Summer Safety Tips for Roofing Workers – Family Roofing

Posted on by David Reid

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At Family Roofing, we take great pride in our experience, expertise, quality and customer service. It is our mission to provide excellent workmanship and complete customer satisfaction from start to completion of a project. Our reputation is based on service, safety and quality, regardless of how large or small the job.

 

Summer Safety Tips for Roofing Workers

Summer, the prime season for roof repairs and replacement, is here.  Before dropping the phone to drag out the ladders and survey the scene for broken flashing and missing shingles, here are summer safety rules every roofing contractor needs to be aware of before venturing out.

Summer Safety Tips

1. Early To Rise
No one can control the weather, know how hot the day is going to get or predict with 100 percent accuracy when it will start to rain in the afternoon.  However, contractors can control their day by getting an early morning start to avoid as much of the sun’s summer rays and afternoon rain as possible.  Getting the bulk of the work done before the hottest point of the day is the key to surviving in summer heat.

2. Hydration Is Key

The best tip for surviving the extreme summer heat is staying hydrated.  The human body is made up of 60 percent water, which is why the body is dependent on water to function. Water intake helps digest food, take nutrients and oxygen to all the cells of the body, and lubricate joints while cushioning organs.

Standing on the roof, directly in the path of the sun’s ultraviolet rays, causes the body to sweat.  While sweating regulates body temperature, excessive sweating without replenishment can lead to dehydration, fainting and many other serious ailments.  Drinking plenty of fluids before, during and after every roofing project should be the plan of action for all contractors working in the heat.

3. Keep It Cool

Standing on top of a roof, there is usually no shade to protect a roofer from the sun’s rays.  Taking an ample amount of breaks in the shade, or air conditioning if available, while working through the hot sun is an important part in staying hydrated throughout the day.

4. Dress Appropriately

Appropriate clothes are the body’s first line of defense against the sun.  Shirts designed to keep you cool, such Dri-Fit or ClimaCool, are a great way to beat the heat in the summer. These fabrics are breathable and wick moisture from the body.

Don’t forget about the importance of a good pair of shoes.  Finding shoes that have a great resistance to wear-and-tear and have a slip-resistant sole are two important features for roofing footwear attire.

Finally, sunscreen is a roofer’s best short-term defense against burns and long-term safeguard when it comes to preventing skin cancer.  To aid in a roofer’s fight against dehydration and other ailments caused by the sun, a layer of sunscreen should cover all body parts not shielded by clothing.

5. Rain, Rain, Go Away

Rain is a huge hindrance for roofers.  Slipping and falling is just one reason roofing is ranked as one of the most dangerous jobs in the U.S.  Although the heat is dangerous, working in the rain is also very risky.

Wet shingles are heavier to carry onto a roof, felt is more likely to bubble up or rip, and the dangers of tripping and falling are real.  While it may be tempting to try and save an hour or two, the risk is not worth the reward.  Avoid all of these potential hazards and do not roof in the rain.

Safety in the Sunshine

Make the most of the summer weather, but don’t throw caution to the wind.  Get an early start, stay hydrated, take plenty of breaks, dress appropriately and be careful in the rain.