Why Roofing Is Dangerous & How to Prevent Injury
When many home and property owners find something wrong with their house or building, they might be tempted to repair the issue themselves. And for things like a leaky faucet or replacing a light fixture, that’s not such a big deal.
But when it comes to making repairs on your roof, you might want to reconsider doing it yourself. That’s because roofing can be dangerous. In fact, roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs out there.
Some of the dangers might seem obvious, but there are plenty of other unexpected hazards that come with working on a roof. Prioritizing roofing safety measures is the first step toward making sure that not only is your roof in good shape, but you and those around you are safe!
Here are some of the reasons why roofing is dangerous and how you can protect yourself from roofing hazards.
Roofs Are Dangerous Workspaces
Roofs are inherently dangerous because of how high they can be. Add to that trip hazards like skylights and vet openings, missing or curved shingles, debris, inclement weather like strong winds and the presence of ice, and a lack of proper safety plan and safety equipment, and you’ve got a frightening recipe for an accident.
The best safety measure you can take to eliminate the risk of a roofing-related accident is to leave the work to the professionals. If you identify a problem on your roof, get in touch with a local roofing company to inspect the issue and offer you advice on how to proceed.
Falls Are More Common Than You Think
If you Google “why is roofing dangerous,” your top result might be falling. OSHA lists falling as the leading cause of fatality in the construction industry, and specifically, falls when working from heights are one of the most common causes of death. That’s unfortunately unsurprising news because roofs can host all sorts of common trip hazards like slippery or loose shingles, and then strong winds and poor weather make working on a roof even more dangerous.
While experience can help a roofer identify and avoid falling hazards, following appropriate safety measures and hiring professionals to tackle the work for you are the best strategies for preventing a roofing accident from falling.
Electrical Hazards Hide in Plain Sight
For a roofer, the threat of electrical hazards such as powerlines, electrical wiring, and transformers is always a concern. The construction industry is most at risk from electrical hazards, accounting for 52% of all electrical fatalities in the US workplace. Workers most at risk of electrical hazards include those working on rooftops and near power lines connected to your roof. Improper handling of electrical equipment can cause injuries from electrical shock and falling.
In addition to power lines, roofers must always pay attention to the weather, which can be another dangerous factor.
Nail Gun Safety Is Often Overlooked
One of the most efficient tools in roofing is also one of the most dangerous: 60% of the 37,000 nail gun injuries that lead to emergency room visits each year are occupationally related. And roofing is a leading cause of injuries from nail guns.
Some of the reasons for that are inexperience, being unaware of your surroundings, lack of training and procedure, and improper use. It’s easy to rest your finger on the trigger when not nailing, and that can lead to serious injury.
Injuries Are Costly
The majority of residential roofs are designed with angles for good reason, but this can put additional strain on working conditions for roofers. Workers may have to work at uncomfortable positions and with heavy loads that can lead to injuries and health problems. Successful walking and working on a roof requires the right safety training and equipment. Injuries and treatments can be expensive and also lead to delays in work, which could mean more damage if your roofing problem isn’t fixed.
And on top of all that, OSHA can fine businesses who don’t follow proper safety measures and therefore allow injuries to occur. These penalties can be steep. This list of reasons roofing is dangerous is not comprehensive, but it shows how dangerous roofing can be and why it is important to take roofing repairs seriously.
Prevent Roofing Injuries by Following Best Practices
The best way to make roofing safe and to prevent serious injury is to rely on the experts. Contact J&K Roofing today to schedule a free inspection of your roof. Our roofing team always follows the highest standards of safety and will work hard to make sure your roof is in good shape.