Roofing is the third most dangerous profession in the U.S., with a fatal injury rate of 59 per 100,000. To comply with Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requirements, all roofing industry employers must have a safety program for their team.
In this blog post, we’ll discuss the dangers of roofing and provide roof safety tips to mitigate risk for contractors. Let’s get started.
Mitigating Fall Risks
Working more than 6 feet above the ground is dangerous. A fall from that height could lead to severe injuries and even death.
Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, according to OSHA. Between 2003 and 2013, falls resulted in 3,500 construction space fatalities.
Of those deaths, 34% were from falling off roofs. Roofers must practice roof safety and take anti-fall measures to protect themselves.
Ladder Safety and Training
Appropriate ladder usage is critical to protecting roofers from falls. You should follow all relevant instructions and safety warnings on your ladder and secure it to ensure stability.
Head Protection
You should always wear the proper protective gear on a job site. A hard hat or safety helmet can protect workers against head injuries caused by falls or debris.
Harnesses
When possible, roofers should wear harnesses to stay safe while working on roofs. Harnesses serve as a safeguard against falls for roofers.
Training
Regular training sessions on fall prevention techniques can also help protect crews. Several OSHA-certified fall protection courses are available online. This training is not just a formality; it's a powerful tool to ensure roofing safety.
Anti-Slip Pants and Gloves
Anti-slip pants and roofing gloves are designed to prevent roofers from sliding off roofs. The gear provides wearers with extra grip and stability while on a roof.
4 Ways to Stay Safe with Power Tools
Roofers use a variety of power tools, from nail guns to drills and shingle hogs. Working on a roof makes these tools even riskier, and mishandling them can lead to severe injuries.
The debris, dust, and fumes from power tools can also be dangerous. Mishandling electrical equipment can lead to shocks, burns, fires, and other injuries.
How to Operate Power Tools Safely
Roofers can take precautions to protect themselves while using power tools.
Turn Tools Off
Turn off power tools when they’re not in use. Leaving unattended power tools on, even for a split second, is extremely dangerous and puts everyone on-site at risk of injury.
Inspect Tools
Before using any power tools, it’s important to inspect them to ensure they’re working correctly. You don’t want to wait until you’re up on the roof to discover your tools are broken and unsafe to use.
According to OSHA regulations, roofers must use tools that
- Are double-insulated (to protect roofers from shocks and burns)
- Are plugged into a grounded receptacle
- Have a three-wire cord with a ground
Electric tools should be stored in a dry location when not in use.
Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Wearing proper PPE while operating power tools is crucial to protect yourself from injuries. Roofers should wear eye, ear, and face protection while using power tools. Safety glasses, proper footwear, earplugs, and gloves can go a long way to keep you safe.
It is essential to wear appropriate gear while working with power tools. Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry that can get caught in the machinery.
Work in a Safe Environment
You should only use power tools if the environment is safe. The work area should be well-lit, and cords should not create a tripping hazard. If the roof is damp or wet, avoid using electric tools.
Electrical Hazard Safety
BeyondIn addition to electrical risks from power tools, roofers are also at risk for additional electrical hazards. When on roofs, workers have increased exposure to power lines, which puts them at higher risk of injury.
Roofers should be aware of overhead power lines and stay at least 10 feet away from them and anything touching them.
Intense Heat Protection
Thousands of construction workers suffer from preventable heat-related illnesses annually, according to OSHA.
Remember the simplest prevention method to protect workers from extreme heat:
- Water
- Rest
- Shade
Proper hydration and frequent breaks in the shade can protect workers from suffering from heat illnesses.
Prioritize Safety and Efficiency
Just as safety is paramount to a roofing business’s success, using the right tools is also essential. SumoQuote can help roofers sell more upgrades and complete quotes faster.
Book a demo with SumoQuote to learn how your roofing business can improve its sales experience.
