Editor's Note

OUCH! On the Roof

Safety challenges on the rooftop are sometimes unseen and unexpected. Are you ready?

By Jill Bloom, Executive Director, Roofing Contractor

Roofing Contractor Group Publisher Jill Bloom — Photo Credit: Quillette
*Roofing Contractor* Group Publisher Jill Bloom

I recently walked the roof of an impressively large automotive plant with safety consultant Tammy Clark and roofing contractor Ruben Gonzalez as we filmed some safety videos for RC viewers. John D’Annunzio, president of Paragon, was gracious enough to set up the roof walk for us and guide us. Before we even went up, the veteran consultant took the time to walk us through every safety detail in place—the access points, the scaffolding, the guardrails, and even what to do in case something went wrong. That walkthrough made a huge difference for me. Since I’m not on rooftops like this very often, it gave me confidence and trust in the process. John also explained that on this jobsite, safety meetings happen three times a day! That kind of commitment sets the tone for everyone working there.

Still, even with all that preparation, the unexpected showed up. A yellow jacket decided to crawl up my jeans by my boot, and of course, it stung me! I did the kind of awkward hop-and-dance you’d expect, screamed out loud enough for everyone to hear, and dropped my phone, which and actually caught part of it on video. Looking back, it was pretty funny. In the moment though, not so much!

But here’s the thing, even in a huge, secure environment like that, surprises happen. What if I’d been allergic? What if I couldn’t walk down the scaffolding stairs on my own? What should be your plan in those situations for your crew?

Ironically, that’s exactly why we were there, to record safety training videos! We all know safety isn’t just about hard hats, harnesses, and checklists. It’s also about being ready for the unexpected and making sure everyone knows what to do if something goes wrong.

We all know safety isn’t just about hard hats, harnesses, and checklists. It’s also about being ready for the unexpected and making sure everyone knows what to do if something goes wrong.

As I was talking with Trent Cotney recently, he reminded me that it’s not just yellow jackets. Contractors have run into bats, birds, raccoons, and even snakes on jobsites. The truth is, you really do have to expect the unexpected.

So here are two questions for you:

Do you include insects and wildlife in your contracts for legal protection?
And more importantly, is your safety plan prepared for the unexpected?

Looking for a reprint of this article?
From high-res PDFs to custom plaques, order your copy today!

Jill Bloom is the innovative Executive Director of Roofing Contractor, Walls & Ceilings, Building Enclosure, Roofing Supply Pro, and the highly regarded Best of Success event. With a deep commitment to advancing the roofing, construction, and building enclosure industries, Jill oversees a robust portfolio of publications, podcasts, and events that empower professionals with knowledge, inspiration, and connections.

Her brands deliver exceptional value across multiple platforms, including:

Techos y Más, the Spanish-language newsletter of Roofing Contractor.
Safety Advisor, a newsletter focused on critical resources for jobsite safety.
Thermal Talk, a newsletter focused on insights and news for the insulation contractor.
eRock, a leading newsletter for drywall contractors.
The Enclosure Experts podcast, offering architects deep insights into building enclosure technologies.
If Walls Could Talk, a podcast dedicated to exploring trends and innovations for the wall and ceiling contractor.
The Best of Success Podcast, providing thought leadership and practical advice for roofing professionals.

Jill’s passion for professional development and fostering industry connections is exemplified by the Best of Success event, a premier gathering of contractors, suppliers, and thought leaders for unmatched education and networking.