Does a Calgary roofer need a written fall protection plan?

Yes, under Alberta's OHS Code Part 9, a written fall protection plan is required any time a worker may fall 3 metres or more and no guardrails are in place. On a sloped roof, that 3 metres is measured from the eave down to the level below, so most two-storey homes and many bungalows with a steep pitch will trigger the requirement.

What the plan must cover in practice

The written plan is not a formality. It needs to identify the fall hazards on that specific roof, the protection method chosen (typically a personal fall arrest system with a harness, lanyard and anchor point), rescue procedures if a worker does fall, and who is responsible for each element. The employer, meaning the roofing contractor, is responsible for preparing and following it before work starts.

For a roofer, the practical triggers are straightforward. A standard Calgary bungalow with a 6-in-12 pitch and a finished basement often puts the eave well above 3 metres from grade once you account for the foundation height. A two-storey home almost always does. Even a detached garage can reach that threshold depending on the grade around it.

This matters for homeowners for two reasons. First, a contractor without a fall protection plan is not complying with Alberta OHS, which raises real questions about how they run a job site generally. Second, if a worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no WCB-Alberta coverage, Alberta's workers' compensation rules say you could be responsible for any outstanding WCB premiums. Request a WCB clearance letter before work starts; it is free for the contractor to obtain online and shows whether their account is in good standing.

The homeowner's own safety is a separate matter. Alberta OHS applies to workers, not to a homeowner walking around their own property. But the practical hazard is identical: a steep, wet or frost-covered roof is dangerous for anyone without proper equipment and training. Assessing storm damage from the ground with binoculars, or checking the attic from inside for water stains or daylight, is the right approach. Leave the roof surface to the roofer.

After a big hailstorm, Calgary roofers book up quickly and some contractors cut corners on safety when they are rushing through a backlog of jobs. A written fall protection plan, combined with a valid prepaid contracting licence from Service Alberta (required if any deposit is taken before the work is complete) and a current WCB clearance letter, are the three things worth confirming before you sign anything.

Before you commit, ask the roofer directly: "Can you show me your written fall protection plan for this job and your current WCB clearance letter?"