Four Tips to Reduce Falls in Residential Re-Roofing

Re-roofing exposes workers to the hazards of demolition work at heights.

With the proper fall protection, the risk of serious falls may be substantially reduced. The following tips can help roofers keep employees safe from fall hazards:

1. Identify Fall Protection Needs. Before beginning the job, focus on identifying fall protection needs. Survey the roof to determine if there are pre-installed anchorages available that can be used. If not, then plan immediately to identify those systems needed to protect workers from falls and have them in place before the workers report to the job.

2. Assess Structural Integrity. Employers must determine the structural integrity of the roof and take all necessary precautions to protect the workers before the job begins. If workers notice signs of structural deterioration (for example, dry rot), a competent person should evaluate the area prior to work beginning. Also, don’t forget about skylights and other roof openings! Use a guardrail system, a personal fall arrest system (PFAS), or a protective cover that will support two times the weight that may be imposed on it at any one time.

3. Place Materials Appropriately. Loose material and hand-held equipment can create tripping hazards on the roof surface leading to falls. To minimize exposure to fall hazards, employers can stage materials so that workers on the roof have quick and safe access to them. Materials should also be staged so they cannot slide off the roof edge and potentially strike a worker on the ground. Slide guards can be emplaced to keep material from sliding off the roof.

4. Use the Right Equipment. Employers must provide roofers with fall protection equipment that meets OSHA requirements whenever they work 6 feet or more above a lower level. There are many systems available, providing roofers a high degree of flexibility for varying tasks, such as roof demolition and installation. Some systems are effective for both tasks. While each phase of roof replacement has different challenges, the risk of falling remains constant. Contractors should attempt to select a compliant system that fits the needs of their individual worksites and is likely to be used by employees.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.

Cotney Construction Law is an advocate for the roofing industry and General Counsel of NRCA. Its attorneys practice in all areas of construction law. The firm works extensively on matters relating to OSHA defense, which includes the management and development of safety and health strategies for construction contractors across the United States. The firm’s OSHA practice concentrates on litigation and the appeals of citations involving catastrophic construction-related accidents. For more information, please visit www.cotneycl.com.