Construction: Roofers

A snapshot of how people employed as roofers in the construction industry get injured at work, and tips to help prevent these types of injuries from occurring.

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preventing injuries in the workplace.

Construction: Roofers

Hazards

Hazard 1
Lifting pushing and handling materials
Arrange for bulky materials to be delivered to the final work location or use mechanical load shifting devices (eg cranes, material hoists, tile hoists, trolleys) to move materials around site.

Cover sharp edges of metal sheeting and strips.

Order materials in smaller sizes (eg cement bags of 20kg instead of 40kg).

Provide appropriate personal protective clothing and equipment (eg long trousers, boots, knee protection pads, puncture / impact resistant gloves) and ensure it is used.

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons shoulder.

13 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

5 per cent of the injuries were to a persons leg.

32 per cent of the injuries were to a persons hand/fingers.

13 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.
Hazard 2
Noise
Ensure employees are not exposed to noise that exceeds the exposure standard.

Arrange for a noise assessment if employees are exposed to excessive noise (eg workers have to raise their voices to communicate over a distance of one metre) and there is uncertainty as to whether employees exposure may have exceeded the noise exposure standard.

Eliminate or minimise the source of noise (eg enclose or isolate noisy machinery, reduce vibration, use barriers to absorb and screens to block the direct path of sound, use silencers on air exhausts, exhaust pneumatics out of the area, buy the quietest tools / machinery available).

Place warning signs in areas of excessive and continual noise (eg where employees exposure is likely to exceed the exposure standard).

Warn other workers nearby that you will be undertaking noisy work and advise them to move away or wear hearing protection.

Provide hearing equipment, ensure it is worn at all times, and provide employees with audiometric testing. Employers should provide a choice of different types of hearing protection appropriate to the noise level in the workplace.

1 per cent of the injuries were to a persons ear.
Hazard 3
Slips trips and falls
Provide appropriate height access equipment, use the highest level of fall prevention (eg work from mobile scaffolds, scissor / boom lifts instead of step platforms or ladders) as is reasonably practicable.

If step platforms or ladders are used, ensure they are suitable for the work, correctly positioned and set up and tied-off.

Ensure all working areas and access ways are clean, level, well-lit and in good condition.

Remove unwanted material and construction waste regularly from the site so it does not accumulate.

Ensure construction materials, power leads, tools and equipment are positioned and secured to avoid creating tripping hazards.

6 per cent of the injuries were to a persons shoulder.

13 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

8 per cent of the injuries were to a persons ankle.

5 per cent of the injuries were to a persons leg.

13 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.
Hazard 4
Using hand tools
Provide appropriate mechanical aids and equipment (eg power tools that are ergonomically designed, lightweight, low vibration, noise restricted and fitted with clutches and safety guards) and ensure they are used properly and maintained in accordance with manufacturer specifications.

Train employees, especially young workers, in the selection and use of hand tools and how to safely use them (eg avoid working in front of face and always work away from the body).

Provide appropriate personal protective equipment (eg hard hats, gloves that absorb impact energy, protection from sharp edges that is puncture resistant, hearing protection, respiratory protection, suitable eyewear).

Ensure employees wear appropriate personal protective clothing (eg long pants, boots).

Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation) or work that requires a significant amount of high force.

32 per cent of the injuries were to a persons hand/fingers.
Hazard 5
Working below knee level
Ensure employees are not exposed to repetitive work for long periods (eg by using job rotation, work variation).

13 per cent of the injuries were to a persons knee.

13 per cent of the injuries were to a persons back.

Injury hotspots disclaimer

This information does not give rise to any liability of, or claim against, WorkSafe Victoria. It does not give rise to any right, expectation, duty or obligation that a person may not otherwise have. It does not give rise to any defence that would not otherwise be available to a person.

This information does not affect the operation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 or the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2017.

Please note these injuries and hazards are based on historical claims data. There may also be new common injuries and hazards emerging at your workplace which will need to be addressed.

Construction: Roofers

Injury hotspots pages contain helpful information for

Construction: Roofers

Hazards

Lifting pushing and handling materials

Noise

Slips trips and falls

Using hand tools

Working below knee level

Injury hotspots disclaimer

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Construction: Roofers

Injury hotspots pages contain helpful information for

Construction: Roofers

Hazards

Lifting pushing and handling materials

Noise

Slips trips and falls

Using hand tools

Working below knee level

Injury hotspots disclaimer

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