Why Roof Safety is Important

If you have ever wondered why everyone is so careful and nervous when they get on a rooftop it is because it’s dangerous, and why roof safety is important will be explained here.  Also why this may just be one of those times to forget  the “do it yourself” attitude, and call someone who knows what they are doing.

People falling make up more of the fatal and near fatal injuries than anything else when it comes to construction related injury, and that’s counting only the professionals. It is not only from building roofs  that these injuries occur either. Whether you are attempting to maintain it, clean it, demolish, or simply check out the roof you are working with, you are putting yourself at a pretty big risk.

Some jobs are bigger and need a lot more safety nets than others, but no precautions at all is a surefire way to have an incident in your next project. A few things to watch out for next time you get up on a roof include the slant, because the steeper and more severe, the harder it is to stabilize yourself. What kind of boots you wear can make a big difference because of the traction, which should be a top priority for work boots. Make sure you keep an uncluttered area so as not to trip, and watch for the condition of the roof that could make it slippery.

And not only are those who may be working on top of the roof at risk, those outside are at serious risk of falling materials and in fewer cases, people. Falling tools are one of the most serious hazards at construction sites and one should be conscious of anything on the roof above them.

Those who are underneath the roof are at risk too because there is always the chance of the structure collapsing inward. A few tips for providing roof safety start by taking a risk assessment that includes everything that seems like it could go wrong, and from there matching your safety measures until you have all your bases covered. Getting on and off the roof is a major point of risk also, and probably the most dangerous part of the work you will be doing, so make sure you have a good and secure entrance and exit point before undertaking anything. A “fall arrest system” is another helpful precaution that will keep someone from falling off and these are generally required at anything more than six feet.

Roofing Repair St Louis

Roofing Contractors St Louis

Gives input and advice on roof safety.

You might think that safety is a separate issue from roof replacement cost, but actually they are tied together quite closely. Safety affects the types of equipment you have to buy, how you do the work, the kind of liability you will have for anyone helping you, and your own possible medical costs. All in all, the safety provided to you by a professional home remodeling company is very valuable.

Safety Equipment

You will need safety gear for you and any helpers to wear. This type of gear might include safety goggles, ear protection, steel-toed boots, and sturdy work gloves. You will also need special safety ladders that extend to the level where you need to work. If you really have a problem with heights, you will be even safer with scaffolding rather than ladders. These items can all run up your roof replacement cost.

Procedures

You will have to use extra caution with power tools. If you are not extremely skilled at using them, it can take a long time to use a circular power saw, a pneumatic nailer, or an air compressor safely. A slow job can mean not only an inconvenience, but might also mean a drain on your income if the roof does not get done in time to prevent leaks.

Other safety procedures include simple acts. For example, rather than climbing up and down ladders carrying tools, it is better to put the tools in a bucket, tie a rope to the bucket, and pull the bucket up after you get on the roof. It is knowing and remembering all these little safety measures that make your job go quickly and smoothly.

Liability

Many people have a friend or family member help them to reroof their house. The most the labor usually costs them is a favor in return, and often their friends do not even ask for that. It might seem as neighborly as the barn-raisings of the old days, but if something goes wrong people might not be so friendly.
If you do not keep the job site safe, you might end up paying for medical expenses of your helper. These expenses might be limited to a quick trip to the emergency room for a few stitches, or they could amount to extensive treatment for serious injuries. If the damage to your friend is bad enough, you could even lose your house. What roof replacement cost could be higher?

Your Medical Treatment

If you are not safe, you can hurt yourself very badly. You are not going to sue yourself, obviously, but you will have to take care of your physical problems. If you fall off the roof and get a broken leg, it will have to be set, for example. Your problems are not going to go away just because you caused them yourself.
In the end, it is always best to look for someone who is equipped and skilled when it comes to doing roofing jobs safely. An expert home remodeling company will take care of all these problems by being prepared. Your roof replacement cost will remain manageable because the roofing company will keep everyone safe.

Shawn Hickman is the Search Marketing Manager for Sears Home Improvements To read more about Roofing by Sears, visit the Roof Replacement Cost section of our website.