Roofing projects are among the most hazardous jobs in construction. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were nearly 900 deaths due to slips, trips, and falls in 2022. The majority of those deaths were the result of falls from ladders or roofs.
Without proper safety measures in place, roofing projects can lead to serious injuries, project delays, and costly liabilities. This guide provides a comprehensive look at roofing safety best practices, covering Job Hazard Analysis (JHA), fall protection, worker training, and site safety protocols. Whether you’re undergoing a re-roofing project or you’re supervising routine maintenance, this resource will help you minimize risks and protect everyone involved.
The Contractor’s Responsibility: Ensuring On-Site Safety
A reputable roofing contractor should have robust safety protocols in place. Their responsibilities include:
1. Conducting a Job Hazard Analysis (JHA)
Before any roofing project begins, a JHA should be conducted to assess risks and create a mitigation plan. This is not required by law, but more building owners are starting to request it, and many contractors submit a JHA as a matter of course. Maxwell Roofing’s supervisory team always conducts a JHA to survey the project and answer the question, “What are the things that could go wrong?” The JHA should address hazards not only to the roofing crew but to the people inside the building, visitors, and passers-by. The JHA should include:
- Fall protection measures
- Electrical hazards
- Weather-related risks
- Proper equipment handling procedures
Ideally, the JHA should be revisited and resubmitted every week to ensure that supervisors are continuously evaluating the conditions on and around the roof. It also serves as a checklist for the crew and the property manager to reassess safety measures throughout the project.
2. Providing Proper Fall Protection
As a general rule, OSHA requires employers to provide fall protection when working six feet or more above the ground. But the agency does have specific regulations depending on the type of work being performed. A safety-conscious roofing company should follow all safety standards and guidelines for installation as required. Key elements of a fall protection plan include:
- Personal fall arrest systems (harnesses and lanyards)
- Guardrails around hazardous areas
- Warning lines and safety nets
- Properly secured ladders and scaffolding
- Skylight protection using either a “guard” that sits on the skylight frame or a rail system to enclose the skylight.
- RTU HVAC mechanical unit railing to protect HVAC workers
- For rooftops with HVAC units within six feet of a roof’s edge, installing guardrails between the unit and the roof’s edge is a critical safety measure. These barriers help prevent falls by providing a protective buffer.
- Ensuring that HVAC professionals can perform maintenance safely is just as important as protecting roofing crews, making these guardrails a smart investment for long-term rooftop safety.
3. Ensuring Workers Are Equipped with Safety Gear
All employees should have:
- Protective headgear, footwear, and gloves
- Slip-resistant harnesses and safety lines
- Eye and hearing protection when necessary
Tools and materials should be secured to prevent objects from falling and injuring those below.
4. In-Depth Training and Documentation
Maxwell Roofing maintains documentation for training certifications and compliance with OSHA standards. Roofing companies that value safety will often participate in certification classes through OSHA. Another company safety program is the Certified Roofing Torch Applicator (CERTA) program, which teaches workers how to use roofing torches. Though not specifically designed to prevent falls, CERTA and similar certifications show that a company cares about safety. Every reputable commercial roofing company should stay up to date with the latest OSHA standards, and workers should be trained in:
- Hazard identification
- Emergency response protocols
- Safe handling of tools and materials
- Weather condition monitoring
The Property Manager’s & Building Owner’s Responsibility: Additional On-Site Safety
Even with a safety-conscious roofing contractor, property managers and building owners also play a crucial role in ensuring a safe work environment. As soon as a roofing project is scheduled, tenants and employees should be alerted to the impending project. This may involve signage, meetings with business owners, emails, or any variety of communication methods. Communications should address the following information:
- Project start date and estimated time to completion
- Hours of the day that workers will be on site
- Posting of any changing parking, driving, or traffic patterns around the building.
- Areas of the building that may be access-restricted during construction (list specific elevators, stairwells, floors, etc.)
- Electrical entry to the building
- Protective coverings on external electric hazards
- Identifying any interior components that may be close to the roof deck (plumbing, lighting, etc.)
Additional measures property owners and building managers can take to ensure on-site safety include:
- Working with the contractor to identify staging areas for equipment, materials, and work vehicles.
- Ensure restricted areas are clearly blocked off with cones, barriers, or caution tape.
- Keep walkways and entrances clear of debris or obstructions.
Your Checklist for Finding a Roofing Partner that Values Safety
No matter how diligent a general contractor or facility manager is about safety, the risk remains if a roofing company doesn’t uphold the same high standards. Use this checklist to ensure your roofing partner prioritizes safety at every level:
- Does the roofer conduct a job hazard analysis?
- Does the roofer follow OSHA standards by providing railing systems, roof anchors, and penetrations?
- Does the roofer consider HVAC worker safety? (Once a roof is built, HVAC workers will likely be the most frequent visitors to a building’s rooftop. Roofers who prioritize safety will recommend a guardrail to protect HVAC workers who will be near a roof’s edge.)
- Does the roofing company provide safety training to its employees? How often and how in-depth is this training?
Innovation In Fall Safety
Roofing is a constantly evolving industry, and new technology is finding its way into fall safety. While physical barriers, fall restraints, and arrest systems are critical for protecting people on a building’s roof, drones are helping to make roofing even safer. In some cases, the use of imaging drones for commercial roof inspections allows roofers to identify problems and create maintenance plans without ever putting themselves near a dangerous ledge.
Working Together To Ensure Overall Safety
Any pre-construction meeting with the contractor, property manager, and building owner should also include a discussion about safety. Ideally, a tenant representative or representatives will be included as well. The JHA should be reviewed at that meeting, and safety protocols and procedures should be addressed. At the end of the meeting, everyone should have a handle on his or her responsibilities for ensuring safety and know how to properly report any incidents that may happen on-site.
When it comes to your roof, safety should be your priority. If you are concerned about potential safety compliance or fall protection issues, our team at Maxwell Roofing & Sheet Metal, Inc. is here to help. Contact us to discuss your specific needs and identify the best approach for your project.