Roofing may seem like a straightforward task to an outsider, but any professional roofer knows that it comes with its unique set of challenges. The most pressing and critical is ensuring the safety of workers from potential falls. With the United States witnessing a significant number of accidents related to falls in the residential construction sector every year, it is imperative to discuss the importance of roofing fall protection.
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), falls are the cause of 20% of all serious injuries in construction work. Of workers killed by falls, 54% had no access to fall protection, and 23% had fall protection equipment but were not using it. Additionally, The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) consistently cite more companies for fall protection violations than any other issue. These statistics not only stress the gravity of the situation but also accentuates the need for stringent safety regulations, especially when it comes to residential roofing.
As a business owner, safety coordinator, or even just an employee in the roofing industry, it is extremely important to understand the safety in this industry. Some terms and concepts pivotal to this work are as follows:
Fall protection refers to the systems and strategies implemented to ensure workers don’t suffer injuries from unintended falls. These measures are not just limited to fall protection harnesses but extend to an array of equipment and strategies designed to keep workers safe.
While fall protection is a broad concept, fall restraint zeroes in on preventing the occurrence of a fall in the first place. It’s like putting a fence at the edge of a cliff instead of placing an ambulance at the bottom. By utilizing equipment like safety belts and roof anchors, workers are restrained from reaching a fall hazard, to begin with. There are two types of fall restraint:
A standard bucket kit is the best and most common residential roof fall protection setup.
These fall protection kits include a standard reusable roof anchor, a vertical lifeline assembly, and a full-body harness. Typically when you are using a standard bucket kit on a residential roof, you’ll want to work in fall restraint due to your clearance on a residential roof.
A safety harness, especially one with dorsal D-rings, is an apparatus designed to distribute the forces experienced during a fall, minimizing injury.
A vertical lifeline is a component of a fall arrest system that allows movement up and down its length, giving workers the freedom to move but the assurance of safety.
In the unfortunate event that a fall does occur, a fall arrest system, including components like vertical lifeline assemblies and anchor points, ensures that the fall is stopped before the worker reaches the lower level or the ground.
Knowing these terms is only the first step. Residential construction, especially when dealing with the roof edge, is filled with potential fall hazards. It’s not just about height. Uneven surfaces, sudden changes in roof levels, and the unpredictability of the elements can all compound, putting workers at risk.
To truly champion safety, you need a comprehensive fall protection system. This goes beyond just wearing a harness. It’s about creating an environment where every potential risk is accounted for and mitigated and deeply understanding when rooftop fall protection is needed.
A number of these accidents and fatalities occurred during residential construction and roofing. There may be a point of confusion regarding which, if any, OSHA regulations apply to residential work. However, OSHA clearly states that residential construction and roofing are held to safety standards.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standard 1926.501(b)(13) defines the duty to have fall protection in residential construction as the following:
Each employee engaged in residential construction activities 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels shall be protected by guardrail systems, safety net system, or personal fall arrest system unless another provision in paragraph (b) of this section provides for an alternative fall protection measure.
Exception: When the employer can demonstrate that it is infeasible or creates a greater hazard to use these systems, the employer shall develop and implement a fall protection plan which meets the requirements of paragraph (k) of 1926.502.
As we’ve seen, knowing how to use right equipment and when can make all the difference. But it’s also crucial to remember that the best gear is only as good as its implementation and maintenance. Which brings us to our next point: How do we ensure these tools provide the protection they promise?
Let’s go over the best practices and training resources that ensure these safety systems are implemented correctly and maintained to offer maximum protection. After all, when it comes to safety, it’s the details that matter.
Almost every person working in residential construction has had at least a couple of stories of when they “almost” fell or when something “almost” happened. In these scenerios, when training hasn’t been provided for the employees, injuries will occur and in the worst cases so will fatalities.
Training on personal fall protection should be utilized for anyone that is working in residential roofing. Residential roofing is subject to OSHA standards, and unprotected workers can be cited and fined the same as commercial construction.
Most bucket kits have a tutorial inside of them and should be read and practiced. Many residential construction companies have a small number of employees, which can oftentimes make it difficult to obtain the training needed. However, it is worth your while to have all your employees properly trained with resources from a company like Malta Dynamics.
We understand that simply purchasing fall protection equipment isn’t always enough to keep your workers safe. Your team needs to know how to properly use, inspect and store safety equipment to prevent injury.
Malta Dynamics offers two different fall safety training programs, with on-site options available for groups to teach your team how to develop, use and document your safety program. Each training course can be customized based on your company’s specific needs.
A four-hour awareness course is designed for individuals with frequent (daily or weekly) exposure to fall hazards. Participants gain the knowledge and skills necessary to identify and avoid hazards associated with elevated work locations. The course features a series of presentations, demonstrations, and hands-on exercises.
Malta Dynamics understands that true safety is more than just equipment. It’s about knowledge, training, and continual growth. Because of that, we offer extensive training programs and resources that enable professionals to stay updated with the latest safety standards and regulations.
Roofing, with its inherent risks, requires more than just technical expertise. It demands an unwavering commitment to safety to ensure every worker steps onto a roof with the confidence that they’re protected by the best.
With Malta Dynamics by your side, that isn’t just a promise; it’s a guarantee. Our products, combined with a profound understanding of the industry’s challenges, we are the go-to choice for anyone looking to elevate their residential roofing safety standards.
After all, with the right partner, the sky isn’t the limit; it’s just the beginning. For more information on residential roofing or any fall protection topics, submit your question to be featured in one of our Dynamic Discussions!
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