What Are Common Injuries & Risks for Roofers?

Roofing is a demanding profession that requires courage, skill, and resilience. Roofers brave extreme weather conditions, heights, and challenging work environments to ensure the safety and protection of buildings. 

However, with this profession comes inherent risks and potential injuries that roofers face on a daily basis. Ahead, we’ll get into some of the common injuries and risks that roofers encounter and explore measures to mitigate them. If you’ve been injured while working on a roof, contact Laborde Earles now to speak with a Lafayette personal injury lawyer.

Common Injuries Roofers Can Experience

Roofing is a physically demanding profession that exposes workers to various hazards, leading to common injuries. Roofers face these risks daily as they navigate heights, handle heavy materials, and operate power tools. Some of the most prevalent injuries roofers deal with include:

• Falls from heights: Working on roofs inherently involves the risk of falls, which can result in severe injuries such as fractures, head trauma, and spinal cord injuries.
• Musculoskeletal injuries: The strenuous nature of roofing work puts strain on the body, leading to musculoskeletal injuries like strains, sprains, and back injuries from lifting heavy materials and repetitive motions.
• Accidents with tools and equipment: Mishaps involving power tools, ladders, and roofing materials are common. These accidents can lead to lacerations, puncture wounds, and crush injuries.
• Exposure to hazardous substances: Roofing materials such as asbestos, lead, and chemical adhesives pose health risks. Inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause respiratory conditions, while exposure to lead-based products can lead to poisoning. Chemical adhesives emit fumes that can be harmful without proper ventilation.
• Heat-related illnesses: Roofers are often exposed to extreme temperatures, leading to heat-related illnesses like heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
• Electrical hazards: Working near power lines or using electrical tools poses the risk of electric shock and burns.
• Weather-related injuries: Roofers are exposed to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, cold, rain, and wind, which can increase the risk of injuries like frostbite, hypothermia, and dehydration.
• Eye injuries: Dust, debris, and flying objects can cause eye injuries if proper eye protection is not worn.

These injuries highlight the importance of prioritizing safety measures and implementing preventive strategies to mitigate risks in the roofing industry. 

Regular safety training, proper use of personal protective equipment, adherence to safety protocols, and maintaining equipment are crucial steps in reducing the occurrence of these common injuries among roofers.

What Damages Can You Recover In a Lawsuit?

When you sustain an injury while roofing, you may be entitled to recover various damages through a personal injury claim. These damages aim to compensate you for the physical, emotional, and financial hardships resulting from the workplace injury. Here are the potential damages you can seek:

• Medical expenses: Workers’ compensation typically covers all necessary medical treatment related to your roofing injury. This includes hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any other healthcare expenses deemed reasonable and related to your injury. If this compensation is not adequate, your lawyer can file a lawsuit on your behalf.
• Lost wages: If your roofing injury prevents you from working, you may be entitled to receive compensation for lost wages. This includes both temporary disability benefits if you’re unable to work for a limited time and permanent disability benefits if your injury leads to a permanent impairment affecting your ability to earn a living.
• Rehabilitation costs: In addition to medical treatment, a lawsuit may cover expenses related to rehabilitation services aimed at helping you recover and return to work. This may include vocational rehabilitation, job retraining, or other services to enhance your employability.
• Disability benefits: Depending on the severity and permanence of your roofing injury, you may be eligible for disability benefits. These benefits compensate you for any lost earning capacity resulting from a partial or total disability caused by the workplace injury.
• Pain and suffering: A lawsuit may include compensation for pain and suffering endured as a result of the roofing injury. However, this can vary based on jurisdiction, and not all states allow for pain and suffering damages.

If you’ve been injured, contact our attorneys now to start your claim.

Mitigating Risks and Injuries For Roofers

While roofing is inherently risky, there are several strategies and measures that can be implemented to mitigate these risks and promote a safer work environment for roofers. Employers, supervisors, and workers all play crucial roles in implementing these strategies effectively. Some key steps in mitigating risks in roofing include:

Comprehensive Safety Training

• Providing comprehensive safety training to all roofers is essential. This training should cover topics such as fall protection, ladder safety, proper use of tools and equipment, handling of hazardous materials, and emergency procedures. By ensuring that all workers are well-trained and knowledgeable about safety protocols, the risk of accidents and injuries can be significantly reduced.
• Use of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Proper use of personal protective equipment is paramount in mitigating risks in roofing. This includes equipment such as safety harnesses, helmets, non-slip footwear, gloves, and protective eyewear. Employers should ensure that adequate PPE is provided to all workers and that they are trained in its proper use and maintenance.
• Implementation of Safety Measures
• Employers should implement various safety measures to minimize risks on roofing worksites. This may include installing guardrails, safety nets, and perimeter warning lines to prevent falls from heights. Regular inspection and maintenance of equipment and work areas are also essential to identify and address potential hazards promptly.
• Continuous Training and Education
• Safety training should be an ongoing process, with regular updates and refresher courses provided to workers. Employers should also stay informed about industry best practices and regulatory requirements related to safety and ensure that their workers are trained accordingly.

Laborde Earles Can Represent You If You’ve Been Injured While Working on a Roof

Roofing is a challenging yet rewarding profession that requires diligence, skill, and a commitment to safety. While the risks and injuries associated with roofing work are prevalent, they can be mitigated through proper training, use of protective equipment, implementation of safety measures, and adherence to regulations. 

By prioritizing safety and adopting preventive measures, roofers can minimize the occurrence of injuries and ensure a safer work environment for themselves and their colleagues. However, if you’re a roofer who has suffered from an injury while working, contact the Laborde Earles Injury Lawyers today for help.