Permanent Fall Protection Mitigates Risk and Enhances Safety

By Adam Cabrera. 

With workplace falls being a leading cause of fatalities, OSHA emphasizes fall prevention, a key focus of FlashCo's new product line. 

On a recent Roofing Road Trips episode, host Heidi J. Ellsworth spoke to FlashCo's Rob Drew and Jeremy Grimes who underscored the critical role safety plays in the roofing industry and, specifically, the importance of permanent fall protection.  

FlashCo, a notable player in the industry known for prefabricated single-ply flashings and accessories, has unveiled a new product line tailored to enhance rooftop safety and fall protection. These include innovative solutions such as the horizontal lifeline system and tieback anchor systems, designed to cater to different roof types and specific needs, including window washing and routine maintenance. "This is a new one for us to bring on, rooftop safety and fall protection," stated Rob. 

While Rob and Jeremy work in marketing and safety sales, respectively, their goal with FlashCo is to ensure every worker leaves the site unharmed. As Rob put it, "There's just nothing more important than having people go home safe." 

With falls from elevation accounting for a significant percentage of workplace fatalities, OSHA has recently been emphasizing fall prevention. The potential benefits of permanent fall protection systems for building owners and facility managers are clear. Jeremy emphasized, "The most expensive fall protection is no fall protection." 

Fear of liability surrounding fall protection is common among roofing contractors, but proper training and use of certified installers can mitigate such risks. Rob and Jeremy encouraged roofing contractors to be proactive, offering a range of fall protection options for each project.  

This approach not only enhances safety but can also serve as a value-add for roofing contractors. By offering fall protection, contractors can differentiate their services, potentially leading to cost savings for maintenance programs.  

Listen to the Roofing Road Trips episode to hear more about FlashCo safety products like permanent fall protection.