Written by Jake Oakey on January 23, 2023

How do roofers stay safe on the job?


Roofing is a physically demanding and dangerous job, as roofers are often working at heights and are exposed to a variety of potential hazards. To stay safe on the job, roofers must take a number of precautions, including wearing the proper workwear and PPE, using fall protection equipment and conducting risk assessments to identify and mitigate potential hazards.


Safety equipment for roofers

Workwear and PPE are essential for roofers to stay safe on the job. Roofers should always wear slip-resistant shoes or boots with good traction to prevent slips and falls. They should also wear hard hats to protect their heads from falling debris and sun exposure. Hard hats should be worn at all times while on the job site, and should be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good condition. High visibility clothing is also important to help roofers stay visible to others on the job site and to help prevent accidents caused by vehicles or equipment.

Eye and ear protection are also important for roofers. Roofing work can generate a lot of noise and debris, so it is essential for roofers to wear earplugs or ear defenders to protect their hearing. Eye protection, such as safety goggles or safety glasses, can help protect roofers from flying debris and dust. Gloves are also important to protect roofers' hands from cuts, abrasions, and chemical exposure.

Fall protection equipment, such as harnesses and lanyards, are crucial for roofers working at heights. Harnesses are worn around the body and are attached to a lanyard, which is secured to the roof or another anchor point, preventing the roofer from falling. It is important for the roofers to wear the harnesses properly and to ensure that the harnesses and lanyards are in good working condition before use.


What are the risks?

Conducting risk assessments is another important step that roofers can take to stay safe on the job. Risk assessments should be conducted before starting any roofing job to identify potential hazards, such as unstable surfaces, hazardous materials, and other risks. The assessment should include potential risks to the roofers, and any other workers on the job site, and should also take into account the weather conditions, as well as the condition of the roof. By identifying these hazards ahead of time, roofers can take steps to mitigate or eliminate them, reducing the risk of accidents and injuries.

Another crucial aspect of safety on the job site is regular communication among the workers. Every roofing job should have a designated supervisor or foreman who is responsible for ensuring that all workers are aware of the job site's safety protocols and that safety procedures are being followed. This includes regular safety meetings and toolbox talks, to keep all workers informed of any changes in the job site's conditions or potential hazards.

Concluding

In conclusion, staying safe on the job is essential for roofers, and it requires a combination of proper workwear and PPE, use of fall protection equipment, and conducting risk assessments. Regular communication among workers is also a must to ensure that everyone is aware of the job site's safety protocols, and that safety procedures are being followed. By taking these steps, roofers can help to protect themselves from potential hazards and reduce the risk of accidents and injuries on the job.

OAKEYS Safety offers customers a wide range of PPE, workwear and traffic product solutions to ensure you are able to find the right products for your environment and have the confidence you are protected in the event of an accident! check out our full range of products within the link below!

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