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As a roofer and or scaffolder the majority of your work involves working at high elevations, and working from heights represents one of the biggest safety challenges in the construction industry. Slipping and falling from heights or objects falling from heights cause serious and fatal injuries every year. So it is very important to follow a strict code of practice with regards to health and safety, in order to minimise the chances of workplace accidents.

All roofers and scaffolders in the UK are required by law to hold a valid CSCS card as proof that you have obtained the required training. This involves passing the CITB Health, safety & environment (HS&E) test, which demonstrates that you have a minimum level of health, safety and environmental awareness before going onto any site.

Risk Assessment:

Before undertaking any work at height, a proper risk assessment must be carried out to highlight measures that need to be taken in order to prevent any potential accidents. The recommended health and safety risk management approach involves five steps, first check for any potential hazards that are commonly associated with falls, then decide who could be injured and how. Next consider whether there are already measures in place to deal with the risks, then record your findings. Finally perform a regular review to account for any significant changes that may take place, and ensure that precautions are in place to deal with any new risks.

Basic Safety Tips:

In addition to performing risk assessments, there are some basic safety tips that can be adopted to prevent injuries on the job. All Roofers and scaffolders must use the required PPE equipment when on site, and this equipment should be kept in good working order at all times. Hard hats must be worn at all times when working on site, and non slip shoes should be used when working on ladders or scaffolds to improve grip. When the weather is not good, such as when it is very windy, or raining or snowing, it can be dangerous to work at heights, and so it should be avoided at these times.

To stop objects falling onto people below, heavy equipment should be hoisted up as opposed to being carried by hand. Ladders and scaffolds should always be secured to prevent them moving. Don’t move scaffolds or ladders when others are working on it. Scaffolds should be fitted with guard rails to protect from falls, and toe boards to prevent falling debris, tools or building materials.

Scaffolding & Roofs:

Scaffolds and roofs should be cleaned at the end of shifts so as to remove any debris that might cause slipping. Also, it is essential to remove any equipment that is not in use from working surfaces so as to prevent people tripping on it. Loads on scaffolding and ladders should be kept well below the maximum weight capacity. When working on fragile roofs, safe access must be provided and a platform combined with safety nets should be used beneath the roof. Some form of safety harness should be worn so as to protect in the event of any falls.

Health & Safety Regulations:

It is your duty to protect yourself, your employees and members of the public from potential hazards. Therefore it is important to understand and practice the regulatory requirements that apply to your industry. The ‘Workplace Health, Safety and Welfare Regulations’ (1992) covers all aspect of the workplace while the ‘Work at Height Regulations’ (2005) covers all aspect of working at heights. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to fines and charges.

For roofers and scaffolders, working at height and the risks that come with it are a part of the job. However many of the situations that lead to accidents can be avoided by following the appropriate health and safety practices. In the end it comes down to assessing the workplace for potential hazards, and using the appropriate safety equipment and practices.