Roofing Safety at A-Denver Roofing
At A-Denver Roofing, safety is our top priority. We discuss job site safety daily because roofing is one of the most hazardous trades in the nation. Falls are the leading cause of injuries in the construction industry.
Our Commitment to Safety
- OSHA Certification: All roofing superintendents and foremen must complete the OSHA 30-hour class before employment.
- Daily Safety Meetings: We hold toolbox talks every morning to review potential hazards and ensure safety protocols are understood.
- Warm-Up Routine: We dedicate 15 minutes each morning to stretching and warming up to prevent injuries.
Top Roofing Hazards and Controls
Caught-In or Caught-Between Hazards
These hazards cause crushing injuries when workers are caught or compressed between objects.
Examples:
- Cave-ins during trenching
- Clothing caught in equipment
- Crushing between a semi-trailer and a wall
Prevention:
- Be aware of and maintain distance from equipment.
- Avoid getting between movable materials and immovable structures.
- Ensure loads are stable and secure.
- Wear seatbelts at all times.
Concrete & Masonry Hazards
Key Hazards:
- Impalement by uncapped rebar
- Masonry wall collapses
- Silica exposure
Controls:
- Establish a Limited Access Zone (LAZ) during masonry construction.
- Ensure formwork supports all loads without failure.
- Inspect all fall protection equipment regularly.
Hazard Communication
We use few chemicals in roofing, but managing risk is crucial. The Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) requires Safety Data Sheets (SDSs) for all chemicals.
SDS Sections:
- Identification
- Hazard Identification
- Composition/Information on Ingredients
- First-Aid Measures
- Fire-Fighting Measures
- Accidental Release Measures
- Handling and Storage
- Exposure Controls/Personal Protection
- Physical and Chemical Properties
- Stability and Reactivity
- Toxicological Information
- Ecological Information*
- Disposal Considerations*
- Transport Information*
- Regulatory Information*
- Other Information
Crane, Derrick, Hoists, Elevators & Conveyors Hazards
Electrical Safety:
- Maintain safe distances from power lines.
- Follow ANSI standards and preventative measures for electrical safety.
Additional Hazards:
- Overloading
- Struck-by incidents
- Inadequate inspections and rigging
Safety Measures:
- Inspect cranes for air pressure, hardware, leaks, and damage.
- Take precautions during low visibility operations.
- Conduct trial lifts before hoisting employees.