Safety Policy

To proceed, the anchor point must be installed on the roof. The manufacturer's instructions should be carefully read and followed, as anchors are labeled with their recommended installation method. Ensure that the nail or screw recommended by the manufacturer is selected and installed in the proper location, such as a truss. All steps must be followed, and all nails or screws listed by the manufacturer must be used. 

Once you have installed the anchor point correctly, it is crucial to attach the rest of the system to it properly. Always make sure to carefully read and follow the manufacturer's instructions. As per the manufacturer's recommendation, you should attach your lifeline to the anchor and then attach your rope grab and lanyard to the lifeline. Before anything else, inspect and put on your harness, ensuring that it is safe and comfortable. Finally, attach the lanyard (the shock absorber end) to the D-ring, which is located at the back of your harness. If needed, seek assistance and do this on the ground.

For safe use of ladders, it is recommended to choose Type 1A ladders that conform to local codes or are OSHA approved. Before using a ladder, make sure to inspect the rungs for any signs of damage such as cracks or breaks. Clean any oils, tars, or dirt from the ladder rungs to prevent slips and falls. Additionally, inspect the ladder's feet, ropes, and pulleys to ensure they are functioning properly. It is also important to check the ladder frame for any damage, stress, or cracking. Any damaged ladders should be discarded or repaired immediately. Avoid homemade ladder repairs as they can be a potential safety hazard. Stay safe while using ladders! 

To ensure your safety while using a ladder, it's important to avoid placing it near electrical wiring or boxes. Tragically, many roofers have lost their lives due to metal ladders being set up too close to electrical wires. Additionally, it's crucial to properly secure the base by placing the ladder on solid, level footing and extending the base out 1 foot for every 4 feet of elevation. Avoid using ladders on slopes that slope downwards away from the roof.  For safety purposes, it is important to properly secure ladders when in use. Fasten the top of the ladder securely and tie it off. Place the ladder against a strong backing and ensure that gutters and other objects are also secured. Additionally, make sure that the ladder extends at least 36 inches (914 millimeters) beyond the landing or roof eave.

 When using the ladder, always face it while climbing up or down and use both hands whenever possible. Never skip rungs for speed or slide down the ladder, as these shortcuts can lead to dangerous falls. Lastly, it's important to wear clean shoes or boots and remove any mud, oil, or tar to ensure proper grip and stability. To ensure safety, please avoid overloading ladders. Only one roofer should be on a ladder at a time. For increased productivity and safety, it is recommended to assign two ladders per project. One ladder should be designated for going up only, while the other ladder should be used exclusively for going down.

 Choose stanchions that meet OSHA's specifications for height and strength. According to OSHA's regulations, stanchions must be capable of supporting at least 16 pounds (71 N) applied horizontally against the stanchion at any point along the top rail (29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(iii)). Additionally, ensure that the stanchions are of sufficient height to support the warning line at the required height of at least 34 inches above the rooftop surface, as mandated by OSHA's guidelines (29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(iii)). Space the stanchions no more than 6 feet apart along the planned perimeter, as recommended by OSHA's requirement that "warning lines shall be erected around all sides of roof work areas that are 6 feet (1.8 m) or more above lower levels" (29 CFR 1926.502(f)(2)(i)). 

Acclimatization, a crucial process in the realm of occupational health and safety, assumes paramount significance for workers who have not been exposed to warm or hot environments or engaged in physical activity for an extended period. The concept of acclimatization revolves around building tolerance to heat through gradual exposure and adaptation. As these individuals reenter work settings characterized by high temperatures, their bodies undergo a series of physiological adjustments that enable them to cope effectively with the challenging conditions. Over time, these adaptations allow the body's thermoregulatory mechanisms to function optimally, facilitating enhanced heat dissipation and minimizing potential hazards associated with heat stress. Consequently, understanding the principles underlying acclimatization becomes imperative as it ensures the well-being and productivity of workers operating amidst scorching environments while also mitigating the risks posed by extreme heat.

It's important for roofing crews to keep beverages containing electrolytes, like sports drinks, onsite and available. When sweating, roofers lose important electrolytes such as salt. Losing too many electrolytes can lead to muscle cramps and other health issues. Water alone cannot replace electrolytes, so other types of drinks are necessary. These drinks should be provided in a location that is familiar to workers, near the work area, easy to access, and in ample quantity for the duration of the work. It's also crucial that the provided beverages are cool to help workers stay hydrated.

During times of high heat stress, it is important for crews to encourage workers to take frequent breaks. The length and frequency of these breaks should be increased as heat stress levels rise. The duration of each break should be sufficient for workers to fully recover from the heat, but the ideal length will vary depending on the specific circumstances. Factors such as the temperature of the environment, the worker's physical activity level, and their personal risk factors will all play a role in determining the appropriate length of each break. Additionally, the location of the break is also important - if workers can rest in a cooler area, they will be able to resume work more quickly. If no such area is available, then longer breaks may be necessary.

It is important to provide workers with a comfortable space to take breaks and cool down during hot weather. Outdoors, this can be achieved by providing a shaded area, such as under a tree or a vehicle. To protect oneself from harmful UVB and UVA radiation, it is recommended to wear a wide-brimmed hat to cover the neck, ears, eyes, forehead, nose, and scalp. Additionally, wearing sunglasses with UV protectant can block 99-100% of the harmful radiation. Wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants can also protect the skin from UVB and UVA radiation. By taking these small steps, workers can stay safe during hot Florida days.