Permanent Safety Measures That Prevent Roofing Accidents

By Adam Cabrera. 

FlashCo offers training and certification programs for contractors to safely install fall protection systems. 

Rooftop safety and fall protection have long been essential but sometimes underemphasized aspects of the roofing industry. FlashCo, a leader in single-ply flashings and accessories, aims to address workplace safety with its newly expanded product line and training programs. In a recent episode of Roofing Road Trips™, host Heidi J. Ellsworth discussed the topic with Rob Drew, marketing manager at FlashCo, and Jeremy Grimes, the company's safety sales specialist.  

Rob noted the interest surrounding FlashCo's new product line of safety equipment, saying, "This is a product line that we're really committed to, and so there's going to be more that gets built upon this as well." He emphasized that contractors who approach FlashCo from the onset of their projects will be able to more effectively integrate fall protection measures.  

Jeremy drew attention to the lack of historical integration of fall protection within the broader scope of the building construction. "The fall protection industry has not historically done a really good job immersing themselves into the building envelope, into the roofing, into the waterproofing world," he said. Stressing the severity of the issue, he added, "A fall could be upwards of millions of dollars of liability assuming that that's a fatality." 

According to OSHA, 13% of workplace fatalities in 2021 were due to falls from elevation, a sobering statistic that reinforces the necessity for effective fall protection measures in the roofing industry. Both Rob and Jeremy highlighted the importance of compliance with OSHA's 1910 regulations, which mandate specified and permanent fall protection systems for long-term safety of workers involved in roof maintenance and other activities.  

For contractors seeking to up their game, FlashCo offers training and certification for installing these systems. "A lot of that liability will alleviate itself," said Jeremy, highlighting the legal ramifications of inadequate rooftop safety equipment. 

Read the transcript or Listen to the podcast to learn more about fall protection and what you can do to keep your crew safe.