Why TPO Roofing Is Such A Dangerous Job
4 min read
TPO Roofing work is something that most people will need at some time. However, not many individuals are aware of or prepared for the dangers that come with roofing. You are in such a hazardous position that even a little mistake might result in your death.
There is a clear reason why roofers require safety equipment and gear, including harnesses, boots with deep lugs, rope grips and ropes, hard helmets, thick leather gloves, and edge guards. Roofing is a potentially life-threatening occupation.
Working as a full-time TPO roofer requires not just physical strength but also a high level of mental focus. Physical and mental exertion are both required of workers in this position. In regions where snowfall is possible, roofs of buildings are often constructed at an angle, which may be rather steep.
A roofer just has to make one mistake to send him crashing down the shingles, where he will suffer, at the very least, an unpleasant set of injuries. The worst-case scenario is that the roofer dies from the fall. We won’t get into TPO roofing information in this specific articles, it’s more about the dangers of it.
About 50 roofers lose their lives yearly due to accidents, making them the most dangerous occupation in the construction business. Roofing may be a dangerous and even deadly occupation, so if you’re curious about the factors that contribute to this, you should read on.
A Possible Falling Hazard
It doesn’t matter whether the sky is clear or if it’s pouring down rain. If you’re on top of the roof, you risk slipping and falling off, which might result in catastrophic injury. There have been instances when even experienced roofers came dangerously close to death due to a fall.
Serious injuries sustained from falls on roofs cause 34% of all deaths. When roofing, you also have to deal with plenty of equipment that might cause you to fall. This is a major risk factor in the roofing industry.
Common Injuries Suffer By Roofers
The most common roof-related dangers discussed in the media are those involving falls. Roofing deaths are mostly the result of falls, although roofers also face the threat of other serious injuries. Here are some examples of these injuries:
● Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI):
Accidents involving a fall or a powerful impact on the head or body often result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Traumatic brain injury (TBI) may produce various physical and mental consequences, including death.
● Spinal Cord and Back Injuries:
When a roofer falls from a rooftop or ladder, his spine is very susceptible to harm. When the spinal cord is injured, there is usually a high chance that the victim may become paralyzed somehow.
● Burns:
Roofers risk being burned when they work with tar or in high temperatures. Severe burns, agony, and scars may result from tripping and falling on hot tar or even being splashed by it.
● Heat-Related Injuries:
Roofers are susceptible to heat-related ailments such as heat stroke, heat rash, cramps, and heat exhaustion due to working outdoors in high temperatures and humidity all day. The risk may be reduced by adjusting routines, using protective clothing, and drinking enough water.
● Puncture Wounds:
Roofers require various instruments to get the job done, but these items might pose varying degrees of risk to their safety. Depending on the location of the puncture, roofers might suffer significant injuries from treading on nails or accidentally puncturing themselves with a nail gun.
Electrocution
The risk of falling is perhaps the most well-known danger associated with roofing, but many people are startled to learn that the risk of getting electrified is second only to fall. Indeed, this is yet another tragedy on the roof, highlighting the need for constant vigilance on the part of employees to prevent themselves from becoming the next victim.
Annually, 11 percent of roofing deaths are caused by electrocution. Specifically, it describes an incident in which roofers made contact with overhead electricity cables. A roofer may be at risk of electrocution from various sources, including falling objects, electrical wiring, and even a lightning strike.
Roofing Installation Or Removal Disrupts Balance
A particular task requires installing, maintaining, or removing several shingles. Any time you have to remove tiles from a roof, you’ll be tugging against the roof itself. It’s also simple to get unbalanced when installing.
Roofers who are skilled at their craft know how to position themselves so that even if a shingle comes way unexpectedly and tosses them off balance, they won’t fall off the structure.
Conclusion
With these factors into account, it’s easy to see why roofing has become one of the most dangerous jobs in the world. Looking at a few guys working on a roof may not give the impression that the job is particularly challenging, but the statistics and figures make it tough to ignore the dangers inherent in the profession.
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