Roof workers expose themselves to various risks when taking on roofing tasks. While the roofing team is responsible for ensuring safety measures, as a roof owner, you play a crucial role in hiring a licensed, insured, and reputable roofing contractor. Your decision can significantly impact the safety of your project, so choose wisely and do not compromise your safety in any way.
Roofing services are not a DIY project, and should you ever need roofing work in Portland, Oregon, always opt to collaborate with professional roofers who take security measures seriously. Here is what you should know about roofing safety measures.
Worker Safety Measures in the Roofing Industry
Oregon's OR-OSHA enforces roofing safety regulations. Strict compliance is necessary to protect roofing workers and their clients. These regulations ensure that roofers offer quality roofing services for homeowners and businesses alike. Here are some key safety measures:
Fall Protection
Falls are the highest work-related risks in the roofing industry. According to the National Library of Medicine, roof falls represent 70% of fall-related work deaths. In 2020 alone, 108 roofing contractors lost their lives in such incidents.
According to OSHA, all roof workers must use personal fall arrest systems, safety nests, or other fall protection systems when they work at heights above 6 feet.
Roof Access
Ladders, scaffolds, and other roof access points must be placed appropriately. All roof access points must be stable, secure, and meet safety standards.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Employers must provide PPE to employers. When it comes to the roofing industry, this refers to hard hats, safety glasses, steel-toed boots, and other protective equipment.
Training & Supervision
Workers who conduct their activities on roofs must be adequately trained on roofing safety protocols and overseen by a competent foreman.
Hazard Communication
All roofs have hazards, such as overhead power lines, fragile areas, or other hazardous conditions. The team must identify and address these conditions before starting work.
Roof Stability Assessment
Roof work should begin with a thorough roof stability assessment. This way, a roofing team can mitigate potential risks and discover the condition of the roof and related structures. With a structural integrity assessment, the roof stability is known so potential accidents can be avoided. Depending on the roof project, an assessment is crucial to ensure safety first.
Roofing Services Best Practices
A professional roofing company will always prioritize the safety of its workers. However, the homeowner or business owner who wishes to hire a roofing team is also responsible for ensuring safety and following the best roofing practices. Here is what you should consider:
Work With Licensed and Insured Contractors
You should only work with a roofing company that is licensed and insured. Work with licensed, bonded roofers with adequate liability and workers’ compensation insurance. If a roofing company does not prioritize the safety of its workers, why would it prioritize yours, and how could it guarantee successful results?
Detailed Contracts
When you hire a roofing contractor, you should be provided with contracts that clearly outline and define the scope of the work, the materials being used, the timeline, and warranties.
Permit Compliance
No roofing work should commence without first obtaining the necessary permits. Contact a reliable roofing contractor to determine what permits you need for your roofing project.
Material Selection
Climate plays a crucial role in roof health and longevity. Professional roofing contractors consider a region’s overall climate and can recommend code-compliant roofing products suitable for the climate. Ensure you work only with high-quality materials and do not compromise on quality.
Roof Ventilation
Homeowners must regularly ensure proper attic and roof ventilation to prevent moisture buildup and further degradation. Ventilation will significantly affect the lifespan of your roof. Consult with a professional roofing contractor to learn more.
Disposal and Cleanup
In many instances, the roofing company is responsible for disposing of waste materials and leaving the worksite clean, especially in roof replacement projects. However, this is not always the case. Study the contract carefully to learn your responsibilities and ensure safety.
Workmanship Warranty
A professional roofing company will provide a warranty on labor and materials to protect its customers. Depending on the provider, warranties can last a couple of years or decades.
Safety Responsibilities
If you are aware of any potential hazards on the job site you should communicate it to the roofing team right away. Owners should always maintain a clear, unobstructed work area around the roof and not hinder the work process in any way. Park your car accordingly, supervise your children, and do not interfere with the work process.
If you want to speak with a roofer while they perform their duty, do so when it is proper. Just one distraction can lead to an accident. If you wish to address any safety concerns, speak with the contractors.
