Roof workers in Colorado are at as much risk as other roofers nationwide. Extreme weather like high winds or excessive heat along with fall risks has led to many employees being injured at work — some fatally. These jobs will always have hazards, and it will be the ability of employers and employees to identify the hazards that may prevent injuries and save lives.
The most common injuries among rooftop workers result from falls, making fall protection a vital piece of personal protective equipment for every employee. For this reason, roof stability must be assessed before work starts, and every skylight or other openings must be flagged — especially in winter when snow can obscure them. Skylight guards and railings on roof edges can prevent falls.
Ladder falls are also prevalent because ladder safety may not always receive the necessary attention during safety training. Poorly placed or dilapidated ladders have caused many deaths. They must be positioned at the correct angles — based on the height of the roof — and securely hooked onto the roof. Workers who climb ladders while carrying loads on their shoulders change the center of gravity which may cause an unsecured ladder to fall backward.
Not all employers realize that the money spent on establishing proper safety protocols can have a positive impact on the company’s bottom line. For that reason, some roofers in Colorado will continue to face life-threatening safety hazards. Those who are injured at work will be allowed to claim workers’ compensation benefits to pay for medical expenses and help them cope with wage losses.
Source: simplifiedsafety.com, “Top 10 Rooftop Safety Hazards“, Accessed on Aug. 15, 2017
