In several past columns I have discussed how sustainability is as much about people as the environment. And some of the most important people affected by sustainable roofing are the workers on your crews. For a roofing project to be truly sustainable, the health, safety and success of the workers who install the roof must be considered.
Given this month’s focus in Roofing Contractor on tools and equipment, I’d like to use this column to highlight the ways the tools you select can contribute to the sustainability of your workforce. First, the right tools can help prevent injuries on the job. Some tools can reduce the amount of individual effort required to complete a task and reduce the risk of strain to muscles, tendons, and joints. Some tools allow individual workers to handle heavy roofing materials that otherwise might lead to back injuries. Examples of tools that can carry the load for your workers include: