When you look up at house, do you think ‘Hmm, I wonder how they put the roof on top?’ most probably you don’t, but at the same time looking around your neighbourhood there are roofs everywhere - roofing is a highly risky profession. Considering all the kneeling and bending, not to mention the risk of working off ground level. In this post, we look at some of the real hazards that face Australian roofers proving the point that proper roofing should never be diy.

Working off the ground

When you’re up on the roof, even if the weather is perfect, or it’s raining, you have a chance of falling off of the roof and sustaining serious injuries. A report released by Safe Work Australia revealed that the construction industry including roofers/roof tilers where at most risk when it comes to falls from heights. At Roo Roofing, we not only specialise in roof restoration and roof replacement we also install ventilation, skylights and insulation, amongst the many tasks these projects each encompass.

Here are some of the reasons for falling:

• Trip Hazards: The roofer must watch their step when working around the tools, cords, construction materials and other equipment lying on the roof.

• Sudden wind gusts: Windy conditions can cause the roofer to lose their balance particularly when they are concentrating on their task.

• Severe Heat: Living in Queensland, it can get particularly hot in the summer months. Since warm,sunny weather is best for roofing conditions even during winter, you’ll find roofers working up on the roof, heat exhaustion may set in.

• Slip Hazards: These include loose roofing materials and surfaces that are slippery when wet (especially when it’s been rainy weather).

• Falls caused by structural weakness: This can happen when replacing an old roof, workers could fall through holes and weak spots, or a section of the roof could collapse.

Asbestos Roofs

Any job involving asbestos is risky - workers can develop health problems arising from exposure to it including lung cancer, respiratory issues, pleural thickening etc. At Roo Roofing, we are specialists in Asbestos removal, disposal and restoration. We can do this both safely and efficiently with the proper equipment and training to deal with asbestos.

Experienced Roofers

Having the experience is a top priority when it comes to a good roofer. They’re able to problem solve on the go, and as with any type of construction, “surprises” about the roof structure can always happen so knowing what to do in those circumstances can be the difference between a minor fix to a major repair. Working from heights off the ground, our perception of depth and height can get obscured. As experienced roofers, estimating depths and height also gives a professional roofer the edge over diy-ers.