Avoiding common roofing hazards

By Progressive Materials. 

Safety tips to keep you on the roof and out of danger. 

While roofing can be highly rewarding, it also comes with some risks. Taking proper precautions on the jobsite is essential to the project and a worker’s safety, especially in a profession like roofing. The free safety checklist provided by Progressive Materials is a comprehensive list of things to be aware of while on the job.    

The dangers 

OSHA says falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. They accounted for more than 3,500 fatalities between 2003 and 2013. Falls from roofs accounted for nearly 1,200 or 34%, of fall deaths during that period. 

Among other dangers, roofers are exposed to the sun more than most occupations and that can lead to skin cancer. 

Stay safe 

To help protect workers, PM’s safety checklist covers everything from job site equipment to head coverings. PM Director of Environmental, Health & Safety Ross Heinz helped develop the checklist. 

“Your success and reputation as an expert in this industry is categorized by your ability to continue meeting the expectations of your customers time and time again. This begins and ends with safety,” Ross said. 

Rooftops can be dangerous places and one section on PM’s checklist covers job sites. That section includes subtopics on: 

1. Ladder tie-off, which is a method of securing a ladder to a stable point to prevent it from falling or slipping. 
2. Roof edge warning line system with a monitor, which is a barrier erected on a roof to warn employees they are approaching an unprotected roof edge. 
3. Fall arrest system, which is a form of fall protection that involves the safe stopping of a person already falling. Harnesses and lanyards are part of this system. 

To protect workers against carcinomas, PM’s checklist promotes the use of neck sun protection, sunscreen, wide-brim hats and more. Additionally, the checklist urges safety goggles, slip-resistant boots, chemical-resistant gloves and NIOSH-approved respirators to protect against other hazards. 

Conclusion 

The Western States Roofing Contractors Association reports roofing came in fourth among the 25 most dangerous jobs in the country in 2020. It’s imperative to have a comprehensive safety plan and required training in place before starting any project on a roof. PM is dedicated to helping remind workers of those risks, and our safety checklist is part of that process. 

Following the steps on that list can help reduce workplace hazards and help ensure that the number of slip-and-fall incidents and other threats are reduced. If you would like to request hats, long-sleeve shirts or neck gators for your crews, you can do that by contacting your local regional manager. 

Original article source: Progressive Materials