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Commercial Roofer Safety

The roofer turns, slips and falls 20 feet to the concrete platform below. This kind of accident can be prevented with the use of fall prevention systems, correct equipment use and following safety procedures.

  1. Site Pre-Inspection

    • The company should do a site inspection before work begins to identify any potential hazards. Things to be noted include: correct placement of equipment and that fall prevention systems are in place. Federal law requires fall protection devices such as guard rails on roofs more than 20 feet high.

    Fall Protection System

    • This system has a harness with a strap that runs out to an anchor nailed onto the surface. The harness strap can be adjusted if a worker has to move around. This device gives the worker protection from falling and getting injured.

    Adverse Conditions

    • Roofs that are slick from rain, ice or snow should be allowed to dry before being worked on. The roof should also be kept free of dirt, shingle remnants and other debris that could cause a fall to occur.

    Ladders

    • Ladders should be level and set up so that they won't slip.

      Ladders should be anchored to the ground and be level. A safety hook should be used with the ladder to keep it from slipping while a worker is on it. Fiberglass ladders are the best for avoiding electrical shock when working close to power lines.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Shoes that have rubber soles are the best kind to wear while roofing. They give the wearer a good grip on the surface, preventing a fall. Hand holds, roof cleats and crawling boards should be installed, if needed, to prevent falls.

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