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Safety analysis of high risk injury categories within the roofing industry.

Parsons TJ; Pizatella TJ; Collins JW

Prof Saf 1986 Jun; 31(6):13-17

00165538

Analysis of high risk injury categories within the roofing industry (SIC-1761) was conducted. Worker compensation forms reported to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) from 1977 to 1980 were reviewed for roofer and slater injuries within the construction industry. High risk accident categories were analyzed to determine hazardous roofing tasks within each category. After identifying activities and tasks that were associated with increased injury risk for roofers, recommendations for reducing risks were developed. BLS data indicated that contact with hot asphalt, tar and other substances, falls from heights, being struck by falling objects, and overexertion by lifting were the major high risk categories. Contact with hot substances accounted for at least 17 percent of the reported accidents. Hot asphalt splashing from a can, bucket, or kettle caused almost half the burn traumas. Burns most frequently occurred on the hands and arms. In the falls from heights category, the primary accident types were falls from ladders and falls to lower levels. Being struck by falling objects accounted for 7 percent of accidents reported. The most common items being handled at the time of injury were asphalt, shingles, felt rolls, kegs or barrels, and buckets or cans. Feet, toes, hands, or fingers were the most frequently struck. In most cases, workers were not wearing safety shoes. Overexertion accounted for 19 percent of the cases. Lifting or lowering was involved in the majority of overexertion cases. Recommendations included instructing workers in safe procedures for loading and handling asphalt in kettles, and the safe use of ladders, wearing safety shoes, providing training in safe lifting techniques, practicing good housekeeping, and encouraging workers to utilize basic ergonomic techniques to help reduce biomechanical stresses.

NIOSH-Author; Occupational-accidents; Accident-analysis; Construction-workers; Risk-analysis; Safety-measures; Injuries; Safety-practices; Accident-potential; Safety-research;

PRSAD5

19860601

Journal Article

1986

6

0099-0027

1761

Professional Safety