If you are living in the midwest or the northeast, you are fully aware that winter has been very active this season. From ice storms to heavy snowfall, we have seen it all (and it is only January). While it may be pretty to look at, these weather conditions can cause a lot of roofing damage to homes and businesses that need to be addressed before the spring season.
To be able to help with these repairs, your roofing crews will have to endure extremely cold temperatures, high winds, and—of course—snow. Being prepared for the worst conditions is the best way to ensure your roofing crews stay safe. Discover some of the best ways that you can avoid any accidents.
Reduce risk of on-site slips and falls
Having to make a trip to the emergency room is never something a roofing business wants to have to do. From the cost to the workman’s comp to lost time on a project, it’s all just a lot for the company to worry about. The easiest way to avoid this is to keep everyone safe from falls and ensure your roofing crews stay safe.
What many may not know is that a large number of the worst falls happen before anyone has even gotten up on the roof.
Ladders are actually the leading problem when it comes to roofing accidents during the winter season. Prevent ladder mishaps by:
- Inspecting for ice. The first thing to do is to check that the ladder is free of any ice. This will help your crew members not lose their grip or footing.
- Practicing the “three-point” rule. This rule states that all roofers should have three points of contact with the ladder at all times. This is either two hands and one foot or one hand and two feet on the ladder.
While ladders may be the leading cause of a lot of accidents, ice and snow can impact balance and footing while crews are walking and repairing roofs. With the help of things like guard rails and safety harnesses should be used for every project throughout the season. These items may not completely eliminate the risk of falls or trips, but it greatly reduces hazards.
Provide tools for snow and ice removal
One of the most important things your roofing crews and contractors can do is remove ice and snow from the area. While this is not the most pleasant job and can be somewhat time-consuming (depending on the temperature and accumulated snow), it is crucial for maintaining safety.
One of the most important things your roofing crews and contractors can do is remove ice and snow from the area. While this is not the most pleasant job and can be somewhat time-consuming (depending on the temperature and accumulated snow), it is crucial for maintaining safety.
The first thing to remember when removing any snow or ice is not to rush. The removal process is definitely one that calls for patience. If you rush through de-icing or miss a section of snow, it can increase the risk for someone to slip or fall. Provide your crews with the right tools, such as:
- Snow rakes
- Shovels
- Salt
- Snow blowers
These tools not only will help speed up the removal process, but they will also allow the job to be completed accurately.
Tip: Remember to ask the homeowner or business owner if the roof has any sort of skylights or openings before starting the removal process. This way your crew members won’t risk injury by falling through fragile areas.
Properly maneuver bad road conditions
Most automobile accidents happen because of poor weather. The numbers often see a massive spike during the winter months thanks to slick conditions caused by snow and ice. As this is something that is incredibly common for all drivers, it can be even harder for roofers and exterior contractors. When operating large work vehicles full of equipment and trying to navigate unfamiliar areas, your roofing crew members may experience a lot of extra stress and anxiety.
The first thing for everyone to ALWAYS do is not to rush. While this may seem like a no-brainer, it can be easy to drive too fast if crews are trying to make an appointment on time and is a guaranteed way to get into an accident. Reassure everyone that even though getting to the job site on time is important, their safety is what matters the most. Those in the office can also reach out to customers on the day of their appointment (especially if the conditions got bad overnight) and let them know the team might be a few minutes behind due to the weather.
Several of the roofing industry leaders have taken advantage of defensive driving courses for their field teams to help them feel more secure when driving in bad weather. These types of courses provide roofers with various winter driving techniques to ensure the safety of all team members traveling on-site. It’s also beneficial to roofing business owners because it provides you with discounts on insurance.
Taking measures to ensure your roofing crews stay safe doesn’t just give you peace of mind, but it also builds trust with customers. Being aware that your contractors don’t have a history of falling off roofs and know how to operate during the rough winter weather can build your reputation as the go-to roofing business for the season. Prep your crews to keep them safe while growing your business. Following OSHA guidelines is also a great way to stay this winter. Jobba also offers a ton of tools to help your roofing teams prepare for harsh weather and maintain appointments. Check them out!
Interested in learning more about Jobba? Watch our 5-minute Demo Video! This video will show you what Jobba is and how customizable it can be. Additionally, you will get a tour of the user-friendly dashboard and see sample reports!
