Roofing requires a unique skill set because workers are always operating at great heights and navigating equipment to get on roofs in need of attention.
Ultimately, roofers are regularly exposed to various safety hazards that can result in catastrophic injuries. Familiarizing themselves with these safety risks and the procedure for pursuing workers’ compensation is crucial, given the hazards that accompany their profession.
Falls from heights
Since roofs are significantly elevated from the ground, one of the most common and dangerous risks for roofers is falling from heights. The severity of injuries in a falling accident can especially be catastrophic if the roofing system is several stories high. The risk of falling off a roof can be heightened:
- When a roofer is working at a steep roof angle
- When a roofer is navigating uneven roof surfaces
- When a roofer is working in inclement weather that makes the roofing surface slippery
Roofers can also fall due to brief lapses in attention or faulty pieces of equipment like a safety harness or a ladder.
Electric shock
Roofers may interact with the building’s electrical installations when repairing or installing a roof. Exposure to these installations can expose them to the risk of electric shock. They can accidentally make contact with live wires or electrical components and sustain:
- Burns
- Muscle contractions
- Cardiac arrest
Roofers are particularly vulnerable to electric shocks when using metal tools such as ladders, which can come into contact with electrical conductors.
Workers’ compensation and legal support
Roofers who get injured in the line of duty may qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. The financial support they receive can help them cover:
- Some out-of-pocket medical expenses
- A portion of their lost wages
- Some rehabilitation costs
However, the process of obtaining workers’ compensation can be fraught with hurdles. With the appropriate legal support, roofers can increase their odds of receiving fair compensation.
Since roofing is a high-risk occupation, there is always a possibility of injuries, even when roofers are extra cautious. This is why workers shouldn’t shy away from pursuing workers’ compensation when they get injured in the line of duty. These benefits can alleviate some of the financial pressures that may come with recovering from a catastrophic injury.
