Construction Law
Unsafe Conditions and Acts That Lead to Roofing Accidents Part 1
It is unfortunate that thousands of hardworking roofing professionals are injured or killed on job sites each year. Roofers are subjected to broken bones, back injuries, heat-related injuries, and repetitive motion injuries. Fall related fatalities are also prevalent in the roofing industry. This is why unsafe conditions and acts must be understood to keep everyone safe.
If you have questions about maintaining compliance with OSHA regulations and keeping your job site safe, a Florida OSHA lawyer is an excellent resource to have in your corner.
Unsafe Conditions
Poor workplace conditions are responsible for all types of injuries. However, employers are responsible for ensuring they protect their employees from foreseeable danger. Injuries as a result of unsafe conditions are avoidable. All it takes is the knowledge and proactiveness of the employer to repair any dangerous condition, to supervise the workplace, to provide training, and conduct regular inspections to reduce accidents that could result in severe injuries.
Examples of common unsafe working conditions include:
- Trip hazards (i.e., slippery floors, debris, exposed wiring)
- Hazardous weather (snow or water)
- Unguarded skylights or uncovered holes
- Steep pitched roofs without proper safety gear
- Unprotected sides and edges
- Poorly placed ladders
- Bad lighting/poor line of sight
- Improperly secured machinery
Unsafe Acts
Due to the risky nature of roofing, workers should be especially mindful of their practices while on the job. More often than not, a worker’s unsafe behavior is the cause of preventable accidents. If workers have a poor attitude about their work, they will be more likely to take shortcuts or not wear the proper safety gear. If they are not trained properly, they will perform tasks incorrectly and subject themselves and others to hazards. If they do not take their job seriously, they are more likely to write off workplace rules and participate in horseplay.
To learn about preventing unsafe workplace practices and establishing good safety habits, read part two of our article.
If you would like to speak with an experienced Florida OSHA defense lawyer, please contact us at 1-866-303-5868, or submit our contact request form.
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.