Fall Risks for Temporary Workers in Roofing
In the roofing industry, heights are part of the job! But when a temporary worker fills a roofing industry role, working from heights can put them at a high risk of dangerous fall injuries.
In the roofing industry, there are many fall risks that can harm temporary workers. These include:
- Improper fall protection: At a roofing worksite, it’s important to have fall protection, like guardrails or safety nets. Workers may also use personal protective equipment (PPE) like harnesses. If a worksite doesn’t have adequate fall protection policies, it increases the risk of fall injuries.
- Unprotected roof edges: If workers are working on roofs with unprotected edges or openings, it greatly increases their risk of a serious fall.
- Weather conditions: Temporary workers in the roofing industry might encounter weather-related hazards, like wet surfaces after rain or snow. If they are working during inclement weather conditions, it increases the risk of a slip or fall.
- Debris and other hazards: At a roofing worksite, there may be many tripping hazards, like debris or tools. If a worker trips over an object, they can fall and experience serious injuries.
- Improper materials: In some cases, roofing workers might use unsafe materials, which can be slippery or unstable.
Common Fall Injuries for Temporary Roofing Workers
While a temporary roofing worker experiences a fall or slip due to issues like these, it can lead to many different types or serious and even life-threatening or fatal injuries. Some of the most common fall injuries in the roofing industry include:
- Broken bones
- Sprains and strains
- Internal injuries, including damage to internal organs
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Abrasions and contusions
- Puncture wounds
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis
If a worker falls from a very tall height or suffers a severe injury like paralysis or a head injury, it can lead to death or life-long complications. Falls can also contribute to psychological injuries, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Protecting Your Temporary Roofing Workers from Fall Injuries
Luckily, fall injuries in the roofing industry can be prevented with the right safety measures. At roofing worksites, business owners should implement fall prevention methods, including using guardrails and encouraging the use of PPE like harnesses or hard hats. Proper safety training also plays a major role, especially when it comes to protecting temporary employees.
If you’re a business owner with temporary workers in roofing roles, you should also have comprehensive Workers’ Compensation coverage. With the right coverage, you can help your temporary employees find support and compensation after a fall or other roofing injury. With strong Workers’ Compensation coverage, you also protect your temporary staffing business from fines, penalties, and other liabilities associated with workplace accidents.
At Work Comp Business Insurance Solutions, we help temporary staffing business owners find the best Workers’ Compensation and payroll solutions. To learn more about our services and how we can help your temporary staffing business, visit us online at https://www.wcbis.com.
