Free Safety Checklist Available
In the TV series “Hill Street Blues,” police Sgt. Phil Esterhaus delivers one of our greatest catchphrases: “Let’s be careful out there.” It’s easy to see how that advice carries weight in other occupations as well – especially dangerous jobs like roofing. This blog will show how Progressive Materials’ free safety checklist can help roofers remain safe on and off the roof.
The Dangers
OSHA says falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry. They accounted for more than 3,500 fatalities between 2003 and 2013. Falls from roofs accounted for nearly 1,200, or 34%, of fall deaths during that period.
Among other dangers, roofers are exposed to the sun more than most occupations, and that can lead to skin cancer.
Stay Safe
To help protect workers, PM’s safety checklist covers everything from job site equipment to head coverings. PM Director of Environmental, Health & Safety Ross Heinz helped develop the checklist.
“Your success and reputation as an expert in this industry is categorized by your ability to continue meeting the expectations of your customers time and time again. This begins and ends with safety,” Ross said.
Rooftops can be dangerous places, and one section on PM’s checklist covers job sites. That section includes subtopics on:
- Ladder tie-off, which is a method of securing a ladder to a stable point to prevent it from falling or slipping.
- Roof edge warning line system with a monitor, which is a barrier erected on a roof to warn employees they are approaching an unprotected roof edge.
- Fall arrest system, which is a form of fall protection that involves the safe stopping of a person already falling. Harnesses and lanyards are part of this system.
To protect workers against carcinomas, PM’s checklist promotes the use of neck sun protection, sunscreen, wide-brim hats, and more. Additionally, the checklist urges safety goggles, slip-resistant boots, chemical-resistant gloves, and NIOSH-approved respirators to protect against other hazards.
Conclusion
The Western States Roofing Contractors Association reports roofing came in fourth among the 25 most dangerous jobs in the country in 2020. It’s imperative to have a comprehensive safety plan and required training in place before starting any project on a roof. PM is dedicated to helping remind workers of those risks, and our safety checklist is part of that process.
Following the steps on that list can help reduce workplace hazards and help ensure that the number of slip-and-fall incidents and other threats are reduced. If you would like to request hats, long-sleeve shirts, or neck gators for your crews, you can do that by contacting your local Regional Manager here.
Thanks for reading. And remember: Let’s be careful out there.
