Whether you’re scaling steep slopes or prepping equipment for a roofing job, the potential for accidents in the roofing industry is always present.
The combination of weather conditions, working at considerable heights, and handling dangerous equipment make roofing among the most hazardous occupations.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why roofing is dangerous, the data on roofing accidents, and the critical importance of safety measures in the industry.
Is Roofing Dangerous?
Is roofing a dangerous profession? In short, yes. Roofing is the third most dangerous occupation in the United States.
Beyond the obvious risk of falls, roofers face other dangers on a daily basis. Exposure to extreme weather conditions can pose a threat and cause injuries. Additionally, roofers working near power lines are at risk of electrocution.
Combine these threats with the heavy equipment and tools roofers operate, and you’ll quickly understand why roofing is so dangerous.
Common Roofing Injuries
Roofing is a high-risk job, and there are roofers can sustain several common injuries roofers can sustain on the job. For example, roofers can suffer from:
- Puncture wounds (usually from a malfunctioning nail gun)
- Burns (from prolonged sun exposure or touching a hot surface)
- Strains and repetitive motion injuries (from hammering or lifting)
- Cuts and bruises
How Many Roofers Die a Year
Falls are the most common roofing accident in the industry. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), in 2022, there were 124 fatal roofing injuries. This is up from 115 deaths in 2021.
The BLS reports that falls, slips, and trips are the second leading cause of workplace fatalities. Unfortunately, roofers have died from heat-related illnesses and accidental injuries from malfunctioning tools.
While roofing can be a hazardous job, you still have options for safety. There are several vital precautions roofing companies should implement to protect their workers from harm.
The Importance of Roofing Safety
Understanding the dangers roofers face on the job is crucial for roofing companies and workers alike. A comprehensive approach to safety that emphasizes training and proactiveness is essential.
Roofing companies have a critical responsibility to protect their workers from harm. Taking a proactive and vigilant approach to safety can prevent many roofing accidents.
There are multiple safety protocols that roofing companies should implement. Let’s dive in.
Training
Training is critical to risk mitigation. Workers should be well-versed in how to use safety gear and recognize potential hazards on a job site. Roofing companies should hold regular safety drills and meetings to reinforce safety practices.
Fall Protection
Roofers should use harnesses and guard rails to protect against the high risk of falls from roofs. Additionally, roofers should wear protective gear like helmets to reduce the risk of head injuries if an accidental fall occurs.
Equipment Safety
In 2022, a roofer tragically died after being struck in the eye by a flying nail gun part. Roofing tools are very dangerous and can cause serious injuries. To help reduce the risk of devastating accidents, roofers should take extra precautions when working with electric tools.
Workers should turn equipment off when not in use. Additionally, roofers can wear personal protective equipment to stay safe when operating power tools.
Protect Against Roofing Accidents
Roofing is undeniably dangerous, and workers should be aware of the hazards associated with the job. However, companies can minimize roofing risks with the proper precautions and a strong commitment to safety.
Safety isn’t just an essential requirement from the Occupational Safety and Health Administration—it’s a responsibility that roofing companies should take seriously. Every roofing contractor should work in a safe environment where their health is a top priority.
Roofing safety is paramount to a business’s success. In addition to prioritizing safety, there are several other things business owners can do to strengthen their roofing company.
One strategy for building a successful company is investing in roofing software. Roofing software can streamline your operations, reduce human error, and provide real-time updates on your projects. This powerful tool makes it easier to run your roofing business and ensures nothing slips through the cracks.
Start a free 14-day trial with JobNimbus to learn how roofing software can elevate your business operations.
