How Can a Texas Roofer Stay Safe at the Job Site?

Fixing and replacing roofs is a lot riskier than most people think. In fact, roofing contractors account for around 20% of all the fatalities in the construction space, which is arguably one of the country’s deadliest industries.

This is why Texas roofers insurance coverage is crucial when working on roofs in this state.

If you’re a roofing contractor in Texas who wants to avoid costly fines and, most importantly, devastating accidents, there are a few safety precautions you should follow.

Here are some of the essential safety tips and precautions you can use to stay safe when roofing.

Wear Proper Clothing

You should wear clothing that moves with the body and avoid clothing that makes it more difficult to do so. Ensure both your pants and shirt aren’t too baggy or too tight. Wear full sleeves, even if it’s extremely hot outside, because this can protect you from cutting or scraping yourself.

Wear leather gloves to protect your hands, and use straps to secure these gloves to your wrists. Tuck the long sleeves into the gloves if you can, so you can work better. Additionally, always wear closed-toed footwear as well. Lastly, don’t forget a helmet, of course.

Use Harnesses and Ropes

Before you walk around the roof or climb any ladders, make sure you put on safety harnesses. You should fit the harness around your shoulders, waist, and torso. Your legs and arms should be able to move around freely without any constraints, but the harness should still be able to catch you in case you slip and fall off the rooftop.

Buy bright-colored harnesses and ropes like orange and neon yellow. Why? Well, bright harnesses and ropes are way easier to see than dark ones because most roofs are constructed using dark-colored materials.

Be Aware of Hazardous Substances

Roofing jobs sometimes require the use of certain hazardous materials. Besides that, roofers can also encounter materials like mold, lead, and asbestos when they’re repairing or replacing an old rooftop.

Use face masks with respirators so you can inhale clean air while you work. Avoid touching dangerous substances without gloves, and transporting hazardous objects via sealed storage containers. Finally, clean your space as you work, and don’t leave hazardous substances or trash around the workspace.

Avoid Extreme Weather

Most rooftops are designed to deflect snow and rain away from homes, meaning they can get incredibly dangerous after or during a storm. Never do any roofing tasks just after it’s rained or while it’s actively raining.

As a roofing contractor, avoid working on rooftops when it’s hard to see outside or if it’s overcast. Furthermore, never do any roofing tasks at night. However, if you must work when it’s hard to see, wear a headlamp so you can see what’s in front of you.

Takeaway

Just like any other construction job, roofing has its own unique safety hazards. However, there are certain things you can do to help ensure you don’t get hurt while working on a roof. Following these tips and precautions will help you stay safe when roofing.