Equipter
Roofing is risky business. From workers’ comp claims to lawsuits, losing crew members can destroy a company. Keep your crew and your company safe. Reduce the risk of job site injury by putting these tips into practice now.
Many companies require employees and subs to dress in company-branded apparel when on the job. Don’t let the dress code stop there. The right shoes make all the difference when roofers are spending hours walking on old shingles, exposed decking and new materials throughout the job. Hazards run rampant on the roof and ensuring your crew is equipped with the right footwear is just one way to reduce workers’ comp claims. When listing requirements for the right roofing shoes, consider noting the following:
■ High-quality traction
■ High-top for ankle stability
■ Leather or suede for durability
■ Flexibility
■ Thick shoelaces
■ Safety toe
Work boots are not immortal. Continuing to use them when the soles are worn down can be just as dangerous as wearing the wrong footwear. When the tread is gone, the probability of slipping increases and stepping on nails becomes even more detrimental to the well-being of the wearer.
Whether you run a roofing company or a general construction company that covers a variety of residential projects, your workers must be kept safe in all situations. That safety stretches beyond a standard dress code. According to OSHA, falls from roofs account for over a third of all fall-related deaths in residential construction.
With multiple types of fall protection solutions available, contractors can choose which works best for them. A personal fall arrest system (PFAS) is favored by many roofers, with a full-body harness connected to the main component of the system by a long lifeline or lanyard. Rope grabs and temporary guardrails also contribute to roofer safety when workers are carrying tools and materials across the roof or plowing through the tear-off process. All of these methods still allow roofers to move freely across the work area, so they can get the job done on time every time and prevent lawsuits and downtime due to fall-related incidents.
Tear-off is often the roughest – and potentially most dangerous – part of a roof replacement, with roofers shoveling old shingles right over the edge of the roof onto tarps that can sway in the breeze or buckle under pressure. Avoid tripping hazards by ensuring the area your crew is repairing or reroofing stays clear of roofing debris. Be sure they stay on the lookout for broken clay or slate shingles or stray nails that may snag old asphalt shingles and tar paper.
Property protection and ground crew safety are just as essential as the well-being of the workers on the roof during the replacement process. Rogue debris can pose a threat to the performance of ground workers but self-propelled, liftable equipment is a practical solution.
Exposure to excessive heat can also be detrimental to roofing crews. Hydration is key for surviving on rooftops on sweltering sunny days. Carrying a portable cooler filled with water or a drink that replenishes electrolytes in the truck for breaks throughout the day can help keep crews energized to get the job done.
All professional roofers know not to roof in the rain. But roofing after rain can be hazardous too if the old roof and the fall protection system have not had time to dry.
In addition, asphalt shingles in shaded, humid areas can develop Gloeocapsa magma. This type of algae is commonly found on older asphalt roof systems, which can create a slippery surface on the shingles when wet. To combat the issue, shingle manufacturers have taken steps recently to prevent the growth of Gloeocapsa magma by adding granules of copper, an element toxic to the algae, into roofing materials.
No matter what part of the job your crew members work on, safety is key for timely job completion and customer satisfaction. Make sure your company has a policy on standard safety procedures and ensure your foremen are fully equipped to properly execute those procedures.
Equipter, LLC was founded in 2004 by former Lancaster County, PA, roofer Aaron Beiler. The company offers an array of drivable debris management equipment for roofers across the country, increasing professionalism one roof at a time. For more information,
visit www.equipter.com or call 717-661-3591.
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