Building construction is one of the most important existing industries to the infrastructure of our society and our economy. Unfortunately, Forbes Magazine rates roofing as one of America’s 10 Deadliest Jobs, ranked at the #4 spot to be exact. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were more than 4,800 fatal work injuries in the United States in 2014. Overall, the fatal work injury rate increased from the previous year, making it the first increase in the nation’s fatal injury rate since 2010. Avoiding these types of risks and injuries is entirely possible with a created culture of roof safety.
Our roofing contractors in Fort Myers understand that work-injury risks within the roofing industry have been continuously included in the “fatal four”, which constitutes the four most dangerous risks in the construction industry; falls, electrocution, being struck by an object, and being in the wrong place at the wrong time. These “fatal four” accounted for close to 60% of construction worker deaths in 2014.
With risk of injury and death so severe in the construction industry, it’s critical to enforce safety standards and precautions from the very beginning to the very end of each and every job. A number of companies create and enforce these standards through a written manual. While manuals are great for reference, a company’s best bet is to cultivate a culture of safety from every branch in the business. Embracing and practicing a revolving concern for roofing safety creates beneficial habits of smart, cautious and careful operations.
Start From The Top:
For safe work environments, company leaders must display a sturdy insistence and respect for safety, involving themselves in everything that their employees do. These kinds of values will undoubtedly trickle down. When owners and management practice what they preach and mark safety as a #1 priority in daily operations, it shows employees that safety doesn’t take a lot of effort and time to deploy if done correctly. Leaders who remind, rather than reprimand, show employees that they approach safety with more of a caring and concerned attitude. Creating that culture of roofing safety helps each and every employee from day one, helps to keep your company compliant and helps to avoid preventable accidents.
Plan – Provide – Train:
If you’re looking for somewhere to start to create a safe work environment within your company, consider using tips from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Their three-point approach to preventing falls on the job is an excellent, and effective, way to carve out some core safety elements for your safety plan.
- Plan: Planning ahead for your scheduled jobs is not only common sense, but it’s a good business practice. It’s critical to ensure that safety measures are included in each project plan. You will want to anticipate any potential dangers that could be lurking on each job site. Once you’ve identified potential risks, build in the cost for all of the necessary measures and equipment to keep workers safe.
- Provide: When you build in the cost for the proper safety equipment, including harnesses, scaffolds, ladders and personal fall arrest systems, you are better able to provide the exact materials for fall protection and other safety precautions. Remember to use this insight to make sure you’ve got the right material and equipment for each and every job.
- Train: Once all of the proper safety equipment has been secured, it’s critical to make sure that employees are trained to use it correctly. This is an important step in creating a culture of safety in the workplace.
Beyond falls, electrocution, struck-by accidents and other unexpected risks, there are a number of other factors to consider. Here in Florida, outdoor workers face serious risks of heat stress and exhaustion. As we previously discussed in our “Staying Safe in the Scorching Summertime Sunshine” post, “In 2014 alone, there were more than 2,600 workers who suffered from heat-related illnesses in the US. During that same year, close to 20 died from heat stroke and other related causes while working on the job.” It’s important to remember that these illnesses and deaths are entirely preventable with the proper precautions, including shade, breaks, hydration and protecting skin.
Our Naples roofing contractors are reminding outdoor workers of all kinds to protect themselves out there. Make on-the-job safety a top priority. If you’re considering having work done on your roof this summer, call us at (855) 685-3850 today for a free estimate. Not only do we provide regular inspections, but we can help to repair current roofing systems that may be failing or we can install new roofing systems to best help you, your family and your business stay safe. There’s no job too small and no task too big. With offices in Fort Myers, Orlando, Sarasota and Miami, we’re here to help with all of your roofing needs.