How to Choose the Most Effective PPE For Roofing Teams

At 29.9 deaths per 100,000 workers, roofers have the fifth-highest work-related death rate in the construction industry.

Falls are the most common cause of death, followed by electrocutions, transportation deaths, struck-by injuries, and heat exhaustion. Many of these fatalities can be mitigated with the use of proper personal protective equipment (PPE).

This guide explains the importance of PPE in roofing operations, as well as the risks involved in the job and how employers can choose the correct PPE for their roofing teams.

Understanding the Importance of PPE

The primary role of PPE in the roofing industry is to protect workers from a variety of physical hazards. It provides additional benefits, though, including the following:

· Increases worker confidence when working in high-risk environments

· Increases worker productivity and allows them to work more efficiently without worrying as much about safety issues

· Reduces the risk of legal issues, as well as extra costs that could arise in the event of an accident, injury, or fatality

Identifying Hazards and Understanding the Risks

Falls are generally the first hazard people think of when considering the risks involved in roofing jobs. There are plenty of other hazards that roofing workers face, though, including the following:

· Chemical exposure: Roofers can be exposed to many hazardous chemicals while on the job, including asbestos, lead, and silica. These chemicals are associated with an increased risk of lung disease, kidney disease, and other types of organ damage.

· Electrocution: In the context of roofing, most electrocutions occur when roofers accidentally make contact with an overhead powerline. They can also experience electrocution by coming in contact with an electrical conduit buried in old roofing materials.

· Weather-related illnesses: Roofers work outdoors in a range of weather conditions, including extreme heat and cold. Working in high outdoor temperatures can lead to heat stroke, which can become so severe that it causes seizures or even death. Cold illnesses, such as frostbite or hypothermia, can also affect roofing teams.

Essential PPE for Roofing Teams

A range of personal protective equipment can shield roofing workers from injuries and reduce their risk of fatalities from hazards such as noise and chemical exposure, as well as protection from dust, debris, and falls from roofs. The following are some of the most important pieces every roofer should have access to:

· Fall Protection: Fall protection is crucial for roofing workers. Fall protection systems such as harnesses, lanyards, and anchor points, and/or other equipment as required by the site-specific safety plan, should be used to prevent falls from roofs, which are a leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities in the construction industry.

· Gas mask or respirator: A gas mask or respirator can significantly reduce a roofer’s exposure to harmful chemicals by filtering them out and saving workers from breathing in dangerous substances.

· Gloves: Gloves can protect workers from making direct contact with hazardous chemicals. They can also protect against electric shocks and provide additional warmth when working in cold temperatures.

· Hard hat: Hard hats are critical for roofers and can protect their heads in the event that they trip or fall. Hard hats can also protect against electric shocks and shield workers from falling objects.

· Earplugs or earmuffs: Construction sites are notoriously loud places, and roofers are exposed to numerous noises, from saws to drills to nail guns. Earplugs and earmuffs protect them from these loud sounds and reduce their risk of experiencing hearing damage or loss.

Prolonged exposure to construction noise can gradually chip away at a roofer’s hearing without them even realizing it. The damage often starts subtly—muffled conversations, difficulty catching high-pitched sounds, or needing to crank up the volume on everyday devices. Over time, this consistent noise exposure can lead to permanent hearing impairment, making early prevention and regular check-ups essential. Unfortunately, many workers brush off the early signs until the problem becomes hard to ignore.

When hearing loss starts to interfere with work or daily life, it’s time to consider solutions. Visiting a hearing aid store can be a turning point, offering not only devices tailored to each individual’s level of hearing loss but also expert guidance on protection moving forward. Many stores offer hearing tests, fittings, and follow-up care—services that are especially vital for those who’ve spent years around high-decibel environments. Addressing hearing issues doesn’t just restore sound—it restores confidence, safety, and connection on and off the job site.

· Safety glasses or goggles: Safety glasses or goggles will protect roofers from flying dirt, dust, and debris. They also shield the eyes from being splashed by hazardous chemicals.

· High-visibility clothing: High-visibility clothing typically features fluorescent colors and reflective accents to ensure roofing workers are seen at all times. This clothing can minimize vehicle and heavy machinery-related accidents by ensuring drivers can see other workers on the jobsite.

Key Considerations in Selecting PPE

When looking for any of the personal protective equipment listed previously, it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the myriad options out there. Keep the following guidelines in mind to simplify the process when choosing PPE for your roofing teams:

· Conduct a hazard assessment: The first step to selecting PPE is conducting a hazard assessment and identifying the greatest risks that your roofing team faces. Consider chemicals they might potentially be exposed to, the likelihood of falls, the likelihood of vehicle accidents, etc. Once you know exactly what you’re up against, you can choose equipment that will reduce the severity of these hazards and provide maximum protection to your workers.

· Consider industry guidelines: The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has several guidelines in place designed to protect workers in the roofing industry. For example, OSHA requires the use of hard hats, face and eye protection, hearing protection, and respiratory protection. OSHA also requires additional measures, such as roof guardrails and fall arrest systems, to reduce the risk of fall-related injuries and fatalities.

Make sure you’re abiding by all industry guidelines and aren’t leaving your workers vulnerable to accidents and injuries (and yourself vulnerable to potential penalties and legal challenges).

· Focus on fit: For PPE to be effective, employees must wear it consistently. The chances of them doing this go down when the equipment doesn’t fit correctly or is uncomfortable.

When choosing PPE, be sure to take people’s individual body types and sizes into account. Avoid a one-size-fits-all approach that may leave many of your workers feeling constricted or insufficiently protected while on the jobsite. Keep in mind, too, that it’s worthwhile to invest in higher-quality, slightly more expensive equipment if it’s more comfortable and, therefore, more likely to be worn regularly.

· Get employees involved: The easiest way to ensure personal protective equipment fits your employees correctly and is comfortable for them is to get them involved in the decision-making process. Ask them to try on a few different options to find the one that works best for them and provides the greatest amount of comfort without sacrificing safety.

Ensuring Safety Through Proper PPE Selection

Consistently using the correct personal protective equipment can go a long way when it comes to protecting roofing teams and empowering them to work more efficiently, as well as protecting business owners from potential legal challenges. Use the suggestions shared in this guide to ensure you’re purchasing the right equipment for your employees.

About the author: Nick Warrick is the Sales Manager at All Seasons Uniforms. With over 15 years of experience in the work uniform business, he has worked with over 100 clients across 20 different industries. Holding bachelor’s degrees in both business administration and information technology, Warrick revamped the company’s online presence, offering its customers a new uniform shopping experience. For more information, visit allseasonsuniforms.com.