Most everyone involved in the construction or contracting industries understand that it is vital to have safety procedures in place. Workplace safety manuals are required for most industries to cover and address guidelines set by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). The OSHA regulations for all industries are very specific and address health and safety issues that are relevant to all fields, as well as industry specific regulations and concerns. While one might think that OSHA would look at a broad category like construction as one field, there are many sub-categories in the construction industry. One such category is roofing contractors. There are health and safety risks to those who work in roofing that are unique or more prevalent to that specific field. Having a workplace safety manual specifically for roofing contractors is necessary as anyone working in the roofing field may have to produce a safety manual for the customers they are working with, the general contractor they are working under, their insurance company, or regulatory agencies like OSHA.

Where do You Get a Roofing Contractor Safety Manual?

There is no one specific roofing safety manual that works for all people in the field. As a roofing contractor, you can create a manual yourself, or you can purchase one from a site such as http://workplacesafetymanuals.com. Some people feel that purchasing one is the best option because it is difficult to know what to include when writing your own. The manuals from http://workplacesafetymanuals.com come in MS word form so they can be edited to meet your specific companies needs.

What to Look for in a Roofing Safety Manual

A roofing contractor safety manual should, of course, cover all safety requirements as set forth by OSHA standards. By looking at each of the industry specific OSHA standards, and then addressing each one in the safety manual, you will be sure to have a manual that will be sufficient for your business.

No workplace safety manuals are “certified” or approved by OSHA, so beware of companies who advertise as such. While the manuals may meet OSHA standards, and cover OSHA requirements, companies shouldn\’t be advertising them as OSHA approved.

What are the OSHA Standards to Look For?

Roofing has it\’s own unique challenges and risks. The most common injuries and deaths reported in the construction industry are from roofing falls. Protecting roofers from falls is an important area to address and is a standard set by OSHA.

– Roofers must be protected by railings, nets, or personal safety harnesses when working 6\’ above the ground, particularly near side edges or around skylights or holes.

– There are also specific standards for scaffolding and ladders and those areas should be addressed to ensure a roofers safety.

– Dust and debris created by applying the roofing can cause a hazard and frequent clean up and debris removal is recommended. Removing used or damaged nails, and sweeping surfaces often can help remove safety hazards.

– Rubber soled shoes are recommended as they help prevent slips and falls. The have better “gripping” qualities. Along those lines, skid resistant surface materials should be used when possible, being sure to place the skid side up.

Prevention

One of the biggest reasons for falls and injuries are from a roofers own mistakes. Often they become over confident in their abilities, thinking, “I won\’t fall”, or “it can\’t happen to me”. This overconfidence can be dangerous as it leads to roofers not wearing their personal safety harnesses or being sure that other safety measures are in place. They also tend to think it\’s “not cool” to wear safety equipment.

By having a safety plan in place and a safety manual that all employees understand and follow, injuries and deaths can be prevented and safety standards will be met.

American Occupational Safety & Health Consultant with experience in Operational Risk Management, Insurance Loss Control, Safety Engineering and other safety related disciplines. Writes safety manuals for the construction industry.

American Occupational Safety & Health Consultant with experience in Operational Risk Management, Insurance Loss Control, Safety Engineering and other safety related disciplines. Writes safety manuals for the construction industry: http://www.workplacesafetymanuals.com.

Author Bio: American Occupational Safety & Health Consultant with experience in Operational Risk Management, Insurance Loss Control, Safety Engineering and other safety related disciplines. Writes safety manuals for the construction industry.

Category: Business Management
Keywords: safety manual, construction safety manual, roofing safety manual, workplace safety manual