Roof Falls

by Chad Mumaw, Southern Group Safety Manager, Hendersonville, TN

Roof falls are one of the greatest hazards on construction sites. In the roofing industry, falls result in the largest number of fatalities. Fall hazard recognition is critical in protecting workers. The key to fall hazard awareness is training: employers must teach their associates to recognize fall hazards and to utilize fall protection to protect themselves.

The most common roofing fall hazards are unprotected edges, bad decking, open holes/skylights and falls from a ladder. When unprotected edges, bad decking, open holes/skylights expose workers to a fall of six (6) feet or greater, a warning line system must be set up six (6) feet or greater from the edge of the roof or a personal fall arrest system must be utilized. 

Additional fall protection methods when working with open hole and/or skylights hazards is the installation of a cover that is secured, marked “hole” or “cover” and be able to support twice the expected load.  

A vast majority of ladder fall hazards are caused by improper setup and improper use of the ladder. Examples of improper setup are: ladders not setup at the proper ¼ angle; ladders not being properly secured on both ends; or, side rails not extending three (3) feet beyond the roof edge when used for access. Improper ladder safety includes: working from the top two steps of a ladder; using a step ladder in a closed position; and, not maintaining three points of contact while on a ladder. Ladders should be used in accordance with the manufacturer’s recommendations and be inspected prior to use. 

Safety at CentiMark

Safety and injury prevention are our responsibility at CentiMark. We provide our associates with the latest safety products and advancements to protect your building and the people inside it. Prior to the start of a roofing or flooring project, we review safety plans with our customers and crews. Our goal is forCentiMark associates to return home safely to their families every evening.