There’s evidently significantly higher risks to working at heights than doing the same work on the ground. Eliminate undue safety risks by following the necessary guidelines and planning ahead. By establishing systems to maximize safety, a roofing contractor can learn how to best protect themselves from injury while working at heights
#1 – Planning is a Necessary Part of Safety
Plan safety in advance and know what equipment you need to get the job done, what the timeline is, if there are going to be any special safety considerations that must be made, and the safety backgrounds of each worker. In some cases, a worker may be ill-equipped to perform on a certain job if they do not have the necessary safety training to back them up.
In addition, from a worker perspective, no one should be using any distractive devices (i.e. music players, smartphones, etc.) while on the job and any safety concerns should be brought up immediately to their supervisor.
#2 – Using the Right Equipment
To maximize safety when working at heights, a contractor needs to ensure that the right equipment is being used on the job and that it is in proper working order. Check regularly for signs of improper functioning, particularly if it’s rented equipment.
To this point, equipment needs to be safely stored to ensure it is not a hazard to anyone. Any ladders must be secured, equipment needs to be placed in a location that does not disturb non-roofing traffic, and the workers who use and store this equipment must be trained thoroughly on how.
#3 – Defining a plan in case of Safety Emergency
In the event that something should happen, you want to have an emergency plan already in place. Prior to going up to work at heights, every worker should be adequately trained and practiced in reacting to emergency safety incidents. For example, if a worker becomes trapped, it’s important that others react appropriately to be able to reach and free the worker. By practicing rescues such as these, workers are more likely to be helpful in resolving such an emergency.
#4 – Knowing the Risks of a Situation
Any project comes with its risks. Knowing them is half the battle. Be sure to thoroughly assess a site, identifying the risks present. Take these into consideration when planning the work to be completed. Every worker should be made aware of the risks involved prior to getting started and any opportunity to minimize these safety risks should be taken. At times, this may involve wearing special equipment such as a safety harness or using other techniques to avoid being put into emergency safety situations. By knowing the risks, you can know how to react.
Working at heights come with risks that are well established. To combat these risks, a roofing contractor needs to be aware of how to maximize safety in their work environment. Every day presents a new situation whereby injuries and accidents can happen. The last thing anyone wants to be a part of is a workplace safety accident that could have been avoided where someone becomes seriously injured. All it takes is a second to go from routine work to a serious injury or a fatality. Prepare in advance and protect all workers involved.
