How to Keep my Rooftop Workers Safe in the Summer

As summer begins and the weather gets warmer outside, we see an uptick in construction and maintenance on rooftops. While working at heights has its fall hazards, additional hazards are introduced with the hotter weather. For your workers’ safety, it is important to understand how summer weather brings these additional hazards that can affect your employees.

Though we primarily deal with fall protection here at Simplified, we are a safety company. It is important to us to recognize and combat any additional hazards that may be found while working at heights.

Dangers of the Sun

Summer months introduce hotter temperatures and more direct sunlight. The increase in contact with the sun on exposed skin can lead to sunburn and heat-related illnesses. It is important to have protective clothing and sunscreen on any exposed skin to avoid these issues. If possible, have your employees work before and after the sun's peak hours of 10 am and 2 pm. Sunburn may not be life-threatening, but it can cause discomfort and make it difficult to maintain focus while working.

Longer Days, Longer Hours

The summer months bring longer days which means potentially longer working hours. Long days in the hot weather can cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke. It is crucial to allow regular water breaks. Providing an ample amount of water in easily accessible locations makes it easier for employees to stay hydrated. In severe cases, an individual can become dizzy and faint. These symptoms create unsafe conditions for employees, especially while working at height.

Roof Debris Clean-Up

In the North, we spend half the year with leaves and/or snow covering our rooftops. Once the snow clears, it is easier to spot and treat structural damage and remove any debris. This means accessing your roof more frequently and for longer periods of time. It is important to take the proper measures to prevent falls and other injuries that can happen while maintaining a rooftop. Guardrails and other roof fall protection systems can help prevent falls and follow OSHA standards.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, the summer months have the highest injury rates of the year. Take the time today to think about the hazards we've highlighted and how you can send your team home safe after a hard days work.