How To Ensure Roofing Safety By Following Regulations | Checkatrade
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How to ensure roofing safety

Roofing involves risks, therefore, following the correct rooftop safety procedures is vital. With this in mind, we’ve created a helpful guide outlining how to implement and follow roof safety protocols.

What are the everyday duties of a roofer?

First thing’s first, let’s delve into what exactly a roofer is, and what their everyday tasks entail. Often, roofers are employed by construction companies, but they can also work as independent contractors.

A roofer’s duties typically involve:

  • Assembling roofs for new buildings
  • Maintaining and repairing older roofs (including re-roofing existing structures)
  • Installing insulation, solar panels, skylights, and tiles
  • Checking for and repairing damage caused by extreme weather conditions
  • Collaborating with other tradespeople such as carpenters and electricians

If you’re wondering how to become a roofer, the process is fairly straightforward. You’ll need to complete an apprenticeship or a training programme, then obtain a valid CSCS card.

Or, if you’re already a trained roofer, have you considered the option of starting your own roofing business?

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What are the potential roofing safety hazards?

As mentioned, there are various risks associated with the roofing profession.

Perhaps the most obvious is the fact that you’ll be required to work at heights. As a roofer, you’ll commonly work at elevation, and falling can cause injury or even death.

  • Sloping roofs cause specific safety issues, and without the necessary guard rails, they can be dangerous to work on
  • Flat roofs aren’t without their dangers either, as structurally fragile surfaces pose risks to roofers

There’s also the issue of hazardous access, including incorrectly raised ladders and unsafe scaffolding. Not to mention the issue of harmful chemicals and tools.

The importance of rooftop safety on construction sites

To ensure the protection of workers and avoid unnecessary incidents, it is vital that the correct safety measures are implemented. These should include:

  • A risk assessment – A thorough risk assessment must be carried out before any work commences
  • Safe access – Access methods must be strong enough to take the weight of the roofer and their equipment (such as ladders, access hatches, scaffolding and stair towers)
  • Roof edges – Falls can occur from roof edges, especially when working on a roof without scaffolding (it is why structures are established, such as a main guard rail, a brickguard and a toe board)
  • Personal protective equipment – The correct PPE equipment includes (but isn’t limited to) non-slip footwear, high-vis clothing, helmets, and safety glasses
  • Fall mitigation – Sometimes, it is necessary to include further safety measures, such as landing pads or safety nets, installed by a trained professional
  • A valid CSCS card – All roofers in the UK are required by law to hold one of these, as a CSCS card proves that you’ve completed the correct safety training

There are also additional safe working practices which must be followed when working in the UK.

Insurance for roofing

Before completing any roofing work, the correct insurance must be in place. If you’re a roofing contractor, you’ll need the necessary insurance to protect yourself and your employees.

While implementing careful safety measures will protect workers, if an accident does occur, insurance can protect yourself and relevant third parties.

Adhering to the correct safety procedures and insurance policies will build a sense of trust with customers. This in turn will boost your roofing business.

Who is responsible for implementing rooftop safety measures?

If you are a business owner, you’ll be responsible for implementing the safety procedures your staff must adhere to.

Equally, the Health and Safety Executive are responsible for enforcing workplace safety. The specific role of the HSE is to promote and enforce safe workspaces for all.

To ensure tradespeople meet the government safety requirements, inspectors will be sent out to carry out investigations.

Regardless of your trade, you’re legally required to comply with the HSE’S health and safety guidelines at all times.

Boosting your roofing business with Checkatrade

Hopefully you’re now equipped with the necessary knowledge about working on a roof safely. But, if you do need further guidance, Checkatrade is here to help you!

Once you’re all signed up, you’ll have access to various benefits such as exclusive savings on workwear and tools.

Being a Checkatrade member can do so much for you, and includes all of this and more:

  • Great savings on business essentials like fuel, vans, clothing and materials
  • 20% off the cost of your public liability insurance
  • Jobs guaranteed up to £1,000 (T&Cs apply)
  • Dedicated membership advice team
  • Access to Checkatrade job and profile management app
  • Use of our free quoting/invoicing tool

So, why not get in touch today to learn more about the sign-up procedure?

And, don’t forget to dive into our blog where we’ve got more on roofing and scaffolding safety regulations. We’ve equally got further tips and tricks on how to make your site more safety-conscious.

Roofing health and safety FAQs

Roofing safety is paramountand it’s vital that workers and employers are protected by the appropriate health and safety measures.

When working at heights, safety regulations must be followed at all times. So, whether you’re at the start of your career, or are an experienced roofer, ensure safety is a top priority. 

How risky is the roofing profession?

Roofing is an undeniably risky trade, however hazardous situations can be avoided.

Work-related injuries can be mitigated by ensuring that there are robust safety protocols implemented on construction sites.

What are the benefits of a career in roofing?

Despite its inevitable risks, roofing is a fulfilling profession. Roofers are some of the most sought-after tradespeople, therefore there’s an opportunity for a long, successful career.

Equally, roofing is a solid profession which offers a reliable salary. If you’re physically fit and prepared to work at heights, roofing may be a fantastic career path for you. 

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Content disclaimer: This content has been created for general information purposes and should not be taken as formal advice. Read our full disclaimer here.

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