Did you know that falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for over 3,500 fatalities between 2003 and 2013? A report from the Occupational Health and and Safety Administration (OSHA) reports that a whopping 34% of those deaths are a results of a falls from a roof.
Pretty scary, right?
Most working professionals usually adhere to basic roof safety practices. However, after many years on the job, or even long working hours, bad habits can easily form. Those bad habits often result in accidents and injuries. According to roofingcontractor.com the leading causes behind compensation claims are ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorder (MSD). It’s not hard to see why this is at the top of the list, since most roofing jobs become a challenge due to ever-shifting work conditions.
Before your next roofing project, consider these helpful safety tips:
Don’t Go Roofing Without A Roof Buddy
While we don’t doubt your superior roofing skills, you should never work on a roofing project solo. Ever. Having at least one person up there with you not only ensures the timeliness of a roofing project, but if an accident were to occur, you’d have someone to assist you. Plus, it can get lonely up on a roof all by yourself. A little companionship never hurt anyone.
Ready Yourself With Essential Roof Safety Equipment
The right equipment almost always means a job done right. This saying also applies to roofing. In addition to eye and ear protection, here are some roofing safety equipment must-haves:
Traction-Based Shoes
We still haven’t yet figured out how to walk on water, but we do know the best way to walk safely on the roof: traction-based shoes. Having the right shoes prevents the likelihood of slips and falls.
Safety Harness
Always, always, always use a safety harness when doing any type of roofing. Make sure the harness is properly attached to a permanent roof anchor on the ridge of the roof, so as to prevent falls or other serious injuries.
Lanyard
This is the “Lifeline” that connects the harness to the anchorage.
Anchorage
This important piece of equipment is where the snap hook of the lanyard should be attached.
Once you’ve geared up with these items, the next step is to create what OSHA defines as a Personal Fall Arrest System.
Make Sure The Ladder Is Sturdy
Your ladder should always be on a solid, level surface. If the roof you’re working on is uneven, we highly suggest adding a ladder leveler. Be sure to dig small holes for the feet if your ladder ends up being on grass or dirt, so the ladder doesn’t slide out of place. If you’re on a patio or deck, attach a board behind the bottom of your ladder feet to keep it from slipping or sliding on the surface. The ladder should always extended at least 3 rungs above the contact point on the gutter so it’s reachable during the dissension approach. Check out our infographic on Ladder Safety.
Safe Working Environment
As with any work environment, always do well to keep the roof you’re working on free from debris, scattered nails and roof materials, so as to avoid slips and falls.
Want More Insight?
If your company specializes in roofing work, safety is key. It’s never a good idea to skip safety practices, even if it means taking a little more time to get the job done. More times than not, it’s the negligence of basic safety practices that result in serious injuries and accidents. Not every roofing job is the same. Sometimes, it helps to have an expert opinion before getting started.
The expert professionals at Work-Fit assist you by assessing your safety measures and providing your employees with biomechanics coaching and injury prevention strategies. We provide an extensive analysis your company needs to ensure all your roofing jobs are safe ones. Contact us here today!
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