Fall protection is a critical focus in commercial roofing safety, as falls are one of the leading causes of fatalities in the industry. According to the National Safety Council, over 6,000 people die annually from falls, including those from roofs and ladders. Additionally, more than 30,000 people are injured each year due to falls involving ladders in the commercial roofing sector.
To enhance safety and prevent falls in the workplace, OSHA has established specific guidelines for commercial roofing companies:
- Assessment of Surfaces: Employers must ensure that the walking/working surfaces have the strength and structural integrity to support employees safely.
- Fall Protection Systems: Employees working on surfaces with unprotected sides or edges 6 feet or more above a lower level must be protected by guardrail systems, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
- Protection Around Holes: Employees must be safeguarded from falling through holes (including skylights) more than 6 feet above lower levels by using personal fall arrest systems, covers, or guardrail systems around such holes.
- Low-Slope Roofs: For employees working on low-slope roofs with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels, protection must include guardrail systems, safety net systems, personal fall arrest systems, or combinations of warning line systems and these protections.
- Steep Roofs: Employees on steep roofs with unprotected sides and edges 6 feet or more above lower levels must be protected by guardrail systems with toeboards, safety net systems, or personal fall arrest systems.
