Tom Eifrid, Group Sales and Operations Manager, Ritz Safety
Safety culture is the shared beliefs, attitudes and behaviors that shape the way people approach safety in a workplace. The key phrase here is shared beliefs: everyone in the organization, from leadership on down must believe that a safety-first approach is the only approach. While workers in the field face significant risks every day, all employees play a part in creating and maintaining a safe workplace culture. If you can’t do it safe, don’t do it at all.
Sadly, roofers have one of the highest rates of fatalities in the construction industry. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), in 2020, there were 1,061 construction related worker fatalities in the US with 401 fatalities due to falls from heights. Specifically, in 2020 there were 108 fatalities among workers in the roofing industry with 80 as a result of falls from height.
To mitigate these risks, roofing companies must create a culture of safety that permeates every aspect of their operations. As stated above, this means that safety must be a top priority for everyone in the organization, from the CEO to the newest worker on the crew.
A strong safety culture has obvious benefits. First and foremost, it saves lives. By prioritizing safety and providing workers with the training, equipment and support they need to stay safe, companies can reduce the number of accidents and injuries on the job. Providing proper personal protective equipment (PPE) is just one step in the process.
In addition, a strong safety culture can improve the company's bottom line. By reducing accidents and injuries, companies can lower their workers' compensation costs and insurance premiums. They can also improve their reputation among customers and potential employees, which can lead to increased business and better recruitment.
Creating a culture of safety requires a comprehensive approach that addresses every aspect of the organization. Here are some key steps to create a culture of safety:
Develop a safety policy: The first step in creating a culture of safety is to develop a safety policy that outlines the company's
commitment to safety and the steps it will take to ensure that all workers are safe on the job. This policy should be communicated to all workers and should be reviewed and updated regularly.
Train workers: All workers should receive comprehensive safety training before they begin work on a jobsite. This training should
cover all the hazards they may face on the job, as well as the procedures they should follow to stay safe. Workers should also receive ongoing training and refresher courses to ensure that they stay up to date on the latest safety procedures and equipment. Your suppliers and vendors are a wonderful source for this training and it is often offered as a value-added service at no additional cost.
Provide personal protective equipment (PPE): Workers should be provided with the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) for the job they are doing. This may include hard hats, AED’s/first aid, safety glasses, gloves, fall protection equipment, heat stress protection and respiratory protection equipment. Employers should ensure that PPE is regularly inspected and replaced as needed.
Promote open communication: Employers should encourage open communication between workers and management regarding safety concerns. Workers should feel comfortable reporting hazards or unsafe practices to their supervisors without fear of retribution.
Implement a safety incentive program: Many companies have found that implementing a safety incentive program can help improve their safety culture. These programs reward workers for following safety procedures and for reporting hazards or unsafe practices. Incentives can include bonuses, gift cards or other rewards.
Conduct regular safety inspections: Employers should conduct regular safety inspections of jobsites to identify hazards and ensure that all workers are following safety procedures. Inspections should be conducted by a qualified safety professional and should be documented.
Emphasize leadership: Finally, creating a culture of safety requires strong leadership from the top down. Leaders should set a positive example by following safety procedures themselves and by emphasizing the importance of safety at all levels of the organization.
Safety culture is critical in the roofing industry. It is essential that companies prioritize safety in all aspects of their operations, from training and equipment to communication and leadership. By doing so, they can reduce the number of accidents and injuries
on the job, improve their bottom line and protect the health and well-being of their workers.
In addition to the steps outlined above, roofing companies can also take advantage of resources offered by organizations such as OSHA and FRSA. These organizations offer a variety of training programs, safety guidelines and other resources to help improve safety culture.
Ultimately, creating a culture of safety requires a commitment from everyone in the organization. By working together and prioritizing safety above all else, you can create a safer, healthier workplace for workers and improve your overall business success.
Tom Eifrid has 25 years of experience providing safety solutions as a manufacturer’s representative and as a distributor. He currently serves as Group Sales and Operations Manager at Ritz Safety based out of Tampa.
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