As roofing business owners, you are responsible for supplying the safety equipment for each employee and ensuring that your job sites meet required safety standards. Roofing’s fatality rate is 13 times higher than the average trade job, making it one of the deadliest jobs a civilian can do. By embracing the mindset of 'safety first, safety always,' and investing in high-quality gear that complies with all safety regulations, you can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.
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Falls from roofs account for a staggering one-third of all fall-related fatalities within the construction industry. This makes roofing one of the top three deadliest civilian occupations, with an average of 59 deaths per 100,000 full-time workers. As roofing business owners, you are responsible for keeping yourself and your team safe from the risk of injury and falls, by providing quality safety equipment for your staff and ensuring they are properly trained and required to use it. Basic fall protection equipment for roofers includes:
A full-body harness is designed to a) stop you from hitting the ground after a fall and b) distribute the force of your fall so the impact is cushioned. Unlike a work positioning harness, which is designed to keep you safe whilst working whilst hanging, a full-body fall harness is built to absorb the shock should you fall whilst working on a roof. As a general rule, it is recommended that a fall arrest system be used at any time when working at a dangerous height. A full-body harness should include:
Our choice: Guardian B7-COMFORT HARNESS
A work positioning harness allows a roofer to work hands-free in a supported position, often while supported by a support system mid-air. However, it's important to note that the potential for a free fall must be limited to 2 feet or less, or else additional fall prevention should be included. The following features are recommended for a work positioning harness:
Our choice: 3M ExoFit X300 Comfort Construction Positioning Safety Harness
Carabiners
Carabiners play a crucial role in roof safety systems as they serve as secure links between harnesses, ropes, and anchors. Here’s what makes them important:
Our pick: Black Diamond Rocklock Screwgate Carabiner
Anchors are essential for roofers because they provide a secure point of attachment for a restraint system. They also work to reduce a roofer's ability to venture too far past a safe area. A typical setup for a roofer's safety system includes an anchor, which serves as a solid support structure, and an anchorage connector, such as an anchor sling or roof anchor system, that connects to this structure. The worker wears body support, like a full-body harness with a back-mounted D-ring, which is then connected to the anchor using a positioning lanyard. Features of a good anchor include:
Our choice: Peakworks Fall Protection V8229100 Industrial / Construction Reusable Roof Anchor Bracket
A lanyard is a A lanyard is a short, flexible line of rope, wire rope, or webbing strap with connectors at each end. LA rope lanyard allows roofers to move more freely across a roof while remaining securely attached to an anchor point. The typical requirements of a roofing safety lanyard are:
Our choice: TRSMIMA Rope Harness Safety Lanyard
When a roofer falls, the shock absorber deploys, snapping to extend the length of the lanyard to decelerate the fall rather than stopping it abruptly. This reduces the forces exerted on the roofer’s body, minimising the risk of injury. A shock absorber should include:
Our choice: KwikSafety Pythin External Shock Absorber
Roofers face more risks than falling whilst working, including heat stroke, noise pollution, slips and cuts. Basic PPE should be provided to reduce the risk of these injuries.
Slip-resistant boots with strong tread patterns and rubber soles provide traction and stability on sloped surfaces. The Best Roofing Boots need to shield your feet from debris and be lightweight and flexible to accommodate constant movement and bending, as well as able to withstand the impacts of exposure to the elements.
Our choice: Cougar Paws Peak Performer Boot
Roofers need to wear helmets to protect themselves from hazards, such as falling objects like tools, materials, or debris. Additionally, helmets are designed to reduce the severity of head injuries in case of falls from heights. They also shield roofers from low-hanging beams, pipes, and other obstacles that could cause head injuries.
Our choice: Defender Safety H1 Safety Helmet Hard Hat with Visor ANSI Z89.1
Roofing safety gloves protect hands from sharp materials, rough surfaces, and hot equipment — basically, everything a roofer is likely to encounter during work. A good pair of roofer safety gloves should also provide a secure grip, reducing the risk of dropping tools or slipping on materials.
Our choice: Maxiflex 34-874 Ultimate Nitrile Grip Work Gloves
Safety glasses protect the eyes from flying debris, dust, chemicals, and other hazards, working to prevent injuries and the impact of long-term damage. They also shield against UV rays and intense light, which can result in deteriorating vision over time. With a bunch of awesome options on the market, there's no reason not to treat your staff to a pair that reflects their style.
Our choice: Natty Workwear's Kenneth Black Polarised Safety Glasses
Roofers need to prioritise ear protection, especially when using loud equipment or working in environments with high noise levels. The risk of tinnitus and hearing loss becomes significant where noise exposure is intense. By wearing ear protection, workers can protect their hearing from irreversible damage.
Our choice: 3M PELTOR Ear Muffs
As roofing business owners you will also be required to provide the following structural roofing safety equipment. Requirements differ by region, however, most countries will require the following to be provided whenever there is a reasonable risk of a fall:
Failing to do so exposes your roofing business to severe consequences, including injuries, fatalities, or legal liabilities. Roofing safety requirements are stringent for a reason; they are designed to protect your workers' lives, which could be at stake if all potential hazards aren't properly addressed. Ensuring comprehensive safety preparation is not just a legal obligation, but a moral responsibility to safeguard those who rely on you.
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