Roof Safety Checklist for Building Owners

If you own a building, chances are it has a roof (and if it doesn’t, it should), so roof safety should be a top priority.

A responsible building owner will always have in place appropriate safety measures for anyone on the roof at any time—employees, residents, contractors—as well as those on the ground below.

Here are some of the things you need to know, and what you should ask every commercial roofer before they step on your roof.

3 Things You Need to Know About Your Contractor

Whenever you hire a contractor or commercial roofer, you’re putting your reputation and career on the line. That’s why it’s more important than ever to vet and ask questions about whichever company you hire to ensure that you don’t end up damaging your building or career.

This three-point vetting protocol highlights just a few of the significant points you need to verify and understand before making any decisions about your commercial roof. Getting answers to these questions provides you with the information you need to move forward and gives you peace of mind before any contractors walk on your roof.

Verify the Experience Modification Rate

The experience modification rate (EMR) for a Chicago roofing contractor reflects their workers’ compensation claims history compared to the industry average. This is the industry standard for understanding contractor safety performance.

A 1.00 EMR score means the contractor is average. Anything above 1.0 indicates higher-than-average workplace incidents, and anything less than 1.0 means less-than-average incidents.

Commercial roofing contractors with low EMR prioritize safety, lowering the risk of on-site injury. As a bonus, contractors with higher EMRs often pay more for insurance, and that cost is added onto your project.

Before signing any documents, ask a member of your commercial roofing team for their EMR to minimize liability and future damage.

Confirm Site-Specific Safety Plan Submission

Every commercial roofing job is different, which is why it matters a lot whether or not your contractor has a site-specific safety plan before they start work. While some items might carry over from job to job, there are enough differences that you should receive a more site-specific safety plan rather than a generic template.

A few items to look for include:

• Fall protection protocols for your specific roof type
• Emergency response procedures
• Daily safety briefing process

This document should be available before signing any paperwork with a commercial roofing contractor. If not, it’s okay to ask for one. The contractor’s response should be telling.

Require OSHA Certification Documentation

You’ll want to ask your commercial roofing contractor for OSHA documentation to ensure that everyone who steps onto your roof has the proper safety training. While there isn’t any government-regulated standard, it’s always good to know that the team takes safety seriously.

Don’t take someone’s word for it: ask to see the records yourself. You’ll be protecting yourself, your career, and building in the long run.

5 Questions to Ask Your Commercial Roofer

What other things should you know before hiring a commercial roofer? These five questions should help you understand their business, safety record, and how they will treat your commercial roofing project.

1. Who will have access to the roof?

Be aware of who will be on your roof at all times. 

If a contractor of any kind will be working on your roof, know what they’ll be doing and make sure they know how to do it safely. 

A seasoned roofing contractor will be thoroughly trained in how to work safely at heights. Mechanical contractors and other professionals who regularly work on roofs should have similar training. 

Non-professionals, however, will not. 

Roof access should only be granted if it is safe for individuals to be there. Otherwise, limit access to trained professionals.

2. Is the roof equipped for safety?

If employees or residents will be on the roof for any reason, including storm-damage checks or informal roof inspections, they should know how to move safely, and the roof should be appropriately equipped. 

If your building has a rooftop garden or gathering space, ensure that the guardrails are the correct height.  

Minimize slip-and-fall hazards and check the roof regularly for damage or debris that could pose a safety risk, especially after a storm. 

And if a storm is coming, secure anything that might blow off the roof and fall to the ground below.

3. Are all contractors using appropriate safety equipment?

OSHA requires anyone working at a height of more than six feet to use fall protection equipment. 

The proper equipment depends on the type of roof you have, but may include flags around the roof perimeter, a guardrail system, or an anchor and harness for those working near unprotected roof edges. 

This equipment and training in the correct way to use it are essential. A responsible contractor will ensure that all individuals working on a roof have both. 

Ask your contractor how they approach safety on a job site and make sure they follow through.

4. Is the contractor on your roof bonded and insured?

Rooftop work of any kind poses some risk, even with the appropriate safety measures in place. 

A reliable contractor will carry workers’ compensation insurance with general liability as well as additional insurance to protect you from being liable in the event of a job-site accident. 

Accidents are always possible. Be proactive: Ask to see proof of insurance and protect yourself.

5. Are you prioritizing preventative maintenance?

The best way to keep your roof safe is to maintain it well. 

Just as you would with your car to keep it running properly, schedule regular inspections and preventative maintenance service for your roof. 

A professional roofing contractor will identify any existing or potential issues and address them appropriately, keeping your roof safe and working as it should.

Need Trustworthy Commercial Roofing? Contact Ridgeworth Roofing Today.

Responsible building owners deserve to work with a commercial roofing contractor whom they can trust. Ridgeworth Roofing takes pride in providing a safe environment for our team and delivering a top-notch commercial roofing service.

Want to know more? Contact Ridgeworth Roofing today for a quote.