Last week, Progressive Roofing in Dallas participated in the 2022 National Safety Stand-down. A national event to help prevent falls in construction and potentially other hazards that occur on the job site.
What types of falls could happen:
- Falls from ladders/Fixed ladders
- Falls from a roof
- Falls from a scaffold
- Falls down a flight of stairs
- Falls from structural steel
- Falls through a floor or roof opening
- Falls through a fragile roof surface
Weather, work environment and time of day can be factors in presenting different hazardous work conditions. Crews participate in thoughts and ideas in maintaining a safe work environment. Topics discussed:
- Different roofing systems and the roof pitch can present different types of falling hazards.
- Moisture, ice, wind, lightning strikes, and other adverse weather, can cause trips and falls.
In 2020, 645 workers died and 49,250 were injured by falls to a lower level- the 3rd leading cause of work-related fatalities and 5th leading event of days missed from work by non-fatal injuries.
Falls are 100% preventable
- Communication between your fellow workers and other trades is important in preventing hazardous conditions. Crews discussed how to better communicate with one another.
- Whether working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, it’s important to plan ahead. Crews discussed, reviewed and learned how to assess the risk and use the right equipment by determining if working at an elevated position, in the first place is the best and safest way to perform the task.
Crews reviewed and learned the following:
- Discuss the task. When the task changes, the proper safety precautions will change as well. Just like choosing the right tool for the job, determining the right safety equipment is just as important.
- Make sure you are properly trained on how to use the equipment.
- Scan the work area for potential hazards before starting the job.
- Make sure you have level ground to set up the equipment.
- If working outside, check the weather forecast; never work in inclement weather.
- Use the correct tool for the job, and use it as intended.
- Ensure stepladders have a locking device to hold the front and back open.
- Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder.
- Place the ladder on a solid surface and never lean it against an unstable surface.
- An extension ladder should be 1 foot away from the surface it rests on for every 4 feet of height and extends at least 3 feet over the top edge.
- Securely fasten straight and extension ladders to upper support- no bungee cords.
- Wear slip-resistant shoes and don’t stand higher than the third rung of a ladder from the top.
- Don’t lean or reach while on a ladder, and have someone support the bottom.
- Inspect – Never use old or damaged equipment; check thoroughly before use.