Roofing is one of the most dangerous professions in the construction industry, with falls being the leading cause of injury and death among residential roofers. Whether you're an independent contractor or managing a crew, understanding the top fall hazards—and how to eliminate them—is critical for maintaining a safe job site and complying with OSHA standards.

1. Unprotected Roof Edges

The Hazard:
Roof edges are the most obvious and deadly hazard. Without guardrails or proper anchoring, a simple misstep can lead to a fatal fall.

How to Eliminate It:

Install a temporary guardrail system around the perimeter.

Use non-penetrating fall arrest systems like Ballantyne Gear’s Eveook system to anchor lifelines securely without damaging the roof.

Ensure all crew members are trained in edge awareness and safe movement.

2. Improper or Missing Fall Protection Equipment

The Hazard:
Many accidents happen when workers don’t use harnesses, lanyards, or anchors properly—or don’t use them at all.

How to Eliminate It:

Equip every worker with a full-body harness and shock-absorbing lanyard.

Use OSHA-compliant fall arrest anchors appropriate for sloped and residential roofs.

Conduct regular equipment checks and mandatory safety briefings before every job.

3. Slippery or Fragile Roofing Surfaces

The Hazard:
Wet shingles, debris, frost, or even worn materials can make roofs unexpectedly slick or unstable.

How to Eliminate It:

Keep the work area clear of loose tools and debris.

Avoid working in rainy, icy, or high-wind conditions.

Wear non-slip roofing boots and use roof brackets or toe boards for added traction.

4. Improper Ladder Use

The Hazard:
Falls don’t only happen on roofs. Many injuries occur while accessing the roof via unstable or poorly placed ladders.

How to Eliminate It:

Secure ladders on stable ground and extend them 3 feet above the roof edge.

Follow the 1:4 ladder angle rule (1 foot out for every 4 feet up).

Always face the ladder when climbing and keep hands free of tools.

5. Skylights and Roof Openings

The Hazard:
Skylights may appear safe but are often not rated to bear weight and can collapse under a person’s weight.

How to Eliminate It:

Mark and barricade all skylights and openings clearly.

Use temporary covers or guardrails over all openings.

Treat skylights as fall hazards—just like roof edges.

6. Poor Training or Safety Culture

The Hazard:
Even with equipment in place, the biggest risk can be a crew that’s unaware of proper safety procedures.

How to Eliminate It:

Provide regular fall protection training, including refreshers and tool-box talks.

Encourage a culture where workers look out for each other and report unsafe behavior.

Use quick-install, intuitive safety gear that doesn’t slow down workflow.

Conclusion

Fall hazards in residential roofing are real—but completely preventable with the right gear, training, and mindset. Systems like Ballantyne Gear’s Eveook, designed for fast, no-penetration installation, can drastically improve safety while preserving the roof's integrity.

Taking safety seriously isn't just about avoiding fines—it's about saving lives.