Falls are one of the most common accidents on a job site.  On average, about 7,000 workers die each year form a fall.  As a roofer, we could fall walking on the job site, off the ladder going to the work area, fall off the edge of the roof or even through the roof. Who has seen or hear of a worker who sat on a skylight for a break, a drink or a smoke,  then the skylight breaks  and the worker falls to the concrete floor below.  Another hazard we face every day are floor opening.  These may exist for roof top units, roof access or other reasons.  But we don't need a skylight or a floor opening to fall through a roof.  We can over load a roof with materials and equipment until the structure gives way or we can start working on an ol... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:19:32 AM

TAKING SHORT CUTS IS COMMON PRACTICE Everyone  takes a shortcut at one time or another. Kids jump the fence instead of using the gate. Pedestrians cross streets between intersections. In many cases, a shortcut involves danger.   BREAK THE HABIT If you have the habit of taking dangerous shortcuts, break it. In our work it can be deadly.  An iron worker who tried to cross an opening by swinging on reinforcing rods slipped and fell 20' onto a concrete floor. If he had taken a few moments to walk around the opening, he'd still be tying rods.  AVOID DANGEROUS SITUATIONS... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:19:16 AM

It's a terrible thing to realize that hardly a work day goes by without a construction worker falling off a scaffold to his death. And those who survive scaffold falls are often crippled for the remainder of their lives. These tragedies are sometimes caused by faulty design or poor construction. But in most cases the basic cause is poor maintenance or improper use — something that you can do something about. Practical, foresighted people "keep both feet on the ground." And practical foresighted construction workers keep both feet on the scaffold. Here's how you can be sure to keep your feet there: ·... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:19:04 AM

A messy job site can be an unsafe job site and it hurts our reputation as professional roofers.  Pour housekeeping presents hazards to workers, the general public, and to the building.  Slip, trip, falls and puncture wounds are only a few of the injuries which can be caused by a messy site.  Trash can clog up roof drains during a severe rain storm and cause flooding or even a roof collapse to the building.  Trash and debris can also blow off the roof and cause personal injuries or property damage.  A solvent soaked rag can cause a fire if not properly disposed of in a container. Store materials and equipment at least six feet from any roof edge and away from any entry or exit ways and public foot traffic.  All flammable liquids, rags, etc. should be stored in approved safety cans.  Tools and equipment should be put a... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:18:50 AM

Like any piece of equipment or tool, operators of cutters and brooms need to be properly trained.  Personal Protective Equipment must be worn when operating the machines.  Eye protection is required whether you are the operator or are working in the vicinity of the equipment to prevent flying debris from striking your eyes.  A very dusty job may require goggles instead of safety glasses along with respiratory protection.  Some equipment might require hearing protection due to the noise of the equipment.  The greatest hazard when using this equipment is the roof edge.  Fall protection should always be in place.  The equipment operator should always know where he/she is in relation to the edge.  Power brooms and roof cutters have a tendency to kick up gravel and debris which can be thrown off the roof onto other w... » Read more

Roofing

Posted 03/24/15 10:18:37 AM