Learn To Use This Key Roofer’s Tool Correctly.
OSHA’s largest fines of Q1 were recently reported and—no surprise—fall hazards were again among the top offenses. That means roofers were often the recipients of those financial penalties.
For roofers, fall hazards are a part of every project. But it’s not just rooftop risks that OSHA focuses on. It starts on the ground, with ladders. OSHA frequently issues citations related to ladder safety violations and we’ve rounded up some of the top offenses:
- Failure to Extend Ladders Properly: Ladders must extend at least 3 feet above the landing surface to provide a secure handhold for workers. A good rule of thumb is to extend 3.5 rungs as a ladder rungs are 11.5” apart.
- Using Defective Ladders: Using ladders that are broken, damaged, or otherwise defective is a common violation. OSHA requires employers to ensure that ladders are in good working condition and free from defects.
- Overloading Ladders: Exceeding the weight capacity of ladders is a serious violation. Ladders have weight limits that must be strictly adhered to, including the weight of the worker, tools, and materials being carried.
- Unsafe Placement of Ladders: Ladders must be set up on stable and level ground to prevent tipping or slipping. Placing ladders on uneven surfaces, slippery surfaces, or unstable ground can lead to citations.
- Failure to Secure Ladders: Ladders must be securely anchored at the top to prevent them from sliding or falling. Failure to secure ladders properly can result in citations for unsafe practices.
- Climbing Incorrectly: Workers must climb ladders facing them and maintain three points of contact (two hands and one foot or two feet and one hand) at all times. Climbing ladders improperly, such as facing away from the ladder or carrying objects that prevent maintaining three points of contact, can lead to citations.
- Using the Wrong Type of Ladder: Using the wrong type of ladder for the task at hand is a common violation. Employers must ensure that the ladder selected is appropriate for the specific job and meets OSHA standards.
- Lack of Training: Employers are required to provide ladder safety training to workers who use ladders as part of their job duties. Failure to provide adequate training on ladder safety can result in citations.
- Missing or Inadequate Fall Protection: In some cases, workers may be required to use fall protection equipment, such as a personal fall arrest system, when working on ladders. Failure to provide or use fall protection equipment as required by OSHA standards can result in citations.
- Improper Ladder Angle: OSHA requires a 4:1 angle when using a ladder and they are very good at spotting improper angles from a distance. That means for every 4 feet of vertical height, the base of the ladder should be 1 foot away from the wall. That will give you an angle that’s not too steep or too shallow, and help you avoid possible citations.
We at Marco believe safety should be your top priority regardless of the threat of fines. But if that’s what it takes to motivate safe behavior on the jobsite, we think it’s worth it. Share these 10 areas of concern with your crew and train them how to do things right. It’s just as important as properly installing the roof!
To learn more about Marco, visit www.MarcoIndustries.com. To contact us directly, you can email or call 1-800-800-8590.
