Roofers are at a high risk of getting into accidents while at work. The roofing profession is the fourth-most dangerous occupation in the United States, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics 2016 Census of Fatal Occupational Accidents.The fatality rate in the workplace in 2016 was 48.6 per 100,000 workers.
Roofing requires constant exposure to the sun and extreme exertion, including climbing, lifting heavy objects, bending, and crouching. Falls, trips, and slips are a leading cause of workplace injuries, and as a result, the victim cannot continue working. This is where insurance comes in.
Your business in Michigan and your employees’ livelihoods can be safeguarded against the possibility of financial collapse by purchasing roofing contractors insurance. Let us look at some common job site risks faced by roofers.
5 Roofing Accidents That Roofers Face
Falls
Falls are among the “fatal four” causes of casualties for construction employees. Roofing workers risk serious injury or death if their employers don’t supply them with the necessary safety equipment like fall protection devices and guard rails.
A fall can injure the bones, internal organs, and joints. Torn knee ligaments, broken limbs and ankles, and concussions with potential brain damage are also common.
The results can be catastrophic if the necessary safety measures are not taken. But with insurance, you will be in a better place, as it will cater to all the medical expenses.
Injuries Caused by Repeated Motions
Pinched nerves and tendinitis are two conditions that can arise from repeatedly doing the same movements over a long period of time. Repetitive motioninjuries are widespread among roofers due to the strain of daily tasks, including bending, hammering, and lifting large loads.
Injuries Caused by Various Tools
Roofing jobs involve using numerous dangerous tools, such as electric drills, nail guns, circular saws, and power roof cutters, which can result in severe accidents. Amputations are also possible, especially if the workers are not adequately trained and equipped with safety gear.
Electrocution
This is another common job site risk faced by roofers. Electrocution is considered one of the fatal four, as it can even result in death. Roofers risk being electrocuted if the power lines they work near come into contact with their metal ladders or are subjected to any other electricity-related risks. They can also be electrocuted if electricity is not switched off during repairs.
Heatstroke
Roofers are often forced to work in hazardous settings due to the extreme weather. The heat index in some parts of Michigan can rise above 80 degrees in the summer. Still, to achieve their deadlines, they must work long hours on the scorching roofs.
Heat exhaustion and skin burns can be caused by several factors, including overexertion, the intense heat of the sun, and the use of combustible materials in construction (such as shingles and tar).
There are also other hazards that roofers are prone to, and they include:
- Bitumen boilers, heating electronics, torches, and mobile gas (LPG) containers all provide explosion and fire hazard due to their use of gas as a fuel source.
- Contact with rodents and bird droppings can cause skin irritation.
- Exposure to parasites found in bird nests can negatively impact one’s health.
- Long-term anxiety, heightened phobias, and the worry that one would be seen as “overcautious” by colleagues and managers all contribute to psychological difficulties in the workplace.
Conclusion
Injuries sustained in a roofing incident can be quite serious and, in some cases, even lead to mortality. The suffering, though, continues. Roofing accident injuries can cause physical pain and financial hardship due to high medical bills and time off work.
The added burden of these expenses can add stress and worry to an already tense situation. Workers who have been hurt, whether in minor office mishaps or major roofing disasters, are protected by workers’ compensation legislation and, in some cases, insurance.