Roofing Safety Checklist

This roof work checklist helps minimize risk and reduce safety hazards on the jobsite.

Question Response Type
1. Have all crews working on roof been made aware of the weather forecast? Yes No N/A
2. Are there any loose materials that could be moved in the case of high winds? Yes No N/A
3. Are all roof openings clearly marked and identified with danger tape for all personnel to see and acknowledge? Yes No N/A
4. Are there any roof openings that could allow water to enter the building? Yes No N/A
5. If yes, what measures have been taken to mitigate water intrusion? Text Answer
6. Is any work being performed next to the leading edge of the building or around a fall hazard? Yes No N/A
7. If yes, do all personnel working within the area have Personal Fall Arrest Systems? Yes No N/A

Is roofing a dangerous job?

All roof work can be considered dangerous.

Whenever contractors are working from a height more than six feet above ground level, they are at a greater risk to sustain serious injuries from falls, which accounted for over a third of all construction and excavation related deaths in 2020 according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Roof fall hazards

Falls are by far the most common roofing hazards. Roofing falls may be caused by:

  • Debris and physical obstacles in the workspace
  • Slippery surfaces
  • Lack of guard rails and safety structures
  • Holes or other damage on the roof surface
  • Unsafe or improper installation of access devices like ladders and scaffolding

    • Other common roof work safety hazards

    Other common safety issues in roofing include:

  • Improper use of fall prevention devices or PPE
  • Unauthorized access
  • Misuse or malfunction of tools and equipment
  • Electrocution
  • Adverse weather conditions

    • How to improve roof work safety in construction

    Following good roofing safety practices significantly reduces the risk of falls and other accidents during roof work.

    The following tips can help your crew stay safe while working on roofing tasks.

    Use the recommended personal protective equipment (PPE)

    Protective gear is essential on the jobsite. For roof work, shoes with traction and non-slip soles are essential, as are universal PPE like hard hats, eye protection, and gloves.

    Roof workers may also be obligated to wear some sort of fall protection like a safety harness or tie-off protection depending on project specifics like the height and slope of the roof.

    Guardrails and safety nets can be installed as another protective measure.

    Work only in safe weather conditions

    Adverse weather conditions like rain and snow make working on a roof extremely dangerous. All work should be paused during weather that affects traction or makes it difficult to see clearly.

    Keep the roof surface clean and free of debris

    Keeping the jobsite clean and clear is a universal construction safety rule, and it is especially important when working on roofing. Conduct a workplace inspection each day before tasks begin to ensure there are no physical obstacles that can lead to slips, trips, and falls.

    Tools, equipment, and materials should be properly stored, and any dirt or debris should be cleaned immediately.

    Reinforce best practices with a toolbox talk

    Consider giving a toolbox talk on roofing safety before your team begins roof work. You can reinforce guidelines and empower your crew to identify and correct hazards and violations before they lead to incidents.

    Monitor progress with a roofing safety checklist

    Once work begins, it’s important to continuously monitor progress. A roofing safety checklist helps safety managers and other supervisors make sure the workplace remains as safe as possible.

    A checklist will also remind them to confirm all workers are using their PPE and fall protection equipment properly.

    Roof access equipment

    Contractors need to keep safety in mind not just when working on a roof, but also when accessing it.

    If they are using ladders or scaffolding to access a roof, they may also want to use a ladder safety checklist or scaffolding checklist to review the installation and application of this type of equipment.

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