The Most Common Types of Injuries in the Construction Industry

Falls

Roofers are often working at elevated heights which imposes significant risk. Falls from roofs, ladders, or scaffolding can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Lack of proper safety measures, unstable surfaces, or adverse weather conditions can contribute to falls.

Weather Conditions

Roofers are exposed to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and wind. They can often be forced to work in these conditions “rain or shine” increasing the risk of accidents and injuries, as slippery surfaces and poor visibility can make the work more dangerous. Also, illnesses may arise such as heat-related illnesses, hypothermia, etc.

Material Handling

Roofing materials, such as shingles, nails, and tar, can pose hazards to workers. They can be very heavy and awkward to navigate with or without the help of another employee. Improper handling techniques can result in many injuries including back strains, muscle sprains, and other musculoskeletal injuries. Sharp objects and hot materials can lead to injuries, including serious punctures and burns to the skin, if not handled properly.

Chemical Exposure

Roofing materials may contain chemicals, adhesives, and coatings that can be hazardous to health. Prolonged exposure without proper protective measures can lead to respiratory problems, skin irritation, or other health issues.

Tool and Equipment Hazards

The use of power tools, such as nail guns and power saws, pose an extreme risk of cuts, puncture wounds, or more severe injuries if not used properly. Similarly, roofing hatchets and knives are common in roofing work and can also cause wounds that could lead to infection. Lastly, among many others, the fundamental tool of roofing, ladders, are a significant hazard if they are damaged or improperly placed.

Structural Instability

Roofs may be structurally unstable, especially in older buildings or those with pre-existing damage, posing extreme risk to workers. Collapses or falling debris can result in serious injury but can be avoided if foreseen. Often employers will neglect these issues posing extreme risk to their employees. Roofers need to be aware of potential structural issues that could lead to collapses or accidents and report them promptly.

Electricity Risks

Roofers may encounter electrical wiring and fixtures while working on roofs, especially when working on installations or repairs near electrical systems. Accidental contact with live wires can result in electric shocks or fires if safety precautions are not followed.

Lack of Training

Insufficient training in safety procedures and best practices can contribute to accidents. Proper training should cover safety protocols, proper tool and equipment use, industry best practices, and compliance with relevant regulations. This is essential to ensure that roofers are aware of the risks and know how to mitigate them.

Fatigue

Roofing work can be physically demanding, with extremely long workdays in stressful conditions. Tired workers lead to increased risk of accidents, decreased cognitive function, slower response to hazards, and compromised physical health, among many other side effects. It is crucial to manage work hours and provide adequate breaks.

Inadequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Failure to use or provide proper PPE, such as safety harnesses, helmets, gloves, and eye protection, increases the risk of injuries. Roofing employees will often lack enough harnesses or helmets, leaving select employees at risk of injury or fatality.

The Most Common Fatal Types of Accidents

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has identified the most common fatal construction accidents, known as the “Big Four.” These are: Falls from heights Struck/hit by something at the work site, such as falling tools, equipment, building supplies or swinging beams, pipes and other crane-carried material, and construction vehicles Caught in between something moving and an unmoving object; examples include being pinned to a wall by a vehicle or motorized construction equipment or being pinned by a collapsed wall or construction material, or being crushed when a scaffold collapses. Electrical hazards that include coming into contact with power lines, power tools with defective cords, wiring and switches, improperly grounded outlets, and temporary wiring.

A Sample of OSHA Training Requirements

OSHA provides a wide array of training materials so that employers can create a workplace that provides protection from the big four. Some of the hints include:

• Train employees to take basic safety precautions, such never walking behind a backing vehicle, or walking under a load being lifted by a crane or hoist.
• Provide eye protection for employees using nail guns and similar tools
• Provide toe guards and other systems that can prevent materials from falling off scaffolds and rooftops
• Shore or brace trenches and excavations if people will be working in them
• Provide ground fault circuit interrupters to prevent electrical shock
• Train employees to check electrical equipment daily for signs of insulation breakdown
• Post signs that warn employees and passersby of hazards

These are but a few of the actions OSHA recommends to employers to help protect construction workers from the Big Four.

Focused Inspections Initiative

In addition to identifying these primary causes of injuries and fatalities on construction sites, OSHA also uses the same categories to conduct worksite inspections. Although OSHA was founded in 1970, it was not until 1994 that OSHA developed its Focused Inspections Initiative that directed compliance officers to focus on the four hazards described above. The thinking behind this initiative was that inspectors should spend most of their time looking for the hazards most likely to cause death and significant workplace injuries.