Owning a home isn’t as easy as just staying there forevermore. The house has to be maintained. The roof is a pivotal part of the structure, shielding families from the elements.
This is where roofers come in. They carry out repairs or replacements. There is always plenty of work going on in this industry, but it isn’t without hazards. Outlined below are some of the more common injury risks for roofers.
1. Falls from a height
The roof is the highest point of any building. Some roofers work on bungalows and many work on multi-story buildings. In any case, there is some height involved. Even a fall from just a few meters off of the ground can result in some nasty injuries. Roofers need to take every precaution, such as wearing safety harnesses and ensuring that they have a co-worker nearby.
2. Electrocution
Electrocution is known as one of the “fatal four” in construction work, and this is a hazard that roofers face each day. Electrical wires and posts may have to be navigated, and the power source should be cut when necessary. On top of that, many of the tools that roofers use will be powered by electricity. Generally, roofing work should be postponed in heavy rain to avoid the risk of electrocution.
3. Heat exposure
Being on top of a building means that you are fully exposed to the elements. California is notorious for reaching high temperatures, particularly during the summer. Roofers have to be careful that they do not suffer from heat exposure. This can cause them to feel faint and fall or suffer severe burns.
Sadly, no matter how careful you are, accidents can still happen. If you have been injured on the job, be sure to look into your workers’ compensation rights.
