Roofing Safety in Home Building Starts at the Top

Roofing is an inherently dangerous job, with workers exposed to the elements at height on a pitched surface with few natural barriers. Due to this reality, it’s also the job with the most safety resources and products.

It’s up to home building and remodeling business owners to equip workers with these resources and to instill a culture of safety in roof work.

Falls are the most obvious danger in roofing, with the angle of the roof causing the most concern and the height of the fall doing the most damage.

The use of a fall arrest system is critical when doing roof work. Anchors are placed near the top of the roof and an arrest cable is attached to the anchor and a harness worn by the worker. If the worker loses their balance, the system will prevent them from falling.

But falls aren’t the only danger in roofing. Using power tools on an uneven surface, contacting powerlines, and exposure to extreme temperatures and weather can cause injury.

These steps can mitigate some of the riskier elements of roofing:

• Always Use proper protective equipment, such as hard hats, eye protection, and work gloves.
• Set up extension ladders at a 4:1 ratio on a stable, level surface and extend ladders three feet above the roof level to ensure safe access. Secure ladder from movement.
• Equip power tools with safety devices, such as guards, and used in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
• Dress appropriately when working in hot and cold temperatures.
• Drink water often to maintain proper hydration.
• Use extreme caution when working near power lines.

Watch the video toolbox talk below and download the accompanying handout for more tips and safety guidance.