5 Simple Safety Steps for Working at Height

When it comes to safety, roofers on any continent can agree the on the undeniable certainty -- and threat -- of gravity.

A study on an algorithm from the University of South Australia shows promise in reducing workplace accidents. — Photo courtesy of OSHA

A study out of the University of South Australia has demonstrated the efficacy of a new automated safety hazard identification system that has the potential to dramatically reduce the risk of slips and falls, two major causes of workplace injury and death in construction — particularly in roofing.
— Image courtesy of OSHA

There are a lot of ways in which roofing in North America is different than roofing overseas in Europe. Consistent variables like available materials, weather patterns and regional cultures make it seemingly impossible for there not be contrasts. Yet when it comes to safety, any roofer on any continent is certainly subject to one undeniable factor — gravity.

RC looked across the pond to our counterparts in England for some simple steps to follow when working at height and found the following from Daniel Osbourne, an English roofer with over 15 years of experience in the industry, who also contributes for MyJobQuote.co.uk.

STEP 1 – Step Back. Consider if there’s a way to avoid working at height. Could you use tools to reach high features? Or use images instead?

STEP 2 – Risk/Reward. If working at height can’t be avoided, assess the risks involved. It might help to ask yourself the following questions:

How high up will a worker need to go?
What state is the structure or surface in?
How long and how often will a worker need to be at height?

STEP 3 – PrePlan. Before any work at height starts, you must plan carefully. As well as working out how to undertake a task, you must make sure there’s an emergency procedure in place and that any employees working at height have had sufficient training and instruction to be able to do the job safely. You should also inspect the area where the work is due to take place.

STEP 4 – Implementation. Implement safety measures to control the identified risks. This could be hiring a scaffold or scissor lift, installing guardrails around edges and platforms or providing employees with harnesses. You may also choose to put up barriers and signs to help manage the work area.

STEP 5 – Verify. Inspect personal and collective safety equipment. This should be done every time the equipment is used. If the work is taking place outside, regularly check the weather conditions, too.

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Art Aisner is Editor-in-Chief of Roofing Contractor and Roofing Supply Pro. He spent the bulk of his career as a multi-media journalist for newspapers and television stations before joining the RC team in 2015. He is the driving force behind the publication’s content development, editorial strategy and other initiatives that serve growing audiences in the roofing space.