Getting on a roof is dangerous. Growing up, if you were the type to climb out of your bedroom window, chances are your parents scolded you with the lesson of “be weary of heights.” While this may seem just like a normal case of parental concern, the numbers support your parents. Climbing on your home’s roof is not something to be taken lightly. Shingle materials often don’t lend to standard shoe grip and, if there are any wet spots, it can be almost impossible depending on your angle. Considering tackling a roofing job on your own? Maybe it’s best to leave it to the bonded and insured roofing and siding experts.

According to a study done by the Center for Construction Research and Training Data Center, from 1992 to 2009, falls account for 1/3 of ALL construction industry fatalities. 6,591 people died from falling and, of that number, 2,163 of those people fell off roofs. Those 2,163 people accounted for a whopping 76% of all the fatalities in our beloved roofing industry and, to put it all in perspective, roofers are 3 times more likely to experience fatal work related injuries than any other construction worker type. Finally, to show how this applies to you – the homeowner, 34% of ALL FALLS happen at residential home projects.

Think about those numbers for a second. THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE have passed away trying to simply tackle a roofing job in the United States. This post isn’t a sales plot. We urge you to take this seriously.

On that note, if you are planning to still tackle that project on your own, take a look at our Fall Protection Equipment Checklist:

All employees working 6+ feet above lower levels MUST USE FALL PROTECTION EQUIPMENT

• Acceptable forms of fall equipment include:
  • Guardrails
  • Safety Nets
  • Personnel Fall Arrest Systems (may consist of Full Body Harness, Deceleration Devices, Lanyards, and Anchor Points)
• Harnesses are to be worn AT ALL TIMES on job site
  • Safety Harness Inspected
• Inspect the Webbing
• Inspect the Hardware
  • Inspect Ropes and Lanyards
  • Check your installation
• Calculate Falling Distance
• Safety goggles must be worn
• Hard Hat Worn
• Ladder in Proper Position

Hopefully, with this insider roofer’s safety list, you can take the necessary safety steps in your upcoming DIY project. Be careful. The moment you feel you are out of your element. Call the experts. We are just one call or click away should you need expert roofing assistance.