Understanding the Most Common Hazards<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nFalling from height is by far the most common hazard for roofers and roofing crews. Where a ground-based construction worker may trip and fall without serious consequences, roofers risk serious injury.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aside from falling from a height, there are other risks and hazards associated with the profession:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Exposure to extreme temperatures.<\/strong> While high winds and other inclement weather conditions may prevent roofing work from going ahead, crews usually continue to work even if temperatures are extreme. Exposure to heat and cold can predispose roofers to various illnesses. During the summer, they are also at risk from heat exhaustion or heat stroke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u00b7 Working with hot materials.<\/strong> Hot bitumen remains one of the most cost-effective roofing materials available to contractors today. For those working on roofs, there is always a risk of being burned by it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\u00b7 Ergonomic injuries.<\/strong> Roofing work tends to be physically demanding, including heavy lifting, bending, and climbing ladders. Without appropriate procedures and PPE, workers can easily sustain injuries that would force them to stay away from work for days, if not longer.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDifferent Types of PPE for Roofing Safety<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nFall protection systems are among the key components of PPE for roofing workers. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires anyone working at heights greater than 6 feet to have access to a fall protection system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Not only should those working on high rises be protected with professional safety equipment. Roofers repairing or installing a residential roof deserve the same high level of protection and consideration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
What type of system employers provide depends on the nature of the job and any particular risks that roofers are being exposed to. Guardrails may work in some places, while more personalized systems, like harnesses, are required in others. The idea behind personal fall protection systems is to prevent a fall in the first place or arrest the employee\u2019s fall before a serious injury can occur.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
PPE and Accident Prevention in the Roofing Industry<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nWe started this article by highlighting the risks roofers are facing daily on their job. PPE, including fall protection, can minimize those risks and prevent injuries as well as fatalities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The impact on the roofing industry is manifold:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Roofing workers enjoy a safer place of work and limit the risks they take on the job.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u00b7 Employers benefit from increased productivity thanks to fewer stoppages and delays caused by injuries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a result of issuing workers with suitable PPE, injury risks are minimized and projects are more likely to be finished on time and within budget.<\/p>\n\n\n\n