Roofing: One of the Most Dangerous Jobs in the United States

By Cotney Construction Law.

According to the 2016 Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries, roofers have the fourth most dangerous job in America, with 48.6 fatalities for every 100,000 workers.

These fatalities are the result of the great deal of climbing, heavy lifting and kneeling in extremely hot weather, along with serious accidents such as slip and falls that lead to a number of missed work days. A Florida roofing lawyer has shared some of the risks roofers are subject to.

Frequent Injuries Roofers Face

The most common type of injury related to roofing is what is known as a fall hazard. Yes, they do account for most of the roofing injuries, but these more debilitating injuries are common as well:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) - This injury occurs from a fall, or a traumatic blow to the head and comes with serious physical and psychological effects, both short and long term.

Burns: Roofers commonly use tar and are working on hot surfaces - both of which can lead to burns, pain and scarring.

Electrocution: Roofers are put at a serious risk for electrocution considering the heights they work at and proximity to power lines. If a ladder they are using comes in contact with a power line, the outcome can be fatal.

Heat-Related Injuries: Being outside on jobsites most of the day puts roofers at extreme risk for heat-related injuries such as heat stroke, heat cramps, heat rash and heat exhaustion.

Puncture Wounds: Roofing tools are especially dangerous. From stepping on nails to accidental punctures, these incidents have the ability to be severe injuries or potentially fatal.

Contact a Roofing Lawyer

Construction sites are home to an array of dangerous equipment and hazardous materials, and injuries are hard on not only the injured, but their employer as well. If you are in need of new company safety guidelines, contact a Florida roofing lawyer today for all of your safety needs.

To read the full article, please visit: Cotney Construction Law

Disclaimer: The information contained in this article is for general educational information only. This information does not constitute legal advice, is not intended to constitute legal advice, nor should it be relied upon as legal advice for your specific factual pattern or situation.