One of the most common causes of injuries on any construction site is due to falling. Falls from a roof are particularly deadly, accounting for approximately one-third of all fatalities from falls on construction sites.
It’s important to realize that falls from roofs are not always falls from significant heights. While the risk of death is higher on multi-story buildings, falls from twenty feet or less account for just over 50% in most years. Keep in mind, that these numbers are only fatalities, and these numbers do not take into consideration the falls that resulted in injuries, minor or severe.
Ideally, all employers should provide OSHA-approved training for any employees working on roofs in residential, industrial, or commercial construction jobs. This training provides roofers and supervisors with a clear understanding of the importance of a complete system for roofing fall protection.
The Harness
Professional roofing contractors and companies require all roofers to wear an approved harness. This typically includes ANSI and OSHA standards, and these should be clearly indicated on the harness specifications. The harness should be checked before and after each use for any damage. It should be fitted for the roofer to ensure the harness provides the protection required in the event of a fall.
The Lanyard
The lanyard is an essential part of roofing fall protection to reduce the risk of injury if you fall. It is designed to absorb the shock of reaching the end of the lifeline. The lanyard also includes metal rope grabs that connect the lifeline and the lanyard.
The Lifeline
This essential element secures the roofing harness and the anchor to limit the fall.
The Anchor Point
Attached to the roof, the anchor point is the foundation of the roofing fall protection system. It is either nailed or screwed to the roof to secure the lifeline.
All parts of the personal fall protection system must be maintained and checked before each use. This check is critical to ensure all components work correctly to save your life in the event of a fall.
At Fall Protection Distributors, we offer a full range of approved roofing fall protection systems. To see our products and solutions, visit us at .
