Safety is a vital issue to every roofing contractor. It is the main reason why they need to be very careful when working on a job-site. They must be skillful in the work being done and take the proper precautionary measures to protect themselves from the biggest hazard associated with their trade - falling.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) 1926.501 publication is a guideline developed for all employees that addresses falling hazards. These fall protection directives specify the use of Personal Protective Equipment, guardrails, safety nets and a personal fall arrest system when working six feet or more above the ground which would include working on most roofs.

Falling Hazards

Training in the installation and repair of roofs is a must for the protection of employees. Greater risks are created whenever workers resist following a safety fall protection system. The hazards and risks that employees face while working on the job that could lead to accidents include:

• Steeply pitched designs

• Slipperiness due to rain, snow, sleet, dew, etc.

• Accumulation of loose shingles and slates

• Working in leather-soled boots

• Personal negligence

• Failure to use appropriate safety fall equipment

• Difficult and/or dangerous access

If these factors are disregarded, they may result in serious injury or even death. Therefore, proper protective measures should be the number one item on any safety priority list.

Precautionary Measures

Taking precautionary measures while working on these structures is something that cannot be ignored. Every contractor must have their own programs, policies and guidelines to address workplace safety issues. To maintain a fall-free work environment, every worker is encouraged to use personal protective equipment at all times. Following are some common roofing safety measures:

• Be familiar with and understand all local safety codes

• Be educated and know how to identify potential hazards

• Always abide by the local guidelines

Assess and be familiar with the areas surrounding the building for power lines

• Assess the degree of inclination; steep-pitched roofs must be given extra precautionary measures

• Utilize ladders made of fiber glass not aluminum to avoid electrocution; choose the highest ladder rating of 1A that carries up to 300 lbs.

• Always observe the correct angle and position of a ladder when climbing onto a roof. Ladders should be leveled, firmly placed on the ground, extend above the eaves by 5 feet, and the angle of the ladder against the wall should be 15 degrees

• Always wear personal protective equipment, especially a harness

A safe and hazard-free work environment is essential for every employee. All roofing companies must develop a valid and effective program to address safety concerns. In this industry, all workers should have training and proper education to identify and handle potential job-site hazards. Since issues such as these do change over time, there must be ongoing training programs to keep up with any current protection from harm advancements.

Developing a safety program requires a personal investment in effort, time and money. Yet it is vitally necessary to protect the lives of all employees and to prevent companies from having to pay any unnecessary expenses due to preventable and avoidable falling accidents. All that is required to accomplish this goal is proper training and adequate precautionary measures. Can any company afford to risk even one life because of this? Don’t do a job without a safety program!