Revolutionizing Fall Protection: How Hilmerson Met a Growing Need for Henry Carlson Construction

In the world of construction, safety is paramount.

Ensuring the well-being of workers and trade contractors during the construction process requires innovative solutions that not only meet safety standards but also streamline processes and save valuable time and resources. At Hilmerson, we recognized the limitations of traditional 2×4 wood guardrails and sought to create a game-changing alternative.

About The Henry Carlson Construction Project

Products Deployed:

• 3700 LF of Hilmerson Safety Rail System™
• 10’ Safety Rail Panels w/ Integrated Toeboards
• 5’ Safety Rail Panels w/ Integrated Toeboards
• Non-Penetrating Weighted Bases
• Adjustable Guardrails w/Integrated Toeboards
• Clamp-On Adjustable Swing Gates
• Mobile Dolly

Project Location: Sioux Falls, SD – Sioux Falls Regional Airport
General Contractor: Henry Carlson Construction
Date Range: August 2023 – Current

Identifying the Need: Transitioning from Tradition to Innovation

For over a century, Henry Carlson Construction, a prominent player in the Sioux Falls, SD area, has been a driving force in the construction industry. Over the years, they had relied on conventional 2×4 wood guardrails to provide fall protection for their workers and trade contractors. While these guardrails served their purpose to a certain extent, the company began to see the potential for a more robust, efficient, safe, and reusable system. Their goal was clear: find a solution that not only met their immediate safety needs but also enhanced their overall construction processes.

The desire for a guardrail system that was “Made in the USA” was coupled with the need for reusability across multiple projects, a move that promised to significantly cut down on time and financial expenses. This led them to Hilmerson, a company known for its cutting-edge and construction-grade™ safety solutions.

Redefining Construction Safety

The challenge at hand was to provide fall protection in a four-story parking garage constructed with a post-tensioned concrete slab. Traditional methods involving penetrating the concrete slab were not an option due to safety concerns. Henry Carlson Construction needed a non-penetrating weighted base-style safety rail system, and Hilmerson’s was the perfect fit.

Our system not only ensured the safety of Henry Carlson Construction’s workers but also addressed the contractor’s concerns without compromising the structural integrity of the project.

The Hilmerson Advantage: A Comprehensive Deployment

The implementation of Hilmerson’s Safety Rail System™ proved to be a game-changer for the project. A total of 3700 linear feet (LF) of Hilmerson’s innovative safety rail system was deployed, encompassing a range of configurations. These included 10-foot safety rail panels with integrated toeboards, 5-foot safety rail panels with integrated toeboards, non-penetrating weighted bases, adjustable guardrails with integrated toeboards, clamp-on adjustable swing gates, and a mobile dolly (Learn More About Hilmerson Safety Rail Kits & Applications) – all working in harmony to create a comprehensive and effective fall protection solution.

Project Showcase: A Sky-High Transformation

The project that brought together the construction-grade™ safety approach of Hilmerson and Henry Carlson Construction’s need for innovation was none other than the creation of a new four-level parking structure at the Sioux Falls Regional Airport. With a capacity to hold around 975 parking spaces, the structure is aiming to elevate the parking experience for travelers. The addition of a skyway from the second level to the main terminal will add an extra layer of convenience and accessibility.

Aviation Construction Safety Takes Flight

The partnership between Henry Carlson Construction and Hilmerson exemplifies the transformative impact that innovation can have in the construction industry. By identifying a critical need for enhanced fall protection, the company sought out a solution that went beyond traditional methods. Hilmerson’s non-penetrating weighted base style safety rail system not only met safety requirements but also streamlined processes and saved valuable time and resources.