NRCA and United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers Join to Support National Safety Stand-Down, May 8-12

Reid Ribble, CEO of the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA), and Kinsey M. Robinson, international president of the United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers release this joint statement:

The United Union of Roofers, Waterproofers and Allied Workers (UURWAW) and the National Roofing Contractors Association (NRCA) are pleased to continue their annual support for the National Safety Stand-Down to Prevent Falls in Construction, organized by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), taking place throughout the U.S.,May 8-12, 2017.

The National Safety Stand-Down is an effort to focus company and worker attention on the significance of fall hazards in construction and emphasize the importance of effectively implementing fall-protection systems on every project.

The latest statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics show 69 workers in the roofing industry died in 2015 from falls that occurred as they were doing their jobs. Those numbers reflect 69 families that have been changed forever by the loss of a loved one.

NRCA and UURWAW encourage their members and all involved in the roofing industry to participate in the National Safety Stand-Down by delivering focused fall-protection awareness toolbox talks at the start of each day during that week and throughout the year.

NRCA is offering its Toolbox Talks regarding personal fall-arrest systems, skylight and roof openings, warning-line systems and ladder safety for free; they can be found at www.nrca.net/TBT2017.

In addition, NRCA will host a webinar about roofing fall protection Monday, May 8 and a Live Chat on NRCA’s Facebook page to discuss trending roofing and construction safety topics Wednesday, May 10.

UURWAW is offering special materials about fall protection at www.unionroofers.com.

NRCA and UURWAW urge the roofing industry to pledge to continue to save lives by increasing awareness of fall hazards so all workers are safe performing their critical work and are able to go home to their families at the end of each day.