Lessons from losses – fall from roof

By: Courtney Rosengartner
Sr. Risk Solutions Specialist

While cleaning gutters at a residential property, a maintenance worker fell from a roof. He suffered fractures and lacerations to various parts of his body and endured intense physical pain. Due to the age of employee and severity of this accident, his injuries are permanent and life changing. This claim incurred over five hundred thousand dollars in expenses and relentless discomfort for the injured worker.

A fall from a roof won’t have a positive outcome, but this worker was fortunate to survive the single story fall. However, fatal falls can occur from ground level. In 2019 alone, 144 deaths occurred from same level falls. Falls are the second leading cause of unintentional-injury related deaths and in some industries, it is the leading cause. In 2019, 244,000 workers were seriously injured in falls that required time off (National Safety Council).

Falls are preventable. Plan ahead. When working from a ladder, roof or scaffolding, assess the task and use the correct equipment for the job. Determine if working from a height is necessary or if there is another way to do the task safely. Ask “is there a tool that can be used from the ground that can handle the job?” A garden hose, power washer, or a leaf blower have attachments available that may be able to handle certain structures without stepping onto a ladder. Assess these risks before performing the task as accidents can happen at any time and on any level.

The National Safety Council offers these tips when working from heights:

• Discuss the task with coworkers and determine what safety equipment is needed
• Make sure you are properly trained on how to use the equipment
• Scan the work area for potential hazards before starting the job
• Make sure you have level ground to set up the equipment
• If working outside, check the weather forecast; never work in inclement weather
• Use the correct tool for the job, and use it as intended
• Ensure stepladders have a locking device to hold the front and back open
• Always keep two hands and one foot, or two feet and one hand on the ladder
• Place the ladder on a solid surface and never lean it against an unstable surface
• A straight or extension ladder should be one foot away from the surface it rests on for every four feet of height and extend at least three feet over the top edge
• Securely fasten straight and extension ladders to an upper support
• Wear slip-resistant shoes and don't stand higher than the third rung from the top
• Don't lean or reach while on a ladder, and have someone support the bottom
• Never use old or damaged equipment; check thoroughly before use

Source: National Safety Council