Roofing is inherently a dangerous profession. The roofing industry alone is considered the 4^th most dangerous job in the United States, and work environments are changing by the minute. Today, it’s more critical than ever to ensure your safety program is current and that employees are properly trained to take on all safety challenges on projects of any size. This may mean critiquing the company’s safety culture and attitudes within the organization to ensure safety is always first and foremost for every job. 

Some companies are more capable and committed to doing this well than others. Dan Nowak, corporate risk specialist for Evans Roofing Company, Inc., will share the organization’s story of why a major change in safety culture was necessary during his session titled  “Changing Your Safety Culture Through Voluntary Protection Programs (VPP)” at IRE 2016 on Wednesday, Feb. 17.

The VPP designation is a prestigious achievement issued by the U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) following a very meticulous evaluation process.

Evans and its subsidiaries began their VPP journey in 2007. It earned Merit Status in 2008 and continued on to VPP Star Status in 2012. Today, the company is the only VPP Star Mobile Workforce contractor in the U.S, and part of its mission is to educate other roofing contractors on how the process improved multiple aspects of the business.

Nowak said the presentation is relevant for both commercial and residential roofing contractors, and is geared to help them identify the current status of safety in their company; recognize how receptive their crews are to safety; and how to consistently maintain a safe work culture. 

“By analyzing your company’s safety program and the level of your commitment to safety, you’ll begin to better understand your direction, support and level of obligation needed throughout your journey, and the positive impact that it will have within your organization,” Nowak said.

Dan Nowak is the corporate risk specialist for Evans Roofing Company. Dan has been working in the safety field since 2003 and is an OSHA Instructor for 10-30hr. Dan's background and previous job titles include: chainsaw safety instructor, project managing, safety consultant, safety field coordinator, and corporate risk specialist.