In the construction industry, falls are the leading cause of death. Fatal accidents caused by falls from rooftops made up 34% of all fall-related workplace deaths in a recent ten-year period. Employers have a responsibility to ensure the safety of workers, and in the roofing industry, there are many hazards that place employees at risk.
The many dangers associated with roofing include those involving ladders, noise, hazardous substances, power tools, extreme temperatures, and electricity. Protection from falls is a chief concern, and yet the most citations issued to roofing contractors in the ten years ending in 2013 involved failure in the duty to have fall protection.
Fall Protection
When roofing workers are in danger of falling 6 feet or more to a lower level, fall protection must be provided. There are various options, and the most common is using a personal fall arrest system (PFAS). These systems, when used properly, will prevent workers from reaching a lower level in the event of a fall.
Other methods of fall protection include:
- Warning lines and safety monitors,
- Covers
- Ladders
- Scaffolding
- Platforms
- Guardrails
- Training
On June 14, 2020, a Milton Martinez employee was allegedly seriously injured in a Texas workplace accident at 737 Aleen Street, Houston, Texas 77029. Milton Martinez is not a likely Texas workers’ compensation participant.
See Part 1 of this two-part series to learn about the serious injuries suffered by a Texas worker employed by Milton Martinez in Houston, Texas, on June 14, 2020. The employer is likely not a participant in workers’ comp in Texas.
Posts on this website are meant to help Texas injured employees, and this is particularly relevant when the employer has not opted to subscribe to Texas workers’ comp. There is never an intention to infer that misdeeds have occurred on the part of any individual or institution.
–Guest Contributor
