Ways to Optimize Rooftop Safety  

Whether you are a roofing contractor, architect, roof consultant, building owner or facility manager, the importance of rooftop safety to both reputation and success cannot be overstated. Commercial rooftops are often bustling hubs of activity, especially in industrial settings where HVAC systems, solar panels and other critical infrastructure are located. The increased activity on the roof directly correlates with a higher risk of accidents. In fact, rooftop falls are the leading cause of accidents in construction. This makes ensuring a safe rooftop environment an urgent and essential task. While rooftop safety doesn’t require reinventing the wheel, some basic reminders and proactive measures can be extremely helpful.  

Where to Start 

The first step in rooftop safety is to create a cohesive rooftop safety system. What equipment should be included in this system? What are the minimum code requirements for these components? And how can you optimize their safety? There is a significant difference between being OSHA-compliant and having an optimally safe rooftop. Whether you already have a rooftop safety system in place or are beginning to set one up, taking time to assess and enhance your system is a worthwhile investment. Rather than simply meeting minimum standards, consider the advantages of going above and beyond to maximize safety. 

Integral Rooftop Safety Equipment 

A typical rooftop safety system includes essential equipment such as ladders, stairs, slip-resistant walkways, handrails and personal fall arrest systems (PFAS). Each of these elements plays a vital role in creating a safe working environment. Let’s take a closer look at a few key pieces of equipment and how they contribute to rooftop safety. 

Ladders 

Without a reliable ladder, rooftop safety would be nearly impossible. Ladders allow workers to access and navigate the roof, including areas with differing elevations. Several types of ladders are available, ranging from fixed exterior ladders to interior ladders leading to roof hatches. In some cases, ship stairs may be used to address significant elevation changes. The type of ladder you choose can significantly impact safety. 

OSHA requirements: Caged ladders are still common on many buildings, but OSHA is phasing them out due to their minimal fall protection benefits. In fact, cages can increase injury risk during a fall. OSHA now requires that all ladders 24 feet or taller be retrofitted with a PFAS by 2036. While existing caged ladders can technically remain if they don’t obstruct the installation of a PFAS, this rule highlights the evolving standards of ladder safety. The question remains: how can we go above and beyond? 

Going above and beyond: Firstly, waiting until 2036 to address ladder safety overlooks the opportunity to prevent accidents today. Retrofitting caged ladders with PFAS now can prevent accidents and ensures workers’ safety sooner rather than later. Taking it a step further, why not replace outdated caged ladders altogether with newer, safer designs while incorporating PFAS? Though this may require a larger initial investment, the long-term benefits—including peace of mind and enhanced worker safety—are well worth the cost. 

Walkways and Railings 

Rooftop walkways are a practical solution to prevent falls and reduce the risk of slips and trips. These systems are especially valuable for commercial buildings that require frequent maintenance activities, such as servicing HVAC systems, plumbing or electrical installations. Walkways also make it easier to navigate the roof safely and efficiently, without the need to climb over obstacles, which can be particularly hazardous during inclement weather. 

OSHA requirements: OSHA requires that all rooftop runways be at least 18 inches wide and equipped with a PFAS if more than 4 feet above the ground. Alternatively, a guardrail system can be installed to prevent falls. Guardrails are mandatory if a walkway is within 10 feet of the roof edge or on a higher-pitched roof (2 inches per foot or steeper). When installing guardrails, ensure your supplier provides proof that the system meets or exceeds OSHA’s 200-pound lateral load testing standards. 

Going above and beyond: Even if your rooftop walkway is OSHA-compliant, there are additional steps you can take to improve safety. For example, consider installing guardrails around your walkway, even if it is more than 10 feet from the roof edge and not technically required. Why is this important? While PFAS offers critical protection in the event of a fall, it only activates after a fall occurs. Guardrails, on the other hand, can prevent falls from occurring in the first place. Using both systems together creates a comprehensive, layered safety strategy: guardrails for fall prevention and PFAS for fall protection.

Beyond the physical safety benefits, there are psychological benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. Workers and contractors are likely to feel more secure and confident in an environment with guardrails, leading to better focus and fewer errors while performing tasks at heights. This increased sense of safety can improve productivity and morale, which only helps your business. By choosing to install guardrails, even when not required, you demonstrate a commitment to proactive safety and provide peace of mind for both workers and contractors. 

Choose to Optimize Rooftop 

Safety of course, rooftop safety includes more elements than those discussed here, and each system has room for optimization. For instance, regular safety training programs for workers, and routine inspections can all contribute to a safer working environment. However, the key takeaway is that rooftop safety shouldn’t stop at meeting OSHA’s minimum requirements. 

By choosing to retrofit ladders with PFAS today or installing guardrails even when not required, you can take proactive measures to prevent accidents before they happen. These enhancements not only reduce risks but also increase worker confidence, efficiency and overall safety. Furthermore, such measures help protect your reputation by demonstrating a commitment to creating a safe and responsible workplace. 

Whether you are improving an existing rooftop safety system or designing a new one, adopting a “go-above-and-beyond” approach protects lives, ensures peace of mind and ultimately contributes to your business’ long-term success. Why settle for the bare minimum when you can set a higher standard of safety? Choosing to optimize your rooftop safety today is an investment in the future security and productivity of your business. 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Alec Fox, Marketing for Design Components Inc., Fayetteville, Georgia. For more information email [email protected] or  call (678) 918-4278.