Commercial Roofing Safety: Essential Measures to Protect Workers and Property

When it comes to finding a good commercial roofing contractor, safety is one of the most important factors. Property owners need to know that the proper commercial roofing safety measures are in place to ensure their contractor doesn’t open them up to liability, cause a delay in the project, or even cause bad publicity for their building. Plus, no one wants anyone to get hurt or someone’s property to be damaged.

For these reasons, it’s important that both the property owners and the commercial roofing contractors understand essential safety precautions regarding commercial roofing. This article will outline some of the key aspects of roofing safety to help these projects remain risk-free for everyone involved.

6 Critical Aspects of Commercial Roofing Safety

1. Understand Commercial Roofing Risks

The commercial roof industry involves several inherent risks. These risks are either due to the height of the work performed, the materials used, the techniques applied, or other nuances that some other industries don’t typically face.

For instance, the primary hazards involved in commercial roofing are fall hazards, exposure to hazardous substances and materials, and the risk of serious injury from power tools and torches. Other risks include heat exhaustion and exposure to extreme weather conditions and storms. Identifying what these risks are and accepting that they’re a constant risk allows contractors to develop plans to mitigate their risks.

2. Utilize Fall Protection Systems

As the chief hazard on these roofing projects, protection from falling is critical. In fact, OSHA regulations mandate the use of fall protection for roofing work over certain heights.

Several fall protection systems can help prevent accidents, including:

• Personal Fall Arrest Systems (PFAS): Personal Fall Arrest Systems include safety harnesses and safety ropes designed to stop a worker’s fall in the event of a slip off the edge of a surface.
• Guardrail Systems and Warning Lines: Guardrails serve as barriers on unprotected sides or edges, while warning lines bring attention to these hazards—especially near roof hatches or other openings.
• Safety Net Systems: These nets are placed below work areas to catch workers in case of a fall, providing an additional layer of protection on the job site.

Utilizing these systems and understanding their applications can ensure safety for all workers involved in roofing activities.

3. Employ Other Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Roofing Safety

Personal protective equipment (PPE) is a vital aspect of occupational safety, regardless of the industry. And, although fall arrest systems can be considered PPE, it’s important to realize other forms of PPE are necessary for minimizing risks associated with commercial roofing.

Essential PPE includes hard hats that protect the wearer against falling objects and head injuries. This is especially important for roofing crews on the ground, as items can fall off the sides of buildings. Also, safety glasses and eye protection are necessary whenever anyone is cutting, grinding, and striking objects. Don’t forget work gloves to protect against cuts and burns as well as respirators when working with chemicals and certain materials.

Ensuring workers have and use the correct protective equipment is essential to meet OSHA standards and prevent serious injuries.

4. Train Staff on Safety and Hazard Recognition

To plan for and avoid hazards, crews need to recognize them first. OSHA regulations require contractors to train their employees on how to identify and avoid potential hazards. These training sessions should cover:

• Fall Protection Equipment Usage: Workers must learn how to use fall arrest systems correctly, from securing safety ropes to adjusting safety harnesses.
• Hazardous Substances Awareness: Roofers are sometimes exposed to hazardous substances, such as chemicals in adhesives or roofing materials. Training should include the proper handling and disposal of these materials.
• Power Line Safety: When working near power lines, workers must be trained to recognize and avoid electrical hazards.

Investing in training not only ensures compliance but also reduces the likelihood of preventable accidents on the job site.

5. Stay Fresh on OSHA Regulations and Compliance

Obviously, compliance with OSHA regulations is mandatory in the roofing industry. OSHA standards exist to outline safety procedures for fall protection, hazardous materials, and equipment usage so employers can create safe work environments for their crews. Following OSHA guidelines helps protect both roofing workers and property owners by reducing liability and increasing worker safety.

Contractors need to stay up to date with any new changes in regulations, and also the regulations of any state or municipality in which they’re working. Staying informed on OSHA regulations and any updates to safety standards is a best practice for all involved in commercial roofing.

6. Maintaining Job Site Safety

Property owners need to know that their buildings are safe. Creating a safe work environment on a roofing job requires a proactive approach to safety. Some recommended practices for contractors include:

• Conducting Regular Inspections: Routine inspections ensure that equipment is in good condition and that fall protection systems are properly installed.
• Setting Up Clear Safety Protocols: Safety protocols such as placing warning lines around hazardous zones, securing guardrails, and providing fall arrest systems should be strictly followed.
• Focusing on Worker Well-Being: Ensuring that workers have access to protective equipment, hydration, and shade on hot days can prevent heat exhaustion and other health issues.

By following these safety measures, commercial roofing companies can maintain high standards of safety and minimize the risk of serious injuries.

Safety Procedures for Common Roofing Hazards

Commercial roofing activities come with distinct challenges that other contractors don’t typically deal with. But, prioritizing safety procedures can reduce the risks associated with these tasks:

• Use of Protection Systems for Openings: Roof hatches and other openings on roofs present fall hazards. Guardrail systems and safety net systems provide the necessary barriers.
• Implementing Heat and Severe Weather Precautions: Roofing workers are vulnerable to heat stroke and other weather-related issues. Contractors should make sure their crews have access to water, shade, cooling areas, and scheduled breaks.
• Securing Tools and Equipment: Power tools and other equipment should be securely stored and handled to prevent accidents.

Each of these measures, from using safety nets to providing eye protection, contributes to a safer work site for all involved. Project owners who value their buildings’ safety will require this level of protection to ensure their site and the people working on it are safe.

The Role of Property Owners in Roofing Safety

Property owners have a vested interest in ensuring safety on their property. By collaborating with trustworthy contractors, property owners can make sure that all safety equipment and safety precautions are in place. Property owners can also help enforce OSHA standards by requiring documentation of safety training and proper use of fall protection systems from their contractors to ensure everyone on the job is safe and well-trained.

Key Takeaways for Commercial Roofing Safety

In the commercial roofing industry, safety should always be the top priority. The combined use of fall protection equipment, safety harnesses, personal fall arrest systems, and PPE, along with adherence to OSHA regulations, can prevent serious accidents. Employers must provide training, inspect the equipment, and implement strict safety protocols to ensure a secure work environment.

At Nations Roof, safety is always our first priority. We want our employees to feel safe and happy so they can perform at their very best. Also, your building and everyone in or around it deserve to feel the same way, so we strive to provide the safest possible environment, with excellent training, top-notch safety equipment, and the latest safety protocols. Partner with Nations Roofing to handle your commercial roofing project.