Safety is a critical priority across the construction industry; in the commercial roofing trade, where installation happens far above the ground, it’s a constant issue. Investing in safe roofing practices and programs can save lives, keep projects on time, and help contractors avoid costly liabilities.
The GenFlex Roofing Systems slogan, “Above All,” applies to company values like reliability, durability, and customer service – and along with the rest of the industry, GenFlex recognizes that worker safety must be above all other job site priorities. GenFlex offers textured walkway pads, yellow safety strip and other accessories to make roofing safer; beyond the use of such products, the company encourages its contractor partners to adopt a comprehensive plan to prevent workplace injuries.
By developing a safety plan based on guidelines provided by the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), employers in the construction industry can promote a safer work environment while still completing work on time. Though speed and caution may seem incompatible, contractors have to look at the big picture: Safety-related mishaps can cause even longer delays, inviting scrutiny from agencies like OSHA and even shutting down an entire site.
Despite safety plans, accidents still happen on construction sites. According to the National Safety Council, over 6,000 people die from falls each year caused by such factors as falling off roofs and ladders. More than 30,000 people are injured each year as a result of falls involving ladders. The roofing industry continues to face the challenge of high workforce turnover – and when safety procedures aren’t second-nature among less experienced installers, careful supervision and a solid safety plan are essential.
OSHA recently reported the top 10 most frequent safety violations for 2014, and the most common violations for the year include fall protection, hazard communication and scaffolding. All violations in the top 10 list were also a part of the 2013 list with fall protection retaining the number one spot.
Staying up to date on OSHA’s workplace safety regulations can help prevent both safety violations and injuries on the job. Check out OSHA’s general guidelines for working safely in commercial roofing that can be found on their website, here.
One veteran GenFlex sales manager is fond of saying, “Roofing is typically less than ten percent of a construction budget, but it protects 100 percent of the building and everything in it.” Safety planning and procedures may consume less than 10 percent of a contractor’s daily schedule – but this investment of time and effort can protect all of a company’s workers, its reputation and its legal standing.
For more information on GenFlex products and programs, visit www.GenFlex.com – to request training on product-specific installation and maintenance practices, click here.