OSHA Defense
How to Prevent the Leading Causes of Death Among Roofing Contractors Part 1
According to a study by the Center for Construction Research and Training, roofing has the fifth-highest work-related death rate in the construction industry with an average that’s twice that of all other construction-related trades combined. In this two-part series, a roofing attorney in Texas will be detailing how to prevent the leading causes of death in the roofing industry. Contact a roofing lawyer in Texas immediately if you fear that your workers are in danger of succumbing to the following risks.
Preventing Fall Deaths
There is one cause in particular that unquestionably surpasses the rest as the leading cause of death among roofers and all other construction professionals for that matter. Out of 971 construction fatalities in 2017, 366 were due to falls. Falls easily account for the majority of roofer deaths. Of these fall deaths, half are from roof edges. The above numbers are staggering, and contractors must do everything they can to curb this loss of life.
Some of the most important decisions regarding safety are done in the planning stages of a roofing project. Before your roofers set foot on the jobsite, be sure that all necessary safety equipment and tools have been provided for. If you know beforehand that there are hazards on site, such as skylights, ledges, and holes, you can work to ensure that guardrails and personal fall arrest systems (PFAS) are utilized. Whenever PFAS are used, roofers should be provided with a harness to attach to a tie-off point. Train all of your roofers to be able to recognize, communicate, and avoid fall risks. In addition, your roofers should be trained in the proper setup and use of equipment to prevent falls.
A fall from a height as low as six feet can prove fatal to a roofer. Even the most responsible of roofers can find themselves in trouble with the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) for subjecting their roofers to an unnecessary fall risk. For help maintaining OSHA compliance and keeping your roofers safe, consult with a roofing lawyer in Texas. For more information on preventing the leading causes of death among roofers, read part two.
If you would like to speak with a roofing attorney in Texas, please contact us today.
Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.