September 2023
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Inside the September Issue |
Getting Started with Roofing Safety
Falls are the leading cause of death in the construction industry, accounting for over 3,500 fatalities between 2003 and 2013. Falls from roofs accounted for nearly 1,200, or 34 percent, of the fall deaths during that period. Roofers encounter many hazards on the job, including hazards associated with working at heights and from ladders, power tools, electricity, noise, hazardous substances, and extreme temperatures. Unless these hazards are controlled by the employer, roofers risk serious injury, illness and death.
All employers in the construction industry must have a safety program. Contractors and employers who perform construction work must comply with standards in 29 CFR 1926, Subpart C, General Safety and Health Provisions, as well as other applicable standards. The standards outline employers’ responsibilities for initiating and maintaining a safety program that provides for frequent and regular inspections of job sites, materials, and equipment 29 CFR 1926.20(b)(2)) and for ensuring that workers are trained to recognize and avoid unsafe conditions (29 CFR 1926.21(b)(2)). Employers must provide training in a language and in a manner that workers can understand.
Fall Protection Requirements
Falls are the leading cause of work-related injuries and deaths among roofers.
Working 6 feet or more above lower levels
put roofers at risk for serious injury or
death if they should fall. A lack of fall
protection, damaged fall protection equipment,
or improper setup will increase their
risk of falling from height.
Fall Protection Training
Employers must provide fall protection
training for all workers who may be exposed
to fall hazards. The training must
be conducted by a competent person and
include information on how to recognize
fall hazards and on what procedures to
follow to minimize them (29 CFR
1926.503(a)). Training must address how
to inspect, erect/disassemble, and maintain
the fall protection equipment involved in
the work (29 CFR 1926.503(a)(2)(ii)).
Retraining is required when previous training becomes obsolete due to changes in work conditions or fall protection systems or equipment. Retraining is also required when worker performance indicates a need for it (29 CFR 1926.503(c)). Employers must certify that workers have been trained by documenting it in accordance with 29 CFR 1926.503(b) – Certification of Training.
The Requirement to Provide Fall Protection Using
a Personal Fall Arrest System (PFAS)
Employers generally must provide fall protection if workers
are exposed to a fall of 6 feet or more to a lower level. One
form of fall protection is a personal fall arrest system (PFAS).
When used properly, these systems will arrest a fall and prevent
the worker from contacting a lower level. A PFAS consists of
an anchor, a harness, and a lifeline or lanyard (usually with a
deceleration device). Full story »
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