Raise The Roof!

Roofers encounter many hazards on the job, including ones associated with working at heights, ladders, power tools, electricity, noise, hazardous substances, and extreme temperatures. Unless these hazards are controlled by the employer, roofers risk serious injury, illness, and potential death. To protect roofers, employers must identify the hazards present and take steps to address them.

In recent OSHA reports, nearly 90% of fatal falls happen when no fall-protection system is in place. Other falls occur when fall protection systems are used improperly. Let’s discuss some basic ideas for developing fall protection strategies for roofing operations.

• Employers need to plan ahead to get the job done safely. The plan needs to ensure that proper equipment, materials, and trained workers are available.
• Employers must provide fall protection and the right equipment for the job, including the correct kinds of ladders, scaffolds, and safety gear.
• Employers must train workers in hazard recognition and how to properly use the equipment that’s needed for the job.

A separate OSHA study involving 99 fall-related fatalities, showed that all of the deaths could have been prevented by the use of guardrails, PFA systems, safety nets, covers, or other means to reduce employee exposure to hazards. Proper training and use of fall-protection measures can save lives. An effective job hazard analysis may help assess the risks posed by specific tasks performed at the particular job site and select appropriate methods to reduce and eliminate those risks.

Ritz Safety offers multiple fall protection kits and fall protection demonstration/training, including competent personnel. Our Roofer’s Safety Kit provides everything for routine fall protection compliance in convenient packaging. Reach out to us today for an educational product training program!