As an expert in the construction industry, I have witnessed firsthand the dangers that roofers face on a daily basis. One of the most alarming statistics is that falls are one of the “four fatal causes” of death for construction workers. This means that falls are responsible for a quarter of all deaths in the construction industry, according to the HSE. And out of all the different types of roofing work, falls through fragile materials are the leading cause of these deaths. It's a sobering fact that falls are not only the leading cause of death, but also the leading cause of injury for construction workers.
Whether it's from scaffolding, ladders, or roofs, workers are at risk every day. And unfortunately, there have been numerous cases where employers have been convicted for not providing proper safety measures for their workers. But what is the most common root cause of roofing construction accidents? The answer is simple: falls through fragile materials. This includes skylights and fiber-cement roofing sheets, which account for more deaths than any other cause. This is why it's crucial for employers to provide necessary safety protections, such as fall protection systems and railing systems.However, even with proper safety measures in place, accidents can still happen.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a roofing accident, it's important to seek legal help. At Rad Law Firm, we specialize in handling cases involving roofing accidents and can help you get the compensation you deserve. One way to prevent falls through fragile materials is by implementing a roof walkway system. This system is carefully designed and incorporates handrails, ramps, and stairs to dramatically increase roof safety and extend its lifespan. It's a small investment that can make a big difference in preventing accidents. But it's not just workers who are at risk of roofing accidents.
Clients, designers, and prescribers who are not directly involved in the work can also be in danger. That's why it's important for everyone to follow proper safety guidelines when on a rooftop. Let's take a look at a real-life example of the consequences of not following safety procedures. In one case, workers were cleaning gutters and coating damaged asbestos roof sheets with corrugated metal sheets. One of the workers got off the board to crawl and accidentally fell through the fragile fiber-cement roof, plummeting 7.5 meters to the concrete floor below.
This tragic accident could have been prevented if proper safety measures were in place. It's important for employers to identify working on a fragile roof as a “high risk” activity and to implement adequate control measures to prevent falls through or from the roof. This includes identifying falls from a leading edge, which is often overlooked. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 150,000 Americans require medical treatment each year due to roof accidents. And it's not just a seasonal issue – roofing accidents can occur year-round on both commercial and residential construction sites. So what can we do to prevent these accidents from happening? As an expert in the industry, I recommend following proper safety procedures, investing in a roof walkway system, and seeking legal help if you or a loved one has been injured in a roofing accident. Let's work together to make construction sites safer for everyone involved.
