Working on roofs is a dangerous job and requires careful planning and safety precautions. With inherent risks working so far off the ground and sometimes without much of a wall to corral workers on the roof the risk of falling is the first thing that comes to most minds. To prevent falls, safety lines are erected around the perimeter of the roof. Workers also have fall gear, which consists of harness, lanyard and safety line, which is secured to the roof to prevent a fall to the ground.

In actuality, falling through the roof is more of risk than falling off of it. Skylights, deteriorated plywood or sub-roof, improper coverings over open spaces and lack of proper safety precautions all pose falling through risks. And some of the time these hazards are not even recognized until it’s too late.

However, there are many more risks than just falling off a roof. Depending on what type of roof, safety hazards come in many shapes and forms. Besides the risk of fall hazards, falling overhead objects at constructions sites are a risk often not taken into consideration – even roofers have to wear hard hats as mandatory practice. Overhead work from other trades is not always below roofers as cranes assist in getting work done, especially if more than one building is being built.

Other risks involve the cleanliness and tidiness of other trades when working in the same area. Tools, cords or equipment left out can pose trip hazards. Incorrect or absent warning markers is another. Lack of communication is usually cited when accidents happen: “I didn’t know…” or “no one said…” or “usually there is…”

Sometimes accidents happen even with the best planning. Keeping workers, both roofers and other trade workers, is of top priority at Upson Company as they roof, re-roof, and repair commercial roofs in and around Boise, Idaho, and eastern Oregon. All precautions are employed at each and every job. And it shows. Upson Company has a phenomenal safety record.