Why Roofing Safety Matters

Roofing is one of the most dangerous jobs in construction. Every year, hundreds of workers die from falls, and thousands more are seriously injured. The risks are real, but they're preventable with proper training, equipment, and procedures.

Common Roofing Hazards:

• Falls from heights: #1 cause of death (30+ feet is almost always fatal)
• Ladder accidents: Falls, tip-overs, structural failure
• Heat stroke: Roof temperatures reach 150°F+ in summer
• Tool injuries: Cuts from knives, nail gun accidents, power tool injuries
• Eye injuries: Flying debris, dust, chemicals
• Electrical hazards: Power lines, wet conditions
• Structural collapse: Weak decks, rotten rafters
• Weather hazards: Lightning, wind, ice, rain

The Fatal Four in Roofing

OSHA identifies the "Fatal Four" hazards that cause the most construction deaths. All four are present in roofing work:

1. Falls (37% of construction deaths)

• Falls from roofs, ladders, scaffolds
• Most common cause of roofing deaths
• Preventable with fall protection systems

2. Struck by Object (9% of deaths)

• Falling tools, materials, debris
• Requires hard hats and exclusion zones

3. Electrocution (8% of deaths)

• Contact with power lines
• Wet conditions + electricity
• Metal ladders near power lines

4. Caught-In/Between (7% of deaths)

• Equipment malfunctions
• Structural collapses

Essential Safety Topics

This section covers comprehensive safety information for all aspects of roofing work. Each topic includes specific hazards, prevention strategies, and emergency procedures.

Fall Protection & Prevention

• Fall protection systems (harnesses, anchors, lifelines)
• Guardrails and safety nets
• Roof brackets and planks
• Working on steep slopes
• Wet and icy conditions

Ladder Safety

• Ladder selection and inspection
• Proper setup (4:1 ratio, 3-point contact)
• Extension ladder safety
• Ladder stabilizers and standoffs
• Common ladder accidents and prevention

Tool & Equipment Safety

• Knife and cutting tool safety
• Nail gun safety and accidents
• Power tool safety (saws, drills, grinders)
• Air compressor safety
• Proper tool maintenance

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Eye protection (safety glasses, goggles)
• Hand protection (cut-resistant gloves)
• Foot protection (soft-soled shoes with grip)
• Head protection (hard hats)
• Respiratory protection (dust masks, respirators)

Heat & Weather Safety

• Heat stroke prevention and recognition
• Hydration and rest breaks
• Working in extreme temperatures
• Lightning and electrical storm safety
• Wind and rain hazards

Emergency Procedures

• Fall rescue procedures
• First aid for common injuries
• Heat stroke emergency response
• When to call 911
• Accident reporting and documentation

RJ Roofing Bros Safety Standards

Our Non-Negotiable Safety Rules:

1. Fall protection required on all roofs 6:12 pitch or steeper
2. No work in rain, ice, or high winds (25+ mph)
3. Mandatory safety meetings every morning
4. All crew members WorkSafeBC certified
5. Full PPE required at all times
6. Buddy system - never work alone
7. Immediate stop-work for unsafe conditions

Safety Equipment We Provide:

• Fall protection harnesses and lanyards
• Roof anchors and lifelines
• Safety glasses and goggles
• Cut-resistant gloves
• Hard hats
• First aid kits on every job site
• Hydration stations in summer

Safety Statistics You Should Know

Fall Statistics:

• Falls from 30+ feet are fatal 50% of the time
• Falls from 50+ feet are fatal 90% of the time
• Most falls happen in the first hour of work (fatigue not a factor)
• 65% of falls happen to workers with less than 1 year experience
• 35% of falls happen to experienced workers who "got comfortable"

Heat Stroke Statistics:

• Roof surface temperatures reach 150-170°F in summer
• Heat stroke can occur in as little as 15 minutes
• 50% of heat stroke victims die without immediate treatment
• Most heat stroke occurs in the first 3 days of hot weather (before acclimatization)

When NOT to Work on Roofs

Absolute No-Go Conditions:

• Rain or wet roofs (extremely slippery)
• Ice or frost on roof
• High winds (20+ mph sustained, 25+ mph gusts)
• Lightning within 10 miles
• Extreme heat (100°F+ air temperature = 150°F+ roof temperature)
• Poor visibility (fog, darkness)
• Under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or medications that impair judgment
• Sick, fatigued, or injured

The Bottom Line

Roofing safety isn't optional - it's essential. Every shortcut, every skipped safety step, every "just this once" decision increases your risk of death or serious injury.

At RJ Roofing Bros, safety is our #1 priority. We've never had a serious injury in 8+ years because we follow safety protocols religiously. No job is worth a life or a career-ending injury.

If you're a homeowner considering DIY roofing: Please reconsider. The $3,000-5,000 you save is not worth your life. If you must do it yourself, invest in proper safety equipment and training first.

Questions about roofing safety? Call (604) 997-1292 - we're happy to discuss safety with homeowners and contractors.