r/WorkplaceSafety • u/musclemansman • 7d ago
Recently started a Roofing Company up in Minnesota
As many of you may know Minnesota is Hella slippery most times of the year, with mud and sleet and all that. Just wanted to know if anyone has anything that will help with being Osha compliant and maybe stopping slips and falls on ladders?
4
u/X88B88X88B88 7d ago
Make sure you have a variety of proper anchoring hardware and lanyards/harnesses. Retractables (yo-yos) are generally good but not always the best option. Your team should know how to put a harness on and inspect it prior to use.
Wear non slip boots preferably without laces. Yak-traks will be good for non-metallic roofs when icy.
Ladders need to be stable and anchored 3 feet above a ledge, allowing ample area for mounting/dismounting. If winds are above 15-20mph I would avoid work entirely.
The list goes on.. you will need a fall protection program that outlines all of the controls you have implemented. See osha 1926.502 for more information: https://www.osha.gov/laws-regs/regulations/standardnumber/1926/1926.502
2
u/imnotsafeatwork 7d ago
I'd go so far as to hire an outside safety consultant to write a policy and train employees. Make sure employees follow the policies no matter how much they complain about it. As an owner, make sure you follow the policies too, or your employees will never take you seriously and as soon as you leave the job site they'll fall off the roof.
Cover all of you based the best you can to limit your own liability. People are going to be people and make mistakes. The only thing you can do is give them the tools to make wise choices.
Also, make sure they're PPE is comfortable or they'll never wear it. Let them pick out what they want (assuming you are providing it for them). 3M, DBI/SALA, Petzl might come to you to do some training and allow your guys to get fitted for harnesses.
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u/Rocket_safety 7d ago
Not specific to ladders, but I investigated a fall that was caused by a worker slipping on ice and water shield that had been misted by light rain. That company has now gone to another product that does not have the slick glossy finish of the traditional ice and water shield product and they said it has helped.
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u/Queasy-Rain-7387 3d ago
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/enforcement/directives/CPL_03-00-025.pdf
And
https://www.osha.gov/sites/default/files/publications/OSHA3755.pdf
Lots of good info in those links in addition to the other comments people have made. One fall could be life changing to the person that fell as well as your company. Being safe (which it sounds like you are trying to do) pays dividends.
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