs without a wire rope or a safety harness.
      On Tuesday, a heart-stopping situation occurred in Helsinki’s Töölö district, when a snow remover fell and remained dangling from his rope between the fifth and sixth floors of an apartment building. Thanks to the safety harness, the man could be rescued.
      Another snow worker who fell from a height of 12 metres last week was also spared from serious injuries.
      The man was not wearing a safety harness, report the safety officials of the Regional State Administration Agency for Southern Finland.
     
The safety inspectors receive calls about iffy snow removal crews every week.
      In most cases, the informant is a passer-by.
      ”It is also true that sometimes it just looks from below like workers were up there shovelling snow without harnesses, when they are hanging from gutters in a foolhardy fashion”, says occupational safety inspector Sirkku Vilander.
     
According to the information gathered by PAM, housing cooperatives pay the snow removal workers around EUR 15 to 20 per hour.
      ”The higher the roof is, the more they are paid”, Sironen explains.
      According to Sironen, the branch has cleaned its act up a bit from last year, when snow removers clinging to a mere rope were seen more frequently.
      Last winter saw two serious accidents involving people who fell off the roof and died.
      ”Nevertheless, there are still those out there who gamble with their safety”, Sironen notes.
     
Another risk is posed is the potential damage to the roof structures themselves.
      It is the obligation of the property owner to give instructions on how to move on the roof.
      The snow removal worker should know on which kind of roof material he is working.
     
     
Whistle and helmet offer extra safety
     
Law demands only a harness and a safety rope
     
     
The working conditions of snow removal workers would not make anyone envious.
      The roofs are slippery, while the wind up there is ice-cold. If a worker slips, he may be left hanging precariously from a rope.
     
Finland’s Occupational Safety and Health Act states that the minimum safety requirements for snow clearance workers include a safety harness and a rope.
      They must be designed for personal use and carry the CE-mark, which certifies that the product has met the EU consumer safety, health or environmental requirements, reports occupational safety engineer Tarmo Hjerppe from the Regional State Administration Agency for Southern Finland.
      With the help of accessory equipment, snow removal workers can improve their occupational safety in many ways.
     
A helmet protects the user against head injuries in the case of slipping.
      It is also more than useful for the worker whose task it is to secure on the street level that pedestrians do not walk under a falling snow or ice load.
      Further useful accessory equipment includes a reflective vest, a whistle, and a wrist strap.
      A shovel is attached to the hand with the wrist strap in order to prevent it from falling down from the roof onto the street. In a dangerous situation, one can attract the attention of colleagues or passers-by with the whistle.
     
It is also important to take care of the proper clothing for the harsh conditions you find up there.
      ”A multi-layer outfit which is windproof. Thick rubber-soled shoes and water-repellent gloves”, lists Pasi Moilanen, who is working as a snow remover at Helsingin Kattotyö, a company specialised in roof maintenance services.
     
     
Helsingin Sanomat / First published in print 20.1.2011


Previously in HS International Edition:
  Obligation to prevent snow accidents belongs to property owners, real estate managers, janitors... (18.1.2011)
  Heads up! Melting and falling snow makes Helsinki dangerous (11.1.2011)
  Snow clearance from roofs sends people to hospitals (10.1.2011)

See also:
  Snow load on roofs getting risky in places (24.2.2010)

Links:
  Service Union United (PAM)
  CE mark (Wikipedia)

PIPSA PALTTALA / Helsingin Sanomat
pipsa.palttala@hs.fi