When managing a high-rise building, safety is non-negotiable. Fall protection systems are not only required by OSHA — they’re essential to protect the lives of maintenance workers and contractors accessing rooftops and building façades.
In this case study, we’ll walk through how Shine On Anchors helped a downtown Chicago high-rise design, install, and certify a compliant and customized fall protection system.
🏢 Project Overview
- Building Type: 33-story commercial office tower
- Location: Downtown Chicago
- Scope of Work:
- Evaluate existing fall protection system
- Design & install new rooftop anchor system
- Perform load testing and OSHA certification
- Provide contractor assurance documentation
- Evaluate existing fall protection system
🚧 The Challenge
The building had outdated roof anchors that had not been load tested in over 15 years. The property manager had recently hired a new window cleaning company, but couldn’t provide them with current anchor certifications — putting the job, and the building’s liability, at risk.
Additionally, the rooftop layout was complex, with multiple levels, parapets, and HVAC obstructions limiting worker movement.
🔧 Our Solution
- Site Assessment
- Our team performed a full audit of the rooftop and existing anchors.
- We identified anchors that were improperly spaced, corroded, or structurally unsound.
- Our team performed a full audit of the rooftop and existing anchors.
- Custom System Design
- We designed a new layout featuring 24 stainless steel fall protection anchors, rated for 5,000 lbs each.
- Anchors were positioned to provide continuous tie-off coverage across all maintenance zones.
- We designed a new layout featuring 24 stainless steel fall protection anchors, rated for 5,000 lbs each.
- Installation & Load Testing
- Installation was completed over three days with minimal rooftop disruption.
- All anchors were individually pull-tested to ANSI standards and documented.
- Installation was completed over three days with minimal rooftop disruption.
- Certification & Documentation
- The client received a full compliance report, anchor layout diagram, and signed contractor assurance letter to share with service vendors.
- The client received a full compliance report, anchor layout diagram, and signed contractor assurance letter to share with service vendors.
✅ The Result
- The building is now 100% OSHA-compliant.
- Contractors can safely tie off without hesitation.
- The property manager eliminated potential liability and passed internal safety audits.
Best of all, the upgrade increased the building’s operational value and appeal to Class A tenants who prioritize workplace safety.
Shine On Anchors Delivers More Than Compliance
We specialize in making complex buildings safe — without overengineering. Whether it’s a high-rise, hospital, or university, our team delivers turnkey fall protection systems that stand up to scrutiny, weather, and time.
📞 Got an older building that needs an anchor system upgrade? Call Shine On Anchors for a custom assessment and compliance roadmap.
