Have you ever noticed that many of the most important jobs are also among the most dangerous? Roofing certainly fits in the category of hazardous jobs our society can’t function without. After all, what good is a house with no roof?
Roofing is an essential service, but roofers deserve to go home every day in one piece like the rest of us. So, what can you do to promote safety at your roofing company? Continue reading to get some vital safety tips that will protect your workers and your company.
1. Always wear a safety harness.
As you can imagine, falling is the biggest danger roofers face. Many contractors with years of experience seem to walk as naturally on a 12-pitch roof as on the ground and ditch wearing a fall protection harness so they can move more freely. However, a safety harness is a lifeline for the wearer, so never let your workers get on the roof without one, no matter how many years of experience they have climbing ladders and navigating roofs.
2. Keep the job site as clean as possible.
Not all falls happen on the roof. Debris on the ground presents a danger to your workers and homeowners. Keeping the homeowner’s yard clean is part of providing excellent customer service and promoting safety. Chad Dodson Roofing, a roofing company in Abilene, TX, has a great reputation for providing expert roofing services and doing an exceptional job of cleaning behind themselves. Indeed, the only evidence of your company’s presence at your residential roofing jobs should be the new roofs in the area.
3. Provide extensive training to ensure safety and quality workmanship.
The best way to prevent a fall event or other work-related injuries is to provide extensive regular safety training. Wearing straps and keeping the job site clean is essential to protecting your workers, but continuous safety training will foster good safety habits. Research safety training companies to get an idea of their safety consultation services.
4. Keep a first-aid kit for job-related injuries.
It’s also imperative that all your crews have a first-aid kit on the job. Indeed, first-aid supplies are as essential as toolboxes. They may not do much in the event of a fall, but you should have them for minor cuts, bruises, and other minor work-related injuries.
5. Handle all injuries with urgency.
Finally, it’s critical that all your crew members report injuries as soon as they happen. Always send workers to the hospital immediately in the event of a fall, even if they jump right up and tell you they’re fine. Sometimes, people don’t feel symptoms from their injuries until days after they occur, so it’s better to be safe than sorry.
Roofing contractors have one of the most dangerous jobs, so it’s imperative you take the proper safety precautions to keep your crew members safe and ensure they return home in the same condition they arrived to work. Provide all your roofers with full-body harnesses for fall protection and keep the job site as free of debris as possible. Furthermore, keep a first-aid kit at the job site, and report all injuries immediately. Finally, offer health and life insurance to protect your workers and their families and provide extensive, regular training to ensure safe working practices and high-quality workmanship.
Roofing is a hazardous occupation, but you can prevent injuries by investing time and capital in safety training and adhering closely to OSHA guidelines. Also, do your due diligence to find the best equipment for your team members and find other ways to promote safety on the job. You could never take all the risks out of the roofing profession, but following these tips will help keep your employees and company safer. Here’s to safety!
