During 2020, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) had a jurisdiction of over 7 million worksites and conducted over 21,000 inspections, focusing heavily on coronavirus-related complaints. OSHA’s On-Site Consultation Program works closely with contractors—including roofers—to ensure worker safety and that worksite protocols were being followed. They monitor everything from the number of crew members on site to cleaning stations to proper mask-wearing.
While roofing businesses have started becoming somewhat accustomed to COVID procedures, it’s clear that they are going to be more permanent than we initially thought. So if or when you get notified of an inspection, it is very important to be as prepared as possible. That’s why we put together some easy ways to help you get ready for your meeting with your OSHA representative—in person or virtually. Keep reading to learn more.
Delegate tasks to other team leads
Once you’re notified that your roofing business will be undergoing an OSHA audit, you will need to start getting you and your staff ready immediately.
All OSHA inspection preparations should be led by your company’s safety manager. If you don’t currently have a safety manager on the team, you should appoint a senior manager to take control of organizing and collecting all the important details. This person will be responsible for ensuring that all information is up to date and be the main contact to work with your OSHA rep. Because this team member will still have their everyday tasks to manage, you can also have someone else in the company assist them to make sure everything stays on track.
Review protocols and guidelines
The first step your designated safety manager should take is reviewing OSHA’s COVID-19 requirements and guidelines for roofing contractors. This will highlight what areas you are hitting the mark and where you might need to make improvements.
One of the simplest ways to ensure your entire company is aware of workplace safety for coronavirus is to keep protocols and tips posted throughout the office. OSHA offers roofing companies printed posters and flyers on how to safely conduct business in the office and in the field. These materials should be easy to find and posted in commonly used areas throughout the workplace (i.e. hallways, bathrooms, breakrooms, offices). This way you know they are visible to your employees every day.
Prepare important documentation
Keeping updated records of your procedures will not only help you get ready for your inspection, but it will actually make the process much easier and faster.
One of the most important documents you should have is your official coronavirus safety plan. OSHA provides safety plan templates to help roofing contractors ensure they are following every guidelines. They also have plenty of examples of on-site checklists to help production crews hit every mark. Having copies of these to provide your inspectors with will go a long way is showing you and your employees are conducting business responsibly. It will also help keep you safe from any potential violations.
Getting ready for an OSHA inspection can be incredibly stressful, especially during these unprecedented times. But by following these simple steps, you will feel much more prepared and know exactly what is expected ahead of time without having to scrabble at the last minute. Roofing technology like Jobba can help you store all of your documentation, safety plans and checklists in one place so you stay organized year round—in case another inspection comes up in the future. Schedule a demo today to learn more about how Jobba can help with your inspection process!
