Roofing work clearly can be dangerous, and hazardous conditions
can be costly. According to the Occupational Safety and Health
Administration (OSHA), falls account for 78 percent of
roofing-related fatalities, and workplace injuries, illnesses and
deaths cost construction businesses $170 billion every year.
During 2004, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported there were
95 fatalities involving roofing workers—75 of those
fatalities resulted from falls. However, the record is improving;
in 2005, there was a 9 percent decrease in fatalities from
falls.
Although this decrease is encouraging, it still is crucial you
establish a safety program that will minimize injuries and their
costs.
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