Roofing is a vital feature of construction, but it is also dangerous. Roofing contractors have a difficult job; they take risks by working at great heights, handling heavy equipment, and exposing themselves to hostile weather conditions. This job puts them at a higher risk of injury or even death in unfortunate circumstances. It will help if roofing contractors insurance is implemented to cover such tragic events.
The good news is that the contractors can mitigate these occurrences by implementing proper safety protocols to safeguard their employees. In this article, we will traverse the significant ways roofing contractors can put in place to protect their employees and their businesses by observing safety protocols. Let us dive in.
Implementing safety procedure guidelines
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Explaining to your team the importance of observing the mandatory safety procedures to prevent incidents and shield your business from legal harm is essential. Before the work begins, encourage your team to deliberate about the working environment and point out possible dangers.
Dress suitably for the work
Wearing clothes that allow flexibility and free movement is essential for any roofer. The clothes should be comfortable while you are working. In a nutshell, the most suitable attire for roofers includes long sleeves and pants, which are to be always worn, sport breathable fabrics are recommended during the summer; and layers on cool days.
In addition, wearing durable clothing with pockets and utility loops is encouraged. These items of clothing protect your team from sunstroke, heatstroke, frostbite, and other weather effects and injuries that may arise.
Wear personal protective equipment
This is a significant piece of equipment for any roofing contractor. Without personal protective equipment, you will be deemed to have ignored safety guidelines as a roofer. This equipment includes helmets, fall protection harnesses, safety ropes and ties, steel toe footwear with traction that grips surfaces, safety gloves, and eye protection gadgets.
Create walkway paths
Safe roof walkway paths are essential for safeguarding your team and the roof’s integrity. Establish the positioning of the walkway paths necessary for each job to reduce the risk of accidents. Surfaces may be icy and slippery, hot, sticky, or uneven. In addition, pipes, mechanical equipment, and navigating ducts can harm your employees.
Avoid distractions at all costs while working
Put away any distractions like a mobile phone, while on duty. If need be, select one of the team members to deal with receiving and passing messages to the workers on the rooftop. Driving to or from the working site while interacting with a mobile phone should be prohibited, as this threatens road safety. Advise your team to mute or switch off mobile phones before commencing work. Other distractions should be avoided as well.
Train your team to handle power tools
Your crew must understand operating high-powered drills, hot torches, and other tools. Advise your team to check every tool in the toolbox to ascertain that it is in good condition before beginning any work.
Use ladders of high-quality
Remember to consider the use of quality ladders or roofing materials. Avail the required number of ladders for your crew and observe frequent inspections to ensure they are safe and in good condition.
Set up guardrails, netting, and scaffolding when working on steep-sloped roofs to boost safety. Similarly, slate and tile roofs are slip hazards, and you should pay attention to them and take measures to prevent your workers from falling.
Know the weather conditions
It is vital to know the prevailing weather conditions at the site of work before releasing your team. Bad weather increases the risk of slips and falls. It also affects how roof shingles are sealed. Postpone any job during extreme weather conditions and resume work when the weather is ideal.
Observe precautionary measures when handling hot bitumen
Hot-tar roofers can cause severe burns if you don’t handle them carefully. Train your employees on how to handle hot bitumen and safe filling levels.
Seal the vat of scalding hot bitumen and put it away from flammable materials or surfaces. Assign one of your team members as a “fire-watch person” to avert unnecessary flames. In addition, fill the buckets with the hot tar to the required level.
Secure your worksite
Always clean your worksite and store all your tools at the end of every workday. This measure will prevent vandalism and theft.
In conclusion, practicing proper safety protocols is essential for roofing contractors. It mitigates the risks and affirms the well-being of their workers. Prioritizing safety protects workers and promotes the roofing business’s reputation and success.
