May has consistently signaled an important time to pivot for RC
as we ramp up our efforts to cover the industry’s response to volatile
storms while roofers elsewhere prep for traditional peak roofing season.
It’s also time to account for and remind roofers of their most
important task: safety.

Keeping in line with OSHA’s annual Safety Stand Down effort, held May 6-10 this year, RC
has dedicated much (real and digital) ink during previous May issues on
safety content. Not only have we highlighted real examples of
high-altitude rescues and companies that excel at safety, but we’ve also
provided expert insights and actionable tips geared to improve roofing
contractors keeping their employees healthy and ready for the next day’s
job. As much as that may have helped, the job of emphasizing just how
important safety is to the roofing industry’s future is hardly done.

The
latest numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show roofing
remains one of construction’s most dangerous occupations within the
trades, with falls remaining the leading cause of injury and death.

It’s
hardly a surprise: OSHA noted falls accounted for 32% of all
construction-related fatalities between 2014-2022. More concerning, the
number of worker deaths attributed to falls — 378 — increased in 2022
for the third consecutive year; adding insult to injury, regulators
consistently classify these deaths as “preventable.”

Our efforts
continue with broad-based coverage of safety in residential and
commercial settings. That includes May’s eMagazine, where safety column
contributor Tammy Clark uses real-world examples
to demonstrate the pitfalls of “blanket” safety standards. Also, check
out our contractor profile on PJ Fitzgerald, which recently adopted new
technology to improve safety.

The latest numbers from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics show roofing remains one of construction’s most dangerous occupations within the trades, with falls remaining the leading cause of injury and death.

Roofing Contractor is looking to do more. In March, RC officially launched its Safety
Advisor eNewsletter, a digital resource with the latest safety-related
content to help roofers keep their crews safe. Subscribers have and will
continue to get the latest news and innovations in safety equipment and
valuable insights from safety experts industrywide. Whether you’re a
seasoned roofer with goals to win more jobs or a newbie with an
entrepreneurial spirit — but in need of a few ideas on where to start
your safety program — our newsletter is for you. It’s designed to meet
the needs of roofing contractors looking to excel at safety tactics and
training or those interested in improving their overall engagement on
safety.

The response has been strong and positive, with nearly a dozen comments from readers like John Well.

“This
is exactly the kind of insightful content I’ve been searching for!”
wrote Well, a rooftop repair serviceman from San Jose, Calif. “As
someone deeply invested in safety practices in the roofing industry, I
appreciate the valuable information provided … it’s crucial for
professionals like us.”

Colin Wicako said he looked forward to joining a broader, safety-focused roofing community.

“Awesome
move launching the Safety Advisor eNewsletter! It’s super important
given how risky roofing can be,” he wrote. “Love that it’s going to be
packed with safety gear updates, expert tips and real-world advice to
keep crews safe. Really looking forward to diving into this and joining a
community that’s all about safer roofing practices. Big thumbs up for
taking [the] lead on this!”

Finally, we recognize that your time
is an asset and have designed our safety eNewsletter to be concise yet
informative. We pledge to deliver the most important insights and
updates directly to your inbox, ensuring you never miss out on crucial
information.

Subscribe to our Safety Advisor eNewsletter today
and join forward-thinking professionals committed to success. We look
forward to sharing the latest research, innovations in product
development, and training with you every month in Roofing Contractor’s Safety Advisor!