If you are considering a career in roofing, you should know the risks involved. Listed below are some of the most common injuries that roofing workers can face. Some of these conditions include electrocution, heatstroke, and falls. These types of injuries can lead to serious medical conditions, and they are particularly deadly if you do not follow safety precautions. Luckily, there are some simple things you can do to minimize your risk.
Electrocution
The biggest danger to roofing workers is electrocution. Even if a roof is not encased in live electricity, workers must keep their equipment 10 feet away from power lines. If they are too close to power lines, they run the risk of an electric current flowing into their equipment, killing them instantly. To avoid electrocution, roofing workers must ensure that all power is shut off in the building before working, and they must watch for transformers and other electrical hazards.
Heavy lifting
Despite a low fatality rate, roofers still must engage in heavy lifting. According to the National Safety Council, 75% of construction worker fatalities could have been avoided with the use of PFAS, a type of foam that prevents falls. Many deaths occurred in early stages of a roofing worker’s career, so better safety training is needed for newcomers. However, many roofing injuries are preventable.
Heatstroke
A roofer may experience heatstroke during his or her workday. Because the roof material reflects the sunlight, sweat will escape. This leads to dehydration and weakness, which can cause fainting. Keeping chilled bottled water on site and encouraging workers to hydrate as much as possible is important for safety. Also, be sure to bring water with you on the roof in individually-sized bottles to prevent the spread of pathogens.
Falls
According to the Center for Construction Research and Training, 40% of construction fatalities involved falls. Of those, 340 were falls of 20 feet or less. While serious injuries are more common, the good news is that most falls can be prevented with proper safety measures. Listed below are some of the most common causes of falls related to roofing jobs. These hazards should not be taken lightly. If you are in the roofing industry, it’s important to learn how to prevent falls to ensure the safety of you and others in the building.
Electrical hazards
A common hazard on roofing jobs is being electrocuted by a metal ladder or by an electrical circuit. Luckily, workers may receive compensation for their injuries if they are electrocuted due to negligence. In Texas, many employers have opted out of workers’ compensation, but employees can still file a claim against a non-subscriber for compensation. Depending on the circumstances, workers may receive money for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
